“Okay. Bad thoughts,” she scolded herself as she got off the elevator and walked back into Gina’s office.
“Hey, what took you so long?” Gina asked. “I was ready to begin a search and rescue mission.”
A grin spread across her lips as she handed her a water. “I just met the CEO, and he’s hotter than what you said. I mean, I should’ve known it was him. But you said he left for the day, and I thought it was one of the other executives.”
“You met him?”
“Yeah. And he’s hotter than hell. I didn’t expect him to be so big.”
Her eyes widened. “Please tell me you weren’t staring at his cock. He’s our boss for goodness sake!”
“What? NO! I’m talking about his bulging muscles. The way that suit stretched across his shoulders and chest.” She started to fan herself. “Damn!”
“I know. But don’t be tempted. He won’t date employees. And besides, he’s a player. No woman can tame that man. So, it’s not worth playing with fire.”
“What’s he like?”
“In his personal life, he’s a little on the wild side from what I hear. Has wicked tats. Owns a Harley. Total bad boy type. He’s a great guy as long as you don’t date him, and get your heart broken by him. But in the work world, he’s driven, passionate, dedicated, and won’t take no for an answer.”
“His publicist called him a scoundrel.”
“He should totally get that tattooed on his chest.”
“So, you love working for him?”
“You work for him too.”
“I know, but you work for him up close and personal, like at his beck and call. I mean, come on, you even saw his tats!”
“He’s a great boss. So friendly and charming. And we work well together. That’s why he keeps me around. The man simply couldn’t survive without me. I keep him in check. At least at the office.”
“How can he be so damn hot?”
“By the look in your eyes, I can see he made quite the impression.”
“Sure. But don’t tell him that. He’s cocky enough.”
They both laughed.
LUKE WENT BACK TO HIS office and attended to some preliminary paperwork on the Ralston acquisition. His thoughts kept straying to the secretary who’d migrated up a few dozen floors and started working with Gina on the Johnson spreadsheets. He hoped the irregularity was nothing more than an isolated duplication. If there was even a whiff of corruption, he’d can the deal before the eager Eric Johnson had time to blink his eyes.
He rubbed his eyes. It had been nineteen hours since the early appointment with his trainer. He’d put in a long day and a long week for that matter. He needed to get some sleep. He felt tired and restless. He strolled down the hall to Gina’s office. He saw light spilling from the doorway, heard the sound of laughter. He peeked through the open door. There was Paige Waters sitting on a chair, bare feet tucked under her, reading glasses on, chewing her lip and holding a highlighter over a sheaf of papers. Gina breezed out of the office toward the washroom without seeing him. He went to the door and leaned in.
“Still working?” he said.
“Oh, hey, hello,” she said, unfolding her legs and putting her feet on the floor.
Her heart beat wildly just seeing him again. She couldn’t help but stare. Could a simple hello lead to a million things?
She smiled. “You’re still here, too.”
“I’m a workaholic.”
“Not good. One must always take the time to smell the roses.”
“I do.” He winked. “I always make excellent use of the little time I have.”
“That’s good.”