The redhead reclined on the couch and dug into her bacon sandwich, moaning with delight. Harlow bit into her own sandwich—and had an instant mouth-gasm.
What happened next would have embarrassed both of them if they’d been aware of anything but the food. They attacked the sandwiches like savages, no hint of manners, and they did not come up for air until the last crumb was consumed.
“I have to ask you a question, and I hope I’m not overstepping,” Kimberly said, wadding up the wrapper and tossing it in the wastebasket.
“Go for it.”
“Is Beck seeing anyone?”
Harlow tensed. “Define seeing.”
“Dating.”
“Define dating.”
Kimberly chuckled, as if they were playing a fun new game. “Is he sleeping with anyone?”
“No. I don’t think he does much sleeping when he’s with his girls.” Harlow tapped her chin and added, “I see him more as a wham-bam, out-the-door-the-moment-the-sex-ends-without-a-thank-you-ma’am.”
Kimberly sighed. “I suspected he was a player. I’d hoped otherwise.”
“You...want him?”
“I do. He’s just so delicious.”
Attack!
No, no. “Yeah, well, you’re actually perfect for him.” Harlow’s nails dug into her thighs as her gaze landed on Beck, who stood in the lobby with Cora. His sleeves were rolled up, his hands in his pockets. A man without equal. Strong, beautiful and unattainable. A dream that would flitter away with the rising of the sun.
Don’t water a dead flower, her mother used to say.
Wise words. If only her body cared.
“You like him,” Kimberly gasped out. “Oh, Harlow. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know, didn’t realize...”
She sputtered for a minute. “I don’t... He’s not... He’s my boss. And my friend.” Or rather, he used to be. Before he’d started giving her the silent treatment. “I’m interested in West.”
Kimberly blinked, shook her head. “West? Seriously? But... I’ve never seen you look at him the way you just looked at Beck.”
“You’re wrong.” The girl had to be wrong. “What do you think about Strawberry Valley?” she asked, changing the subject.
Though it appeared she wanted to protest, Kimberly went along with her, saying, “It’s hot, but pretty.”
“Pretty? It’s gorgeous. Exquisite!”
Smiling, Kimberly brushed a sandwich crumb from her skirt. “You’re right, you’re right.”
“That would be a first,” Beck said as he entered the office.
Every nerve ending Harlow possessed jolted in sudden awareness.
“Kimberly, honey.” He used his most devastating tone, pricking Harlow’s hackles. “I need a moment alone with Miss Glass.” He waited at the door, holding it open. “If you’ll excuse us...”
“Of course.” Kimberly cast Harlow an encouraging smile before pushing to her feet and walking to the door.
“I think you’ve gotten what you need for the day,” Beck told her. “Why don’t you head out? I’ll pick you up at seven.”
The moisture in Harlow’s mouth dried. “Seven?”
“For our date,” Beck replied.
Kimberly’s gaze darted to Harlow. “I, uh, really need to talk to you about that, Beck.”
“I’m afraid that’s gonna have to wait, honey. My meeting with Miss Glass is urgent.” He gave her a gentle push from the room and shut the door.
“Date?” Harlow croaked.
His features were blank, revealing nothing. “Earlier today she asked me out. I said yes.”
“She’s sweet,” she said, her voice hollow. “You’ll have a great time.”
“I don’t want to talk about her.” He claimed the spot Kimberly had vacated, and Harlow felt a stab of something dark inside her, not liking the fact that the girl’s lingering body heat now radiated around him. “I noticed you’ve been wearing your new clothes, but only the same ones over and over, and not any of the others.” He draped an arm over the top of the couch and leaned back, a pose of rugged relaxation and total seduction. With so many glass walls and windows, sunlight was able to stream inside, catching on the rich hues of his hair. “Why?”
Her fingers automatically sought her scars, tracing, tracing. “They’re too revealing.”
One corner of his mouth curved into an adorable lopsided smile. “Why, Miss Glass. Are you a bit of a prude?”
When it came to the hideous marks on her body? “Yes, sir. I am.”
“Well, now. That surprises me.”
“Why exactly does that surprise you?” She’d resisted his allure at every turn. He should wonder if she wore a chastity belt.
“You’re beautiful. I want to see you draped in beautiful things. That’s all.”
Reeling...
Suddenly agitated, as if he’d revealed too much, he stood and strode to the wet bar in the far right corner, where he poured himself three fingers of whiskey. “So. The reason I’m here. West has been hired to design yet another new computer game.”
Okay. All right. Time to get down to business. “Congratulations are in order, then.”
“Yes, but there’s no time for a party. I’m in the process of composing a cast of characters for you.”
Excitement sparked. “Could you hurry? I mean, I’m not complaining, but I finished the last drawing you requested days ago.” And she’d been itching to create another.