Page 22 of Richard

“Your office took my breath away the first time I saw it.”

“In what way?” He reclined against the cushions and stretched his long legs out as he sipped his coffee.

“The décor. The color, the ambiance. Everything about it. I am assuming you had a hand in the design?”

He looked around as if seeing it for the first time. “I did. I wanted something lavish yet simple. As soon as I started to make it in my career, I wanted somewhere I would be comfortable.

I held a lot of auditions inside this very room and one of the requirements was that it be sound proofed. It’s a complete suite with a room and bathroom and a sitting room in case I want to entertain or spend the night, which I usually do.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“I am happy you like it.” His voice deepened and had her turning her head to stare at him. What she saw there stopped her in the act of lifting the cup to her lips and had her going still.

Nerves shot through her like a lightning bolt, and the awareness couldn’t be ignored. He was seated near enough for her to feel the heat emanating from his long, lean body. Suddenly, she knew it was time for her to leave.

Setting her cup down, she jumped to her feet.

“I- It’s getting late.”

He rose as well, his movements economical and graceful, reminding her of a lion about to pounce on its prey. The analogy sent her heart pounding over time.

“I have something to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

Ignoring the panicked look on her face, he took her hand and drew her back down next to him.

“What are you thinking?”

“You don’t want to know,” she murmured shakily.

“I am afraid I do.”

“That I should be leaving. That this is inappropriate.”

“Which part?”

“Us, sitting here like this. I don’t know what you want–”

“You.”

The single word was like a cattle prod spearing through her, and for a moment, she could not respond.

“That’s not possible.”

“Why not?” He still had her hand imprisoned in his, and she could feel the incredible warmth of his skin seeping through hers. Suddenly, she was feeling hot everywhere.

“You are– I am–”Her words were jumbled together, and she was not certain she could get them out without twisting her tongue into knots. Surely this was not happening.

She felt a jolt when he lifted their joined hands and pressed his open mouth at the back of hers. The heat spiraling through her body was alarming and had her gasping softly.

“Please–”

“I want you. That’s the reason I asked you to meet me. I want us to be lovers.”

She stared at him as if he had taken leave of all his senses.

Finally gathering her thoughts and finding some semblance of composure, she lifted her chin.

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