“I even got a hot tip on a travel water bottle for Oreo,” he says, puffing out his chest in mock pride. Then again, maybe it’s genuine. Nick’s always been good at commanding people, but never at connecting with them.
Trust doesn’t come easily. Not after what he went through with his parents and later his fiancée. It takes time for him to feel comfortable lowering his defenses, but it’s so worth the wait.
To bask in the warm glow of his smile. To see pride shining in his eyes. To feel the strength of our connection.
Because the more we work together, the more I want to know him.
Woah, girl. Pump the brakes. Whatever you think you have with Nick Hart, it’s just sex.
That’s all it can ever be between us. Because if Nick knew I misled him, he’d never forgive me.
“Scarlett?”
His voice pulls me from my reverie—again.
“Sor—” I stop myself before I can deliver a full apology. So, progress. I clear my throat, trying to remember what we were discussing. “I can’t say I’m surprised. People love dogs and dog owners. Especially ones who smile,” I add, flashing him a pointed look.
“I’ve been smiling for days.” He casually glances around the reception area before pitching his voice low and adding, “With good reason.”
Desire stirs low in my belly and my face goes hotter than a Carolina Reaper.
How the hell can this man switch gears—from water bottles to sex—in the blink of an eye?
“Are you free tonight, Scarlett?”
I give a curt nod, praying Jonathan can’t read lips. That would be just my luck.
“Come over at eight.” A dark promise flickers in his eyes, and my body responds instantly, every cell and nerve ending craving his delicious touch. “And come hungry.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Nick
“So, what do you think?” Scarlett asks, eyes bright as she stares at me from the other side of the table, rolling the stem of her wineglass between her fingers.
We’ve just finished sampling some of the finest takeout sushi Austin offers, but it’s done nothing to slake my hunger. No surprise there, since what I desire most wasn’t on the menu. Scarlett’s hair is down, falling over her shoulders in loose waves, and she has one foot tucked under her body, giving her a youthful, carefree appearance that belies her serious nature.
“I think you look good enough to eat.” Facts. My appetite roared to life the moment she waltzed through the door wearing those goddamn silk stockings.
She scoffs and crosses her arms over her breasts. “I meant, what do you think about expanding the office pet policy?” A flush spreads across her chest, but she presses on, apparently determined to ignore my suggestive tone. “Now that you’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of allowing pets in the office, are you ready to consider opening up the program to the rest of the staff?” The corner of her mouth curls in a devious smile that sets my pulse thrumming. “It’s only fair, you know.”
Why do I suddenly feel like I’ve been played?
Because I so clearly have been.
Scarlett and Miles knew exactly what they were doing when they adopted Oreo on my behalf. I glance over to where the pup lies on the couch, chewing happily on a rubber bone that’s supposed to be good for her teeth. I’m not about to give her up. She’s growing on me. But I’m not going down without a fight, either.
“And since when have you known me to worry about fairness?” I take her hand in mine and trace the fine lines of her palm with my pointer finger. Her hands are small and delicate, but I know for a fact that they possess untold strength.
After all, how many times has she stood up to me?
Scarlett sighs, her gaze darting to our linked hands. “There’s a first time for everything. If you’re truly committed to improving morale and creating a sustainable culture you can be proud of, equity has to play a role.”
“I agree.” I slide my thumb along her inner wrist, gently massaging the tender flesh until goose bumps rise on her forearms. “And it’s reflected in our hiring and compensation practices.”
Scarlett rolls her eyes. “I told you. There’s more to satisfying employee needs than good pay and benefits.” She presses her lips flat and tilts her head to the side, studying me. “Is this really the hill you want to die on? Oreo’s done so much good for you in such a short time. Why not allow others the same benefit? What are you so afraid of?”
A lesser man might balk at her words, but I’m not too proud to own my fears.
