Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
That would have been slightly premature, however. He needed to speak to the other men first and ensure no one minded including her. Their opinions didn’t really matter in the long run, but it would be nice if he had their full backing and support.
Chapter Twelve
Sadie paced the lobby while she waited for Rocco to join her. She’d arrived fifteen minutes early because she always liked to be prompt—and because she’d been anxious to see him.
At five minutes before seven—right after she’d glanced at her watch for the tenth time—Rocco appeared.
As usual, he took her breath away with his perfect-fitting jeans, long-sleeved navy Henley, and hiking boots. It seemed the man lived in his hiking boots. It also seemed he had many pairs.
He’s a mountaineer, silly. Of course, he has lots of hiking shoes.
His hair was perfectly swept back and his beard recently trimmed. And he was smiling at her like she was the most important person on earth, which made a shiver race down her spine.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he said in a sultry tone as he reached her. He wasted no time cupping her face and planting a long, gentle kiss on her lips.
Breathless and wanting more, she whimpered when he ended the kiss.
He winked. “Such a temptress.” He took her hand and turned toward the rear of the building. “Let’s go out for our stroll before I change my mind and decide to make out with you behind the front desk like a teenager.”
She giggled. “That doesn’t sound so bad.” Then she glanced at the subtle flashing green light in the corner closest to them. “Who has access to those cameras?”
“Magnus is our in-house computer god. He won’t tell a soul what he sees that isn’t his business. I promise. He’s a good guy.”
“What about Mr. Kingsley? He installed them, I assume. Do you suppose he might be watching remotely?”
“I think that’s unlikely, and even on the off chance he was, I spoke with him a few hours ago to confirm that he won’t be disappointed in our union. He reassured me that he’s happy for both of us and wanted you to know that you should follow your heart. I’m paraphrasing.”
Sadie blew out a relieved breath. “You’re sure he doesn’t have some sort of policy against workplace romances?”
“Certain.” Rocco stared her right in the eye. There was no way he was lying. “Any other concerns?” he asked.
Sadie stiffened. The blood drained from her face as she stood frozen in her spot. She’d given herself several pep talks today, promising herself she would tell him all about her previous job and how she’d come to be here. Still, she hadn’t expected to be given such a blatant, wide-open segue so soon into the evening. She’d hoped to be able to stroll through the gardens with him before she brought it up. But there was no way she could put it off any longer.
Shaking, worry eating a hole in her, she licked her lips and took a deep breath. “Actually, there is something else I need to talk to you about, Rocco.”
He smiled. “Okay, sweetheart. Why don’t we head out into the garden? The fresh air will help you relax so you can tell Daddy what’s on your mind.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Also, I’d love it if you’d call me Daddy, at least when we’re alone—when you’re ready, of course.”
“Yeah, well, you might not want me to call you Daddy or Rocco after my confession.”
“Confession? That does sound serious.”
“Let’s go out to the garden,” Sadie suggested, wanting the haven the darkness would provide. Plenty of lights illuminated the night, but there were also patches of shadows that would hide her expressions. Rocco could read her so well. Maybe the evening would hamper his Daddy skills.
Daddy skills! A spontaneous giggle escaped her lips at that thought.
“That’s a sound I love to hear. Why do I think I’m the one who amused you?” Rocco asked as he opened the door for her.
“Oh, no.”
When he looked skeptically at her, Sadie added, “Well, not really. Something just popped into my mind. You know, Daddy related.”
“And it was funny?” he probed.
“It was. But it wasn’t anything bad. Just that you have Daddy skills.”
“I can live with you thinking I’m a good Daddy.” Rocco took her hand as they approached the gardens.
“What did you think of Mr. Kingsley?” Sadie tried to change the conversation.
“He’s definitely sharp and well-informed. He always seems to be a few steps ahead of me,” Rocco shared before turning the conversation back to them. “Tell me about your last boss.”
“Talk about being a few steps ahead of someone,” Sadie grumbled. “What do you want me to tell you? I lost my last job because I didn’t blindly follow directions.”
“That must have pissed off the management.”
“Who cares? That happened halfway around the world. They can’t find me now.” She felt Rocco’s gaze on her face and tried to keep her expression from giving away how scared she was of Sylvester Pushkin.