Page 63 of Heart of Stone
“Isn’t it?” she teased.
I glared at her.
“Okay. Okay. Listen, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I don’t want to bring up anything that’s upsetting, but you didn’t see him the way I did after Tim did what he did to you. I tried to get him to leave, assuring him I’d stay with you, and the man was having none of it. I don’t think this is just some random fling, Nat. But it’s only been a few weeks that you’ve known one another. Give it some time, see how you feel, and talk to him about it.”
She had a point.
Reid had done a lot to prove that this wasn’t just about him wanting an easy score. He’d gone beyond the call of duty to look after me when I needed help, and he’d clearly listened when I spoke, considering he’d planned so many things based on what I’d said I liked.
“Maybe you’re right.”
“I am.” She handed me the pile of tinsel. “Now, help me finish this tree while you tell me all about your Saturday night.”
One half of my mouth quirked with a smile. “It wasn’t just Saturday night.”
“What?”
Laughter spilled out of me as I stood. “We might have spent some time together on Sunday.”
Danielle abandoned the container, stood, and demanded, “Tell me everything.”
So, I did.
When I pushed open Reid’s office door late Tuesday morning, I realized I’d given myself permission to enjoy what was happening.
Because Reid had insisted that I didn’t need to knock before coming in, that he’d be thrilled for me to visit with him.
And considering the way he was looking at me now as I made my way over to where he was sitting behind his desk, it was safe to assume he’d meant every word.
I came to a stop on the opposite side of his desk, set the folder down, and slid it across the surface toward him. Then I lowered myself into the seat behind me, crossed my legs, and said, “I’ve got a few items I need signatures on, if you wouldn’t mind.”
Reid’s eyes had dropped to my legs briefly before he returned them to my face. He reached for the folder and flipped it open, all while keeping his eyes on me. I wasn’t quite sure anyone had ever made me feel so powerful. Like when I was in the room, nothing else existed.
“Is that all I can do for you, Natalia?”
There was such seduction in his voice and in the way he said my name. I recrossed my legs, his eyes dropping to them. My mouth curved into a smile. “There is one more thing.”
Lifting his gaze to meet mine, he promised, “Anything.”
I licked my lips, saw the way his eyes darkened, and revealed, “There’s another farewell dinner at the end of this week.”
That intensity in his stare was gone. “What?”
It took everything I had in me not to burst into a fit of laughter. “I’m sure you recall the last farewell dinner. I told you I’d give you advance notice of the next one. This is me giving you that warning. The dinner is on Friday.”
I couldn’t miss the hint of frustration that washed over his expression. “Am I expected to speak at this one?”
“That’s entirely up to you. I wouldn’t say you need to prepare a formal speech. Unless, of course, you struggle to perform under pressure.”
He cocked a brow at the innuendo, and I pressed my lips together.
Without a word, he pushed his chair back, stood, and rounded his desk. Then, he leaned his hips against the front edge of the desk right in front of me.
I swallowed roughly, diverting my eyes from what was practically staring me in the face. And when I took in Reid’s expression, it was clear he enjoyed the shift in power.
“Tell me, Natalia.” His voice was a deep rumble that had me squeezing my legs tighter together. “How am I supposed to concentrate on a speech when I keep thinking about all the things you do?”
My belly flipped. “Me? What things?”
