My heart’s racing by the time I unlock my office. For one satisfying moment, I imagine locking the door behind us and letting him ravage me on my desk. I see him swipe the papers to the side with a bold sweep of his arm before pulling me to the edge of the desk and diving into my pussy. My panties go instantly moist, and my cheeks flush. I stare hard at the nameplate on my paper-lined desk, reminding myself I’m a museum director. These thoughts won’t do. I need more self-control than this, especially under the circumstances.
I can’t deny the part of me that’s a total coward. I haven’t looked back at my almost ex-husband once since we entered the museum. Even when he helped me with my wobble. I don’t look at him now as I invite him to sit, heading to the comfortable leather chair behind my desk.
I finally allow my eyes to settle on his face only after I’m seated. I let out an involuntary sigh, blushing. God, he’s gorgeous. Our eyes lock, and I don’t know how long we stare at each other. What I would give to know his thoughts right now. That’s funny, considering I don’t even know the crazy jumbles that are my own. I open my mouth to speak. So does he, at the exact same moment.
Both of us stop politely, and I clear my throat. His cheeks look darker than usual, too. This man should not be allowed to blush. It kills me every time. He looks down, fingering the cowboy hat resting onhis knee.
I take a deep breath. I need to start meditating or something to clear this tangle of lusty thoughts from my mind. As the director, I realize I should lead the conversation, so I try again. “What are you going by these days?”
“Private Ormsby works.”
I nod with a slight smile.
“Why are you smiling?”
“I should have known. Even as owner of your own security company, you go by the same title as your employees.” Private citizen. It was the norm among private military contractors in Afghanistan, a sort of egalitarian gesture rather than going by their former military ranks.
He shrugs, rubbing his chin and making that sexy sound of flesh against freshly shaved skin. “Some things never change.”
I don’t want to dwell on that thought any longer than I have to. Instead, I look down at the briefcase he’s brought with him. Though it’s December, I fight the urge to fan myself with my hand. What this man does to my body by being in the same room is criminal.
I feel like I’m burning alive right now. I clear my throat, working hard so my voice won’t crack. “Did you have the chance to look at some of the museum security documents provided to you? I’d love to get your thoughts.”
He nods curtly, reaching into the briefcase to pull out a pile of documents. “What are you going by these days?” he asks with a glower.
“Director or Ms. Ormsby.” The muscle in his jaw softens as do the lines in his forehead.
I should remind him to sign the divorce papers so that I can legally revert to my maiden name. Until the other night, I was certain that’s all I want. Now, I have my doubts.
I can’t let hormones rule my life. Maybe I need to get laid and be done with this. But the only man I want to please me ishim. I want Wolfe—no one else. I unconsciously finger the silk scarf around my neck before I notice the knowing grin on his face and drop my hand.
My cheeks burn from embarrassment mixed with anger. While I’m falling apart in front of him, he looks calm and composed. I hate him for it. Sure, there was the momentary ruddiness earlier. But that’s gone now, too.
His voice is even as he replies, “Ms. Ormsby, let me be blunt with you. My security company’s got its work cut out trying to get this place up to par.”
I nod. I couldn’t be in more agreement with his assessment.
His face relaxes a little more. “The security protocols are shockingly outdated and in serious need of revision. I’ve made a list of recommendations. But this is going to be a process.”
I nod again.
“We’ll need to start with background checks for all employees and docents. I’d also like to explore a badge system where employees and docents clock in and out. The security cameras need updating, and better placement, and we have a lot to go over regarding who has access to artifacts, records, and the like.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” I grab the neatly organized stack of records from my laptop bag and push them across the table toward him. “Off the record, I need you to look at this.”
His eyes meet mine questioningly before he stares at the papers before him.
I lick my lips, explaining, “This has to stay between us for the moment … in the strictest confidence.”
He stiffens, his brow stormy with puzzlement.
“I’m not certain the best course of action. But I’d like to revisit everything once you’ve finished your review.” I take a deep breath, leveling my gaze on his. “Moreover, I don’t knowhow far or high this may go. So, I’m counting on you not to get me stoned.”
Grim recognition crosses his face, and he frowns slightly. I know the reference isn’t lost on him.
One of the first times Wolfe acted as mymahramin a rural part of Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan, he made the mistake of walking too fast for me. Each time I fell what was deemed an indecent distance behind him, a showering of stones came in my direction. It was a warning, and I finally called out to him, exasperated, “Private Ormsby, slow down. You’re going to get me stoned!” His stride was naturally much longer than mine, and it took him a while to get habituated to traveling at my speed. Now, I need him to understand what we’re doing requires staying in lock-step. I hope I haven’t misplaced my trust in him.
“I had a conversation with Dr. Watts last Friday, and he emphasized your role in recommending my company. I suppose this explains why?” he asks drily. His unreadable eyes search my face.
