“You’re ridiculous.” Grinning up at him, an unfamiliar sensation travels up my spine at his proximity; he slowly trails his fingertips down the column of my neck, causing me to gasp.
“Dear God, that man is fine.” Grace storms back into the room, her high heels stuttering as she comes to a halt. “What have I walked in on?” She motions between me and Leo, and we take a step back from each other.
“Nothing.” I wave her off.
“Damn it, Grace, it was just getting good.” Jade snickers next to Grace. “There was tension building, fingertips grazing, eyes smoldering, and then in you waltz pouring a cold glass of water over the situation.”
Shit, I had forgotten Jade was here. This whole dilemma is messing with my head.
“Jesus, Jade, none of that was happening.” I roll my eyes, walking past Leo to gather my things.
“Okay, babe.” Tilting her head so her blonde ponytail drapes over her tiny shoulder, she looks at Leo. “You okay over there?”
“I’m always okay, Jade.” He gives her a megawatt smile and collects his briefcase. That reaction was obviously all in my head; he’s acting normal.
“Good, because you’ve not forgotten you’re coming to watch the game with Hunter tonight, have you?”
“Of course not. I’ll be there and I’ll bring the snacks. Last time he brought those vegetable chips and they were disgusting.”
“You said they were good.”
“They were not. I kept throwing them away.”
“Is that why you went to the bathroom so many times?” He nods. “Jesus, I thought you had, you know, issues.” Jade whispers the last word.
“The only issue I had was that those snacks were vile.”
“They were but he’s on this big health kick because of the wedding.” She moves in and lowers her voice. “I’m not complaining because have you seen his body? It’s insane.”
“Oh, babe, it’s beautiful. I just want to lick him all over.” Leo gasps.
“You’re such a dick.” She pushes his shoulder playfully, and they both let out a soft rumble of laughter.
“Oh, I need to tell you something.” Grace bounces on her heels. “I was walking Cole out and resisting every urge I had to climb him like a tree. He smelled so good. I was drooling, I’m sure of it, when he smiled at me. Did you see his little dimple pop when he smiles? Ugh, just too handsome and that accent? Damn it, why is the British accent so damn hot?”
“Is this what you needed to tell me? How much you need to get laid?” I ask.
“I get laid plenty. But that man has a look about him. He’s naughty.” Her eyebrows bounce.
“Grace, stay on track,” I prompt.
“Maybe I’ll head to Enigma this weekend with Deacon. He mentioned he and Seb had planned to go,” she muses, trailing off.
“Grace.” I raise my voice and she jumps.
“Sorry.” She shakes herself out. “Okay, I’ll deal with this”—she waves her hands around herself—“later. So yes, Cole mentionedthat he is moving from his apartment in Canary Wharf to Kensington Gardens this evening.”
“I’m sorry?” My eyes widen in horror.
“Yes, he’s moving across the street from Hunter and Jade.”
“But I live across the street from Hunter and Jade.”
“I know.”
“Oh dear God. He must have bought Mrs. Daily’s townhouse.” Rubbing my forehead, I start to pace the boardroom. “She told me she had sold it to a lovely young man who worked in the city.”
“You don’t know for certain; there are quite a few up for sale down there,” Leo says brightly.
