Page 22 of The Cocky Neighbor

"Half the time you tease me and act like you hate me, but then the other times… It makes me think that you might even like me."

"But Idolike you," I blurted. Eric gave me the deer in the headlights look as he hung his mouth open at my words.Shit. I wasn't supposed to say that. I cleared my throat and attempted to fix my blunder. "I mean, I like you as a person. And considering that we'll be seeing each other at the hotel, we should at least get along with each other, right?"

"Right," Eric agreed. He paused as he considered something then said, "Also, what we did last week was a mistake. It was a line that we shouldn't have crossed no matter how—" his burning eyes looked me up and down "—attractive we find each other. I think it's best if we keep things strictly professional going forward." He finished by clearing his throat and flicking his gaze away from me.

My heart dropped at his words. This was exactly the opposite of what I'd wanted. I'd come into his office knowing there was a chance that he'd never want anything to do with me again, but when he'd accepted my apology, the hope rose again just to be crushed in an instant. I wanted him under me again, to see his face come apart with the pleasure that I brought him, but if that was completely off the table, I'd settle with whatever I could take.

"My thoughts exactly."

SIXTEEN

ERIC

I didn't know what I expected Liam to say, but agreeing to keep this strictly professional so easily kinda stung, if I was being completely honest. I knew it was the right choice of action, but it had me wondering if ignoring the attraction that had been brewing between us since the moment he waltzed into my hotel was that easy for him, because it definitely wasn't for me.

When he said he'd liked me, the way my heart quickened was unmistakable. It was a dangerous slope that I needed to shut down, and quickly, so I did the only thing that made sense to me. I pushed him away, because whatever was happening between us couldn't happen. I didn't want anything serious, and if I needed to release some steam, I could find someone a whole lot less complicated to do it with than my boss.

So why does his answer bother me so much?

"Fine. Good. Exactly what I want to hear," I replied. My hands felt antsy, so I crossed my arms to do something with them.

"Are you angry?" Liam asked, probably confused by my sudden change in mood. He wasn't the only one confused, and I couldn't explain the sourness that was lingering in my stomach, so I switched the subject.

"Not at all," I said, trying to sound less pissed than I was actually feeling. "And since we're clearing the air, I should probably let you know that I didn't, in fact, change the linens. As manager, I saw no need to waste the perfectly good ones we currently have. I had house cleaning place the new ones you ordered in storage for future use."

Liam's jaw clenched but he didn't say anything. I could see the irritation flowing from him, but he took a deep breath and tried to rein it in. Was it messed up that seeing him like this alleviated some of the anger I was feeling?

To my surprise, he didn't argue about not getting his way. He let out another puff of air before smiling. "Fine. Good," he said, copying what I'd said earlier. "It's just as well, anyway. I suppose not being wasteful is better for the environment."

"Exactly," I said with a genuine smile. "I'm so glad you're finally seeing things my way."

He leaned forward in his seat and rested his chin on his hands. "Since we're getting things off our chests, why don't you tell me what else you'd like me to see your way?" He delivered the smooth words with an authoritative tone that had my heart thumping loudly against my chest.I had to avert my eyes or else I'd show just how much I liked it.

I had to keep things professional.

"Since you're open to discussion, perhaps you'll finally reconsider your stupid phone rule," I said and instantly winced. Maybe calling his rule "stupid" wasn't the smartest thing to do, especially when he was being so amiable. Fortunately, his smile only deepened.

"Stupid, huh?" he asked with a twinkle in his eyes. "I don't see what needs to be discussed considering no one deemed it necessary to comply with that 'stupid' rule anyway."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I feigned innocence. "We did exactly what you asked. No one is carrying their phones on their person."

He narrowed his eyes as he watched me. I didn't back down and held his gaze. I didn't have a guilty conscience about my actions. I was only doing what was best for my staff.

When it seemed like he wasn’t going to say anything anytime soon, I spoke up, "Look, I get that you only want what's best for the hotel, but I can promise you that our employees having their phones on them won't affect their productivity. In fact, having to go to the lobby every time they need to check their phones is probably cutting into their work time more than anything else."

He didn't seem too convinced, so I continued, "Why don't we just give them a chance, and you can see the results for yourself. If anyone is abusing their phone privilege, I will personally take responsibility. You can issue whatever punishment you see fitting."

A sly smile appeared on his cocky face at my words. His eyes moved down to my lips as he licked his own. "Whatever punishment I see fitting, huh?"

I swallowed the sudden saliva that pooled in my mouth as I bobbed my head up and down while trying not to look like an idiot. He had to know how he was affecting me and must be doing this on purpose.

He leaned in closer, and my breath caught in my throat. Memories of how his lips tasted flashed in my mind and almost had me popping a boner despite just agreeing that we'd keep things professional.

I hated the fact that I wanted another taste of him. Usually, I never went back for seconds with hookups, but maybe it was because he'd left before things could actually get going that I couldn't help but crave more.

Just as I was about to close my eyes and take the kiss I wanted—professionalism be damned—he stood. I glanced up to find him looking at me with a knowing smile. The fucker knew exactly what he was doing but acted like nothing had happened.

"Fine. We'll do as you say and do the trial run. Be prepared for punishment if work efficiency decreases."

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