Page 33 of Remembering Passion

“You.”

Damien pulled back his hand. “This is a valid offer and one that will benefit Beta Kappa Phi.” He grinned his sexy smirk. “I’ll have to up my negotiation. Spend time with Johnathon now. Then the two of us will continue this discussion tonight at seven thirty.”

Standing, I asked, “Why did you hire a male assistant?” The question slipped out before I could stop it.

“I hired a competent assistant,” Damien replied smugly. “Gender wasn’t a qualifying consideration.”

“Listen to you,” I mused. “You almost sound—”

“Don’t let the façade fool you. I like control where I like it.”

Tilting my head, I lifted a brow. I was experienced in where Damien liked control.

He went on, “I’m a man who knows what he wants and how he wants it. I surround myself with the best individuals to accomplish those goals. You left an incredibly large void.” He reached for my hand. “I’m hoping we can work out a mutually beneficial agreement that will also accomplish my goal.”

Taking my hand back, I asked, “Do you think that we can keep it professional?”

“That isn’t part of my goal.”

Inhaling, I watched his smirk.

“That said,” he went on, “we can keep it both. I’m confident that we’re both capable of multitasking.”

“What if I were to say yes to the business” —because honestly, the coalition thing was impressive, and I was already thinking of ways to integrate Beta Kappa Phi— “but no to the multitasking? Will you accept my terms?”

“Of course.”

“You will?” I asked, surprised.

“If that’s the deal I can get, I’ll take it. And then I’ll work to prove to you that you truly want to multitask. I’ve been known to be both stubborn and persuasive.” He looked again at the table and lowered his tone. “For example, I could lift you to the edge of the table right now. Hike up that skirt…” His deep baritone timbre caused my breathing to hitch. “All you’d need to do is spread those sexy legs, and I’d take care of the rest.”

“Damien.” I wanted him to stop. At the same time, my mind filled with images of what he described. Looking up, I met his gaze. “Your question earlier?”

His brow furrowed as if he was trying to recall what he’d asked.

“About Saturday night,” I prompted.

“You didn’t sleep well.”

I lifted my chin. “I did enjoy being with you. Sex was never our problem.”

His eyes simmered like hot blue coals. “Perhaps we should concentrate on our strengths.”

The combination of the way he was looking at me, his raspy timbre, and memories of Saturday night had my insides twisting. Standing, I shook my head. “One negotiation at a time.”

Damien shook his head. “Success, Ms. Crystal, involves the ability to—”

“Multitask,” I interrupted.

He leaned closer. “Sweetheart, I smell your arousal. Multitasking could—in no time—get you the orgasm you didn’t allow me to give you the other night.”

Despite my tightening core and beading nipples, I pressed my thighs together and attempted to sound unaffected. “I would rather have you in my debt.”

“I doubt you’d rather. If I were a betting man, I’d bet your panties are wet.” He shook his head. “That’s a discussion for another time.” He gestured toward the door. “Are you ready for Johnathon?”

As the wanton fog of his multitasking surrounded us, we walked toward the door. My mind tried to filter all that had been said. I turned to him. “I can’t start working here tomorrow. I have an office and responsibilities.”

“We can discuss details tonight.”

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