RUSH (Montgomery Men #1) - C.A. Harms Page 0,20
as if the atmosphere within the four walls of the elevator had grown quite hot, but I knew the temperature change had nothing to do with the small space.
“Mr. Montgomery,” I said in greeting as I stepped from the elevator, choosing to ignore the fact he’d just caught me basically playing with my tits. I stepped past him to gain some distance and walked toward Lex’s desk. “Mrs. Stockman directed me to pick up some paperwork you had for her.” I knew he already knew why I was here. He was the one that had set this meeting up in the first place. I also knew he hadn’t called me over strictly for the paperwork, as he could have had any one of his employees deliver it for him.
This was a ploy to get me back here, in his domain. The place where he felt he held the most control.
“I’m fully aware of why you’re here, Ms. Masterson,” he said.
The way my name rolled off his tongue gave me unwanted chills. I had grown so accustomed to being referred to as Kiera Masterson, I sometimes forgot it wasn’t my given name. Still, I’d learned to live the life of this new person. But something about hearing Ashton say this false name just felt wrong.
“Why don’t we step into my office and I’ll get those papers for you.” He held out his hand and gestured toward the open door to the left as his eyes appreciatively raked over me from head to toe. I didn’t hesitate to enter his office, but I wanted this entire thing over with.
The first time I was here, I hadn’t made the effort to look around. I was so nervous after the way he had acted that everything moved by in a blur. But today I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of his office. Everything seemed to have its place, being carefully positioned and displayed. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave him an amazing view of New York City.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
I jumped at the sound of his voice and its closeness and turned, nearly bumping in to him, yet he didn’t move away. He placed his hand on my waist and held me near, smiling knowingly.
The bastard knew exactly what he was doing.
“The papers?” I said, ignoring the way my body reacted to his touch.
A knock on his door had my heart racing even more. I needed to get out of here. I was wound so tight I felt like I would ricochet off the walls like a fucking pinball at any second.
Ashton didn’t step back from me, obviously enjoying our closeness entirely too much. His lower lip twitched as he tried not to smirk, and his eyes were hazy as he stared back at me, as if he was planning his attack.
“Just place the tray on the table, Miffy,” he said, and then I realized we were no longer alone.
I looked over his shoulder and found an attractive blonde putting what looked like serving dishes on the small table in the corner. The plates were covered with lids, making it impossible to see what was beneath.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“Breakfast,” he said as he curled his arm tighter around my waist and led me toward the table. “Since you’ve refused to allow me the chance to take you out on a proper date, I figured I would give you no choice but to share a meal with me here.”
He was insane. It was the only explanation.
“I have to get to work,” I said as he pulled out a chair and guided me into it as if I was a child. “I have errands to run and things to pick up,” I continued, remembering the list Ms. Stockman had emailed me.
“It’s taken care of,” Ashton assured me.
“Excuse me?” What the hell was he talking about? “What do you mean it’s taken care of?”
Without answering my question, he pushed my chair closer to the table and sat in the chair opposite me.
“Mr. Montgomery?” I needed him to explain what in the hell he meant.
“Ash,” he corrected me. “Call me Ash.” The ease with which he spoke annoyed me. He honestly didn’t believe he was doing anything wrong. Had he truly grown so accustomed to everyone doing everything and anything he demanded at the drop of a hat that he didn’t see how messed up this behavior was?
I didn’t have time for his games. I just needed him to give me the damn papers so I could be