What a damn stupid question.
She started shoving things into her bag, her mind racing with what she needed to take.
‘Sorry—I would’ve come sooner, only I’ve been wrestling with that bloody photocopier again.’
‘It’s not your fault. I might just—’
‘What’s the hurry?’
In her panic she hadn’t seen Marcus approach, hadn’t even sensed it, and now he was in the same room with no forewarning and she struggled to breathe.
‘Jennifer’s late for her train to Leeds,’ Anna supplied.
She plucked her loaded bag off the desk and headed straight for them, eyes averted and grabbing her coat off the stand as she went. ‘I have to get home to my family.’
They parted for her to pass, but she could feel him move, hot on her tail.
‘Colin will get you to the station.’
She paused, turning to argue.
Don’t be an idiot—not when he’s the best chance you have.
‘Thank you.’
He was already activating his mobile and she looked to Anna—anything to ease his pull and the painful ache that now accompanied it.
‘Do you have those info packs for me?’
‘Sure.’
She headed to her desk and gathered them up while Marcus issued his driver with instructions and hung up.
‘I’ll join you in the car,’ he said to her. ‘There’s something we need to discuss.’
Her lips parted with another impulsive refusal but Anna’s return silenced her.
‘Here you go.’ She passed her the documentation. ‘They have Lucy’s approval.’
‘Thank you.’ She slotted them into her bag and managed a farewell smile. ‘Have a good weekend.’
‘You too.’
She watched her PA turn and walk away, her nerves rocketing as she was left with Marcus. Pretty much just the two of them in the open office, most of the staff having escaped for after-work drinks to ring in the weekend. But they might as well have been in a broom cupboard for the effect his nearness was having on her.
‘He’s ready for us,’ he said,
urging her to the lift.
She took in his black shirt, sleeves rolled back, collar open, and self-preservation took charge. ‘Do you want to get a jacket first?’
‘I’m good.’
She met his darkened gaze and tripped out.
This is madness. Make your own way...miss the train...get another—anything but... Christ, did he want to talk privately to tell her she’d overstepped?
Heat flooded her cheeks.