Mr. Graves smiles, the motion making him even more stunning than he was before. “I’m glad to hear you say that. It makes this next part easier.”
“Easier?”
Mr. Graves fixes me with an unyielding stare, head tilted at an odd angle as his eyes blaze. A shiver runs the length of my spine, but I assure myself it’s attraction—not fear—that has me reacting this way.
Ms. Novak clears her throat, filling the silence hanging between us. “Mr. Graves is relocating his desk to the main floor for six months to be closer to the employees and get a better feel for the culture of the company.”
“Yes, it’s something I do whenever I join a new organization,” he adds. “Makes the transition far easier, in my opinion.”
Well, it’s a great way to make sure everyone is on their best behavior for a few months…
“Well, we’d better be off,” Ms. Novak says. “I have to introduce Archer to the rest of the staff. Enjoy the rest of your lunch break, Grace.”
I nod, unable to take my gaze off Mr. Graves. “Of course. Thanks for stopping by, you guys.”
Archer Graves outstretches his right hand toward me, smiling a tad too brightly as he waits for me to shake it. I place my hand in his, and warmth builds in my stomach, sparks flying wherever our skin meets. Notes of leather and tobacco wash over me, comforting and exciting and familiar all at once. I try to, but no matter what, I can’t place what the scent reminds me of.
Archer Graves looks deep into my eyes, and I’m hit with a sense of déjà vu. I’m not sure why, but it feels like I’ve seen him somewhere before. Only, I’m positive I haven’t.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Graves.”
“The pleasure ismine.” Instead of releasing me, his grip tightens as he leans in, eyes sparking with an emotion I can’t place. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Grace.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
SEVEN
I manageto get through the work day—barely. I spend all my time watching the top of Grace’s head from his office, thinking of the different positions I would love to take her in, dreaming about what it feels like to be inside her.
When it’s finally time to go home, I all but sprint out of the building, desperate to get back to my apartment so I can watch Grace more intimately.
As soon as I step through the door, I dump my briefcase and hurry to the bedroom, my eyes hungrily taking in the monitors lining the wall.
Grace is in the kitchen, heating herself up dinner. My eyes track her every movement, loving the way she wiggles and dances around the kitchen while she waits for the microwave to beep.
So fucking cute.
I reach out, my fingertips brushing the screen where her beautiful face is projected. It’s not enough to see her on a screen. I want to be with her, touching her. Filling her.
Desperation pumping through my veins, I stalk into the closet, pulling out my tactical suit, gloves, and mask. Once I’m covered, I stand in front of the mirror, making sure everything isproperly in place.I wouldn't want Grace to learn Archer’s little secret.
Grinning, I slip next door into her apartment, closing the door softly behind me before I go in search of Grace. I spot her out on the balcony leaning over the rail, her mouth working around a microwave breakfast sandwich.
And the best part—she has no idea I’m here.
Silently, I walk up behind her, leaning in close to her ear as I whisper, “Boo.”
Grace jumps, a scream piercing the night air as the burrito noodles go flying.
I roll my eyes, clapping my hand over her mouth to silence her before dragging her backward into the apartment. Kicking and flailing, I throw Grace over my shoulder and walk into the bedroom, tossing her unceremoniously onto the mattress. Before she has time to react, I lean over, holding her flat on her back.
“Get the fuck off me!” she cries. “Stop it! Don’t you dare touch me!”
I roll my eyes, holding her to the mattress by her neck while I drag the covers over her body. “I’m tucking you in. There’s no need to be dramatic.”
All the fight leaves her body as she gazes down, noticing the thick blanket covering her now. “You’re really tucking me in.”
“Thatiswhat I said.” I shove my fingers into the spaces between the mattress and her frame, making sure she’s nice and snug. “I don’t know why you’re so surprised.”
