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So, she changed the subject instead to something safer. “How did you find me? I’m assuming it wasn’t by accident or coincidence when you were perusing listings on our website.”
“No.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his sexy mouth. “Michael remembered who you were and the name on your invitation. I’ve had your information for a while, and I would have contacted you much sooner, but I had a family emergency that kept me tied up for the past several weeks.”
Concern rippled through her since she knew he’d lost his parents and he was close with his siblings. “Is everything okay with your family?”
He frowned for a moment, and she didn’t miss the dark shadows that filtered through his gaze. “Honestly, things were really bad for a while, but everything is fine now, thank God.”
“Good.” He seemed very affected by whatever had happened, and even though she was curious to know what had caused him so much worry, she didn’t press for more when he was being so vague to begin with. “I’m assuming you brought my other shoe?” she asked instead.
“I have it . . . just not with me,” he said, surprising her after what he’d told Penelope about meeting Elle here to return it. “Have dinner with me and I’ll give it back.”
“So, you’re holding my shoe hostage?” she asked, her voice brimming with mirth, and that bit of humor felt good after the shitty day she’d had.
He laughed at her question, and the deep, husky sound seemed to find its way to every one of her erogenous zones. “Maybe. I think it’s a fair trade after you ran out on me.”
She struggled with her better judgment. “Hunter . . . I really shouldn’t.”
He tipped his head, regarding her too flirtatiously as he reached out and entwined a strand of her hair around his finger, ensnaring her in more ways than one. “How badly do you want your shoe back?” he teased.
Good God, what a loaded question. How badly did she want the shoe? Almost as much as she wanted Hunter a second time. No, that wasn’t true. She’d sacrifice both of those heels to feel Hunter’s mouth on hers again, his hands on her body, then pinning her down while he took her to exquisite heights of pleasure . . .
“It just a meal, Just Elle,” he murmured, his husky voice so incredibly persuasive as he gave her hair a gentle tug that reminded her of how his fingers had felt tangled in the strands and pulling on them in the throes of passion. “I’m assuming you need to eat dinner, right?”
Why was she resisting spending a little more time with him when he gave her a brief reprieve from all her troubles? It was a Friday evening, and even though she had plans to be at the office tomorrow, it wasn’t as though she was going to be out all night long. They’d go to a restaurant, where they’d be surrounded by people and she wouldn’t be able to give in to the desire welling up inside her for this man, and where she’d be safe from what her body craved.
Her stomach had thankfully settled, and if she was careful about what she ordered, she’d be fine, she reasoned. “Okay,” she agreed.
Slowly, gradually, sensually, he released her hair, his s
atisfaction obvious. “I’ll feed you, give you back your shoe, and anything beyond that is totally up to you.”
The man was temptation personified, and turning down what he was offering was incredibly difficult but necessary, because he could easily claim all her mental focus if she let him. He was a distraction she wanted in her life but definitely couldn’t afford to have right now.
“Just dinner,” she said, trying to sound firm. “And my shoe.”
He chuckled as if she’d just issued him a challenge. “We’ll see, Just Elle.”
The elevator pinged, and when the double doors slid open, the two women walked back out. Penelope wore that look that told Elle she’d sealed the deal, and Tempest’s excitement was nearly tangible.
“So, what do you think?” Elle asked Tempest, though the other woman’s expression already revealed what her answer would be.
“Oh, my God. This building is perfect.” She clasped her hands to her chest enthusiastically. “This place exceeded my expectations and I want it. Penelope is putting in an offer for me this evening before anyone else has the chance to see what a great building this is.”
Elle smiled at the other woman and voiced her curious question. “Do you mind me asking what you plan to do with the place?”
“I already asked,” Penelope cut in with a laugh. “She’s going to create erotic spaces and rooms for couples to fulfill their hottest, wildest fantasies. The name of the place is going to be Wilder Things.”
Elle’s eyes widened in surprise, because that had been the last thing she’d been expecting. However, it was an original concept that would do well in the area . . . and admittedly, Elle was intrigued by the entire notion. “That’s an amazing idea,” she said, meaning it.
“Thank you. I think so, too.” Tempest beamed. “Hunter and Maddux will be silent partners, but for the most part, this is going to be all mine to create from scratch.”
Elle was truly impressed.
“We’re heading back to the office to write up the offer and get it submitted this evening.” Penelope glanced curiously from Elle to Hunter, then back again, as if trying to figure out what had transpired between them. “You ready to go, Elle?”
“Actually, she’s coming to dinner with me,” Hunter said before Elle could reply. “Tempest and I drove separately, and I’m assuming by the one car that was here when we arrived that you and Elle came together, so it shouldn’t be an issue if Elle and I head out separately.”
Penelope grinned. “No problem here.”
