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“Mr. James,” Melody practically purrs. “Forgive me for the slight wait. I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding the conference room.”
Melody is always good at putting on a friendly act in front of top brass, but her performance seems especially amped up today. I don’t say anything when I notice that her blouse is unbuttoned one clasp lower than usual.
Instead, I find myself staring at Carlton, wondering if he’s even noticed me, much less Melody’s not-so-subtle attempt at flirting with him.
But the billionaire’s eyes – still that stunning shade of icy blue – are taking in the conference room views. “No issues,” his voice is deep and velvety and I find myself immediately turned on by how masculine he’s become.
“Please, have a seat. Can I interest you in a coffee?” Melody turns around and sees me hovering in the corner. She immediately walks toward me. “What are you still doing here?” she hisses, her fake smile still plastered onto her face.
“I was about to leave, that’s all,” I whisper back calmly. But inside, I’m rattled to my core by the unexpected arrival of my childhood crush.
“Well, then get out,” she hisses again. “What are you waiting for?” Like Two-Face from the Batman comics, Melody then spins back to face the room. “That’ll be all, thank you, Ramona. Can you please show yourself out?” Her tone is cloyingly fake and sweet, but I know no one can tell but me.
I move to go, but then look up to see Carlton staring at me, his expression empty save for the slightest glimmer of mischief behind his eyes.
Is that… does he recognize me? I wonder.
I feel my knees go weak and my insides turn hot. My face flushes at my own lack of control over how aroused this man makes me feel with a single look.
“Actually,” Carlton’s tone is direct and assertive, “I’d appreciate it if Ramona stays.”
There’s a pause that lasts a second too long.
“But why?” I can hear the confusion in Melody’s voice. “She’s just a secretary,” she protests, her displeasure apparent on her face.
From one look at Carlton’s expression, it’s clear that Melody should have held her tongue. “My assistant was unable to come with me today to take notes,” Carlton responds coolly. He turns his attention to me. “Do you mind handling her duties today?”
I shake my head ‘no’ and look to Melody for direction. She merely gestures impatiently for me to select a seat at the conference table, so I take a chair, certain everyone can hear my pounding heart.
For the next hour, I try to focus on the conversation but instead all I can think about is the fact that Carlton James – my old crush – is suddenly back in my life after all these years, and not only that, but he’s gorgeous and looking right at me with those bright blue eyes.
3
Carlton
I recognize her immediately.
It’s Ramona Monk, the little girl who used to follow me around like a lost puppy. Except that Ramona’s a little girl no longer.
Far from it.
No, the beautiful, curvy, lush creature sitting across from me is every bit a grown woman now.
Casually, I observe her long, thick brown hair, coffee-colored eyes, and pretty pink lips. My gaze slides down her body, taking in a full bosom and soft, creamy skin. Her fitted white blouse can barely contain those impressive breasts, and I’d guess they’re Double Ds. Who would have thought? Back then, Ramona was as skinny as a twig, with no curves at all. But now? The pencil skirt I’d caught a glimpse of before she sat down hugs her wide hips perfectly, outlining her shapely backside and small waist.
If this hadn’t been a business meeting, I would have taken a moment to greet my former childhood friend properly.
Does properly mean a headlock or an embrace so I can feel her body pressed up against mine? I muse darkly, finding myself intensely and immediately aroused by Ramona’s radiant beauty.
But I decide it may be more fun to toy with her instead and pretend that I don’t recognize her – like a good-natured joke for old time’s sake.
I smirk as I turn my attention to Melody Prince, our point of contact. I take a moment to observe the skinny blonde, noting with some disdain that her smile is obviously fake and that she doesn’t seem to be all that pleasant toward her subordinates.
“Ramona,” the thin woman snaps, “make sure you capture everything Mr. James or I say verbatim.”
“Of course,” the beautiful brunette murmurs respectfully. I’m tantalized by the cadence of her voice and wish she would say something else. My name, perhaps? But that’s going too far, too fast, too soon.
So instead, I stay professional.
“Actually, I prefer helpful notes to verbatim ones,” I cut in. “So focus on the highlights instead. Sound reasonable?” I watch her intensely, enjoying how she seems to squirm under my gaze.
