Page 25 of A Mutually Beneficial Proposal

When the tempo slows, I keep my left hand close enough to her delectable ass that my pinky rubs over the curve at the top. My right hand keeps hers secure in its grasp, and it’s hard not to pull her flush against me again.

Her eyes are bright, and the tension in her shoulders is loosening by the second. I spin her once more, dipping her further than before so that she’ll be forced to lift back up faster from my momentum.

The action does exactly what I want, and my thigh ends up between her legs. Her center is pressing against my tense muscles, and I shamelessly hold her there for seconds longer than should be appropriate just so I can watch for her reaction.

I need to know the attraction I’m feeling isn’t one-sided. I’m certain it’s not, but the opportunity to make sure Ella doesn’t stay in denial about what she wants is too good to pass on.

Her breath hitches, and I feel the weight of her body press down on my leg. I angle her toward me, and she exposes her neck. I’m not sure if the movement is purposeful or instinctual, but I take advantage.

My lips hover over her throat, fleetingly caressing the softness of her skin when I speak. “You have no fucking idea how much I wish we were alone right now.”

Ella’s back arches. I can’t tell if she’s searching for relief at the courtesy of my thigh or so her chest can press closer to me, but either way, I’m not letting her go. Not now.

“Then, let’s go find somewhere we can be,” she whispers in return.

Shock doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling that rushes through me, but I waste no time reacting to her suggestion.

I lead Ella off the dance floor, intent on catching the elevator I can see waiting open. Instead, Jack steps in front of us.

“I figured you would be rejoining us after you got those drinks, Owen,” he says, lips pressed thinly together.

Before I can respond, Ella does. “I’m sorry, Jack. That would be my fault. I begged Owen to join me on the dance floor.”

Jack keeps his stare on me, completely ignoring Ella. “I’d like you to remember that you’re not on vacation, Owen. This is a work retreat paid for by me, which means you’re still on my time.”

“Of course, Mr. Harrington,” I say, like the biggest pussy in the world.

Why the fuck I give a shit about him being angry is beyond me. Well, that’s partially a lie. My parents raised me to be respectful, and telling my boss to go fuck himself at his own party wouldn’t be very respectful. Though, it would be entertaining.

“I need you to—” Jack is cut off by the appearance of one of our board members, the only group of people that work within Harrington Enterprises that Jack isn’t a fuckwad to.

“Good evening, Jack,” Bill says.

“Well, hello, Bill. I didn’t know you’d be here,” Jack says with a forced smile.

“Some of the board members thought it would be a good idea to show our presence at one of these extravagant functions that you like to host,” Bill replies.

There’s something off about his tone, but I don’t care enough in the moment to figure out what.

“Let me introduce you to some of our valued employees,” Jack says before turning his back on me.

I want to say something, especially when Bill looks back at me, but Bill makes my night even better when he doesn’t follow Jack.

“It’s Owen, right? I remember you from the last board meeting. All of us appreciate how you stayed late to assist with everything on such short notice,” Bill says, reaching his hand toward me.

We shake and I grin. “Thank you, Bill. I’m always happy to help the team.”

He smiles wide. “That’s good to know.”

My eyes catch sight of Jack waiting. If we were a cartoon, smoke would be pouring from his ears. It doesn’t matter that I’ll pay for this moment somehow, I’m enjoying the hell out of it anyway.

Bill gestures to Ella, then back to me. “I’ll let you and your lovely date get back to your evening. I hope to see you around, Owen.”

“I hope so, too,” I reply.

The mood between Ella and I might have been interrupted, but, if there had to be a disruption, I couldn’t think of a better one.

The elevator is no longer waiting, so my plans of riling her back up behind closed doors are changed to doing so right here where anyone could see. That is until I realize her whole body is shaking.

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