Page 43 of Remembering Passion

I shook my head.

“What?”

“Our negotiations are not done.”

“They are,” she said with a soft smile. “I’m exhausted. I need to be to work by nine.” She tilted her head. “I hope you truly want this campaign, Damien. I believe it could be mutually beneficial, and the idea of increasing current campaigns with the finances to accomplish more of Beta Kappa Phi’s goals, well, it’s enticing.”

“I’m committed.”

“Then the representative shouldn’t matter.”

“How can you say that?” I asked. “The person matters significantly. Van and I want to know the person in this position is capable, competent, trustworthy, open to learning, courageous…and exhibits integrity. That’s you.”

“That’s quite the compliment.”

I stood and offered Ella my hand. “Shall we continue the negotiations?”

Her blue eyes narrowed. “I’m done for tonight.”

“Trust me.”

As Ella stood, I noticed the slight change in her breathing, the way her breasts pushed against her dress. She tipped her chin up, meeting my stare. “I can walk home,” she said.

“Not alone.” I lifted my hands. “I wouldn’t be a gentleman or a friend if I allowed that.”

“Carmel is safe.”

My lips curled. “You can never be too careful.”

She reached for her purse. “Wait? What about the check?”

“I took care of it.”

She turned from side to side. “When? It never arrived. I planned to pay my part.”

“It was covered before you arrived.” My hand went to the small of her back as I splayed my fingers. “Come, I have a sweet dessert planned.”

“I couldn’t eat another bite.”

Leaning closer, I whispered, “I can.”

The turmoil in her orbs was enough to whet my appetite. “I haven’t yet confirmed your good-faith gesture.”

“I gave you—”

“They weren’t the ones you wore to the office.”

Ella’s eyes grew wide as we waited for the elevator.

“Which would not be in good faith.” I tilted my head. “Do you plan on arguing?”

“No. They aren’t the same because I took a shower.”

“They weren’t worn,” I said matter-of-factly. The elevator doors opened, and we stepped in. “Shame it isn’t a longer ride.” Once the door closed, I added, “Sweetheart, I smell you and that wonderful scent isn’t coming from my hand. If the panties in my pocket had been worn, I’d imagine I’d have twice the aroma.”

Pink flowed up her neck to her cheeks.

The doors opened.

---