Big Dick Energy - Cindi Madsen Page 0,21

it up. Scott cleared his throat, obviously getting swept away, too.

Needing a task for my fingers, I dragged them through my hair. It caught the attention of Scott, so I tipped my head to the side, exposing more of my neck and fiddling with my earring.

Was I proud of the move? Hell no.

But did it increase my chances of getting what I wanted? Yep, and as Catalina had said, why were we the only ones required to play by the rules? I’d hardly use flirting or sex to get my way, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t showcase my assets. I repeated the move, and bonus, it flustered Archer nearly as much as it distracted Scott. I couldn’t help inwardly pump my fist at the checked-out expression on the lone female in the group.

“Penelope, did you need something to tie back your hair?” Archer so helpfully asked. “I think there’s a rubber band around here somewhere.”

Finally, an amateur move he didn’t fully think through.

I twisted a curl around my finger. “That’d be great, if you don’t mind fetching it for me.”

The line of his jaw went taut, and while I usually preferred my men stubbled, the fresh-shaven skin highlighted his grunty irritation, same way it’d done to those drool-worthy grooves in his cheeks that popped whenever he smiled.

Archer pinched the rubber band between his fingers as he lifted it off the table in front of him, likely fighting the urge to shoot it at me. Instead of closing the distance with a couple of steps, I stretched out my palm, making him come to me.

Our fingers brushed, a frisson of electricity I didn’t expect tingling up my arm.

Pulling my hair out of the naked elastic would be a bitch and result in losing a handful of strands, but if I played this right, it’d be worth it.

Besides, he started it. I raked one section of hair up at a time, knowing without looking that the pleated chiffon blouse was tugging tighter across my breasts.

Oh hey, Archer noticed, too. I took my sweet time pilling the loose curls on top of my head and then secured my hair in a high ponytail. One corner of my mouth lifted in a victorious smirk, and those jaw muscles of his were working overtime, so the act had definitely worked.

Since this was more about rubbing Archer’s mistake in his face, I turned to the three people I’d resolved to impress today. “I feel—” Oh crappers, I’d used feel. Nothing for it now. “In order for this venture to be the huge success the city and team need it to be, we need to focus on more than memories of days past; let’s give the citizens of our wonderful city new memories. I’m confident that building this complex with our focus on the future will also win over more fans of not only our entertaining, talented soccer team, but all that downtown has to offer.”

“And I’m of the opinion that there’s a better way to merge the old and new, while envisioning the future. Sometimes traditions need minor tweaking instead of bulldozing.”

Now I was the one gritting teeth. “Why don’t we give you time to discuss what we’ve proposed and let it all sink in. We’ll check back in about…” I lifted my phone to check the time so I could also set an alarm. “Let’s say ten minutes.”

“Thank you, Penny,” Scott said, and perhaps I’d discredited my lipstick color and its effects too quickly.

“Oh, and if you need water or soda or coffee, it’s all behind you.” With that, I hooked my hand in the crook of Archer’s elbow, only rethinking the move after the feel of the soft fabric. The whiff of his cologne, all woodsy with a hint of citrus and sensual spices, elicited thoughts about how long it’d been since I’d been this close to a sexy man.

Er, a man. Who was…decent looking.

If decent meant my panties got a little damp when our eyes met.

Since I didn’t rethink, use half sentences, or do anything with an ounce of doubt anymore, I clung on. I even went so far as to open the door and usher my cohort on through, like the alpha I’d become.

9

Archer

“What were you thinking?” I asked Penelope as soon as we reached the break room. Fortunately, no one else was currently occupying it. So we wouldn’t be interrupted, I shoved the door closed.

“You’re going to have to be more specific. Let me show you how.” She strode over