Page 60 of Guarded King

Holding my breath, I take a step toward him, tempted to smooth my hand down his taut spine, to ease his sudden tension. But I’m not stupid enough to do anything but keep my hands to myself.

“I know that. It was…” I scan the room, hoping for inspiration, some way for us to move past this. “It was a moment of craziness for both of us. That’s all. We should forget it ever happened.”

He examines me, mouth in a tight line. “Are you comfortable with that? If you’d like me to find you another position?—”

My heart plummets. “N-no, I don’t want that.” I want to keep this job. Not only because I need the money, but because I like working here. I like working forhim. Regardless of my attraction to him, Roman makes me feel safe.

His eyes sweep my face. Then, with a succinct nod, he takes a seat behind his desk. “Have you arranged a homecare nurse for your dad?”

A smile splits my face unbidden. “I have. She’s actually coming over tonight to meet us.” Carol was lovely on the phone. With any luck, Dad will get along with her better than he does with Susan. “She’ll come with us for his first infusion this weekend.”

One side of his mouth lifts. “I’m glad to hear that.”

God, he’s too gorgeous. It’s distracting. “Is there anything else you need?”

“No. Just let me know once you’ve confirmed our final itinerary for Nice.”

The reminder of our upcoming trip together sends a thrill through me, and it’s more than just excitement about going overseas for the first time. I push the sensation down. It isn’t a particularly appropriate reaction, considering what we’ve just said to each other.

“I’m almost done. I’m just waiting on confirmation for a dinner meeting with EcoTech’s CEO on the Saturday night.”

He frowns. “A dinner meeting?”

“That’s the only availability he had. Is that a problem?”

He picks up a pen and taps it on his desk. “No, that’s fine.”

“You’d rather enjoy a night out on the town?” The question is out before I even process the thought.

Quicksilver eyes fixed on me, he leans back in his chair. “I’d rather spend my time working. Or enjoying a good whiskey.”

“Alone?”What’s gotten into me? But it’s not like I’m flirting. God, I wouldn’t even know how to flirt with a man like Roman. I’m just trying to learn more about him. For the job, of course.

His eyes flash, and he rasps a hand over his chin. “Good company is hard to find.”

“So I’ve heard.” Time to get out of here before I really stick my foot in my mouth. “I’ll let you know once the dinner is confirmed.” With that, I turn on my heel and beat a hasty retreat.

I spend the rest of the day fielding calls and finalizing Roman’s talking points for the luncheon on the second day of the expo. When five p.m. rolls around, I knock on his door and wait for his response before entering.

As I cross the threshold, he looks up from his desk. Once more, his jacket is off, and the sleeves of his shirt are rolled up. Does he know how sexy he looks like that? “Would it be okay if I left? I’d like to get home in time for the homecare nurse’s visit.”

“Of course. I hope it goes well.”

I pause at the door, gratitude welling up in me again. “Thank you for organizing this. It means a lot.”

His stern expression softens a fraction, the tension in his jaw easing. “It’s a smart business decision.”

If he thinks he’s fooling me with that line, he’s mistaken. I tilt my head to the side and smile. “Then thank you… for making such a smart business decision.”

He huffs out an almost reluctant laugh at that.

“Have a good weekend, Roman,” I say softly. “Don’t work too hard.”

For several heartbeats, I can’t look away. He’s focused on me too, the intensity seeping back into his features. Finally, I break the spell and force myself to turn and slip out.

When I get home, I make Dad an early dinner and spend a few minutes tidying up before the door buzzer goes.

“Is that her?” Dad asks from his armchair.

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