She scoffs and dumps the chicken in a tray, then proceeds to cover it in tinfoil. ‘That’s what they all say.’
‘You have no need to worry,’ I assure her. Yes, he’s annoyingly attractive and probably hot in bed, but I know, beyond all things I know, that Becker Hunt isn’t the kind of man I could fall in love with. He’s too self-obsessed and conceited. He’s too in love with himself. And I definitely love my job too much. I know what true heartbreak is. I felt it as I said goodbye to my dad five years ago. I felt it when I turned from betrayal and left for London. This job? This is everything. I’m beginning to love me, and that’s what will keep my heart intact against Becker Hunt.
My tea for two is complete, the silver tray looking fit for royalty. I leave Mrs Potts hacking away at a pile of potatoes and make my way to Becker’s luxurious office, tray across my palms, my back straight. It takes a bit of awkward negotiating of the tray, but I finally balance it on a raised knee and ring the brass bell.
‘Come in.’
His demand is clipped. He’s pissed off. This knowledge fills me with unreasonable satisfaction as I push the handle down with my elbow and enter the room, kicking the door closed lightly with my heel. I spend a few moments reacquainting myself with his office, pulling up when I see a new addition. An amazing new addition to the regal space in the form of a huge grandfather clock. Not just huge. It’s massive, and when I look closely, I see the clock face is a stunning replica of the Shepherd Gate Clock.
‘Anytime soon.’ Becker’s sarcastic comment yanks me from my admiration of his new piece.
‘Tea,’ I announce, braving his eyes and smiling sweetly. ‘Where would you like it, Mr Hunt?’
His scowl travels across the room like lightning and smacks me in the face. ‘Desk,’ he orders, keeping narrowed eyes on me as I saunter over and slide it in front of him.
‘There,’ I say casually. ‘Right on your sturdy desk.’ What the fuck am I doing? I peek up at him to see his mouth hanging slightly open. He’s shocked. I don’t blame him. I’m shocked with myself. I’m deplorable, playing him at his own game. But I can’t help it. He just pushes my buttons. I smile, almost in apology, and his eyes close briefly. He’s gathering himself.
I wander across the room and indicate to the clock. ‘It’s stunning.’
Becker loses all irritation in a heartbeat and smiles, standing and joining me. I make a metal note that when Becker is in a bad mood, I simply need to talk about his treasures. ‘Isn’t it?’ His hand reaches forward, and he glides a light fingertip over the face. ‘You know it?’
‘Of course.’ I rip my eyes away from his finger caressing the clock and smile up at his face. ‘It’s an amazing replica.’
‘Indeed.’ Becker’s hazel eyes become heavier, lazier, and I quickly recall what he said in the library. I turn him on more when I talk about his treasure. That could be a real issue, since The Haven is drowning in it and I love talking about it. I clear my thoughts and glance away. ‘I’ll leave you to your meeting.’ I pass him, brushing against his arm, and squeeze my eyes closed, ignoring his quiet intake of breath.
He coughs. ‘Yes, you’re dismissed.’
Dismissed? It takes every crumb of my willpower not to turn and cuff him around his beautiful head. Oh, I’ve really got under his skin. Good. So now he’s going for plain arsehole? Because I rebuffed him? Such a child. ‘Will there be anything else?’
‘I said you’re dismissed.’ He shoos me away with a wave of his hand through the air, riling me further. But I maintain my self-control and turn away from him slowly, adopting something shamefully close to his sexy swagger as I slink away.
Taking the handle of the door lightly, I pull it open and perform a slow turn as I exit and pull it closed behind me, just catching a glimpse of Becker Hunt’s face before the door comes between us. He was looking at my arse. I want to smile my satisfaction, but I know I’m dancing on dangerous ground. Very dangerous ground.
I wander back to the library and swipe my card to let myself in. I shouldn’t be goading him, but he’s easier to handle