His eyes were bluer than the night before, his smile adorably shy. “So… I was looking forward to waking up next to you.”
“We can’t, William,” I said firmly. Regardless of what had already happened between us, it had to stop there. “Our firm has a strict policy about not fraternizing with clients. You’re a client now.”
“No one has to know.” He moved half a step closer and planted his hands firmly on the door on either side of me. “Nothing is hotter than a forbidden romance.”
“I don’t do romance,” I said, wishing that my heart would stop racing so darn fast. “Especially not in this office.”
William’s laugh was deep and he was close enough that I could feel it shake his body. “I don’t think you really mean that.”
“No?” I willed myself not to be the one to break eye contact first. I didn’t want him to know how much he was getting to me.
“I think if I pushed you up against that door right now, you wouldn’t stop me.” He leaned even closer until our lips were almost touching.
“There’s only one way to find out,” I breathed, my lips parting expectantly.
Just as he brushed his lips against mine, the faintest whisper of a touch, we were interrupted by the ringing of a phone.
“It’s not me,” I said when he looked at me in confusion. We were both disoriented, still lost in the almost-moment.
“Right.” He blinked hard, then reached into his pocket to retrieve his phone. “I should take this.”
I nodded slowly. “Of course.”
Another dip into his pocket and this time his hand came back with a business card. “Come by the office this afternoon and I’ll get you whatever records you need to support our case.”
I took the card reluctantly, still reeling from the abrupt change in mood. Despite what I had said to William, I’d been quite looking forward to elicit activity in my office.
“I’ll see you later then,” I said.
He punched the answer button on his phone while saying, “Later.” With a flirtatious wink, he stepped around me and left the room.
I would like to say that I recovered quickly after he left and refocused on my work for the day, but that would be a lie. He had been right– I’d wanted him to make a move. As much as I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t true, I was drawn to William Moore.
After a few unsuccessful hours of drafting a motion to compel for one of my cases, I decided it was time to head over to William’s office. I told myself it was because I needed their financial records, but really, I just wanted to see him again.
An overly cheerful young woman greeted me at the front desk and suggested that I make myself comfortable in the seating area while she let William know that I had arrived. Rather than sit, I studied the framed awards and articles that covered an entire wall. Most of them were about the success and growth of the company, but a couple were interviews with William himself.
“Miss Banks.” William’s voice sounded formal, but even before I turned around I knew that he was smiling.
“Mr. Moore,” I replied as I turned. “Nice wall of fame.”
His smile turned bashful. “Scott oversaw the décor. He’s proud of our success.”
“He should be,” I said, and I meant it. Their story was impressive. I noticed that the receptionist was not-so-subtly eavesdropping on our conversation. “Will he be joining us this afternoon?”
“No, no. He’s out visiting clients.” William pointed down the hall. “Would you like a tour of the office?”
“Sure.” I stepped forward, walking past the receptionist. I was certain that she noticed when William placed his hand on the small of my back, gently guiding me through a glass doorway.
On the other side, chaos awaited us.
In addition to about 200 people and desks scattered all around the floor, I saw Nerf guns, yoga mats, scooters, and nearly got hit in the face by a rogue ping pong ball.
“Whoa,” I muttered, taking it all in.
“This is a little different than your office,” William said with a smile. “We have a lot of employees fresh out of college.”
Several of those young employees waved and nodded as we walked the floor. Each square foot was brightly colored and uniquely designed. If Scott really had overseen the décor, he’d done an excellent job. But I was fairly sure he had hired outside experts.
“How long have you been in this space?” I asked.
“Just over a year now. We also have the floor right above this one.” He expertly weaved through the maze of desks. “Scott keeps saying we should put in a fire pole, but I think that would be a little too ridiculous.”
“Just a little,” I agreed with a smile.
He stopped in front of a frosted glass door. “This is my office. After you.”
As I passed, his hand pressed against my back again. His touch torched my skin through my suit jacket and blouse. It wasn’t until he was walking away from me, rounding his desk, that I finally noticed how different he looked. Gone was the suit from earlier in the day, replaced with faded blue jeans and a vintage looking t-shirt. As good as he had looked in the suit, he looked even better dressed down.
“You changed,” I said. “Decided to slip into something more comfortable?”
“Not as comfortable as last night,” he replied with a flirtatious grin.
My eyes narrowed. “Stop.”
“What?” He feigned innocence. “You weren’t comfortable?”
“That’s not the first word that popped into my head.” I sat firmly on the edge of one of the leather chairs across from his desk. “Did you have a chance to compile the records we need?”
“Business. Right.” He almost looked surprised at the change of subject.
With the smoothest of movements, he folded his long body into the chair across from me. He ran a hand through his dark waves, then picked up a baseball hat resting on the desk and pulled it on.
“I had one of our finance guys send me over some reports and had legal forward along our contracts and intellectual property info. I’ve taken the liberty of putting it all on a drive for you, but I thought we could go over some of it together in case you have questions.” He put his hands on the keyboard and started typing. ‘Just a sec. I need to reply this email.”
