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“I’m looking forward to you wearing it all day on Friday.”
Kelsey wasn’t sure she could tolerate it. She also knew better than to argue.
He took her bag from her as they made their way to his vehicle then helped her into the car before reaching across to fasten her belt. She should have expected that, but she hadn’t. His size, proximity and take-charge attitude made her utterly aware of her femininity. When she squirmed to get comfortable, it wasn’t entirely from the effects of the silicone up her rear.
“You know, Kelsey, you’re a very good sub. That won’t get you out of what I have planned for you tonight, though.” With that, he smiled and closed the door.
She sank against the seatback.
As they drove, she checked her phone and found that the ever-professional Thompson had gotten back to her about Nathan’s Dallas trip. “You’re confirmed for next Thursday. You’re meeting Connor at the airport at six a.m. The meeting with OneTech is at nine. That will give you time for breakfast and account for any flight or traffic delays. You’ll depart Dallas Love Field at three.”
He glanced at her. “And be home in time to fuck you.”
Unsaid words hung between them. They’d only agreed to spend this week together. She refused to think past that.
“Where are we on plans for the family retreat?”
“Second weekend in December,” she confirmed. “Both your grandparents have said they will attend, as has Erin. Your aunt Kathryn has not agreed yet. There’s some sort of dispute about the guests she wants to bring with her.”
He nodded as if that wasn’t a surprise.
“Connor and Lara, of course. Cade and Sofia will be there.”
“Hard for them to avoid since it’s at their place. I’d still like for you to attend.”
“Thompson will be there to handle admin for the family,” she said.
“It’d be a good opportunity for you to get away. Corpus Christi. Picture taking…”
“You know how to tempt a girl, Mr. Donovan.”
“Did you ask Martha about her availability as I requested?”
“I…” She felt his steady gaze on her. “No. I did not.”
He exposed his watch and touched the screen. This time, the heart that hovered above it was more red than pink, and she wondered if that meant anything.
“Memo,” he said.
“Ready, Mr. Donovan.”
“Contact Martha Leone to find out her availability the second week of December.”
“Noted.”
He drew his cuff back into place. “If you’re not intending to do something I ask of you, Kelsey, please have the courtesy to say so.” Despite his words, his tone was light, but direct. “Give us the opportunity to discuss it.”
“It’s not that,” she said. It had been on her to-do list since Monday. When she’d been making arrangements with Thompson for the family gathering, she’d considered sending Martha an email or phoning her, but she’d put it off. “I hadn’t decided whether or not I want to go.”
“My point remains. Please let me know if you’re not going to do something I asked.”
She exhaled. “You’re right.” And he was. “I’ll contact her tomorrow.”
“I’ll handle it.” His tone said the conversation was over.
“I apologize, Nathan.” She reached across the compartment to put her fingers on his wrist. “It won’t happen again.”
“I know.” He sounded sincere, and she exhaled.
A few minutes ago, she’d been prepared for an argument, but she realized that he had the knack for making a point then moving on. It was a skill she could learn from.
He pulled into the parking lot of a small strip mall. Nonina’s was at the end and took up two storefronts.
After he’d parked, he met her at the front of the vehicle and placed his fingers at the small of her back as they walked to the door.
The restaurant was small, with red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Empty chianti bottles served as candleholders, and the scent of garlic and fresh bread greeted her like an old friend. Her mouth watered. Suddenly she remembered how long it had been since lunch.
“Nathan!” A petite woman with short blonde hair beamed a smile across the distance.
“Elena, meet Kelsey.”
“Delighted,” the woman said.
“Elena and her sister make the best food on the planet,” he said.
“I can’t wait to try it,” she said, noticing that he hadn’t introduced her as his employee.
“Your pizza will be right out,” Elena said, wiping her hands on her apron. “Wine with that?”
