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She looks away, but I catch the smile she’s trying to hide. She’s flustered, and I love it. “So, tell me, Ari… who are you?”
She looks at me and grins. “You’d never believe me if I told you.”
“Hmm… I love a good challenge. I’ll undo you, Aria. Layer by layer.”
She looks into my eyes, her breathing quickening just a little, that blush of hers turning her cheeks rosy. She licks her lips, and my dick stirs. She’s far too fucking stunning. Those lips of hers… They’re what fantasies are made of.
I drag my eyes away, willing my heart to stop beating so quickly. This is Aria. I can’t lust after her. Not her. What the fuck is wrong with me?
She shoves a big bite of food into her mouth, chewing slowly, but it doesn’t help hide her embarrassment. She eats in silence, and all the while I can’t stop thinking about how beautiful she is, in every single way.
I need to get myself under control. I’m supposed to takecareof Noah’s little sister — not take advantage of her.
18
Aria
I’m nervous as I sit down at my desk. I’m still feeling out of place, and it’s clear that this is a very close-knit team. I should’ve asked Gray why he hired me to work in this specific team, but I haven’t had the courage. I’m scared he won’t have an answer for me, that it’s all just a favor to Noah.
My phone lights up at my desk, and I smile when I see Noah’s name.
Noah:How are you doing, Ari? New job okay?
I grin as I type my reply. I miss him. It’s only been a few days, but I’m worried about him.
Aria:I’m good! The new job is great! How are you? Are you eating? Sleeping enough? Please don’t forget to function like an actual human being!
I almost facepalm myself. That’s way too many exclamation marks. He’ll know everything isn’t as good as I’m saying it is, but it’s too late now.
Noah:Yes, Ari. Don’t you worry about me. I’ll call you later, okay? I want to hear all about the new job.
I’m about to reply when someone slams a cup of coffee down on my desk, making it spill over the edge. I look up to find Riley standing next to my desk. I’m not sure about his expression, though. Is he… smiling? It looks more like a grimace, and it freaks me out a little.
“Your work yesterday wasn’t awful.”
I relax in my seat and bite back a smile. “It wasn’t awful?” I repeat slowly.
He crosses his arms and shakes his head. “Some might actually say it’s good.”
“Some… but not you?”
Laura walks past my desk and shakes her head. “This is painful to watch,” she says, grabbing her headphones from her bag.
Riley ignores her and looks away, seemingly hesitating. “It was, uh, it was good. Look, I was wrong. There, I said it. Happy now?”
I cross my own arms, mirroring his posture. “What makes you think I care about your opinion at all?”
Laura chuckles and I realize she might be wearing her headphones, but they clearly aren’t plugged in.
Riley sighs. “Will you let me take you out for a drink and make it up to you? I feel like we’re starting off on the wrong foot, and we’ll be working together for the foreseeable future. I should’ve known Grayson wouldn’t have hired you if you weren’t a good fit for the team.”
I’m surprised, and Laura is staring at us in surprise, too. Before I can make up my mind, a heavy hand drops down on my shoulder. Gray leans over me and puts down a cup of English breakfast tea before grabbing the cup of coffee that Riley made me. Gray hands the cup back to Riley, and he takes it reluctantly.
Gray’s grip on my shoulder tightens as he stares Riley down, towering over him. “She doesn’t drink black coffee,” he says, his tone clipped. “And I don’t pay you to stand around chatting shit. Get to work.”
Riley tenses, his eyes dropping to mine before he nods and turns to walk to his own desk. I’m instantly nervous. It’s only nine and I know I’m not slacking, yet I suddenly feel like I am.
Gray leans against my desk, his eyes roaming over my face and down to my blouse, almost as though he’s checking me out. He straightens abruptly and turns to face the rest of the team.
