But it wraps around me now...a chilling blanket that I have to straighten my body against as I force my knuckles to strike against the door.
‘Yes, it’s good to be back,’ I hear him say.
I peer through the gap. He’s on the phone, standing behind his desk. His eyes shift to me as I enter and I mouth an apology, turn to leave, but he raises his hand, stopping me.
‘Yes, a week Friday, Ethan... Glad you can make it...’
His eyes are hooked on mine and I feel his attention on the call slip. Mine doesn’t, though. I know exactly who he’s talking to and my blood fires.
‘Dinner? Let me check the diary and get back to you...’ A frown mars his brow and I wonder if he’s read the eruption that’s coming. ‘Look, I have to go... Will do...bye.’
I turn and close the door, telling myself to count to ten and remember that these walls are thick, but not entirely soundproof. Especially in an office building that isn’t at full steam yet and lacks the usual background hum.
‘Hey,’ he says to me now.
‘Ethan Tennant, I take it?’ I drop the pleasantry of a greeting as I face him.
But his eyes are busy sweeping over me, his attention off my words and totally on my appearance.
What the...? And then I remember what I’m wearing. Damn silly move.
‘You choose that outfit on purpose?’
He drags his eyes back to mine and they are dark, intense, openly feasting on what he can see, what he can remember from the last time I wore it. In my office, just last week. My stomach contracts, and the heat he injects is as visceral as if he’s stroked the pad of his thumb over my clit.
I bite the inside of my cheek, stave off the betraying whimper that climbs my throat. ‘I asked you a question first.’
His mouth quirks up to one side. ‘Yes, it was Ethan.’
‘You seem very...chummy.’
He pockets his hands and steps out from behind the desk as he considers me. ‘He was Dad’s best friend.’
‘Yes... And you’ve not been around for seven years, but now you’re best buds?’
He shrugs, the movement slow as he steps closer and leans his head to one side, narrowing his eyes.
‘Tell me...’ I wet my lips, my mouth once again parched. ‘How long have you and Ethan been planning this?’
His eyes widen and he shakes his head. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’
‘No?’
I step towards him, ignoring the buzz our growing proximity gives to my eager body. I’m not turned on. I’m angry. One hundred percent livid. And if the ache between my legs would just quit, I’d believe it wholeheartedly too.
‘So, the company’s most influential board member—the man I consider responsible for sowing the seeds of doubt about me, the doubts that brought you back here—’ I stab him in the chest with one finger ‘—just happens to be on great terms with you?’
He holds my eye, doesn’t blink.
‘I’m here to help regain the board’s confidence.’ His voice is smooth as silk, brushing
over my skin. ‘And, as you so correctly state, he is the most influential board member—which means I’m starting with him.’
He catches my finger in his hand and the contact zings along my arm.
‘It’s good business sense...nothing more.’
I laugh, but it’s high-pitched—either from his touch or my continued disbelief. I hope he sees it as the latter.