Hired Hottie - Kelsie Rae Page 0,67

look good in a suit.”

“Careful, Ms. Bannon, or I might think you’re objectifying me.”

With a light laugh, I slide my hand around him and squeeze his ass, making him yelp and flinch beside me. I love that I can still tease him. That he can still tease me. That this new…romantic aspect isn’t tainting our relationship. It’s simply the cherry on top of our friendship. A really hot and sweaty cherry that tastes better than anything I’ve ever experienced. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.

The front doors open, and we’re guided to the elevators before going up to the second floor. When we reach our destination, Levi and I are gifted with a view of the grand foyer for the Jelani Okiro Arts and Cultural Center.

“So, do you know what this place is for?” Levi asks beside me.

I shake my head.

“Dexter Truitt knew the guy.” Raising his chin, he motions to a few pictures lining the walls. They all feature an older gentleman with dark, weathered skin and a kind smile. “His name was Jelani Okiro. I don’t know a lot of the details, but apparently, he had a pretty big influence on Mr. Truitt before he died of cancer. Mr. Truitt built this art center in his memory. Montague Enterprises is funding the whole thing.”

“That’s amazing,” I breathe as I take in the various Kenyan artworks scattered throughout the giant room and the glass cases lining the back walls. “Seems like Montague Enterprises is a pretty great place to work. Have you found out whether you’ll be getting the final position or not yet?”

He shakes his head. “Not yet. Soon, though. I’ve turned in all my reports for the project I was headlining and have a presentation due Monday. We’ll see how it goes. Conner had his yesterday, which is probably why he wasn’t pressuring you to go on another date with him this weekend.” The last part is spoken with a growl, his jealousy threatening to break to the surface.

Lifting my hand, I cup his cheek. “Doesn’t matter if he had. I would’ve turned him down, remember? Besides, I was sort of busy losing my virginity to my best friend.”

With a quiet chuckle, he leans down and presses a quick kiss to my lips. “Damn straight. Speaking of which, should we go find a quiet place to explore?”

It doesn’t take a genius to know what he’s suggesting, and I shake my head before murmuring, “You’re insatiable.”

“With you, I am. Let’s go.”

He hurries me through the crowd of people in search of an empty room we can christen when a voice stops us.

“Hello, Levi.”

I turn to see an older gentleman with salt and pepper hair and a stern look.

“Hello, Mr. Morris. It’s good to see you. Charlie, this is my boss, Greg Morris. Mr. Morris, this is Charlie, my girlfriend.”

Swoon. My heart starts beating a mile a minute when the word girlfriend slips past his lips, and when those same lips stretch into a soft smile as soon as they form the word, I’m positive I’m going to die from happiness. Or a heart attack. But it would totally be worth it.

“It’s nice to meet you, Charlie. Thanks for all of your patience during his internship. I know the hours can be grueling.”

His acknowledgment of being a hard ass makes me smile, warming to him instantly. “He’s a big boy. He can handle it,” I tease, peeking up at Levi to find his gaze solely focused on me.

Chuckling, Greg replies, “Yes, he can. Thankfully, it won’t last much longer. We plan to make our decision by Wednesday next week. Would you mind if I steal your boyfriend away for a few minutes?”

Boyfriend. I almost squeal.

“Of course not.” Turning to Levi, I say, “I’ll be over by the glass cases. I’m going to go check out those wooden figurines. Come find me when you’re done.”

Levi brushes his lips against my cheek and murmurs, “Be right back,” before his grasp on my hip disappears, and I’m left with nothing but a crowd of strangers.

Weaving through the groups of men and women, I find a quiet corner near one of the glass cases I’d mentioned to Levi. With an inquisitive smile, I lightly touch the glass barrier with the tip of my finger. Curiously, I inspect a misshapen giraffe that must’ve been donated by one of Jelani’s students. It’s absolutely adorable.

“Hey, Charlie,” a smooth voice interrupts, making me jump.

Turning around, I see Conner a few inches behind me. “Oh. Hey.”

“I