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My phone rang, startling me. “Miss Bloom speaking.”
“Is someone in your office?” My boss’s deep husky voice set off fireworks in my panties.
“No, Mr. Cox.”
“Then why so formal?”
“Because we are at work, Mr. Cox.”
“Why didn’t you reply to my text?”
Oh, crap! I was so consumed with excitement over his last text that I forgot to reply.
“Um…I plead the Fifth.”
His deep chuckle coming through the receiver tickled my ear.
My co-workers had told me the Hellhound never laughed. Ever. They were so wrong. He had opened himself up to me and let his true playful nature surface. How long had it been since he could truly be himself around another person?
“Will I need to resort to tickle torture tonight to get an answer?”
Did that mean he wanted me to come over? “Maybe I’ll do the tickling this time.”
“You really are all facets of incredible, Laura.” He cleared his throat. “Will you have dinner with me tonight? At Logaro’s?”
Oh my God. He was asking me out on an actual date! And on New Year’s Eve. Our first official date. How romantic!
I was about to say a resounding yes when my stomach lurched. What was I going to wear?
Shit! I’d avoided men for so long that I had nothing suitable in terms of dating attire. My closet was almost empty, except for work suits and sweatpants. I could get away with a work suit for a casual outing or dinner, but I had nothing remotely close to acceptable for one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. Did they have a dress code?
“Laura?”
“Why don’t we order in?”
Click.
Not the click of heels in the hallway.
The dial tone sounded through the receiver. Uh-oh.
Steven strode into my office, walked around my desk, and planted himself next to me. “Laura, look at me.”
His eyes searched mine. “Wearegoing out tonight.” It wasn’t a question.
He seemed to be staring into my soul. I blinked and averted my eyes.
He gently grabbed my chin and lifted my head. “Talk to me.”
“It’s just that…I have nothing to wear.”
He studied me for what seemed like an eternity. Heat flamed my cheeks in embarrassment. A slight crease formed on his brow, and he released my chin.
Suddenly, he roared with laughter. He slapped the desk three times, his howls getting louder each time.
“Shhh. Steven, stop. People will hear you.”
He grabbed me around the waist and stood up, jerking me out of my chair and lifting me along with him. His shoulders were still shaking and making my whole body convulse.
