Page 53 of Devious Temptation
His attention is laser-focused on grilling whoever is on the other end of the line, so he pays no attention to the appreciative glances he receives from random women as they pass—women his age who probably know exactly how to please him.
His navy suit is impeccable, clinging to every muscle without looking ill-fitted. He’s clean-shaven, and though I prefer him with a short beard, the new grooming routine shaves years off his appearance.
Rumor around the office is that everyone hooks up with everyone at these conferences. Is that why he cleaned up? Is he trying to look more desirable so he can spend his weekend evenings shacking up with a pretty face?
Irritated with my self-imposed spiral, I patiently wait for him to finish his call, pasting on a smile for anyone whobothers to make eye contact with me. Chadwick never attended these conferences, and I want to make a good impression. I like the industry, and if I don’t stay with M.I.G., this will be a good networking opportunity for me.
“Sorry about that.” Lawson shakes his phone in frustration before pocketing it. “Charlotte is up to her usual bullshit.”
Typically, I would ask what she did, but I’ve been doing exceptionally well all week in keeping our relationship strictly professional.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I extend my hand to give him his room key. “A suite, as requested. Since the welcome party is tonight, I didn’t make you a dinner reservation, but if you’d like to message me which restaurant you’d prefer for dinner tomorrow, I can set that up right away. I’m a few floors down from you on the other side of the hotel, but if you need anything tonight, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“In the morning? You’re not going to the welcome party?”
Butterflies erupt in my stomach at the way he looks at me. It’s wholly innocent, yet sensual, as he steps into my personal space. “I wasn’t aware you wanted me to attend.”
His lips curl up in a smile, and my insides melt despite my every silent wish for them to remain very much intact. “Did you think I wanted you to come away for the weekend only to make you sit in your room the whole time? Did you bring a dress?” I nod, not trusting my mouth. “Good. Meet me back down here at seven.”
After another silent nod from me, he strides toward the elevators for his side of the hotel without another word,greeting various people and even shaking hands with a few of them as he stops and talks for a few seconds. I glance at my phone and realize it’s already five-thirty. That barely leaves me any time to get ready. I hightail it to my room to get started on hair and makeup, incredibly thankful that I packed my travel steamer.
The welcome party’s dress code is cocktail attire, and though I wasn’t expecting to go, I did pack a dress.
You know, just in case.
Lawson
Lucy’s late.
To be fair, I know most women take a long time to get ready for an event like this, and I didn’t exactly give her a heads-up that I wanted her to attend. So that’s on me.
Even among people I’ve known from the industry for years, though, it feels wrong knowing she’s somewhere in the hotel and not here by my side.
“So, Lawson, back to Chicago, eh? Missing New York yet?” Richard Dorsen asks, clapping a hand on my shoulder as he and a group of guys from the Minneapolis branch gather around. Richard is a few years younger than I am and damn good at his job, though I’d never tell him that. Humble isn’t in his vocabulary, and he’ll tell anyone who listens that he’s their branch’s top executive.
“Bet you’re missing Jules, aren’t ya? She’s a fine piece of ass. Too bad she didn’t come this time,” Luke Pierce, a man as greasy as his slicked-back hair, states with a smarmy smirk.
I ignore his taunt, addressing Dorsen instead. “Chicagois more welcoming than I remember. The office has been great. I’m in no hurry to return to the city.”
“I can’t believe you turned down Danvers’ position, man. That would have been one hell of a raise.”
I’m about to tell him I don’t need the money when he chokes on his drink. “Jesus fucking Christ. Who’s the lucky bastard that landedthatpiece of artwork?”
The entire group glances toward what’s caught his attention, and my blood warms in my veins as I see Lucy walking through the door. Her late arrival is well the fuck worth it. She’s styled her hair in glamorous waves and darkened her makeup slightly. The only bright color she wears is a ruby red shade of lipstick, and I feel the slightest twinge of disappointment seeing her without her typical color palette. The black silk of her one-sleeve, asymmetric dress hugs her curves, and the slit in the skirt borders on indecent, making me imagine all the ways I can peel the dress off her body later.
Our gazes connect across the giant space, and her lips widen just a bit with an unsure smile as she takes a step toward our group.
“Please tell me she’s single. Does anyone know who she is?” Dorsen asks.
Numerous murmurs break out, signaling that none of the men saw us arrive together earlier. Swinging my gaze his way, I frown as he watches Lucy with a predatory glint in his eyes, every protective instinct in me firing off at once.
“She’s min—” I catch myself before finishing my abrupt response, “My assistant.”
“Hook a guy up, why don’t you?” Dorsen mutters before Lucy reaches us.
“Everyone, this is Lucy Bradee. Lucy, this is Luke, Richard, Brant, and Tyson.” I introduce her and point to everyone in the group.
“Hello.” She looks fucking adorable as she gives a little wave. “I’m Lucy.” She’s nervous, and it probably doesn’t help that all of them are salivating over her like a hungry pack of hyenas.
