Page 103 of The Perfect Mistake

Mac drives me to the Contron skyscraper in Midtown. My heart is pounding when I enter the giant lobby, just as it had done weeks and weeks ago for my very first interview.

I stop at the reception. She gives me a sharp look.

“And who are you?”

“I work for Alec Connovan,” I say. “Here to see him.”

Her eyes narrow, but she clicks away at her computer. It only takes a few seconds. “Name?”

“Isabel Morales.”

“Great, we have your name on file. Here’s your key card. It’s valid for the entire day and will take you straight to his floor in the elevator. Please return the card to me on your way out.” Her red lips tip into a professional smile. “Enjoy your day, Ms. Morales.”

The elevator takes me up a dazzling number of levels to the top floor where Alec’s office is. I remember it from last time, the white corridor, the glass partition walls, and the framed photographs on the walls. I walk through the space like I belong here, my heart is beating now at a staccato in my chest.

His assistant nods at me and presses a button on his desk, speaking into a mic. Ms. Morales here to see you. A second later, the giant wooden door to Alec’s office swings open, revealing the bright space and the man inside.

I walk in. If people are watching me do so, I ignore them. Nothing else exists but Alec, sitting behind his giant glass desk with the skyline of Manhattan behind him.

The door shuts closed behind me.

“Hello,” I say.

A smile tips his lips. “Hi.”

“I have your wallet.”

“Thank you.” He pushes back from his desk but remains seated, his arms draped along the armrests. Silence stretches out between us, and he lifts an eyebrow in question.

And?

Right. The scene I’d made him read had me initiating it. The heroine arriving at the hero’s office, forcing him to take a break…

I drop my bag and shrug out of my coat. Nerves suddenly make my throat tight. “So this is where you work.”

“Yes,” he says. His deep voice is amused. “I’m not usually visited by beautiful young women, though.”

I slide a palm down my dress to smooth it. “That’s good to hear.”

“Mm-hmm. You look pretty.”

The compliment sends warmth through my chest, and it’s him. For all of the impressiveness of this office and the pressed suit he’s in, it’s Alec.

I walk around his desk. “Have you been working very hard?”

“Always.” His legs are spread, head back, watching me intently. “But I could use a break.”

I step between his legs and run my hand through his hair, feeling the soft strands slip between my fingers. It still feels unreal that I’m allowed to touch him like this, when he’s always seemed so untouchable. That he’s now mine in this way.

Alec grips my hips. “This dress is…”

“Good?”

“Mm-hmm. Understatement.”

I lean down to kiss him. He tastes like warm coffee and determination, and he pulls me closer with a groan. I let him tug me forward, but I don’t sit down on his lap.

I sink between his legs instead.

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