He watched, a hopeful look in his green eyes as she took a careful sip of the hot brew, sampling the extremely sugary drink. “Mmm. What is this?” she asked, licking her lips for another taste.
“White chocolate mocha latte with whipped cream. You like it?”
“It’s delicious. How did you choose the flavor?”
A pleased grin lifted his sexy lips. “Because it’s sweet. Like you.” He crooked a finger, silently beckoning her to join him.
She couldn’t resist and slowly made her way around the desk, swaying her hips as she walked over. His darkening gaze let her know he hadn’t missed the deliberate show. She stopped close to him and inhaled his potent masculine scent.
“Thank me,” he instructed.
?
?I already did.” And she didn’t appreciate being told to do so.
“The right way. The way you would if we weren’t in the office.”
She narrowed her gaze, admittedly confused. “I don’t understand.”
“Kiss me,” he said, elaborating more fully.
She blinked in surprise and had no doubt he didn’t think she’d comply. Not here, with his office door open.
Normally he’d be right. But he’d thrown down a challenge, and Lexie never passed up a challenge. Besides, he looked delectable in his black track pants and light blue Trekkie tee shirt.
So she rose onto her tiptoes and pressed her mouth against his. With a groan, he looped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Her feet practically dangled off the floor as he swept his tongue inside and took control. He devoured her, and she loved how he tilted her head so he could kiss her more deeply, take more from her. He had a talented mouth and tongue, and kissing Kade was definitely becoming her favorite kind of foreplay.
She had no doubt this was a prelude to whatever he ultimately had planned. He’d said he intended to pursue her, and he did just that, seducing her with his mouth until her toes curled and she fell forward in her heels.
He grasped her harder to keep her upright and pulled his head back. She stared into his eyes, hazy with desire.
“Any more commands?” she asked, catching her breath.
“Give me some time to come to myself, and I’m sure I’ll think of something.” A dimple she hadn’t noticed before appeared in his cheek, and she realized she’d do anything to see it again.
For the rest of the week, he continued his Starbucks gifts. True, he still expected his coffee made his way—he was Kaden Barnes, after all, and she wouldn’t want him any other way. He didn’t kiss her again at the office, but he did touch her more.
A caress on the cheek.
A tug on her hair.
An ass grab when they were alone.
Somehow they fell into a routine. She rearranged his desk again, this time so he could use the mouse and laptop easier with his left hand. She took notes for him in meetings with investors, learned more of what went on in his business, and discovered she also enjoyed his favorite lunch, grilled chicken on whole wheat bread, mayonnaise, and two slices of avocado. He noticed when there was only one slice of the green fruit.
On Friday, she walked into the office after he’d taken what sounded like a heated phone call and caught him shaking a pill from a prescription bottle into his hand. Everything in her wanted to ask … but she didn’t. He knew she’d seen him.
If he wanted her to know, he’d explain. Instead he snapped at her. “Can you fucking knock before you just walk in?”
“The door was open,” she reminded him. “Anyone could have walked in. If you’re looking for privacy, I suggest you be more careful.” She turned and walked out.
He avoided her for the rest of the day, leaving early without explanation. But a deliveryman came by with a lily of the valley plant.
How did she know? A plastic card was stuck between the leaves with the explanation: Lily of the Valley—symbolizes a return to happiness. This plant must be treated with care just like the relationship in which you and the recipient are engaged.
The note from Kade was much more down-to-earth. I’m an ass and I’m sorry. Kade. She’d smiled the whole way home.
After work, she and Kendall took the train to their parents’ house. They were overdue for a visit, and Lexie needed to pick up a dress to wear on Saturday night. Their apartment was small, and she’d had no need to keep anything formal there.