Page 19 of Mid-Thirties Slightly Hot Mess Female Seeking Billionaire

"Really?"

"You’re in your beginning dance attire. Though, I assume the club expects you to dress up a bit more than this." He waves his hand at my outfit like a game show model. "But I guess it makes the transformation even more powerful."

"I have to get inside and do some work," I say stiffly. I hold my handbag to my side and nod my head at him. I can feel a warm hue on my face. "Have a good day, Mr. Rosser."

"I’ll be down in the copywriting department later." He nods, a thin smile on his face. "Perhaps I shall see you then."

"Perhaps you shall," I say formally. Too formally for someone who was giggling about wearing thongs not twenty-four hours prior to that.

I move toward the entrance and realize that he’s walking beside me. I sneak a peek at his side profile as he holds the door open for me.

"Thanks," I say curtly and walk through. I fully expect him to give me a snideyou’re welcome, but he doesn’t respond. He holds the door open for a few more people and I continue to the elevator by myself. My heart is racing from the interaction, and I feel like I need to splash my face with cold water. My body feels like it’s on fire, and I don’t want to analyze the feeling too closely. I walk into the elevator, and I’m about to bury my face in my hands and scream when it dings and the doors open again.

"Fancy seeing you again." Ethan walks into the elevator and presses the button for the top floor. "What level are you on?" he asks as his long, tan fingers hover over the numbers.

"Seventeen," I say. "Thanks."

"No worries. I should have remembered that." He presses the number and steps back. "Copywriting is seventeen."

"Yes, I’m in the copywriting department," I say as if we both don’t already know this. I should be happy that he has not forgotten me. I am a little wired by the previous interaction, though he still has a knack for irritating me in the most tantalizing way. I want to push him up against the wall and both smack and kiss him.

"And you enjoy it?"

"The seventeenth floor?"

"The copyrighting department."

"Oh." I grin. "It’s okay."

"Not as much fun as a stage, huh?"

"Well, it’s not like I’m part-time on Broadway." I shake my head and try not to roll my eyes. "I’m not the new lead inWicked."

"You’ve got the dance moves for it though."

"You don’t actually know if I do have the dance moves, if you’re quite honest. You’ve never seen me really dance."

"Is that an offer?" He raises an eyebrow, and I wonder what he’s thinking inside that handsome head of his. Is he flirting with me? He couldn’t be flirting with me. Not Ethan Rosser. He’s not a flirt. He dates a lot, but everyone knows he doesn’t seem to be big on romance or flirting. Is he trying to test me? I don’t even know how to respond. This entire encounter is blowing my mind. A part of me wants to press the emergency button and start doing a dance right then and there. He’s hot and I’d love to have my wicked way with him. "So, is it?" He takes a step toward me, his eyes crinkling as he smooths down the front of his shirt. I have no idea what I’m going to say in response.

8

Ethan

Sarah’s eyes are wide as she stares at me, and I internally ask myself why I asked her such a question. It’s not like I really want to see her dancing. As she stands dumbfounded by me, I think about the previous evening. I reflect on the fact that she looks so different with her glasses on and her hair up. No wonder I hadn’t noticed her before. However, I must admit I can still see her beauty. That’s undeniable.

"What did you just say?" she asks, her lower lip jutting out slightly. I want to suck on it. I dismiss the thought quickly. "Um, excuse me?" she snaps, and I can tell she’s intrigued and annoyed. I half expect her to tell me off.

"I was just joking, wanting to see if you were going to take that bait," I say quickly. She tilts her head to the side and considers me. I know she’s wondering if she should call me out for the obvious lie or not. I hope she does. I quite like bantering with her. It’s stimulating and something I haven’t indulged in since I took over the company.

"Okay," she says slowly, and I’m waiting for her to tell me off. Or move closer to me. "Well, just so you know, I…" The elevator beeps, and she pauses as it stops. The doors open and a petite blonde with a wide smile walks in.

"Good morning, Mr. Rosser." There’s a sassy tone to her voice as she comes to stand next to me. I can see Sarah rolling her eyes, and I smile. I want to roll my eyes, as well, but I know I can’t.

"Good morning," I say with a deft nod. Unfortunately for me, the conversation with Sarah is over. She knows it, and I know it. In fact, if I were a smart man, I never would’ve begun the conversation in the first place. "So, Sarah, will you come up to my office in about an hour?" The words are out of my mouth before I can stop myself.

"What?" she says, blinking at me, showcasing the same surprise I feel. I have no idea why I’ve just invited her to my office. Maybe it’s because I don’t want the conversation to end. Maybe it’s because I worked too late last night, and now I’ve lost my mind.

"Be in my office in an hour," I say, staring at my watch to check the time. I have two meetings I will now have to postpone due to this sudden appointment. I don’t care, and I’m not going to second-guess myself. "We have things to discuss."

---