“Hey,” she replied, a knowing smirk on her face. “Have fun, you two. Don’t mind me.”
“Let’s go,” Avery said, taking his hand in hers. “I’m starving.”
He followed her from the room, heading for the elevators. “Long day?” he asked.
“Yes, but we’re having luck following the numbers. We should have a report for you soon. Off the record, I think you are looking at retraining, at the minimum.”
“That can be arranged,” he said. “Just say the word, and I’ll start coordinating the next steps.”
“Give us to the end of the week, and we’ll have a better picture of the extent that’s needed.” She reached out to push the call button.
“Wait,” he said, reaching out to tuck the tag sticking out of her shirt collar out of view. “That’s better.”
Wide eyes met his as she turned to stare at him.
“What?” he asked.
She shook herself. “Nothing. Just some silly thoughts. Are we going to the hotel restaurant?”
“Unless you’d like to drive into town.”
“No,” she said, wrapping her arms around him. “The closer we dine, the easier it will be to go back to your suite.”
“Trying to seduce me, Ms. Clarke? How unprofessional.”
“Report me to HR,” she teased, lifting her lips for a real kiss.
He was more than willing to oblige, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. The ding of the elevator broke them apart only long enough to get in. Avery stepped back to him without any urging.
This is how it should always be.
When had he ever simply taken joy in being with another person outside of a bed?
Obviously, it had been too long.
When the elevator reached the ground floor they walked through the lobby hand in hand.
Over Avery’s head, he saw Lea frowning from the front desk and felt a twinge of conscience. He needed to speak with her. Make it clear he’d never cross that line with her and put a stop to the sidelong gazes.
But that was a problem for another night.
Today he had eyes only for Avery.
When they reached the restaurant, the maître d’ set them at a table overlooking the beach. It was a shame it was too late for an ocean dip, but perhaps he could coax her into going to the pool.
Or better yet, the Jacuzzi tub in his room.
“So,” Avery said, leaning her chin against her hand. “We didn’t talk much on our way back from the cabin. Or at least, about what happens now.”
“What do you want to happen next?” he asked.
“Sex,” she said promptly.
“I could be convinced to get on board with that idea,” he replied, closing his menu.
She flashed him a quick grin. “Didn’t think I’d have to twist your arm on that one.”
“Maybe we should do another trip next weekend,” he said. “We’ve seen one side of the island. Friday night we could drive the opposite direction. See where we end up.”
The smile she gave him was pure happiness. “Absolutely,” she agreed. “Plus we could…”
“Research opportunities for the hotel,” he finished for her. “I already printed off a few webpages I thought you’d like.”
She shook her head. “You think you know me so well, hmm?”
Yes, I do.
He knew her far better than he’d ever thought to. Each facet of her personality or her past that he uncovered only made him want to learn more. She was a woman it would take a lifetime to understand fully. In the past, that thought would have had him running for the hills.
Now it just filled him with anticipation.
The waiter arrived, drawing Avery’s attention as she placed her order. Hayden did the same, holding out the menus without taking his gaze off of her. When they were alone once more, Avery traced her fingertip around the rim of her water glass. He watched the absentminded movement, unable to stop picturing that light touch dancing along his body.
“I’ve been thinking about something else, too,” she said.
“Oh?”
Dark eyes rose to his. “We need about a week to really flush out what is happening here.”
“Okay. You’re still way under your expected time limit. Do you want an early completion bonus?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not talking business.”
“Then what are we talking?”
She drew in a slow breath and said, “I don’t want this to end when I hand you my report.”
His smile froze. She watched him with uncertainty painted across her face as he tried to unravel how her request impacted him. The words should have terrified him. After all, he’d been the one insisting he only wanted temporary.