I ignore number three becausewhat the fuck?I’m sure I don’t even want to know. Taking another cookie, I push the plate across the desk and gesture for her to take the last one. She does and takes a tentative bite.
“Mindy, I want you to feel free to use my shower until yours gets fixed,” I say. “Though maybe you could text me when you’re done so I’ll know it’s safe to come over. We don't want another incident like today.”
Well, I want a million of those incidents, but those wants will have to remain inside my nighttime fantasies in the privacy of my own apartment.
She nods and gives me a small smile. “Thank you.”
Heaving in a breath, I dive into the more difficult topic. “About what happened in the bathroom…”
“Theincident?” she asks, widening her eyes playfully, and I can’t help but chuckle. Mindy can make even the most awkward conversation a bit easier.
“Yes, I want to apologize to you. I overstepped, and I’m very sorry. It won’t happen again.”
“Okay,” she says simply.
“It’s really not, but thank you for being so understanding.”
“Well, I did surprise you. I can understand why you were mad.”
I nod gratefully. “That doesn’t excuse my behavior, but thank you again.”
“We do have the small issue of this little souvenir you gave me,” she says wryly, pointing at the bruise I’d sucked onto the side of her neck. I try not to smile at my mark on her. “I kept this side turned away from Ambrosia a few minutes ago, but I’m not sure I can hide it from everyone for the rest of the day.”
I sit back in my chair and cross my ankle over my knee. “Already taken care of. I sent Antonio to get you a few scarves to wear until it’s gone. He should arrive in a few minutes.”
“Oh, well thank you. I guess I’ll get to work then.” She stands, and I keep my eyes on her face and not on the body I know is hiding beneath that prim suit.
As she starts to walk out, she pauses and looks over her shoulder at me, almost catching me ogling her ass. “We’re all good, right, Mr. Hale?”
“All good,” I confirm.
“So I can still call you names every morning?” she asks, a glint in her eye.
My voice forms a flat, “No.”
A catlike grin curls her lips. “Whatever you say, Lord Hale.”
Oh yeah, I’m definitely jerking off tonight while imagining myself working over that smart mouth of hers.
I poke my head out of my office. “Ms. Espinoza, I’m expecting my sister—” I stop when I see Perri perching on the corner of Mindy’s desk. “Oh, hey. I didn’t realize you were already here. You ready to go to lunch?”
“Yep. I hope your card has a high limit. I’m starving,” my sister whines, hopping down and planting a kiss on my cheek.
“I think my card can handle it. Unless you want tacos, and then I might have to take out a loan,” I tease, pulling at her blonde ponytail.
She gives me her annoyed little sister face, complete with scrunched nose and sneering lips. “I do, in fact, want tacos. Mindy, do you want to come?” she asks, turning pleading blue eyes on my assistant. “Taco Reyes has the best street tacos.”
Mindy smiles. “No, I brought my lunch, but thank you for the offer.”
I’m annoyed to admit I’m disappointed she didn’t want to join us.
“Okay, but I’ll see you this weekend?” Perri asks.
“Three o’clock on Saturday,” Mindy confirms.
“What’s happening on Saturday?” I ask, looking back and forth between the women.
“Mindy’s teaching me how to decorate Christmas cookies. Reece is coming too. We thought it would be fun for her.”
