Page 20 of Office Affairs

Sabrina dropped Garrett’s hand and strode into the hotel with her chin up and a soft smile teasing her plump lips. The ride over had been almost silent, all of us wound tighter than coiled springs as we waited. She’d been polite but a bit standoffish. Probably because we kept looking at her like we wanted to devour her.

The doorman opened the door for Sabrina and she nodded her thanks before marching to the front desk. “Grady checking in.”

The man behind the counter looked Sabrina over, his expression slightly incredulous but somehow managing to sneer at the same time. “Do you have a reservation?”

I held out a hand, planting my palms on Russell and Garrett simultaneously when they both started to rush forward. “Wait.”

“What the hell?” Garrett fumed beside me.

“Wait.” I wasn’t about to let some pompous jackass get the better of Sabrina, but I’d noticed the way her weight shifted forward and her chin lifted even higher. She loved a challenge, and damned if I was going to interfere with her fun. “Give her a minute.”

Russell’s chest rumbled under my hand, and the soft sound of his chuckle caused Garrett’s jaw to clench hard enough I heard his teeth pop.

“Would I tell you I was checking in if I didn’t have a fucking reservation?” Sabrina’s low, dusky voice infiltrated the room. “Stop staring at my tits and look at your computer, asshole. You’ll find the reservation under Chase Grady. Think you can spell that or do I need to do it for you?”

The man blanched white beneath his starched shirt. “Chase Grady?”

Sabrina scoffed and began to turn. “Forget it. I can see we’re not wanted here.” She took out her phone. “I’ll call Regency Air. I’m sure they’ll be more accommodating.”

“No.” The man held up a hand, his other flying furiously over the keyboard. “I have your reservation here. Four rooms. Penthouse suites for the weekend.” His cheeks flushed bright red. “Please accept my apologies,” he said as he held out a stack of keycards. “Your stay comes with a complimentary breakfast.”

Sabrina took the cards and turned on her heel. She waved a hand over her shoulder. “Maybe next time a woman walks in, you won’t automatically assume she’s destitute because she’s wearing jeans. Get yourself up to speed on fashion. I shouldn’t have to waltz in wearing a ten-thousand-dollar dress to get my room key.” She eyed me and winked. “It’s not like you require your male guests to check in wearing tuxes to prove they’re wealthy enough to stay here.”

“Damn.” Garrett melted, taking a backward step. “Girl’s got fire.”

“She is fire,” I corrected him. And she was going to send us all to hell if we were not careful. I’d willingly take the heat to feel her sizzle.

“Let’s go.” She cocked her head to the side and waved the cards. Once we stood close enough, she whispered, “I’ve never stayed in a penthouse suite before. Can’t wait.” She squealed and danced in place, spinning around on her way into the elevator.

The sight of her happiness twisted something inside me. I’d never felt this before. Not for any woman. It made me want to promise her the world on a silver platter. I tamped down the thought and pressed the button for the penthouse.

“I’m sorry you didn’t bring Keith,” Russell spoke into the quiet.

Sabrina stilled. Her gaze darted around, looking almost panicked. “I …”

“Maybe next time.” I gave her a reassuring smile. “Once you see how these work retreats operate you’ll have a better understanding, and you might be willing to bring him along.” My heart pinched at the look of relief on her face. “If there’s ever anything you need, for you or Keith, we’re happy to help.”

Her face hardened at that. She turned that stubborn tilt of her chin on me. “We don’t need help.”

Low and solemn, her tone cut through me.

I’d wanted to show her I cared, but it backfired in a big fucking way. “I’m not trying to make you feel obligated. That’s not …” I stopped and swallowed. “Forget it.” I’d never explained myself to anyone before and I’d be damned if I started now. I had feelings for Sabrina. That was obvious. That did not mean I’d fall to my knees and beg her to be with me or to let me take care of her. She had a stubborn pride that I appreciated. It made her strong. Only a bastard would take that away from her by making her feel less than for feeling like she traded sex for domestic help. Though, wasn’t that what was happening this weekend?

The doors opened and we all hesitated before Russell took the first step from the elevator. “Everyone get settled. We’ll meet up in a few hours to talk strategy.”

“This is me.” I pointed my keycard at the door straight ahead. Russell’s room was in the center next to mine, Garrett’s was on the far left, and Sabrina’s was on the far right. “All the rooms are adjoining, and we have the whole floor to ourselves.” It’s what we always did when we came here. It cut down on interruptions.

This weekend, I hoped for all the interruptions as long as they included time with Sabrina.

Russell walked away, keeping pace beside Sabrina.

Garrett stood with me and watched them go. “She’s something else.”

“That’s why I hired her.” I made myself remember that she was an employee. “She has that young, energetic spirit that is great for the company.” Again, I pushed my mind to accept reality. Sabrina was half my age. That alone should be enough to keep me from pining after her like some lovestruck schoolboy.

I’d grown up and matured enough to recognize the sexual attraction between us.

“You’re pissing in the wind, Chase.” Garrett slapped my shoulder. “You and I both know that you’re watching her ass the same way we both know that our rule about interpersonal relationships was a way to keep employees from coming onto us all the time. We never dreamed this might happen.” He motioned at Sabrina.

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