“How come you decided to visit?”
“Pippa called me today asking if she can use my designs for the show, so I brought the dresses, and wanted to surprise you.”
“That was definitely a surprise.”
“I saw pictures of the new collection. The jewels are so beautiful, the sapphires especially.”
Sapphires would suit her; they’d match her blue eyes. I file that information in my mind for later.
Nadine smiles, her usual seductive spirit overpowering her lingering embarrassment. About time, because I’ll explode in my pants otherwise.
“Thank you for putting in a good word for me with Pippa, by the way.”
“Mmm.” Unable to resist anymore, I pull her in my lap and run my thumb across her lower lip. She takes it in her mouth. Jesus, this woman will kill me. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know that I should talk to her about the bank situation, but I don’t want to spoil the moment. In fact, I’ll wait until after the show. She has enough on her mind as it is.
“I thought you’d be difficult.” Her tone is playful as she shifts over the bulge in my pants.
“What are you talking about?” I manage to ask.
Her eyes widen. “You have a very strict ‘no sex at the office’ rule. Ava told me about it.”
I pause in the act of opening the belt of her coat. I do have that rule, but I haven’t even thought about it. The office has been my sanctuary for years. I never brought women here. But Nadine belongs here, just as she belongs in every area of my life.
“You make me want to break all the rules. Or at least change them. My office. My rules. Strip.” I kiss her passionately, enjoying her soft lips.
I won’t mess this up.
Chapter Nineteen
Logan
The opportunity to mess things up presents itself two days later, in the form of a call from Blake.
“I have info about Archer,” Blake says instead of good morning. “I ran a background check on him.”
“What? Blake, Nadine specifically asked—”
“You to stay out of it, yeah. But I’m not you—thank God, by the way. Not sure I could handle so many cufflinks. She didn’t forbid me anything, so I did some digging.”
“Are you trying to kill me?” Gritting my teeth, I rub my forehead. I’m in my office and have a million things to do.
“Actually, I’m trying to be of service to my older brother. I don’t expect a thank you, don’t worry.”
“I suppose you wouldn’t call if you’d found out he’s the Dalai Lama.”
“That’s my brother. I knew there must be some truth to the rumor that you’re smart. And you’re right, I wouldn’t have called.”
“What did you find on him?”
Blake has nothing good to share. Archer Daring is a scam artist. He’s doing it smartly, which is why his stores have operated for years, leaving a trail of scammed designers in his wake. There are many roads to success, but crushing the other people in your way is the lowest one to take.
“I can dig up more dirt,” Blake finishes.
“No need, I’ll have one of my men in Europe do it.”
“By the way, now I finally understand your desire to commit. Nadine is hot.”
“If you ever mention that again, I will punch you.”