Chapter 25 #3
He lifts his glass. “To the bright, beautiful woman who’s helping me find a needle in a haystack,” he says. “And to being the only person in this world who can make me put my work down and eat a decent meal. I’m glad you’re here.”
I blush, telling myself not to let anything he’s saying go to my head. “Well, the data will still be a mess in twenty minutes.” I shrug, glad he didn’t pay any attention when I said I wasn’t really hungry. The food is phenomenal. And the company isn’t bad either.
We spend the rest of our meal quietly tucking into our food, occasionally smiling at one another. He’s simply grateful for the help. Don’t go letting your mind get away from you.
After having more than my fill, I slump back against the seat, rubbing my belly. “Oh, my gosh. That was so good.”
“It was.”
I push to stand, trying to consider whether I should help clear the table before returning to work when Max moves to my side.
“Let’s clear our heads.” He reaches for my hand, leading me to the living area where he’d assembled a hand-carved marble chess set in the corner of the room by a large picture window that overlooks the city lights.
“Wow, this set is gorgeous.”
“Please don’t let me down. Tell me you know how to play.”
The corner of my mouth curls, and I nod.
“Yes.” He fist pumps the air, the motion instantly reminding me of his friend, Frank. “One game. No tech. Just strategy. If you win, we can knock off for the night and spend it doing whatever you like.”
“Like what exactly?” Calm down, you saucy little slut. He probably means a sci-fi marathon.
“I don’t know. I can run you a bath, and you can enjoy a soak in that Olympic-size pool in there.” He laughs.
I can only imagine he’s describing the bathtub.
But as big as this suite is, there could be a mini pool in there for all I know.
Boy, a soak in a tub is actually pretty tempting.
I can’t remember the last time I was able to indulge in a bath.
And I bet they have really nice toiletries in a place like this. “And if you win?”
“If I win... you agree to keep helping me with this project. Even if I annoy the heck out of you.” He winks again.
Jeez. Is he doing that on purpose to get the upper hand? How am I supposed to contemplate my next move with wet panties?
I lose, of course. Max is a grandmaster of strategy. I could tell his mind was always three moves ahead. But maybe if I work hard enough, he’ll feel sorry for me and let me have that dip in the tub one day after all.
Max
I’ve gotten nothing accomplished here. Not one damn thing.
I can’t stop staring at her. She’s focused on my laptop like she’s trying to find the answer to world peace.
This sweet girl has no reason to keep helping me beyond her excitement about a future in digital forensics.
And I’m using it to my advantage. Because being near her calms the chaos inside me.
I retrieve my phone from my pocket and realize I’ve missed several messages from the office and decide to step out of earshot in case I need to return a private call. “Hey, just going to call my secretary,” I say, pointing to the bedroom.
Cassidy looks up, her eyes looking heavy. “Okay.”
“You need anything?”
She yawns. “No. I’m good. That chess game really helped.”
“Yeah, I can tell.” I snort.
Her giggle trails after me as I walk into the bedroom and shut the door. What is it about having her here that relaxes me so? I was worried the close proximity would have me tied up in knots.
Or wanting to tie her up in knots.
Yet the evening has been easy. The more time I spend with her, the more attracted I become. It’s not only her physical beauty, but everything about her. Her genuine kindness. Her dedication. Her intelligence. Fuck. The harder I fight this pull to her, the deeper I fall.
Thankfully, the messages sent from Loretta and Yamila are of no urgency.
More status updates on our newest client.
I return to the front room prepared to escort Cassidy to her car when I find her slumped over the desk.
Coming closer, I realize she’s fast asleep, arms crossed under her cheek, a fine, stray hair dancing with each exhale.
Looking at my watch, I note the time. It’s after midnight.
Damn, I’m an asshole. Sure, she probably keeps late hours working at the club.
But I should’ve checked with her to see when she needed to head back.
Does she live far from here? Hell, there’s no way I’m waking her up at this late hour to send her home.
I head into the bedroom and pull back the covers.
Returning to Cassidy, I carefully scoop her into my arms and carry her to bed.
Sure, there’s another bedroom in this suite, but it’s closer to the front door.
I wouldn’t want her to wake up in the middle of the night if she hears noises in the hallway and get scared.
This room is quieter. I’ll leave the door cracked so she can see the light from the dining area and office and will hopefully not be alarmed when she awakens to strange surroundings.
She instinctively curls her arms toward her face, one hand tucked under her cheek like a cherub.
Unable to stop myself, I push a lock of hair back from her face before making myself walk away from her. I wouldn’t want her to open her eyes and find me staring down at her like a creeper. But stare I do.
Fuck, she’s beautiful.
I can feel my resolve slipping. Between the calming effect she has on me and the undeniable physical chemistry between us, I’m fighting an uphill battle. This night may have backfired on you, Max.