Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18990 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 95(@200wpm)___ 76(@250wpm)___ 63(@300wpm)
Something in Michael’s gaze darkens. “Being a husband and a father were the happiest days of my life,” he says softly. “I want that for my girl.”
I wish I had someone like Michael. Someone who wanted my happiness. “And you can’t have that with another woman again?”
He doesn’t answer. But it doesn’t matter because the song ends and so does our dance. He steps away from me. “We still have a few more guests to greet.”
Michael
I watch Katie talking with another man from across the room while I chat with a potential new client. Eric is beside me, answering the technical questions.
She’s beautiful in that white wraparound dress with the cherries on it. She looks good enough to eat.
The thought has me thinking about that one scene in story number sixteen or maybe it was seventeen.
The man says something that makes Katie smile and it’s not one of her false office smiles. This is a real smile like she’s enjoying herself. Suddenly, I want to charge over there and tell his smug ass that she’s my woman.
Nothing makes sense to me anymore. Katie has the body and imagination of a vixen, but she acts like she isn’t aware of it. Is it possible she just doesn’t know how damn arousing she is?
“That’s why Alpha Defense has received top marks in the industry for the last five years,” Eric says to the client.
I nod along like I’m listening, but Eric could now be telling our client that I sell green two-headed cows and I’d agree. Anything to get this conversation over with.
Katie manages to excuse herself and disappears out a side door.
Turning back to the discussion, I end it quickly and politely before I follow after her. It’s time to figure out the mystery that is Katie Hunter.
5
KATIE
I sigh as I slip off my sandals, the ones that have been pinching my feet all evening. The June night is quiet except for the muffled party sounds in the distance. After the stuffy event room, it’s nice to be by myself for a few minutes.
I sink onto the pool deck and dip my toes into the water. I’m ruining my sixty-dollar pedicure, but it helps the tension ease from my body.
These events are always difficult for me. I don’t fit into this world filled with beautiful and successful people. Having to pretend like I do is exhausting.
“It’s a nice night for a swim.”
I close my eyes and listen to the deep timber of Michael’s voice. It’s smooth and smokey at the same time, honey and bourbon mixing together. “I didn’t pack a bikini.”
“You could always skinny dip.”
The image fills my mind with dirty ideas. “It’s dangerous to swim alone.”
His voice drops even lower, creating an ache between my thighs. “Are you suggesting we skinny dip together?”
I shift, squeezing my thighs. “I promise not to steal your virtue.”
“And if I want you to?” He prompts, moving closer until he’s standing behind me.
I stay still, my heart pounding. He doesn’t mean that. He can’t mean what I think he does. We need to get back to business. “So the Abernathy corporation, are they looking to invest in Alpha Defense?”
“I’m not here to talk business, Katie.” He takes a seat beside me. It’s the only time he’s ever called me by my first name.
I pull my feet from the pool and tuck them beside me. I should return to the party. But I can’t seem to force myself to walk away from Michael.
“Then what are you here for?” My voice comes out wrong, too high and breathy.
“A swimming buddy.” He reaches for my foot and pulls it into his lap. He starts a slow massage of my arch, using his thumb to hit a pressure point.
It creates an answering zing that travels from the sole of my foot to the apex of my thighs. I enjoy the sensation even as I know it’s wrong for us to be doing this.
“Someone could see,” I warn him.
“Then they’ll see that you have a very attentive boss,” he answers without the slightest hint of concern in his voice.
He moves his thumb higher to the base of my big toe.
I let out a moan only to clamp a hand over my mouth, embarrassed by my unexpected reaction.
He chuckles and switches to my other foot, giving it the same gentle massage. “I like a woman who shows her satisfaction.”
He slowly slides his hand higher. His fingers brush the crinoline that gives my skirt a full look. Knowing his fingers are up under my dress makes my panties damp as I imagine him going just a little further north.
He cups my calf, his talented fingers easing the muscle aches from wearing those damn shoes. “You carry a lot of tension in your legs.”
“That’s not the only place I’m tense.” Did I really just say that? Am I actually flirting with my boss right now?