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“Go. Enjoy. I don’t want to be known as a harsh taskmaster.”
“Thank you. I’ll be here bright and early in the morning.”
“By the way, what is early?”
“Oh, seven a.m. sharp. Mr. Masters was adamant about that. Given so much of our competition is on the East Coast, he said the lag time would kill us.”
“Uh-huh. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for everything.”
I folded the piece of paper and glanced around the office, trying to boost my confidence. I could do this. Yes, I could.
As I grabbed my purse, a sudden understanding rushed into my mind. I should resign. That was the only acceptable action at this point. We would never be able to work together.
I headed toward the door, turning around and studying the gorgeous interior.
Then I turned off the light.
* * *
By the time I’d found the house, two plus hours had passed. I’d gawked at the houses driving in, although one looked like another. Still, they were huge in comparison to anything I’d seen in Vegas so far. There was a lot of money to be made and lost in this town, and not all of it about gambling.
As I pulled into the long driveway, I rehearsed what I was going to say to Savage for the fifth time. Or maybe eighth. What did it matter? I had a feeling I was going to blow it the second he opened the door.
He. The hunk. The man I’d fucked.
Ugh.
After I climbed out, I stood by the door for a full minute until the heat became too oppressive. I had to swallow my pride or this could get ugly quickly. I lifted my arm ready to knock and another moment of self-doubt rushed in. Then I banged on the door before I had a chance to chicken out. Why did the man terrify me so much?
Because you like him.
The truth was hard to swallow.
I heard footsteps, although not as heavy as I’d heard before. Then I heard what sounded like… barking? A dog? The door was flung open and before I had a chance to make a single sound, a ball of fur bolted into my arms with so much force, I was pitched off my feet, landing flat on my butt. The dog barked furiously, licking my face so ferociously I couldn’t distinguish what kind it was.
“She likes you.”
The voice was entirely female and very young. As the small person giggled, the pup seemed to take that as praise, continuing to slobber all over me.
“Princess. Off.” There was the booming deep voice I remembered from before. Now I was thoroughly confused. He had a child and a dog?
The dog hunkered down, her butt remaining in the air and her fluffy tail wagging a thousand miles a minute.
Savage’s huge hand reached for the pup, pulling her back by the collar. Then he offered me the other one, his eyes twinkling from more amusement than before. However, I accepted, gritting my teeth from the rush of current. Damn it. Why did we have such chemistry?
“Lily, would you take Princess inside?”
“Can’t I meet your friend, Savage? She’s pretty. Would you like to join us for dinner? Savage is making hamburgers. My favorite!”
Lily shifted back and forth, twirling her finger around her long strawberry-copper hair.
“I’m not certain that’s what Savage would want.” I peered at him, expecting instant admonishment. While his jaw stiffened, he glanced down at Lily then sighed. Whoa. Hold on big time. The man had a wife. Oh, my God. How could he mess around with me when he had such a beautiful little girl?
I’d never even considered he was in a relationship before. This was more than horrible. I’d gone from being a liar to a thief, now a homewrecker. Shit. Shit. Shit.
“I’ll consider it, little miss. But you need to take Princess inside.”
“What’s your name? Are you Savage’s girlfriend? You’re pretty enough to be his girlfriend. Don’t you think he needs a haircut?” As she jabbered away, I could tell Savage was annoyed but there was a light in his eyes that was entirely different than anything I’d seen before. This had to be his daughter, but calling him Savage?
