Page 16 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

“You know, it doesn’t help that you can’t stop looking at it.” He wraps the entire sheet around his waist and abruptly hops off the table, stalking toward the couch before he turns and heads back toward me.

“I can’t help it.” I duck my head. “It’s hard not to with you parading it around.”

“I’m not parading, I’m pacing.” He turns again and stomps back the way he came.

“Either way, this display is going to give me a sympathy boner and I really don’t want to give your receptionist a heart attack when I walk out of here.”

“Is that so?” Carter whirls around to face me with a grin that’s equal parts annoyed and amused. “You’ve never mentioned suffering that affliction before.”

“Because I made my escape before you started flashing it around. You need to go take care of that again,” I babble, confused by my inability to shut up.

“Yes… I do.” The tight grin turns to a coy smirk as he catches my eyes trailing down his perfect body. My tongue darts between my lips before I have the sense to stop it. His pec flexes as he tightens his grip on the sheet. “If you’re still here, does that mean you’re offering to provide inspiration?”

This is the perfect time to scoff, say no, and stomp out. But the visual of what that might look like… I can’t stop my gaze from drifting lower, or my teeth from nipping at my bottom lip as my imagination runs wild.

“And before you say it, I know. That’s not your job,” Carter reminds me with a smirk that should be illegal.

“What?” I blink him back into focus.

“You said that wasn’t part of your job… but judging by the way you’re eye-fucking me, I don’t think you’d consider it a job.”

I said that? I don’t have any memory of saying that.“Well, job or not, that's not why I’m here. I could sue you for sexual harassment right now.”Good call Sloan. Secure your position by threatening the gorgeous naked man you work for.God, why can’t I shut up?

“You could, but you won’t.” Carter’s brown eyes flash with heat. “After all, I’m only saying what you’re thinking.” My stomach drops to the floor along with my jaw.

“I’m thinking…”Is he suggesting…? With that body? Him? Um, yes please. Wait, no. I’m a professional, right?

“Sloan?” he prompts.

“I’m thinking it’s time for me to go.” I snap back to reality and grab my backpack, racing for the door before I can give in to temptation.

It’s not until I’m in the elevator that I realize I’ve forgotten the sheet.

And the towel.

And the massage table.

***

Tense voices greet me when I walk in the door, putting me instantly on edge. Since moving in a year ago this has been happening more and more, another reason I want to get my own place.

“The propeller on the fan gun blew, and instead of replacing it this genius says the tower can cover the deficit. But the tower isn’t portable, so its reach only goes so far. How the hell am I supposed to cover the entire run in snow if the tower only reaches half of it?” Finn’s rant carries down the hall to the front door.

“I don’t know.” I picture Ally throwing her arms in the air, as she usually does when he asks questions she can’t possibly answer. “Take up a collection in town to raise money for a new propeller.”

I cover my mouth to keep from laughing.Good one sis.Unfortunately, stifling my laugh means I don’t have a hand on the door, which bangs shut behind me.

“Sloan?” Ally calls. “Come in here, will you?”

I suck in a breath and hold it in my cheeks like a chipmunk, letting it out slowly as I walk toward the kitchen. I hate getting dragged into these bitching sessions, although Finn does tend to deflate faster if it’s not just Ally he’s complaining to. I suppose I owe her that for lettingme crash here.

“What’s up?” I grab an apple off the counter and hop on a barstool next to Ally.

“Any chance you’ve heard any chatter about the resort while you’re working up there?”

I answer with my mouth full, hoping that masks the white lie I’m about to tell. Carter didn’t expressly ask me not to repeat our conversation, but I get the sense I’d be breaking his trust if I do. “Not much chatter makes its way to the spa.”

“Anything would be helpful. Like, has the spa purchased new equipment or hired anyone? That would suggest a commitment to being ready for the next season,” Finn adds.

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