Overlooked(2)(142)
“I’ll never tell,” slips past my lips before I can stop myself.
Am I really flirting with this man?
His tempting laugh fills the line and I am filled with pride that I am the one to elicit it.
“You’re something else, Grace Chambers. Listen, do you have lunch plans today?”
His question momentarily douses the fire in my loins and I slowly regain a portion of my senses. I have to remain firm with him or he will walk all over me and my rules.
“Mr. Wilcox,” I say, attempting to sound stern. “I’ve told you already that this can’t go any further than a working relationship.”
Momentary silence is followed by the sound of him clearing his throat.
“I was going to ask you if I could stop by and discuss my account.”
I’m so happy no one is here to witness the mortified expression on my face.
Jameson chuckles lowly.
“But I’d be more than happy to take you lunch instead. If that’s what you want,” he adds and I can almost picture the brash smirk on his face.
Words fail me before I gather my wits.
“I’m sorry. I just assumed — you know what? It doesn’t matter. I’m free in the afternoon if and when you decide to drop by. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your existing account or loan application.”
I’m certain he can read my embarrassment through the phone because his next words mercifully spare me any further humiliation.
“Great. I’ll see you around one.”
“Great,” I squeak out.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he says before we disconnect.
Casting a glance at the clock on my office wall, I realize I have three and a half hours to prepare myself to see him again.
Three and a half hours to rein in my unruly libido and control my mischievous thoughts.
*****
The rest of the morning passes in a mundane blur of phone calls and paperwork. When one o’clock rolls around I realize I have worked straight through my usual lunch hour and Jameson will be arriving at any second.
I shove a mint in my mouth just as a knock sounds at my door.
Jameson’s imposing figure fills the doorway in the next moment, stalling my breath.
His beautiful eyes are piercing and focused on me. Unshaven stubble darkens his strong jaw and he’s wearing all black again. Is it possible that he looks even better than before?
“Hello, Grace. This is for you,” he speaks coolly extending something in my direction.
When I blink, I realize it’s a tall cup of hot coffee.
“Thanks,” I accept the proffered cup. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Consider it a peace offering. I’ll be on my best behavior during this meeting. You have my word.”
A sense of loss settles over me at his words.
I should be happy that he’s giving me what I want.
What I say I want. Yet, I can’t help feeling like I’ve lost something.
Shaking my head, I sigh and push away the thoughts.
It’s better this way.
Chapter four
GRACE CHAMBERS
“Grace, are you listening to me?” Jameson asks, snapping me out of my lusty haze.
I feel the heat rise in my cheeks and offer a repentant smile.
“You seem distracted,” he assesses as his head tilts to take in my features.
“I apologize,” I sigh. “It won’t happen again. What were you saying?”
“Anything in particular on your mind?” he asks, ignoring my question and trying to sidetrack the conversation.
His grin tells me he knows I’m distracted by him.
Who can blame me? The man embodies sex effortlessly.
“You were saying? About your account?” I refocus my attention on the present situation and call on my professionalism.
We talk a few minutes more regarding his account and I refer him to an analyst at the credit union to follow up our conversation.
Business concluded, he leans back in his chair making himself rather comfortable for someone who should be heading out the door.
I bite down on my bottom lip, anticipating his next words.
My actions have drawn his attention to my lips because he won’t look away, even once he starts speaking.
“How was your weekend, Grace?”
“Uneventful,” I reply, but I don’t follow up to ask about his.
Not that he cares. He continues the conversation, at last tearing his gaze away from my lips.
“Mine was pretty dull, too,” he says mildly before his gaze darkens. “Couldn’t stop thinking about you though.”
I shift in my seat at his confession. A rush of embarrassment fills me at how responsive I am to this man. The vibrator on my nightstand had received the workout of its life over the weekend. Yet, my thirst still isn’t quenched.