Page 26 of In His Cuffs

He’d been right to restructure the staff’s responsibilities, but she wished her mother’s confidence hadn’t been undermined by his high-handed ways. Then again, that was probably the only way he knew. The man was assured, directive. Domineering.

“I’d like this contract to go out today,” Gloria said.

“Call him?” Maggie suggested, grateful her mother had interrupted her musings.

“Maybe Barb can.”

“Mother, he’s not an ogre.”

“That’s the first time I’ve heard you defend the man.”

Was it? Had she really been so swept up in her disdain for the employment contract that she never said anything good about him? “Maybe I need more coffee.”

“You do look tired.” Gloria narrowed her eyes. “What did you do this weekend, anyway?”

“Went to the Den.”

“That explains it. I may have to go with you sometime. Sounds like a kick.”

“Why not? Maybe you can find someone to keep you in line, finally.”

“On second thought…” With that Gloria stood, creating a cacophony with her clanging metal jewellery.

Just then, David appeared in her doorway.

Maggie’s breath vanished in a shocking rush.

He propped his shoulder against the jamb, and he filled the entrance. Damn. She’d spent all of yesterday trying to convince herself he wasn’t one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen.

When she’d shut her eyes in bed last night, memories had tormented her. She’d tossed and turned before finally getting up and watching three hours of television.

And now… His dove-grey suit hugged his broad shoulders. His tailored pants snuggled his strong thighs. He had on a white shirt and a red tie with the knot tight. She would greet him, if she could make her tongue work.

“Ladies,” he said.

“Good afternoon,” Gloria said pointedly.

Since it wasn’t even ten o’clock, Maggie winced. For the first time, she wished her mother would at least pretend to be cordial. If they could all work as a team, perhaps the business could reach his lofty goals. Everyone, including her mother, would benefit from that.

“I need you to sign a contract,” Gloria continued.

“Put it on my desk. I’ll handle it before anything else.”

“But—”

“Put it on my desk, Gloria,” he reiterated. He stepped aside.

All but flouncing, she brushed past him.

Without an invitation, he entered Maggie’s office and took the seat her mother had vacated.

She wished he hadn’t entered her domain. Almost every office on this floor was bigger than hers, and the conference room with its glass wall would be even better.

Here she was, very much on edge. His eyes were as blue as she remembered—intense and deep. That surprised her a little. She was certain her memory was tainted by the scene they’d shared. Surely no one’s eyes were that penetrating. But his were.

His scent was slightly different today, though. He still smelt of masculine spice, but it was stamped with confidence that beckoned her to move closer, something she refused to do.

What in the hell had made her think that fucking him was a good idea?

She had to get him out of here, quick, before she asked him to bend her over his chair. “Did you need something…?” Maggie hesitated. Calling him Mr Tomlinson would remind her of the Den. On the other hand, she had never addressed him David at work. Now that he’d compelled her to call her Mr Tomlinson as a term of respect rather than derision, he’d effectively changed the dynamic of their relationship.

He waited.

“Did you need something, David?” she asked.

“I’m in negotiation to acquire another company.”

She sat up in her chair. With the solemn expression on his face, she’d expected him to mention what had happened on Saturday night. But he was talking business while she was all but obsessing about the time they’d spent together? Obviously he was better at separating events than she was. She gave herself a mental shake and forced herself to concentrate on what he was saying. “And you’re telling me this, why?”

“They’re a competitor of ours.”

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