Temp

There is still a trace of distrust and cynicism inside of me, though. I can’t help it. I was raised this way. So while I want to confess to Kaylee that I know her real name, who her father is and that her mission was—is?—to spy on me, I can’t bring myself to say the words.

Not yet.

My heart tells me her feelings for me are genuine.

God knows mine are beyond real for her.

But I have to be positive before I rip away that last veil of vulnerability.

Which means, I need to know if she still plans to steal my secrets for her father.

Please don’t do it, Kaylee.

If she does, I think it might obliterate any remaining humanity inside of me.

I kiss her forehead, bundle her closer. “Come to work for me.”

After a few seconds, she nods. “Okay.”

Chapter 6

Kaylee

Matthew picks me up the next morning in an SUV with tinted windows.

I step out of my studio and he’s there. Waiting.

It’s not raining like it was yesterday when he left. The world is bathed in sunshine and there’s a new texture to the air. It’s easier to breathe, hold life in my lungs. I didn’t realize I was so lonely before. I had my dollhouses and my inner monologue and I didn’t need a single other thing, but when Matthew’s body joined with mine yesterday, I was home.

And I have no idea what to do about that.

About him.

As soon as I spot him outside my door, I’m elevated to a new state of awareness. Of my body. My breasts and belly and mouth. I’m rocked by the pattering in my chest that only grows louder when he slides off his sunglasses and looks at me. Simply looks. No smile. Just those blue eyes boring into mine, a greeting of souls. And everything inside of me rejoices at his presence. I’m not merely walking in his direction, I’m floating. I’m on an invisible cloud and my body doesn’t stop until we’re pressed together and he’s lifting me off the ground. Just lifting me off the ground and holding me at eye level, inhaling my neck.

“Good morning,” I manage, rubbing my cheek against his stubble like a cat. “Do you pick up all of your employees?”

“No.” He reverses our positions and flattens me up against the car, my high heels dangling uselessly inches above the ground. “Only the one who keeps me awake all night. I…” He exhales in clear disbelief. “I missed you. Like hell.”

My pulse sprints. “Well you don’t have to anymore.”

“Thank God.” His attention falls to my mouth and he gives a tight shake of his head. “If I kiss you right now, we’re never going to make it to the office.”

“Missing on my first day? That won’t reflect very well on my record.”

“I’m the one who makes your record.” He crowds me hard enough to the side of the SUV to make me gasp over the thick outline of him. “And I say you’re exemplary.”

There are people walking by. We’re in public. Before yesterday, I’d never even been with a man and now I’m dizzy with lust, Matthew dismantling my self-control with every rake of his lips up the side of my neck. But I have to keep my head on straight. At least until I figure out what I’m going to do. Or rather, who I’m going to betray.

My father or Matthew.

And if I end up coming clean to Matthew about being sent in as a spy…

What if he never wants to speak to me again?

That possibility floods me with dread. Fear. I don’t know how it happened so fast, but…I’m already attached to this man. The universe attached us before we were informed of each other’s existence. Maybe that sounds crazy, but this pull between us can’t be escaped or explained in normal terms. It’s gripping.

Anyway. Until I decide my course of action, I have to maintain focus. Not to mention my self-respect. I’ve barely scratched the surface of why I love calling Matthew Daddy. The last thing I need is to throw my scruples out along with my inhibitions.

“I wouldn’t be exemplary if I got paid…” I shift my hips on his erection. “F-for this.”

He grinds his teeth on a shudder, pupils dilating. “Goddamn.”

“Matthew, I mean it. I need to be an actual employee. Not your office pet.”

“You won’t be.” He takes a breath to steady himself, though I can feel him throbbing through my panties and the fly of his dress pants. “Actually I already have some work in mind.”

Gratitude spears me. “You do?”

“Yes.” He seems to be studying me closer than before. “It will require you to spend some time alone in my office this afternoon. I have a meeting downtown after lunch. That won’t be a problem, will it?”

It’s the perfect chance to dig for the information my father is looking for.