Page 57 of Unexpected Hero

“An existing system?”

“No. They’re looking for a custom design. I have some introductory specs from them, but they’ll need to have a sit down with you.”

I’m not spiritual or into signs or fate. Those things aren’t logical.

But right now? I’m starting to wonder if some mystical guardian angel of good sense is intervening to stop me from making this monumental fuck up with Lettie. If I have to go back to work, that’s gotta be a sign.

“Tonight?”

“Nope. They have kids and shit, so they’re done for the day. I’m just giving you a heads-up. I expected you to be in the office, but I’m glad you aren’t. You need some time off. Especially with all the shit going wrong lately.”

I shake my head, giving my eyes a roll. “HQ doesn’t run itself, Boss. You know that.”

“Yeah. That’s why I’m still here.” His exhale crackles the line. “Well, I’ll catch up with you tomorrow. Enjoy your night.”

“You too.”

So maybe it wasn’t some mystical divine intervention as much as it was a reminder to keep my hands, dick, and rope to myself. Because Boss is her fucking father.

By the time I pull into a parking space a few spots down from Lettie’s car, I’ve got my head on straight. Tonight is about helping her get a safe job. I’ll explain the opportunity to her and let her make a decision.

Nothing less. Nothing more.

All business.

If she wants more from me, I’ll tell her I’m only willing to be her friend. Although friendship is new for me, I’d attempt to be that for her if it’s what she needs.

Her tanned legs, exposed below the hem of a flowery sundress, catch my immediate attention when I shift into park. Fuck. She’s standing with her back to the brick side of the hotel building, her attention on her phone. Her hair is down, hanging in long waves that do nothing to conceal the exposed skin of her shoulders.

I say again, fuck.

Not another sundress.

I’m her friend. Mentor. Sponsor at Bask.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

And while I’m giving myself a pep talk, I add the customary reminder not to be creepy.

Lettie must hear the frenzied pounding of my heart because she looks up and smiles, bold and bright.

She probably heard the car, but whatever.

After pressing off the wall, she shoots me a half wave, then tucks her hair behind her ear on one side.

I want to run my fingers through those glossy strands, twist them around my wrist, and give her head a nice tug, exposing the column of her throat to me so I can run my tongue over her flesh and watch her shiver.

So much for having my head on straight. One look at her and I’m fantasizing about all the things I could do to her curvy, heavenly body.

Aphro-fucking-dite, have mercy on me.

Shaking off the fog of bad ideas with three quick blinks, I exit my car and join her on the sidewalk. “Hey, Violet.”

She wrinkles her perfect, slender nose and narrows her sapphire eyes at me. “I thought I asked you to call me Lettie. Did you forget already?”

I cup my mouth, hiding a grin at her sassy tone. “No, I remember.”

Hell, I remember everything about our time together the other day. Not to mention all the moments I’ve watched over her during the last month.

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