Page 10

Thanks for the warning.

Gabe glances up and winks at me before dropping his phone in his pocket and heading to the elevator. I tell myself I don’t care. I tell myself to get a grip. But all I can think about is the low rumble of his voice, the heat of his leg next to mine, the promise that this wasn’t a one-time thing.

The whole morning is so boringly normal. By the time noon rolls around, I’ve convinced myself that I imagined the entire early morning run-in with Gabe Mercer, and nothing out of the ordinary happened. I’m finally able to take a deep breath. Until an urgent email flashes up on my screen.

From: Gabriel Mercer

Subject: Earlier Discussion

Ms. Stone,

I have a very special project in mind. Please come up to my office at 1:30 pm to discuss.

- GM

Holy hell. Holy hell. I can’t believe he sent me that message.

I can’t exactly refuse my boss’s boss’s boss’ request, so I mentally prepare myself for the coming meeting.

At exactly 1:29 pm, I make the long, terrifying trek up to the top floor. I step off the elevator and slowly drag myself down the hallway to the corner office. Gabe’s admin, a terrifying woman named Ursula, gives me a once-over and then waves me in with one perfectly manicured hand. “Mr. Mercer is waiting for you.”

I take a deep breath and knock on his door. “Come in.” His deep voice does crazy things to my insides. I step in to find Gabe sitting behind his desk, and he stands as soon as I enter. He’s all business, not a single hint of the man who pressed his thigh against mine in the back of a limo. He nods at me and gestures for me to sit.

I smooth my skirt, fighting to keep my voice steady as I hold out the folder. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Mercer.” I tack on his name deliberately, just for the pleasure of watching that flicker in his eyes, dark and electric.

“I did, Alice,” he says, voice as smooth as velvet as he stares at me. His attention is so complete, it’s like the rest of the world doesn’t exist. When he finally looks up at me, there’s a spark of amusement mixed with heat shining in his eyes. “I’ll get straight to the point.” He steeples his fingers, and his eyes flick over me like he’s undressing me with his brain. I can’t decide if I want to hide under the desk or climb over it and ravish him right in front of the entire city skyline. Way to go, Alice. World-class professionalism. “I need to discuss my special project.” Gabe’s voice is all business, but his eyes are pure, undiluted sin. “Do you have plans tonight?” His eyes move slowly over me, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

My brain short-circuits. My mouth opens, but nothing comes out except a weird squeak. Damn. Get your shit together. Gabe Mercer just asked me on a date. “Actually, I do.” It technically isn’t a lie. “I’m planning to order a huge pepperoni and pineapple pizza and watch the latest Traitors episode.” I almost smack my head. I can’t believe I blurted that out.

He stares at me, completely silent, and for a split second, I think maybe I’ve broken the dude’s brain. I mean, he’s the CEO. He probably expects me to fall all over myself to have dinner with him, and here I am basically telling him I’d rather eat trash pizza and watch reality TV.

But instead of getting mad, Gabe’s mouth curves into that cocky half-smile that makes my toes curl. His eyes darken and linger on my mouth a beat too long.

“You’re in luck,” he rumbles, voice dropping so low it’s basically illegal. “I happen to know a place that delivers the best pizza in Worthington Hills. Your place or mine?”

Holy shit. How can I refuse? Honestly, I can’t.

“Mine.” My brain sprints a full lap around my skull as I try to sound casual. “I’ll see you at seven.” I walk back to the door and turn back to tell him, “Make sure you get the extra large with extra cheese.”

My heart pounds away in my chest as I walk down the hallway with the biggest smile on my face.