Page 17 of Entice

“Has something changed since you asked me if I would talk to Max about letting you see the club?”

“No, but this is different.” Crystal stared out the windshield at the cafe. “I want to see what the club is like, but this is…Jordan.”

“Are you saying Jordan wants to scene with you?”

Crystal took a deep breath. “I don’t know. We talked—a little—about Dominants and subs.”

Sierra squealed. “Welcome to my world.”

“You better calm down or Max will break through the bathroom door to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine, sweetie,” Sierra yelled. “Look, I can’t do this over the phone.”

“Well, I have no choice. I have to be at work in twenty minutes, and Jordan wants to talk about what it means to go to the club tomorrow night. He talked about going over another NDA and background check before I can go to the club.”

“Okay. The NDA is easy, as is the background check. You’ll pass with flying colors.” Sierra’s long breath floated over the airwaves. “Listen, be honest with him. Don’t freak out. You’ll see. It’s close to the books we read, only more in-depth. Every little detail spelled out.”

“Why doesn’t that make me feel better?” Maybe she should tell Jordan to forget it. She could do the job without knowing kink. “You know how I was brought up.” While their childhoods had been different, they shared a past filled with dysfunctional family life.

“It will be fine. Listen to Jordan and follow your instincts.” Sierra lowered her voice. “Ignore the negative voices in your head. I never thought I’d find myself in the lifestyle, but Max convinced me to try, and I’m not sorry I did.”

Crystal rubbed her stomach when it grumbled. “Yeah, and I know you’re happy.”

“Deliriously.”

“Thanks, Sierra. I’ll let you get back to whatever you and Max were doing.”

Sierra laughed. “Girls’ dinner tonight. I want to hear all about this.” The line went dead, and Crystal got out of her vehicle. Coffee and food were the first order of business, but her mind kept focusing in on Sierra’s words:Follow your instincts.

After getting coffee and food, Crystal made her way to the office. She stepped out of her SUV and walked around to the passenger side. Before she could open the door, someone walked up to her car. Her head jerked up. Jordan stood there in all his tall, handsome, overwhelming glory.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s okay.” Her heart pounded, and she wanted to believe it was from the fright he gave her not how damn sexy the man looked in slacks and a polo shirt. She reached in and grabbed her bag, slung it over her shoulder, then reached back in for the coffee tray and box of food.

“Let me help.” Jordan took the coffee tray from her and stepped back.

Crystal smiled. “Thank you.” She shut the door and locked her vehicle.

“It was nice of you to stop for treats.” He eyed the box and the tray of coffee cups. “You do know there is a pot in the break room,” he said as they walked side-by-side into the building.

“I do.” The elevator opened, and they stepped in. “But I love the way Lara makes a cafe mocha, and who can resist her carrot cake muffins?”

Jordan’s laugh was rich and deep, sending shivers of awareness over her skin. “There are three cups here.”

“Yep. One for me, a latte for Valerie, and an espresso for you.” The elevator arrived at their floor, and she stepped out with Jordan following.

“Good morning,” Valerie said when they entered the reception area.

“Morning.” Crystal turned and pulled one of the cups out of the holder. “Your latte and muffin.” She handed both to Valerie.

“Thank you so much. I was running late again today, so I forgot to stop.” Valerie looked at Jordan. “I’ve cleared your schedule for this morning.”

“Thank you, Valerie.” Jordan looked at Crystal. “Shall we get started?”

Damn. He wasn’t even going to give her a chance to gather her scattered thoughts. “I guess. Let me put the food in the break room, leave my bag in my office, and grab a note pad.”

“Of course. Conference room one.” He opened the box and stole a muffin, then took the coffee tray from her and sauntered away.

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