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She won’t get into any trouble if I’m reading her right. She’s got too much integrity and an eagerness that’s rare in an employee. Still, I don’t want to exacerbate her nerves.
“I’ll come get you at noon. Be ready for me, fighter.”
Her gaze jerks up to meet mine, probably in response to the hint of possession in my tone. I can’t help it. She turns on all of my protective and dominating impulses. It’s a struggle to leave her there and return to my office. But I’ve got some important meetings. And at lunch, she’s mine.
???
At noon, I’m standing in front of her office. “Hey, fighter. Are you ready to go?”
“Let me just log off and I’ll be right there.” She clicks her mouse a few times, stands and grabs her purse from the hook on the wall, and walks toward me.
Together, we head down the hall toward the elevators. Along the way, my employees greet me. “Hi, Rand.” “How’s it going, Rand?” We keep it pretty casual, and first names are pretty standard.
“You seem to be quite popular,” Tess teases. “I can see why. You’ve been so good to me, and I’m practically a stranger.”
With my hand on her back, I guide her into the open elevator. The doors shut and it’s just the two of us in the enclosed space. It takes everything I have not to press those luscious curves to the wall and devour her mouth with mine.
Trying to distract myself, I say the first thing that comes to mind, “There’s a new Asian fusion place around the corner. How does that sound?”
“Sounds great!” Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I feel myself grinning as she saunters confidently out of the elevator into the lobby.
A few minutes later, we’re seated across from each other. “This is familiar. It’s like deja vu, only this time, I actually have my wallet.”
“And just like last time, you won’t need it.”
One side of her mouth tilts up in a sassy grin. Confidence and happiness look good on her. Throughout the next forty-five minutes, I find myself getting addicted to her smiles and witty remarks. Each smile causes a throbbing heat in my groin. Each witty remark has me fighting a grin. I’m not known for my jovial personality, but Tess effortlessly brings it out in me. That, and a desire to mark her as mine.
It’s no surprise that she’s intelligent. We talk about her dream of becoming an architect. It turns out in addition to being beautiful and capable, she's intelligent, too. She's been putting herself through college for the last few years, and is determined to get her degree.
We banter back and forth between bites. I find myself relaxing into my seat, content to look at this gorgeous, earnest woman.
Turns out I’m not the only one looking at her. Lunch is nearly over when Jesse walks up to the table, hand on his hip.
“What’s this, Rand? I didn’t know your plans included a beautiful woman.” He turns to Tess. “My name is Jesse, Rand’s best friend.” His eyes cut to me expectantly.
“This is Tess. She just started working at Moreau Construction.”
Jesse catches the intention in my voice. I know his curiosity is burning, but he’ll leave it for now.
“Well, it’s lovely to meet you Tess. I’m certain we’ll see more of each other.” His eyes are twinkling as he leans down and air kisses both of Tess’ cheeks. “Bye now, you two. Have fun!”
“Does he work at Moreau Construction too?” Tess asks with an enormous smile. “He’s delightful.”
“Yes, he does,” I grumble. “But don’t forget who you met first.”
“You’re right.” She nods with all seriousness. “My supervisor has been great.”
I want to grumble again, but it’s impossible when her eyes are lit from within. “Sassy fighter, aren’t you? Let’s get you back to work.”
“That’s right. I don’t want to get in trouble with the boss.”
If only she knew… Together, she and I are going to break all the rules.
