Page 13 of Kiss Me Forever

"I'm sorry they're not in business anymore."

"You are? But they were your competitors."

"Healthy competition is important, and they were good at what they did. But it’s a tough market."

"It is," I agreed.

He seemed like a fair man. I liked that about him.

He opened one cuff link, rolling up the sleeve, and then did the same with the other. I tried hard to look away, but I couldn't help myself and sneaked a few peeks.

"Megan, my team and I are pitching new projects. I need to know if you want to be on the team so I can plan accordingly."

"Oh, right. But you do have a big team. I looked it up on LinkedIn."

"We also have lots of projects."

"Youare not on LinkedIn, by the way. I kept trying to figure out how I never saw your picture, why I didn’t recognize you...before.” I motioned with my free hand, like he even knew what that meant.

He smiled knowingly. "I keep a low profile. The Maxwell name can get unwanted attention."

"I can see that. Last night, I Googled you, and your cousin Reese popped up. They don’t get tired of talking about her, and, well, everything that happened. Sorry, I have no idea why I brought this up." On a sigh, I admitted, “I’m nervous.”

"Don’t be. I don’t bite. I promise.”

He flashed me a charming smile that made me simmer in my spot.

“As to Reese, you’re right. They're not giving her an easy time, and she damn well deserves a break." His voice had changed, turning harsh and fierce. He talked so protectively about his cousin that it took me by surprise. I barely kept myself from asking more about the issue.

Keep things professional, Megan. No asking about his family. That is none of your business.

And no salivating when you look at those arms!

Damn it. This wasn’t going well.

I finished my coffee in a few sips. "When do you need an answer?" I asked.

"As soon as possible. I also read in your letter of intent that you want to compete for the US Architecture Design Award.”

“Yes, I do.”

“We’ve got a great mentoring program.”

I nodded. "I’ll let you know tomorrow. I like to sleep on things." I blushed, clearing my throat. “I didn't mean—"

He shook his head. "Don't worry. I didn't take that as innuendo.”

“What I mean is that I like to think things over, usually.” Taking a deep breath, I blurted, “I've never had a one-night stand before.” I felt like a deer in headlights. “Shit, I have no idea why I said that."

Luke looked as shell-shocked as me right now. Telling him I’d never had a one-night stand was really none of his business. But for some reason, I wanted him to know. I’d had a long-term relationship from the time I was eighteen until two years ago when Carson decided he needed to broaden his horizons—which I found out was code for sleeping with other women.

Which had left me in a dry spell ever since.

Until Luke.

"I don't mind." In an instant, his eyes turned darker.

I cleared my throat, shaking my head and getting up from my chair. "This isn't a promising start.”

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