Page 39 of Austin

I try to figure out if this is a mean-girl situation or if she’s being sincere. The look on her face is nice, friendly. Even so, I’m hoping it’s the latter, but I’m not one to let things be.

“I’m sorry. I’m not sure what to think of that.”

“Austin is one of the most eligible bachelors around, but I’ve never seen him look twice at an employee here. Most of us get his antics on a daily basis, but we’ve been here for a while and know it’s all for fun. I get the feeling, it’s different with you.”

“Great,” I huff out.

“Yes, it is great. Take advantage. He’s a good guy, and pretty much every employee here would love to be in your shoes. Well, except me because I’m married”—she holds up her ring finger—“which is why I’m his assistant. He doesn’t like to mix business with pleasure. It seems, until you.”

I stare at her, shocked by how open this conversation turned so quickly.

“He’s expecting you. Go on in.” She shoos me off with a tilt of her head and turns back to her computer, effectively ending our little chat.

I mutter, “Thanks,” under my breath and open the door to his office.

He’s sitting at his desk with a pen in hand and an open binder. His eyes glance up to meet with mine. My chest tightens, and my body flushes at the beautiful man staring back at me.

I close the door behind me with a thud and fall against the weight of it.

We stay locked on each other for a few breaths before he stands to come closer.

As he walks toward me, my mind is frozen by the way his large frame fills the room, feeling like it takes up every inch and surrounding my entire view. I imagine him in his military fatigues—all broad shoulders and strong thighs under a uniform of honor—and I have to clench my legs to stop the sudden ache.

I’ve never been affected by the presence of a man the way I am with him.

Gah! Fine, I admit it. I’m attracted to him. So damn attracted.

His chin rises as he marches over, authoritative. Every step feels like it’s vibrating my very being.

I push my back against the door, taking a deep breath as he steps up so close, and I feel his warmth pour all over me.

“You have my purse,” I say with a swallow when his hand presses against the door, trapping me in.

“I also have your apology,” he says. His eyes look around my face, taking me in with every pass. His mouth parts, and the tiny pulse of his neck is beating wildly. “I shouldn’t have told you not to sleep with Bryce.”

“No, you shouldn’t have.”

“I’m also going to apologize in advance for telling you that I don’t want you dating anyone either.”

Oh, this exasperating man.

“Why do you even care?”

“I don’t care.”

“I …” I pause, feeling my forehead crinkling as I look up at him in confusion. “You like me.”

“Jalynn,” he says as if it’s a threat.

Lord knows I love a challenge.

“You have a crush on me.”

He steps back while his eyes are trained on mine. “This is not high school.”

“You want to get in my pants,” I tease with a devilish laugh.

“Trust me, if I could turn it off, I would.”