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“Shh…” She strokes my chin. “Let’s just have this moment.”
She kisses me again, slightly parting her lips. The taste of cranberry fills my mouth as I slide my tongue onto hers. She shudders, sliding her palm up the back of my head. My arms circle her waist, pulling her closer. I inhale sharply, taking in the flowery scent of her shampoo. She nuzzles against me, trailing kisses around my neck. Her palms slide from my shoulder, down to my chest, leaving a tingle in its trail.
“There are lots of people here, Lee-Lee. Someone might see us.”
“That’s what makes it exciting,” she whispers into my ear. Her palm slides down to my stomach, only stopping for a few seconds before continuing its journey lower. My mouth parts slightly as her fingers undo the button of my jeans and she slips in her hand to—.
“Ahem.”
We jump apart. I turn to the man standing in front of the counter: it’s Alex Whittaker, Andrew’s executive assistant.
“I’m sorry for interrupting,” he says with the ghost of a smile on his lips.
“How can I help you, sir?” a flustered Kaylee says.
“Oh, I’m not here for you, ma’am. I’m here for Mr. Reynolds.”
Kaylee turns to me to ask, “You know him?”
“Yeah, um,” I gulp. “Why don’t you check on those customer reviews? I’ll handle this.”
She stares at me for a moment before walking away.
“What do you want, Alex? Why are you here?” I ask when she’s out of earshot.
“Well I heard that you were helping a little pastry shop to host a rebranding party, so I figured I’ll come over and see for myself.” He looks around, his gaze resting on Kaylee, who’s talking to some of the guests. “I have to say, this looks really good.”
I grab another cranberry juice from the tray on the counter. I know Alex isn’t just here to look around. I showed them what I have on them, and they must be looking for a way to retaliate. And with the way he’s looking at Kaylee, I think I’ve given him all he needs to do just that. .
“So, Kaylee Parker, huh?”
Crap!
“She’s just a random client. I’m helping her rebrand her shop.”
“Oh?” He turns back to me. “Do you always go tongue-deep into all your clients? Or let their hand slip into your pants?”
“That’s a very inappropriate question to ask.” I fold my arms. “I think you should leave.”
“My apologies, Mr. Reynolds. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He pauses. “But I think will be mutually beneficial to revisit our negotiation of the other day.”
“You got it all wrong, Alex.” I lean against the table, staring straight at him. “It wasn’t a negotiation. You give me what I want or Barrett Andrews lose everything.”
“Hmm.” Alex nods. He turns around, leaning against the counter. “This is a really nice establishment.”
I stay silent, waiting for him to get to the point.
“I’m sure you’re aware of the plan Andrews & Sons is working on, to fund small-scale businesses in Gainsville.” His lips curl up in a sly grin.
“Well, the fact is…I’m in charge of the grant and funding. I literally get to choose who gets funding and who doesn’t.”
My palms clench into fists.
“I saw Kaylee Parker’s file in the bunch of applicants we received; the good news is that she made the shortlist.”
But?
“I was really considering her for the funding, because…let’s be honest, she has a better business plan than most of the other entrepreneurs. I had the privilege to taste one of her cinnamon rolls. It was delicious.”
