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I give her a tour of the training grounds and the indoor shooting range. Once back in the elevator, we make our way to the first floor. “You’ve already seen the reception area. This floor houses most of our administrative departments. Human resources, accounting, and marketing.” As we walk through the halls, I smile down at her, “Kat, Carter’s fiancée, is the manager of our marketing department.”
Anna returns my smile, a playful glint in her eyes. “Kat mentioned that,” she says, her voice tinged with amusement. “She told me about a ‘Bodyguard Calendar’ promotion?”
I roll my eyes in mock exasperation. “Yeah, she tried to sweet talk Carter into participating, but he wasn’t having any of it.” My voice turns serious as I add, “Kat’s definitely a force to be reckoned with in marketing.”
Reaching for the doorknob, I usher her inside. “And this is my office,” I announce with a touch of pride. The room is bathed in a warm glow, courtesy of the expansive windows. Her eyes light up as she sees the panoramic view of the river.
A gasp escapes Anna’s lips. “Carson,” she breathes, her voice laced with awe, “the view from here is breathtaking.”
“I planned it that way,” I reply with a self-satisfied smirk, “I’m the CEO, so I gave myself the best view and office.”
Her gaze sweeps across the room, lingering on the dark wood furniture – a heavy desk, matching bookshelves overflowing with leather-bound books, and a comfortable round table with plush chairs. A surprised laugh bubbles up from her chest as she spots the discreet door tucked away in a corner. “You even have your own bathroom?”
With a hint of pride in my voice, I confirm, “Of course, and a personal coffee station right next to my admin’s desk.” I reach out, my fingers brushing against her arm before gently pulling her closer. The heat of her skin sends a spark through me.
“An admin who’s currently out of the office,” I murmur huskily.
Her breath hitches as I lean in, the scent of her perfume an intoxicating invitation. My lips graze the curve of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. Her eyes flutter shut, dark lashes resting on her flushed cheeks.
The world around us fades away as I claim her lips in a kiss. Her initial surprise melts into a soft sigh as she surrenders, her lips parting under mine. Our kiss deepens, a hungry exploration fueled by our desire.
I feel her shiver, and when she opens her eyes, they’re dark with her arousal. I press her closer, her body molding against mine, the urgency building with every touch.
The sudden click of the outer door shatters the passionate world we’ve built. We both step apart, blinking in the harsh light of reality. I loosen my grip, my forehead resting against hers as we catch our breath.
A rueful smile curves my lips. “It seems I misspoke,” I murmur. “Come on, let’s get some lunch.”
I walk out my open door, and Suzanne looks up startled, “Oh, sorry. I brought my lunch back to eat it at my desk. I didn’t know you were with someone.”
“Not a problem. Suzanne, this is Connor’s mother, Anna Johnson,” I introduce them, gesturing towards Anna. “And this is Suzanne Lion, my admin. She’s been keeping Knight Security running smoothly for years.”
Anna offers Suzanne a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise, Anna. Carson’s a fantastic CEO and boss,” Suzanne replies with a knowing smile in my direction.
Anna’s smile widens. “I’m sure he is.”
Once the elevator doors slide shut, offering a reprieve. Anna’s gaze lifts to mine, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Even back then, when you talked about Knight Security, I knew you’d be a success. You had such a fierce passion for your family’s business. I loved hearing you talk about your plans.”
I nod, a flicker of surprise crossing my features. I hadn’t realized she’d paid so much attention when I shared my goals for the company’s future. I’m struck silent as I lead her to the parking garage.
The car’s quiet is a comfortable silence. Pulling into a parking lot next to a brightly lit pub with a catchy sign—“Shot in the Dark“ - I turn to Anna for her approval.
“This okay? They serve the typical bar food, but it always tastes great.”
I lead the way into the high-end sports bar. “They also know me here. The co-owner, Jaxson, is a private investigator we work with often.”
We settle into the red cushioned booth across from each other. After we’ve ordered, a calm silence descends as Anna lets her gaze drift around the sports bar. Large-screen TVs line the walls, muted broadcasts flickering silently. I catch her eye and gesture toward a small control panel on the table. “Each booth has its own volume control,” I explain.
She leans forward to curiously look at the control panel with a small smile. She seems as content as I am with the sound muted. The low murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses create a soothing atmosphere.
As Anna drains the last sip of her white wine, a satisfied sigh escapes her lips, “That was good,” she murmurs, setting down the empty glass. “And the food was delicious.”
I signal for the check, feeling pleasantly full. Suddenly, a familiar voice cuts through the air. “Carson! Good to see you.” A tall, broad-shouldered figure walks up to our table, a welcoming grin spreading across his face. “How’s business?”
“Jaxson,” I greet, returning his smile. “Things are good. This is Anna Johnson,” I introduce, the words feeling a little stiff on my tongue. “An... old acquaintance.” A mental groan escapes me as the words leave my mouth, entirely inadequate for the complex history we share.
Jaxson’s grin falters for a moment before he recovers smoothly. “Nice to meet you, Anna,” he extends a hand as his eyes swivel between us with a hint of curiosity. “I don’t think I’ve ever met one of Carson’s acquaintances before. I hope you enjoyed your lunch?”
