Page 67 of I Blame the Club

“Have you had a chance to look at the CEO Update, Steven?”

He glares at a spot on his screen, “I don't have time to read the internal newsletters.”

“You should make time. Last month’s newsletter informed us that the blimp in our data was the result of a cyber-attack. OnceIT resolves the issue, our data should realign itself with the rest of the report.”

Leaning back in my seat, I wait for his response with a slow sip of water. I spot Cory’s laughing face among the attendance gallery and resist the urge to smirk.

Steven shifts uncomfortably, “I see. In that case, I suppose we can proceed as normal.”

“Perfect. Ensure you read all the internal newsletters moving forward.” Taking off my headset, I log out of the meeting just in time to hear a knock at my door.

I frown, checking my phone for any guest alerts. Only residents have access to the upper floor so either a delivery guy got confused or one of my neighbours is stopping by for a favour.

Pushing back my chair, I walk out of my home office and open the door.

“Babe, I was thirty seconds from turning around and leaving. You gotta work on that recovery time.”

Nico grins and something uncomfortable presses against my chest.

“Morning practice isn’t until tomorrow. What do you want, Montez?”

He scans me from head to toe, those dark eyes undressing me every step of the way. A low whistle escapes his mouth.

“I want you out of those clothes. Why are you dressed like my perfect CEO fantasy?”

I raise a brow, “I just finished a meeting.”

Nico leans to the side and peers into my apartment.

“You work from home?”

I step to the side, blocking his view, “At the moment I do.”

He pulls a face, “Then why are you wearing pants?”

“Excuse me?”

“Your excused.” Nico points to my dress pants, the dark material pressed to perfection, “Rule number one of workingfrom home is to never wear pants. You put on a respectable top and rock your birthday suit below. It’s the freedom of technology.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

He shrugs, “Not as ridiculous as dressing up when no one will see you.”

Irritation builds under my skin and I feel my nostrils flare. Waking up to an empty bed the other day left me in a foul mood and for some reason I’m still not back to normal.

I turn my attention back to the Latino taking up too much of my headspace.

“Why are you here, Montez?”

His smile falters, the arrogant confidence slipping for just a moment.

“I wanted to apologize for slipping out yesterday.” I blink in surprise and Nico hurries to continue, “Not that I thought you were looking for a relationship, it’s just I felt shitty leaving you like that so… yeah.”

I pause, letting the words sink in. If any of my other hookups had pulled this stunt, I would have blocked their ass before they made it back to the lobby. But this feels different.

Nico is different.

“How did you make it past the elevators?”

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