Page 30 of Dangerous Pursuit

God knows, my attraction hasn’t cooled down. The more I’m around her, the more it grows. She’s gorgeous, number one, but after witnessing her competence at work and discovering her incredible poker skills, she’s enough to make any man fall at her feet. And therein lies the problem—she’s not old enough for any man, let alone me. I’m counting the days until she will be, with the date already highlighted on my calendar. As for now, it’s time for round two of Operation Nice Guy.

“Mia, can I see you for a minute?” I say over the intercom and hear the responding, ‘Be right there.’

We never did recover from the ‘eye-contact orgasm’ incident, as Braden calls it, with the door staying closed since—albeit unnecessarily, because I’ve had no more office visits of that nature. In fact, I haven’t had much of anything because nothingseems to satisfy me anymore. I’ve gotten off to that memory more times than I can count, whether by my hand or someone else—which, as I said, hasn’t been often. In hindsight, it’s probably a good thing the door remains closed; otherwise, I’d be tuned in to her every move and never get a damn thing done.

“Come in,” I respond to a light knock on the door.

My physical reaction when she walks toward me never lessens. If it weren’t for the desk to hide the erection I get every time, she’d know just how strong my attraction is.

“What can I do for you?” And then there’s that—the way my dick wants to manipulate everything out of her mouth into something sexual.

I clear my throat before replying. “I need you to gather information for a few properties I’ll be looking at in Montana. I made a list for each one. It might take some digging to track everything down, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

“Will do. I’ll let you know if I hit any roadblocks. Anything else?” She takes the list I hand her, ready to retreat.

“Yeah. I’m heading to Bozeman next weekend to view the buildings in person, and I booked you a ticket to go with me.”

“You what?” Her eyes go wide.

“I’d like you to be there so you can take notes and keep track of questions, concerns, pros, cons, and anything else relevant. Are you good with that?”

“You didn’t think to ask me first? I… I can’t just leave. I have responsibilities.” She’s practically panicking. I expected surprise, but not this. I figured she’d be thrilled to go on a business trip. Most assistants would jump at the chance.

“What kind of responsibilities? It’s summer, and this is your only job, right?” I’m curious to hear what she comes up with.

“Well, I make dinner for my mom every night. I have a date next weekend. And Walker and I are going out to celebrate my birthday.” She’s grasping for excuses.

“I’m sure your best friend anddatewould understand rescheduling for a work commitment. As for dinners, I’d be happy to pay for a service if that’s the sticking point. Like I said, it would be nice for you to be there so I don’t have to reiterate everything when I get back. Can you make it happen?”

The contemplative look on her face as she turns her head to the side to think lets me know I’m making headway. “If it’s that important to you, let me see what I can do. The meal service isn’t necessary. I’ll make extra in advance if I go.”

“Why do you make dinners? Does your mom not cook?”

This question brings her straight from annoyed to downright angry, causing her to lay into me before I can backtrack. So much for the nice approach.

“My mom works her butt off cleaning all day to support us. She shouldn’t have to shoulder that alone, but she does. The last thing I want is for her to come home to cook and clean more. It’s called caring for someone else, in case you aren’t familiar with the sentiment.” She’s fierce when she’s pissed. I like it.

“Are you as talented at cooking as playing poker and being an executive assistant?” I need to get back on track with her. Mr. Nice Guy has some ground to cover.

“Uhhh…” I’ve finally rendered her speechless.

“I’m just trying to find out if there’s anything you’renotgood at.” I smile, imagining other things we could check off that list.

“Well, it’s pretty easy to follow a recipe, so if that’s all it takes, then sure.”

“You’re talented and modest then. Listen, Mia, I’d like you to join me on this trip. Will you please try to make it happen?” I ask earnestly.

She’s thinking, and I can practically see the debate taking place in her mind before she sighs dramatically. “Okay, fine. Send me the itinerary so I can let my mom know and plan ahead.I’ll try to reschedule the other stuff. When do you want all this information?” She holds up the list.

“Have it by the time we leave to review during the flight. That’ll give you plenty of time to find everything. I’ll forward you the ticket right away so you have the details. And Mia, thank you… I promise I’ll make it worth your while.” I wink—might as well start planting the seed.

“Uh… the experience alone is worth it. I’m sorry I reacted the way I did. I know this is a good opportunity, and you don’t have to thank me since you really didn’t give me much choice. I’ll get started on this list.” She takes her leave after that and shuts the door behind her.

Happy to have that settled, I go online to book our tickets. I told her I’d already booked, thinking she’d be more likely to say yes. Next, I call the hotel Cici suggested and make sure to request adjoining rooms. With Mia turning eighteen right before we leave, nothing prevents me from making a move. She must be aware of my attraction from my behavior over the past couple of months. From grinding into her at poker to climaxing while staring at her, I’d say it’s pretty obvious.

Next on the list is taking care of Mia’s birthday dinner next week. I call the restaurant my parents told me about to verify they have the reservation and leave my card on file to pay for everything. And because I know the owner, I request someone to text me when they’re finishing the main course.

Eli: TGIF, plan for tonight?

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