Even though I knew that he was just doing his job, I was annoyed that his attention had been so easily diverted. Not because I really wanted to talk about the financial records, but because I wanted him to be as enamored with me as I was with him.
His brow furrowed as he typed, fingers moving deftly over the keys. I noticed that his lips twitched ever-so-slightly as he read what he was typing. It was so adorably childlike that I couldn’t help but smile.
“Alright. Done.” He turned back to me. “I’m all yours now.”
My heart thudded in my chest. “The records,” I reminded him in a stilted voice that just barely hid my escalated breathing.
“Pull up your chair,” he said, making room for me on his side of the desk.
I moved my chair as close as I dared– close enough that I could see his monitors, but not close enough for any part of our bodies to touch.
“This folder holds the contracts,” he explained, walking me through the organizational system. “IP filings, payments, signed contracts.”
I followed along patiently as he guided me through the tour.
“You could’ve had this sent over by messenger,” I said when he was done.
He gave me a guilty look. “But then I wouldn’t have gotten to see you again.”
“Don’t.” I started to back my chair away, but his hand closed over the armrest and held me in place.
“This would all be easier if you’d just admit that you are crazy about me.” He was smiling, but I didn’t think that he was joking.
“No one’s ever accused me of being easy,” I said, wishing that I didn’t want to jump his bones so badly. “We’re in a professional relationship now, William. You need to fo
rget about everything else.”
“Not a chance.” He leaned close. “Let me take you to dinner tonight.”
“I have to work.”
“All night?” he asked skeptically.
“Billable hours,” I said.
He frowned. “I’m not going to take no for an answer.”
“You have to.” I told myself that I should stand and leave the room, but I couldn’t convince my body to listen. “Regardless of being your legal representation, I’m not interested in a relationship.”
“Relationship?” he smirked. “I’m just asking for one date.”
“I’m just saying no.” But even if my mouth said no, my body said yes. I felt myself leaning forward, closer to him. “You don’t really want to go on a date with me.”
“I don’t?” His smirk faded. “It sure feels like I do.”
I swallowed hard as he put a hand on my leg, just below my hemline. A few centimeters at a time, his hand inched upward.
“I should get going.” Again, my body refused to cooperate.
“Going?” Now his hand was completely under my skirt. “I prefer it when you are coming.”
We had left professional territory.
“Go to dinner with me,” he repeated, more urgently now. “Give me a chance to show you how amazing I am.”
“Well, I already know how humble you are.” I swallowed hard, feeling my defenses start to waiver. “And that you are good in bed.”
William knew he had me now. The smile spreading over his face was beyond seductive. “Just good?”
Right at that moment, the moment where I was going to give into him, someone knocked on the door.
I jerked back from William, my chair wheeling over a foot away. William turned back to his computer, looking far less frazzled than I felt.
“Come in,” he called.
The door opened and revealed a petite redhead that was only a couple of years out of college. “Sorry to interrupt, William. Scott is on the line and he insists on speaking with you.”
“Thanks, Laurie. Can you call Pierre’s and make a reservation for 7:00 tonight?”
“How many?” she asked as she pulled out her phone.
William’s eyes shot over to me. “Just two.”
“Sure thing.” She didn’t seem to think anything of his request.
I took the distraction as an opportunity to recompose myself. It was easier to do that now that I had put some distance between myself and William.
“I need to go,” I said, finally finding the will to stand up. “Can I have the drive?”
William moved aside a stack of papers and found the small memory stick. He held it out to me and as I took it, my hand closed over his for just a second, electrifying me all over again.
“I’ll see you at seven,” he said, no longer posing it as a question.
I nodded stiffly and collected my bag, securing the memory stick inside. I could feel William watching me, but I kept my eyes focused on anything but him.
“Riley,” he said softly.
Reluctantly, I turned to him. “Yeah?”
“Just give me a chance.” He wasn’t flirting or teasing anymore. His face was serious, but unguarded. “You might be surprised to find that I’m not that bad. You might even find that you like me.”
I decided that if he was going to be honest with me, I should be honest with him. With a long sigh, I said, “I’m afraid I already do.”
CHAPTER SIX
William
Part of me didn’t expect Riley to show up at the restaurant. It had been obvious that she wasn’t exactly excited about it. But it had also been obvious that she felt something for me, and I was determined to use that to my advantage.
The sad fact was that I had become mildly obsessed with Riley Banks. Since meeting her, I had spent almost all my time thinking about her. I knew that it was crazy. I barely even knew her, after all. But I was hoping that was about to change.
Pierre’s was one of the nicest restaurants in the city and I happened to know the owner. When I arrived, I was escorted to the best table, secluded near the back, but with a view of the front door. When Riley walked through it, my breath caught in my throat.
