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If only it was that simple. Since she stepped into my office on Monday all I’ve pictured is stripping her down and throwing her across my desk. It’s nothing personal, I assure myself. I want to take ownership of her. Infatuation, or whatever the romance writers of the world call it, has nothing to do with her being here.
Are the fates with me or against me? It’s hard to tell. Before our conversation continues, McKenzie steps through the doorway, looking at the papers in her hands, not noticing I’m in a deadlock with my brother.
The outfit she’s wearing is appropriate to the office, but my eyes are still drawn to the top two buttons of her modest blouse. They’re undone, and though not even a hint of her cleavage is showing, I’m captivated. I’m hot to undo the next couple of buttons to see what she’s hiding.
Subtle pink lipstick fills out her lips, making them appear more than kissable, and my pulse speeds up as she moves closer. And her scent... I can’t figure out what it’s doing to me, but my hormones are running amok.
She looks up, and a genuine smile appears on her lush lips. “Hi, Blake. I’ve been hoping to see you, but I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to seek you out.”
She walks up and gives Blake averyunprofessional hug, in my humble opinion. It has me grinding my teeth. I know she isn’t after my older brother, but it still gets to me. My head’s spinning because I don’t really know this woman when it comes down to it.
“Did you figure out the problem?” I snap, making both Blake and McKenzie turn my way. McKenzie’s eyes narrow at my tone, and Blake looks as if he wants to punch me.
“Unfortunately, I believe the problem runs deeper than a numbers issue. You have someone at the Boise office who is... shall we say, skimming a bit off the top. I’ve been over this repeatedly, and there’s no other explanation. If I were you, I’d have an internal audit done. It’s going to take quite some time to figure out exactly who, but from what I’ve seen, I’ve narrowed it down to three possible people. If you know your employees well, you might be able to narrow it further.” Her tone’s professional, and it’s putting me on edge.
This makes no sense. I want a professional, don’t I? So why is it that no matter what she does, I’m irritated? Why do I still want to punish her? Hell, I don’t even know which direction is up anymore.
“I’ll look this over as soon as Blake leaves,” I briskly say, hoping my brother will take the hint and go away.
“Maybe I should help,” Blake says, his expression changing as he looks between me and McKenzie. I in no way want my brother getting any ideas in his head about me and McKenzie. Hell, there is no me and McKenzie.
“I thought I’d have a couple of our employees come over for interviews later today or tomorrow if you’re up for it, Byron. I know you’re wary about trusting anyone other than me, but you’ll see I have a more than competent staff,” McKenzie says. My temper escalates even further.
With Blake standing right here, though, I can’t refuse McKenzie’s request, which appears to be what she already knows. She’s wicked smart. I have to give her credit for that. A person doesn’t get to where she is at such a young age without having incredible intelligence.
“I’m picky, as you know,” I say. “But go ahead and bring them in.” This sounds gracious enough.
“Of course.” Her tone doesn’t change, but the expression in her eyes tells me she isn’t fooled — I’m not going to give any of her employees a chance. I want her, andonlyher, working here. And we both know it.
“That will be all for now, McKenzie. I’ll call you in when I’m finished speaking with my brother.” It’s more than obvious that my dismissal rankles her, but she gives a slight nod of her head, turns on her heel, and stiffly walks from the office.
During these few seconds, the tension’s so thick it could be cut up and deep-fried, and I almost smile knowing I’m getting under her skin. She gets beneath my thick hide so easily that it’s more than fitting I get to her as well. Turnabout’s fair play.
“Did you forget we own this company together?” Blake asks, clearly irked at my attempt to shut him out.
“Of course not, but I’m in charge of the accounting department,” I say, hoping this will be enough to get my brother to back the hell off.
“Since when do we ever say something like that?” Blake asks, though he doesn’t look angry — he seems more curious. Which is worse.
“I’ve been under a lot of stress,” I tell him. “I spent too much time away from the offices and it’s catching up to me.”
“Hmm.”
“What in the hell is that supposed to mean?” I fume.
“You seem awfully upset over an office issue,” Blake says, giving me an assessing look.
“I’m not some damn specimen for you to place under a microscope, Blake!”
“I’m not the one getting upset over nothing, Byron.”
“Don’t you have work to do?” I practically yell.
Blake’s quiet for several moments, and for the first time I can remember, I feel like squirming in my seat. What is wrong with me? Blake’s next words absolutely infuriate me.
“So, I’ll ask this again: why is McKenzie working here?”
“I already told you we needed to fill the position.”
