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"Yeah. You're the smartest person I've ever met, Vi. You're gonna go on to great things. Hell, you're probably wasting your talent working on our books."
"It's a different skill set, but I don't mind. Accounting is mostly about regulations and being organized."
"What's the verdict?"
"There's something off about your books. I'm not sure about the details yet, but there's definitely something off. It could be that I'm doing something wrong-"
"I doubt that." His voice is confident. He really believes in me.
That doesn't make any sense.
I stare into Ethan's eyes, trying to find some sign he's full of shit. There's nothing. He's hanging on every word. He trusts me.
He cares about me.
I clear my throat. "I should probably talk to Mal about it."
"Going over my head? That's low." He shakes his head with mock incredulity.
"Well." I lean closer and shoot him a look of faux suspicion. "Did you embezzle money from your bandmates?"
"Not sure I should tell you."
"How can I convince you?"
"I'm sure you can think of something." He raises a brow, shifting into character.
"Hmmm." I miss playing this game with Ethan. It's always fun. I arch my back to push my chest towards him. "There must be something I can offer you. In exchange."
He leans back into his chair, spreads his legs wide. "Whatever do you mean, Ms. Valentine?"
I shrug, feigning innocence. "I'm not sure, Mr. Strong. I'm new to this whole bookkeeping thing. I'm sure a powerful, handsome man like you could point me in the right direction."
He laughs, breaking character. "Keep this up and I'm getting you off in the bathroom."
My cheeks flush. "Are you telling me to stop or telling me to keep going?"
"It's a data point. Do what you want with the information." His eyes go wide with desire.
God, I can practically feel his hands on my skin, his breath on my neck. I want his body pressed against mine. I want him getting me off in the bathroom.
But I'm not ready for that. Not yet.
I lean back on my seat and pull my legs onto my chair, so I'm sitting cross-legged. "I don't think it was you. You would have no idea how to embezzle."
He laughs. "Vi, that hurts. I can't believe you doubt my knowledge of criminal activities."
"Not all criminal activities. I know for a fact that you're quite experienced in matters of public indecency."
His voice drops to something low and seductive. "Do you?"
Damn, I'm not steering the conversation back to platonic territory very well. But then, I don't want the conversation in platonic territory. The look in his eyes is making me hot all over. "I could be reminded."
He's about to say something when the waiter interrupts to drop off waters and take our orders.
Ethan holds my gaze for a moment. Something passes between us. Something I can't explain.
Then it's gone. He orders the Russian tea service.
