Page 22 of Enticing the Fixer

“God,” she groans and rolls her eyes. “You’re ridiculous. Do you take anything seriously?”

“I don’t remember the last time I didn’t take something serious.” Enjoying myself and relaxing have come second to everything else–studying, earning degrees, building an empire, protecting myself at all costs. The one time I let down my guard, Rebecca hammered in the importance of keeping everything locked down tight.

So why am I pushing her buttons? Because I’ve met someone who works harder than I do and doesn’t want to let me in. Classic.

“But….” I sigh and rake my hand through my hair. “You’re right. I’m not looking for a relationship and having sex with the boss reeks of complications.” Truman was right. I should have stayed away from her.

Granted, it would have helped if he would have told me she was the subject of my investigation, but I can’t keep letting my dick run the show.

“Yes, it does.” Her shoulders relax as if she’s relieved by my response. “If I had known you worked for me, I would have never….” She trails off and shrugs.

“It’s fine. Today is my first day. So technically speaking, we were two people free to do whatever they wanted, without ramifications. I’m not going to sue you.”

“Thank you.” She wipes her palms on her black pencil skirt. “Let me take you to your office. These hallways can be confusing.” She walks to the elevator and pushes the button.

“Didn’t Arlene say you have a board meeting today?” I follow behind her. Not looking at her ass. Fine. I’m totally looking at her ass.

A balding man with a comb-over shoots out of the elevator. “Hey, Kinsley.”

“Good morning, Dave.” She nods and steps inside the empty car. My gaze shifts to the stairs. I should do anything else rather than get into an empty elevator with her. Lord, when did I turn into a pussy? I march inside and wait for the door to shut.

Once we’re alone, I step away from her. She’s too close, and her scent swirls in my head. The curve of her jaw begs for my tongue to trace along it. And her irregular breathing is a sure sign I’m not the only one fighting this battle. Which doesn’t help matters in the least. “You seem upset about the board meeting.”

Her eyes darken. “I’m not popular with the board.”

My jaw twitches. “Why not?”

The elevator descends, causing the panel to change number after number as we go lower.

“Three months ago, my father died unexpectedly in a car accident, and I’m in charge as his only surviving heir. Some members of the board don’t like it. Half of them are waiting with excitement for me to fuck it up, and the remaining half are begging for me to sell.” She darts her gaze to mine. “It’s not a secret. You’ll hear the entire scoop if you’re here very long.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your father’s death.” I resist the urge to draw her to my chest. For several reasons. Not the least is that she would lacerate my jugular for touching her.

“Thank you.”

“Where is your mother?”

“Gone.”

I wait for her to elaborate, but she doesn’t. “Who do they want you to sell to and why?”

“Acuity Pharmaceuticals and money. The reason the world goes around.”

“I thought it was love.” I rest my hands on my hips, and the elevator rocks to a stop.

“You’re ridiculous.” She chuckles and shakes her head.

I step forward and press the closed button so the doors don’t open, and turn to face her.

The space between us crackles with electricity. But as much as I want a repeat of Friday night, I also want to understand her. I need to understand her. I’ve got a case to investigate and a report to make to my boss. I need to know the players better. “What do you want?”

“What do I want for what?”

“What do you want for the company?”

She steps away from me until her back is pressed against the silver wall of the elevator. The flash of hurt that moved across her features caused my gut to churn. I’m living a lie, and nothing good that can come from that.

Yes, I’ve told her I moved with my friends from Vegas, but that’s the only truth I’ve given her. She doesn’t know I’m a billionaire. Or that I’m working for her based on a lie. And that I’m investigating her while using a fake name.

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