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I had no idea what I was thinking coming here today. I definitely should’ve sent Peter in my place. Because sitting here, staring into his freakishly handsome face, was a front-row seat to a myriad of emotions that I was definitely not prepared to deal with.
Brady Martinez watched at me like he’d seen me naked. Which, admittedly, was true. But the way his hot gaze slowly swept over me, again and again, as Peyton and I chatted, was enough to send the sharp edge of desire straight down between my legs.
I was conflicted. Ruined maybe. There was no way I could look at Brady without hitting replay on our night together. The bath, the sweetness, the cuddling, the sex. It had been more than I'd pictured when I’d decided to be swept away that night. It was supposed to be an indulgence, a one-time splurge.
And now, God help me, I wanted it again. I wantedhimagain.
“Did you have any other questions for me right now?”
I smiled at Peyton. The young woman was sharp as a tack, and I liked it. “Not yet. I’ll get Peter looped in, and we can chat further about the new swag packages for the employees.”
Her teeth flashed. “Perfect.”
I rose to shake her hand, liking the young woman immediately. “Have a good one.”
Peyton nodded, murmuring her goodbyes as she gathered up her things and began to walk from the room.
Brady went completely still when Peyton left the room, the door shutting behind her with a soft thump.
I licked my suddenly dry lips. My nerves crashed, a maelstrom building in my belly.
“You’re panicking a little, aren’t you?”
“I don’t panic.” I smirked a little at the reality of him reading me so easily. It would do him no good. Not in this case. “Much.”
“I’m not surprised.” Brady stacked his notes on top of his darkened tablet. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Kiss me.” I blurted it out before good sense filtered the strumming need out of my voice. My good sense had apparently fled the building alongside Peyton.
Brady’s dark brow arched. “Excuse me?”
“Kiss me.” I doubled down, jerking my chin up to level Brady with my most serious look.
He rose from his chair and walked around the table, coming to stand in front of me. His hands found mine, and wordlessly he guided me up to stand before him.
Butterflies exploded across my belly, and I took my time meeting his eyes. Almost afraid of what I’d see there.
“Cecelia,” Brady said.
My skin hummed where his thumbs stroked the backs of my hands.
Carefully, I raised my lashes. His deep-brown eyes were wide, hungry as they stared down at me. But at the corner, they crinkled in the ghost of a smile. His hands released me to slide upward and cup my face.
Gently, as if afraid I might run away or break, Brady brushed his lips against mine. It was practically a tease compared to the overwhelming passion that we’d shared the other night.
This felt like a kiss between two people who were getting to know each other. Maybe how he’d kiss me goodnight. My knees trembled under the force of it. Too soon, Brady pulled back. His gaze focused on mine.
“Anything else I can do?”
I shook my head. “No.” Panic squeezed my heart. A lover and a partner. What Ashlyn had said. That’s what I wanted. But I had Grove Communications, I had my mother, I had a family to take care of. People who depended on me. I cleared my throat, stepping back away from Brady’s warmth.
To my surprise, he didn’t chase. Even his features remained calm. “I’m in no rush, Cecelia.” His hands slid into his pockets. “I’ll be here when you are ready.”
“You will?”
His lips quirked, the perfect bow of them drawing my eyes. “Of course, Ms. Grove.”
My eyes were burning as I stared, and I could feel moisture collecting in dangerous increments. Huffing, I turned away quickly, picking up my stuff and dumping it into my bag. I needed to get out of this room before I threw myself onto him and claimed him as my own. This conference room table was looking better and better by the second.
