Conflict of Interest - By Allyson Lindt Page 0,50
her chest. “Don’t be like this.”
“Right, this is all on me.” He shook his head and turned away. “I’ll call you a cab to take you back to your car.” He riffled through his drawer and pulled out a pair of sweats. “Sorry I don’t have anything less ‘me’ to loan you. If you take the back elevator, no one will notice you leaving.”
The ice in his voice devoured her almost as much as his implication, but she couldn’t take it back. She was right about needing to stay discreet.
* * * *
Kenzie stepped from the elevator, the sight of the all-glass office making her gut do another somersault. She didn’t know if she should be here, but the meeting was already on her calendar, and since he hadn’t canceled, she wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to see him again. Not that she knew what she would say. She wanted him so much, and she so very much couldn’t have him.
She steeled her resolve and tried to push her emotions aside. She needed to be removed. It was the only option since they were still working together.
She pasted a smile in place as she approached the receptionist. The girl looked up, joy genuine. “Scott says you can go on back.”
“Thanks.” Kenzie kept walking, afraid if she paused to make small talk she wouldn’t be able to make her feet move again. She could do this. She was in control; she could make it through this meeting. They were just touching base, and she’d never seen Scott stay angry, so she was probably stressed about nothing.
He glanced up when she paused in the doorway and then nodded to the chair across from his desk. “I’m sorry, I need to finish this email. I’ll be right with you, Miss Carter.”
She winced at the formality. But it was necessary, right? She let the door swing shut behind her.
He still didn’t look at her. “You sure you don’t want that open? People might talk.”
Ouch. She took her seat. “I’m sure it will be fine.” She crossed her legs and folded her hands on her knees, eyes growing wide when she took a second glance at him. He was wearing a black button-down and a pencil tie that made his stern expression almost malevolent. He looked gorgeous. And so very not himself.
He finally turned his attention to her. “I’m sorry again to keep you waiting. Did we have an agenda?” There was no catch in his voice. No sarcasm or bitterness. Or anything.
It was exactly what it should be. So why did it make her skin crawl? She pulled a printout from her bag and slid it across the desk. “I’m sorry I didn’t make copies, but I know what’s on there.”
He scanned the print out. “It’s my schedule for the next few weeks.”
“That’s right. That’s the agenda.” She stopped herself at the last minute, deciding not to put emphasis on the word “agenda.” “You’ve got a charity function in a few days. I wanted to make sure you have everything you need.”
His expression stayed flat. “I’m not sure. The invite says casual, but I don’t know if that means khakis and an Izod, or Oxford and a tie.”
She furrowed her brow. “It probably means casual.”
“I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “Cosmo says business men in jeans are the leading cause of global warming.”
Seriously? She couldn’t take it anymore. “Why are you acting like this?”
He looked at her, dark eyes blank. “I don’t understand.”
She clenched her teeth. “This formal bullshit. What are you doing?”
His smile looked painted on. “It may have escaped your attention, but your contract cost us a lot of money. I’m trying to get some use out of it. Isn’t this what you wanted?”
Something throbbed in her chest. “I didn’t want you to completely surrender yourself.”
His smile vanished, the eerie flat expression returning to take its place. He stood, hands clasped, and moved to stand behind her chair. “You’re sure?”
She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of turning. “I’m positive. This isn’t about being someone else. It’s all about appearances.”
“Of course.” He traced a finger up the back of her bare neck. “Appearances are important.” His voice was low and smooth. “So help me out because I think I’m still missing something.” His fingertips glided along her collarbone. “I’m not allowed to flirt where someone might see.” He trailed up her jaw. “But behind closed doors you can do whatever you want.” His breath brushed the outside of her