She had changed into a form-fitting black dress. It was classy, but the high slit up one leg hinted at the sexy woman within. Her long blond hair cascaded down her back in soft waves. I remembered how it smelled– sweet and floral.
The hostess escorted her in my direction and I stood, smoothing down my suit jacket. I never felt completely comfortable in a suit, even though mine were expensive and perfectly tailored.
Riley’s eyes found me and they sparkled as she smiled. Whatever resolve she’d been forcing on me all day had faded.
“Hey,” she breathed, her voice as seductive as always.
“You look stunning.” I stepped forward, put a hand on her arm and brushed my lips over her cheek. “I’m glad you made it.”
“I didn’t see how I could say no,” she replied with a small smile.
I held out her chair while she sat, tucking her long legs beneath the table. Every move she made sent chills through my body. I wondered if she had any idea of the effect she had on me. And not just me. Looking quickly around the restaurant, I found that nearly everyone was watching us.
“Do you always create such a sensation?” I teased as I took my seat across from her.
“Hmm?” She looked at me in confusion, oblivious to the curious eyes around the room.
I decided not to point it out. “How was the rest of your day?”
“Busy. I had a lot of files to read.” She gave me a pointed look. “Plus, I had to leave early so I could go home and change since someone insisted on going to dinner tonight.”
“Consider this a work activity,” I suggested.
“Does that mean it would be okay for me to bill you for this time?’ she smiled playfully.
“Keep in mind that if tonight ends like last night did, you’d essentially be asking me to pay you for sex.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You don’t have to worry about that. Tonight is only dinner.”
The waitress appeared and took our drink orders– bourbon for me and scotch for Riley. Then she asked me about my day and I told her about the excruciating budget meeting I’d spent my afternoon in after she left.
“Scott doesn’t really believe in budgets, so we have trouble reaching an agreement.” I paused as the waitress sat down our drinks. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sir.” She leaned over to place mine in front of me, the low cut of her shirt revealing bulging cleavage. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Not at the moment.” I pretended not to notice the look Riley was giving me. “Thank you, Macy.”
She winked at me. “My pleasure.”
As she walked away, Riley made a gagging noise.
“Are you okay?” I asked with mock seriousness.
“Are you?” she countered. “With that level of foreplay, I’d expect you’re dealing with a severe case of blue balls right now.”
I snorted. “Foreplay? If you think that was foreplay, your previous sexual encounters must have been quite disappointing.”
“Does that include you?” she tilted her head playfully.
“Careful, Banks. It’s starting to sound like you are jealous of Macy the Waitress.”
Riley ignored it. “Is she your type?”
“My type?” I thought for a second. “No. Too obvious.”
“What is your type then?” Riley took a sip of her scotch and I couldn’t take my eyes off her full, red lips as they pressed against the clear glass. I was more than a little envious of that glass.
“You,” I said. “You are my type.”
She scoffed. “Be honest. Stop trying to charm me.”
“I’m not trying to charm you, Riley.” I thought for a second about the best way to convince her. “I like women that are smart and aren’t afraid to let other people know it. I like women th
at can flirt and tease just as easily as they breathe. I like women that wear classy black dresses to dinner, but make sure to wear sexy lingerie underneath.”
From the quick flush of her cheeks, I knew that I had gotten that one right. And I really wanted to peel that dress from her body and see for myself.
“You could be describing any woman in this restaurant,” she protested.
“I like women that challenge me. Women that aren’t ashamed to be sexual and aren’t afraid to be noisy in the bedroom.” I stared hard at her and watched her eyes widen.
“I’m not noisy.” Her protest was weak. We both knew she was a loud moaner.
The waitress reappeared just then, ready to take our food orders. I went with steak and Riley ordered the salmon. Macy tried to have a flirtatious exchange with me, but I was too distracted by Riley.
“I think you hurt her feelings,” Riley teased as Macy sulked away. “You better be careful. She’s probably going to spit on your food.”
I laughed. “Probably. But that’s okay. I’ve had women do much worse to me.”
“Why did you ask me to dinner?” she said, quickly changing the subject.
“Because I wanted to spend more time with you.” It felt so obvious that I was surprised she had to ask. “Try as I might, I can’t get you out of my head.”
“I know the feeling,” she muttered, not looking pleased. “It would probably be easier to get me out of your head if we stopped spending time together.”
I took a long drink of bourbon, enjoying the soft burn as it coated my throat. “That’s not exactly an option anymore.”
“I really can’t be doing this,” she said. “If the partners at the firm knew that I was having a social dinner with you, they would fire me.”
“I don’t plan to tell them.” I didn’t like the serious look in her eyes. She was about to put her defensive walls back up. “Let’s worry about work tomorrow. Tonight, let’s just enjoy each other’s company.”
“How do we do that?”
“Tell me about yourself. Where are you from originally?” Normally, I didn’t care for small talk, but I found myself surprisingly interested in learning everything about Riley.
She answered stiffly. “Iowa. Parksville.”
Something Moore (Forever Moore Book 1) Page 3
