Page 24 of Release Me

“Why didn’tyou apply during the recruitment process?”

It’s a struggle not to gape at the soft mounds peeking out of Belinda Cartwright’s silky white blouse. The general manager of Wolf Alaska—a gorgeous blond who made my blood race just watching her stroll toward us in her red stilettos—has managed to make her suit look both professional and slutty at the same time. “I was in a different place in my life.”

She folds her arms over her chest, a knowing smirk touching her lips. “And now?”

“Now I’d really like the opportunity to go to Alaska.” Am I even saying these words? What the hell do I know about Alaska? Nothing except that it’s far away and cold.

“It’s an easy swap,” Connor adds.

Her sharp eyes size him up behind a pair of designer black-rimmed glasses. “Yes, that’s already been established. And you started in Miami when?”

“Last Friday,” I admit reluctantly.

“Last Friday,” she echoes. “You’d be leaving your team short-staffed.”

“They would have been short-staffed, anyway, if Baker had left.”

Her painted lips twist in thought, and I find myself staring at them, wondering what they’d feel like wrapped around my?—

“What’s your name again?”

“Ronan Lyle.”

She unlocks her phone and begins typing out an e-mail. “Well, Ronan Lyle, assuming you have a positive work record?—”

“I do.” At least in Indianapolis, I did. I have a feeling being friends with Connor might earn me some strikes on my good name.

“Well then, I don’t see there being a problem with this.”

“Seriously?” Connor’s face lights up as if she announced that he’s won a million-dollar cash prize.

“I don’t normally get involved at this level of hiring. But since you two hunted me down …”

I can’t help but note the absence of a wedding ring or the way she keeps sizing us up. “So, will HR give me the okay or?—”

“I’mgiving you the okay. The job is yours. I’ll handle HR. You’ll get an information package by the end of the day and then you can book your flight. You know it won’t be cheap, this close to travel dates, right?”

“I’ll make it work.” For what they’re paying up there and the money I’ll be saving not going to clubs, it will all even out.

“You areamazing, Belinda.” Connor gives her his thousand-watt smile.

All he gets back is another long, intimidating gaze. “Shouldn’t you two be working right now?”

“Lunch break.”

“Hmm. Well, I doubt you’re supposed to be roaming the conference area in your soiled boots. Okay, then. I’m sure I’ll see you in Alaska at some point.”

Connor and I watch her stalk away, her heels clicking loudly and hips swaying suggestively with each step, like she knows we’re standing here, gawking at her.

“Did she just make your dick hard?” Connor whispers.

“Like a flag pole. How the hell is she a general manager?”

“You kidding?” Connor snorts. “Henry Wolf handpicked her.”

“Of course.” Rich bastard. I’ve never met the guy, but I’ve heard enough. The one time he came to the Wolf in Indianapolis, the staff wouldn’t shut up about how attractive he was. I’m sure Belinda will be taking care of more than his hotel for him. Still, she must be good at what she does.

“So, we’re golden. See?” He slaps my arm. “Told you I’d make this happen.”

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