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I step into his arms, feeling the warmth from his body. “I thought dads were supposed to want to keep their daughters close.”
“My wife was married and pregnant by her age.” He puts a hand on my back, pressing me closer to his body than he ever has before.
I take a breath and my chest brushes his. I wonder if he notices or if he feels it, too. “And that’s your idea of a successful woman, someone who’s married with kids?”
Something in Michael’s gaze darkens. “Being a husband and a father were the happiest days of my life,” he says softly. “I want that for my girl.”
I wish I had someone like Michael. Someone who wanted my happiness. “And you can’t have that with another woman again?”
He doesn’t answer. But it doesn’t matter because the song ends and so does our dance. He steps away from me. “We still have a few more guests to greet.”
* * *
Michael
I watch Katie talking with another man from across the room while I chat with a potential new client. Eric is beside me, answering the technical questions.
She’s beautiful in that white wraparound dress with the cherries on it. She looks good enough to eat.
The thought has me thinking about that one scene in story number sixteen or maybe it was seventeen.
The man says something that makes Katie smile and it’s not one of her false office smiles. This is a real smile like she’s enjoying herself. Suddenly, I want to charge over there and tell his smug ass that she’s my woman.
Nothing makes sense to me anymore. Katie has the body and imagination of a vixen, but she acts like she isn’t aware of it. Is it possible she just doesn’t know how damn arousing she is?
“That’s why Alpha Defense has received top marks in the industry for the last five years,” Eric says to the client.
I nod along like I’m listening, but Eric could now be telling our client that I sell green two-headed cows and I’d agree. Anything to get this conversation over with.
Katie manages to excuse herself and disappears out a side door.
Turning back to the discussion, I end it quickly and politely before I follow after her. It’s time to figure out the mystery that is Katie Hunter.
5
KATIE
I sigh as I slip off my sandals, the ones that have been pinching my feet all evening. The June night is quiet except for the muffled party sounds in the distance. After the stuffy event room, it’s nice to be by myself for a few minutes.
I sink onto the pool deck and dip my toes into the water. I’m ruining my sixty-dollar pedicure, but it helps the tension ease from my body.
These events are always difficult for me. I don’t fit into this world filled with beautiful and successful people. Having to pretend like I do is exhausting.
“It’s a nice night for a swim.”
I close my eyes and listen to the deep timber of Michael’s voice. It’s smooth and smokey at the same time, honey and bourbon mixing together. “I didn’t pack a bikini.”
“You could always skinny dip.”
The image fills my mind with dirty ideas. “It’s dangerous to swim alone.”
His voice drops even lower, creating an ache between my thighs. “Are you suggesting we skinny dip together?”
I shift, squeezing my thighs. “I promise not to steal your virtue.”
“And if I want you to?” He prompts, moving closer until he’s standing behind me.
I stay still, my heart pounding. He doesn’t mean that. He can’t mean what I think he does. We need to get back to business. “So the Abernathy corporation, are they looking to invest in Alpha Defense?”
