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“But since I’m not sure that’s possible…”
“It’s not,” Josh says unequivocally. “One glance at that woman, and I was on fire.”
Same. In an instant, I went from helping people off an elevator to wanting Kate with a burning fierceness.
“Then whatever develops with her is individual and light. No promises. No commitments. And no goddamn threesomes.”
Josh looks like he wants to argue, but he doesn’t. “If that’s what you want.”
He’s not thrilled. Neither am I, but… “It’s for the best. So we’re agreed?”
“Yes. Don’t push me anymore.”
My best friend has reached his limit, but he’s given me his word.
He glares at me one last time, then fastens his gaze on Kate again. “I’m going to grab another drink.”
And the bar just happens to be five feet from the object of our mutual desire. No coincidence there.
Clearly, he’s plowing ahead and doing whatever it takes to have her. He won’t go slow or keep things light. In fact, he’s probably assuming that, when he jumps off the cliff, I’ll fall with him because I won’t be able to help myself. Another surreptitious glance at Kate, all curves and warmth and obvious brains, tells me he might not be wrong.
Fuck. My better bet is to block him from jumping at all.
As Savannah excuses herself for the bathroom, I rush to Kate’s side before Josh can close in. Up close, she’s younger than I first thought, no more than midtwenties. Another red flag. Unfortunately, when it comes to her, every red flag seems more like a red cape, urging me to charge her like a bull.
Kate starts as I approach, her fuckable lips parting, her blue eyes widening, cheeks pinkening. I imagine she’d be wearing an expression a lot like this if I was buried deep inside her as orgasm consumes her body.
I shift my weight and clear my throat, grateful my suit coat covers my erection. “Hello, Kate.”
“Mr. Hunt.” She extends her hand.
“Just Marcus.” I engulf her delicate fingers in mine, her touch inciting another hot hum of desire. “At least now I know your name.”
She looks shaken, too. As she jerks her hand free, her expression turns all business. “It’s good to meet you. I look forward to working together.”
I look forward to fucking you.
I need to stop thinking that. “It’s nice to meet you, too. Tell me all about you.”
“Professionally? I grew up in construction, since my father and uncle built houses and strip malls all over Phoenix. After I graduated from high school, I took my flair for interior design and began decorating the model homes and commercial spaces for the business. A few years ago, my uncle had a heart attack, so I stepped in to fill his shoes, overseeing sites, fulfilling his role as general contractor, and finishing his existing projects both on schedule and under budget. Since he and my dad agreed that I have a knack for this business, my uncle sold his stake to my dad and I continued on as both GC and decorator. I picked up a weekend radio show to help out a deejay friend who had some surgery and it became successful, so the station manager gave me a permanent weekly slot. And that’s pretty much my whole résumé.” She smiles nervously. “But I truly enjoy every aspect of property development and management. Since I was ready for a change, I applied for this job when it popped up.”
“Fascinating.” I truly mean that. Construction is such a testosterone-driven world, and a lot of women are intimidated. Kate isn’t. I’m intrigued by the fact she has a spine and that she doesn’t let society form her opinion about her career. Still, her impressive elevator pitch doesn’t tell me what I really want to know. “From Phoenix to Boston, huh? That must be a big change.”
“Huge.”
“What precipitated it? Anything in particular?”
Her face closes up. “It was time.”
So Kate doesn’t want to talk about it. I’ll get to the truth eventually. For now, it’s a closed subject and pushing would be counterproductive. “How do you like Force Financial so far?”
Her smile returns. “Everyone has been helpful and welcoming. The corporate environment is new to me, so I really appreciate the kindness and patience.”
“What do you think of this venture we’re embarking on?”
“It’s exciting. I’m eager to get a look at the property and surrounding area. Of course, I’ll need to thoroughly scout the site when we get there, and I’ll look into the local regulations and building codes before we leave. That way, once we hit the ground, I can quickly formulate the type, size, and scope of the project. Since our time there is limited, I’ll have to make every second count. How do you see your role in this?”
On top of youisn’t the answer I should give her. “Josh and I are traveling with you strictly in an advisory role. We’re supposed to move obstacles from your path, organizationally speaking, and help with the numbers. I’m happy to lend an ear or help you bounce ideas—”
