Page 27 of XOXO

“I’ll get you copies sent and we will retain the original.” She stood and put her hand out. I took it and low in my gut something stirred. Her hand was so small and soft but felt perfect in mine.

Bash stood and Tango followed with his hand on the small of her back. When they got to the door, she turned once more. “My office is two doors down in case you need anything while you’re around. The boys stay busy some days but I’m usually here during business hours.”

Adi smiled and stood. “Thanks. I’ll be in and out but good to know I have someone to show me around.”

Tango started to follow Bash but said, “Stone, don’t be rude. Show the lady around. She needs to see what she’ll be working on.”

I grinned and he shot me a quick bird before he closed the door.

“So, want to see the place?”

She grabbed her bag from the floor and put the notebook inside then put the strap on her shoulder. She was taller, sporting heels with her power suit. “Excellent. I’m excited to work on you—I mean it!”

I stifled a laugh, but the slip of her tongue sent even more racy thoughts of her into my mind. I’d have to cool it. She was going to be working for us and I told Pipes I’d not mess with her. I still was trying to figure out what exactly that meant. Because I was a man of my word but something about her was special and surely, I didn’t agree to never pursue her…

Chapter 6

Adita

As if I wasn’t awkward enough, my own mouth betrayed me. At least it was just him and Tango and Bash had left the room. Actually, that may have been worse. He was the only one that caught my mistake. He clearly coughed to keep from laughing but I saw him fighting it.

Still, he stood by the door and waved me out to take me on the tour, so I put my chin up, clinched my thighs briefly as I straightened my blazer, then walked to the hall and waited for him to show me the way.

He strolled down the halls, showing me where Bash’s office was, then the breakroom, and several other offices. As we walked, the scent of leather and bergamot trailed behind him and I was thankful we were already walking. The friction of my own thick thighs was as good as clenching them together.

Looking him over as he showed me around, I wondered what it would be like to have his big body over me. He was stout and strong with a wide frame and a confident swagger. I had my big girl heels on today, but he easily had six or seven inches on me barefoot. Suddenly images of me with no shoes with my bare legs dangling over his broad shoulders popped in my mind and I had to fan myself.

“You alright? Can I get you a water or something?”

Of course, he turned around right as I was imagining his bearded face in between my thighs.

“Sorry, the suit is a thick material. Great for winter, but once inside it’s quite warm.” Good save, Adi. Good save.

“I’m happy to get a drink and you are welcome to take that off. We’re pretty casual around here if you hadn’t noticed.”

I unbuttoned the blazer and flapped the lapel a few times. “Thanks. I’ll be fine. I’m normally partial to warm weather. Must be nerves.” Did I just fucking say that? Think, Adi, think! “Truth be told, this is my first lead project.” That makes sense. And was true.

He waved me ahead, so I passed him, getting even more hints of his warm scent. “Really? Your blueprint was great, and your presentation made those guys look like chumps.”

I couldn’t fight the grin on my face. “Well thanks. It’s tough being a woman in the industry.”

He grunted as he flipped a switch and a new hallway appeared. It had been out of use a while from the looks of things.

“Business is booming so we need to convert this area. Nobody’s really been down here for a year or more.” His hand met the small of my back and my mouth went dry. “Watch your step.”

I carefully walked, glancing around and peeking in the spaces. “Um, what were these spaces before?”

He cleared his throat, rolling on his heels to the balls of his feet as he gripped his leather vest. “Well, this used to be a clubhouse, so the members stayed here pretty often.”

My mind raced as I thought of the books I’d read. “Clubhouse? So, you guys are a motorcycle club for real?”

A deep sigh came from Stone. “We’re a club. But not like you think. Not anymore.”

I shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. “It’s none of my business. I’m just here for the buildout, sir.”

He grunted again. If he didn’t stop that I’d have to stop by my apartment before I went back to the office.

“So, I got the grand tour. I’ll have the crew out this week if that’s fine with you.”

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