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“I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. You’re a huge asset to The Book Nook, and it’s about time the Sinclairs know it. I told you there will be a management position opening soon. There’s no one else even half as qualified as you are. I’ll be telling them that as well. And yes,” he said, overriding her interruption. “I know I made that snide comment. It was just that. You’ve always been management material. And yes, I’m breaking every damn rule by having this conversation with you, especially when you’re so adorably naked.” The corner of his mouth lifted. “So be it. Sometimes the spirit of the law is more important than the letter.”
She blinked back the film in her eyes. He definitely wasn’t the most giving of men, but when he finally opened up, the emotion in his voice was palpable. That he believed in her that much meant more than a million declarations.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Don’t thank me. You’ve earned it.” He took a rare deep breath, as if he were gathering himself, and stroked a hand down her cheek. “Since you’re feeling charitable toward me, I have something to tell you.”
On the other hand, she took a lot of deep breaths. Like right now. “Lay it on me.”
“You, ah, came in my office one night. Late.”
She didn’t follow him, but fine, she’d play along. “Okay.”
“I wasn’t there.”
Still nothing. Then realization dawned, quickly and painfully. Oh dear God. “But you—I thought—no one was around. Oh shit!”
When he grinned broadly, she stared at him as if she’d never seen him before. Then again, when had she ever seen him look that pleased? “I installed a video camera in my office. Temporarily. And you just happened to be caught in a very compromising position.” While she sputtered, he knelt in front of her and cupped her knees in his hands. “Sexiest damn thing I’ve ever seen. Thank you for giving it to me.”
“Giving it to you? I didn’t give it. I didn’t know… Oh my God.” She covered her face in her hands.
He pried them away. “You gave it to me,” he said softly. “Because believe me, no one will get that disc away from me even if they have to bury me with it in my cold, dead hands. It’s mine.”
She pursed her lips. Why was she so mortified? She’d become a semi-regular at a voyeurism club. So he’d seen her touch herself. He’d seen that and more in the past week anyway. But something about it happening in his office, before they’d been lovers… “
You don’t think I’m some sort of weirdo?”
“Well, yeah, but I don’t mind.” He laughed as she smacked his shoulder. “No, I don’t. I still can’t believe you went for it at work, but hell, I appreciate your creativity.”
“Thank you.” She nodded, trying to keep a straight face. “That means a lot coming from my boss.” After a moment, she bit her lip. “It was sexy? For real?”
“Oh yeah.” The heat in his eyes told her succinctly that he wasn’t lying. “Someday I may even let you watch it, if you’re a good girl.”
“I’m always good.” She blinked innocently. “Especially when I’m bad.”
“No arguments there.” He rose and looked at his watch. “Now, Ms. Crossman, I do believe you’re extremely late. Your great boss can only overlook that for so long. Especially since his sister is your immediate supervisor and she’ll scream his ear off if she’s down a manager much longer.” The corner of his mouth tipped up. “Plus I’m pretty sure you’ll need to stop by your place to change for work, as much as I liked that red dress on you.”
Kelly grinned and got to her feet. “Indeed. Speaking of my red dress, where’d you put it?”
* * * * *
The evening came more quickly than he wished. If he’d ever anticipated a business meeting less, he didn’t remember it. He didn’t even know why. The Sinclairs visited every few months and usually liked to spend a few hours with him, going over the numbers, discussing their vision. Tonight was actually an excellent time for a meeting, what with all he and Kelly had discussed that afternoon. He was determined they hear what he had to say.
He liked them well enough and always enjoyed talking about the store—he was damn proud of how well they were doing with the expansion and otherwise—but tonight’s get-together filled him with dread. He’d mentioned the meeting to Mr. Sinclair that afternoon, trying to feel him out, but he’d gotten the distinct impression the man had no desire to discuss it. Something felt very off.
And when a gorgeous brunette clad in a sapphire-blue slip dress strolled up to the corner table he’d arranged for them at Retreat, the very same table where he’d sat with Kelly and her friends the night before, he understood why.
“Hello, Spencer.” Diana’s smile reminded him of the sun’s rays glittering on the Atlantic—blinding, beautiful and impossible to stare at for more than a moment without getting a headache. “Long time, no see.”
Chapter Fifteen
Spencer’s gut knotted and for the briefest instant, his cock stirred. He couldn’t help his instinctive reaction to her now any more than he’d been able to five years ago. Her voice was all smoky suggestion, offering nights of pleasure and mornings without recrimination. But her eyes were the same cold, flat blue.
“Diana.” His voice was cool, remote and devoid of any expression. “I was expecting your parents.”
“They decided to go to Jamaica for the week rather than spend it here, looking at dreary books.” Her mouth flattened when he didn’t rise to pull out her chair as he always had. After a long moment, she took the seat opposite him.
