Page 31 of Caged Heat

Beaming, I stood quickly, picked up my bag, and grabbed her things, helping her collect her trash. I ushered her out of the secluded spot and dropped my hands once we were out in the open. I shoved mine in my pockets to keep myself from reaching out to touch her. We walked side-by-side back into the building, entering the south wing.

We didn’t talk; the tension between us grew with each step we took. When we entered the HR department, I took the lead, knocking on the door.

“Good afternoon, Jane.” She turned at my voice, smiling as she took us both in.

“Hello, what can I do for you, Mr. Powers?”

“We’d like to submit a form for our files,” I said, pulling mine out and handing a pen to Ella. Her cheeks were red, but she took it, signed her name to the sheet, and added mine. Once she completed it, I took them both and handed them across the desk.

Jane looked them over, keeping her face neutral as she signed off and then stamped them. She glanced up, a smile on her face. “You’re all set. If your relationship status changes at any time, just let us know, and we’ll void these.”

“Thanks, Jane.” I nodded and took Ella’s hand to lead her out. Once we were back in the main area, I dropped her hand as much as it pained me. We walked quietly to the marketing department. When we stopped on her floor, Laurel smiled as she spotted us.

“Oh, there you are, JP.”

“Hi, Laurel. Eleanor and I are headed to my office to discuss Closets Galore. Did you need anything from us?”

She glanced at me and Ella, who stood frozen. “Perfect. I wanted to see how it was coming along. Keep me apprised of the status.”

“Will do.”

Ella slipped away and grabbed her things from her desk. Even though I wanted to see her area, I decided it would be better to keep a little distance from all the other girls looking on. So I pulled out my phone and waited by the door. I could understand her hesitation now and would do everything I could to protect her reputation.

She met me a few minutes later with a bag over her shoulder. We walked together to the other side of the building, my hand itching to reach out and take hers the whole way. When we stepped onto my floor, I smiled at Deanna.

“Ella, this is Deanna. The most amazing assistant there ever was,” I cooed, smiling.

“Pish posh, boy. I already bought myself something pretty. You don’t have to build me up with the pretty words, too. Save them for your lady friend.” She turned to Ella and gave her an assessing gaze. “It’s lovely to meet you, Eleanor. He's a good egg, despite what you might hear about this one.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.” Ella smiled, her shoulders relaxing. “I’m glad he has someone looking out for him.”

“You two be good. I’m going to take an early evening. Your calls are still off, Jackson.” She winked, and my cheeks heated, but I could practically kiss her as I herded Ella into my office.

As soon as the office door shut, the tension ramped tenfold, and we collided into a tangle of arms.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ELEANOR

Jackson’s body pressed into mine, my back hitting the door as his lips crashed against mine. The second he’d offered me a solution for my fears with work, my protests had dried on my lips, and I’d been eager to follow him anywhere.

Internally, I yelled at my weak self for falling right into his arms the minute he’d laid his shimmering eyes on me. But outwardly, I couldn’t deny how good it felt to be held against him, his tongue tangling with mine.

“God, I missed this,” he hissed, pulling away to drop kisses along my jaw.

I couldn’t answer, my head spinning from the lust coursing through me. Never in my life had I felt this turned on, and I was almost worried something was wrong with me. But it had to be Jackson and August. They’d awoken something in me, and I wasn’t ready for it to end.

“Legs up,” Jackson barked two seconds before he gripped my hips and lifted me. My eyes widened as I scrambled to wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist.

“What?” I cried, his deep chuckle stopping the question as he walked with purpose further into the room.

“I’m suddenly so glad I had this room soundproofed,” he mumbled, kissing my neck. My body vibrated with need as his fingers bit into my ass, where he held me. Jackson dropped me down onto the desk, his lips returning to mine a second later. Feeling the need to at least pretend to put up some fight, I drew back as I caught my breath.

“This was exactly what I was worried about,” I sighed, extending my neck so he could have better access.

“Right. I’ll stop,” he said, drawing back. A whimper left me, and he smirked, and I knew then he’d done that on purpose.

“Meanie,” I teased, slapping his arm.

---