Page 8 of Just a Little Tempted

The office matched the rest of the floor—modern, bright, clearly designed to project innovation and success. The man himself sat behind a large desk, his back to the windows overlooking New York City. Even seated, I could tell he was a big guy. Broad shoulders strained against the fabric of his white button-up, and a solid chest tapered to what I suspected was a narrow waist. His suit jacket hung on the back of his chair, and he’d rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, exposing forearms that were… distracting. Roped with muscle. Dusted with dark hair. The kind of forearms that made you wonder what it would feel like to have them wrapped around you.

My pulse skipped a little at that thought, and I forced my gaze upward.

That change in scenery didn’t help. Kurt hadn’t mentioned that Simon was attractive. Not that I’d expect my brother to notice or comment on another man’s looks, but still, a warning would have been nice. Because I was staring, and I couldn’t seem to stop.

His dark brown hair was thick, swept back from his face in a way that looked effortlessly professional. But a single lock had escaped, falling across his forehead, and that small imperfection made him seem more human. More approachable.

My eyes traced the sharp line of his jaw, following it down to his mouth. His bottom lip was fuller than the top, and before I could stop myself, my tongue darted out to wet my own.

I’m not thinking about what it would be like to kiss this man. Absolutely not.

That would be inappropriate on a level that bordered on reckless. I was here to work, to rebuild my career, not to fantasize about my new boss’s mouth and what it was capable of.

I dragged my attention to his eyes and felt the temperature in the room shift. They were green, a deep, mossy shade that might have been warm under different circumstances. Right now,they were cool. Assessing. Fixed on me with an intensity that made me feel like I was being measured against some invisible standard I’d already failed to meet.

“Hello,” I said, injecting brightness into my voice as I crossed the room toward his desk. “I’m Raina. Thanks so much for giving me this opportunity. I don’t know how much Kurt told you about my background, but I’ve worked as an executive assistant before, and I’m really looking forward to getting back to it.”

I was talking too fast, my nerves getting the better of me. A voice in my head screamed at me to slow down, to stop, but Simon hadn’t said a word yet and the silence felt unbearable. “Whatever you need from me, I’ll make it happen. I think we’re going to make a great team.”

Still nothing. His expression hadn’t changed.

“I baked cookies,” I added, setting the container on his immaculate desk. “Just a small thank-you. Hopefully we can start things off on the right foot.” I gestured toward the container with what I hoped was a charming smile. “Chocolate chip. My own recipe. I don’t mean to brag, but they’re pretty amazing.”

I waited, smile still fixed in place, watching for any reaction.

His gaze dropped to the cookies and I had to hold back a flinch as the corners of his mouth turned down for just a moment.Definitelynot impressed.

Maybe the cookies were a mistake.

Without commenting on the baked goods or anything I’d said, Simon stood.

I’d been right about his size. He was tall, well over six feet, with the kind of build that suggested he spent serious time in a gym. His shoulders seemed even broader now that he was upright, and I felt suddenly, acutely aware of how much space he took up. How much air he seemed to displace just by existing.

My chest fluttered again, and a reckless, traitorous warmth spread through my belly.

This man could pin me against a wall without breaking a sweat.

And there were those unprofessional thoughts again. What waswrongwith me? It had been a while since I’d been with anyone, but I didn’t usually fantasize about men I’d just met. Especially men who were about to become my boss.

“Nice to meet you, Raina,” Simon said in a professional tone, extending his hand.

I slipped my hand in his and that initial contact sent a jolt through me—not static electricity, but pure, undiluted awareness that started where his palm pressed against mine, traveled up my arm, and lodged somewhere behind my ribs. His hand was warm, his grip firm without being aggressive, and I had the sudden, vivid thought of what those hands might feel like elsewhere.

I bit my lip and pulled away, maybe a little too quickly.

I kept my features neutral, refusing to let him see the effect that simple handshake had on my nervous system. For his part, Simon gave no indication that he’d felt anything at all. His expression remained impassive, almost bored.

He also hadn’t smiled. Not once since I walked through the door.

“Why don’t you have a seat?” He gestured to one of the chairs facing his desk. “We can go over your duties and my expectations.”

“Oh—should I grab a notebook first?”

He waved a dismissive hand. “No need. I’ve already sent you an email with everything outlined in detail.”

I lowered myself into the chair, folding my hands in my lap as he began to speak. His voice was firm, clipped, heavywith an undercurrent of dissatisfaction—as if he was already anticipating my failure before I’d had a chance to prove myself.

“You’ll manage my calendar and filter email communications. You’ll conduct research on potential investments and help maintain our database of portfolio companies. You’ll assist in screening incoming pitch decks and ensure we’re fully prepared for all meetings.” He paused, barely long enough to breathe before continuing. “You’ll also arrange any necessary travel, though I don’t go on the road as often as Liam, who is my brother and my business partner, so that won’t be a significant part of your responsibilities.”