She cleared her throat. “Dakota.”
He stared into her eyes another second before he said, “I’m running behind. Come on back.”
Glass partitions separated workstations, giving the office an open, airy feel. He spoke with everyone he passed, asking a question about a listing or how their closing had gone.
He oozed power and charisma, yet he kept his massive ego in check. Even so, there was no question who was in charge. This was Dakota Luck’s massive empire.
Could this successful businessman be hunting down and eliminating the worst of the worst? For now, she was no longer tasked with answering that question. She was there as his ally, not his enemy.
He stopped outside his office. “After you.”
While she could have admired the massive L-shaped ebony desk and conference table, the stark white sofa with matching conference room chairs, or the stunning vista through his wall of windows, she did not. The man standing beside her captivated her full attention.
His striking face and killer body, paired with all that raw, animal magnetism, were a heady combination. It took all her willpowernotto jump into his arms.
Though his threads were nothing extraordinary—a white dress shirt paired with black pants—the clothing hugged his broad-shouldered physique. Which is exactly what she wanted to do to him.
When he closed the door, the large space turned into an intimate one. “We need to reconcile our situation.”
Spoken like a true businessman. That’s what she was to him—a situation. Folding her arms, she hitched a brow, and she waited.Here comes a ration of shit.
“Going forward, no more secrets. No more lies. Can you agree to that?”
That’s it?Relieved he hadn’t lectured her, she offered a brief smile. “I can, if you can.”
Like the professional he was, he extended his hand. She slid hers into his, but that instant connection sent sparks shooting through her. The electricity humming through her, paired with the intensity in his eyes, made for a dangerous combination. She glanced at his mouth before breaking away. Those were the most kissable lips she had ever seen and she pursed hers to quell the desire.
“I was hoping to be done working by now, but I’ve got a couple of calls—”
“No worries. I’ll go grab a coffee.” His desk phone rang. “You want one?”
He nodded as he answered. “Hold on a minute…Providence.”
She turned back.
“You look gorgeous.”
Her smile stayed with her all the way to the kitchen. Rather than wear jeans, she’d dressed in a form-fitting shirt, a black pencil skirt, and heels. Though she would never admit it, she had dressed for him.
As Providence poured two cups, his business partner walked into the break room. “Hello, I’m Juanita Goode.”
“Providence Reynolds.” They shook hands.
Juanita was friendly and personable, and the two chatted about the beautiful spring weather. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you,” Juanita said.
Providence wasn’t sure where to go with that comment. “You have?”
“It’s nice to see Dakota is doing something besides working. What do you two have planned this afternoon?”
Not wanting to stumble all over herself, Providence paused while trying to come up with something plausible. He’d created a cover but forgotten to tell her. “We thought we’d play it by ear.”
“Beautiful,” Juanita replied with a smile. “Enjoy.”
With a nod, Providence collected the hot drinks and returned to Dakota’s office.
He raked his gaze over her, then stared into her eyes while he spoke. “We can purchase the land, work with a few high-end builders, and build about thirty luxury homes.”
Dakota was video chatting with a group of men. His second monitor displayed a spreadsheet filled with numbers he’d been highlighting.
