Page 8 of Seduce Me in Shadow

Aquarius points animatedly to a bright yellow box with a kitschy floral ribbon. Before she can thrust it into my hands, I tear into another. I adore my assistant, but she has a penchantfor gifts that often induce snickers and shock. I’d rather open hers in private.

Sighing, Aquarius pours cups of her infamous home-blended herbal tea as I plow through all the brightly wrapped boxes. A pair of delicate silver earrings, a relaxing massage at a local day spa, and a sumptuous Italian silk scarf trimmed in blue crushed velvet. Jamie gives me a gift certificate for a large pizza and Netflix discount code—both of which he’ll likely insist I share. Prat.

Caden hands me a somewhat impersonal card and a small box of gourmet chocolates. It’s lovely…though I would have preferred an indecent proposal. It’s been an age since I’ve had a shag, much less a decent one. And I’ve never been as attracted to a man as I am to him.

“Thank you, everyone. I’m genuinely touched. You shouldn’t have gone to such trouble,” I tell the group.

“We want to show you how much we appreciate you,” Leslie insists.

Wrapping paper and greeting cards litter the table when only the package from Aquarius remains. My assistant practically vibrates with excitement. “Last one. Open this! It’s from me.”

“You baked and organized and still got me something? You shouldn’t have.”

With the butterfly tattoo on her shoulder and her asymmetrical mesh-and-lace blouse that looks like something from Stevie Nicks’s wardrobe, Aquarius doesn’t dress like a typical assistant. She refuses to make coffee—too full of chemicals and caffeine. And she despises technology. But Aquarius has a knack for stories, for juggling my hectic schedule, fielding the editor-in-chief, soothing paranoid readers, and keeping internal strife at a minimum.

Despite being total opposites, she and I have become good friends.

“Are you two going to start snogging, or are you opening that?” Jamie hollers.

After tossing another glare his way, I focus on the gift. It’s square and slightly heavy, wrapped in yellow linen. I study the loud ribbon, wondering whether the present is safe to unwrap in polite company.

“Go on!” Aquarius insists excitedly.

An odd anticipation revs through me as I pluck at the silky bow and tear through the wrapping to reveal…an old book. The red leather cover is framed in a gilt filagree design and some sort of scripty-looking symbol. I try to hide my confusion, but I’ve been told I should never play poker.

Aquarius laughs. “Read the card inside.”

With a shrug, I open the little volume and flip through the empty, ever-so-slightly yellowed pages. Caden elbows in and gives the book an eye-popping stare as I thumb my way to the middle and locate a white square of card stock emblazoned with a fancy script that reads:

On these magical pages, spill your sensual fantasy, soon, your wishes will become reality.

A kiss, a touch, a whisper-whatever you most desire, in the arms of your lover, pleasure will burn hotter than fire.

Wait. Aquarius believes this unassuming little book makes sexual fantasies come true? I would love that, and I believe in magic, but this little volume in my hands?

Impossible.

Caden wedges his way through the crowd until he’s beside me, gaping at the book. His musky, woodsy scent never fails to drive me mad. How can any man smell so clean and yet like the dirtiest sex?

“May I see that?” he demands more than asks, reaching for the red volume.

“If you like.”

Before I’ve even finished speaking, he snatches it from me, pinging with tension.

I sigh. Yesterday, he looked right past the low-cut black jumper I wore to snag his attention. This old book? He’s enraptured.

Aquarius grabs my hand with a secretive smile. “Syd, do you understand? It’s?—”

“A crappy old book,” Jamie hollers, edging in behind me. “What kind of boring gift is that?”

“I appreciate everything everyone’s given me,” I say through clenched teeth, then address the rest of the staff. “Thank you. I’ve had a lovely birthday. Let’s get back to work. Deadlines don’t care that I’m another year older.” Maybe that will make Jamie shove off.

With murmurs about lots to do and so little time, the small crowd files out of the conference room. Unfortunately, Jamie lingers. Aquarius remains, as does Caden, who still intently studies the book.

Jamie drops a hand on my hip and slides it toward my backside. “You know, if you want something special for your birthday, I’ll make time for you this weekend.”

Does he think I’m eager to shag him? I can’t fathom ever beingthatdesperate.

---