Page 27 of When I Found You

I shake my head and clear my throat.

Kate snaps to attention, spinning around and pressing her hand against her chest. “You scared me.”

“I apologize.”

“Where did everyone go?” Kate asks glancing around the office.

“I gave them the rest of the day off.” It’s monumentally harder to gather my thoughts now since I’ve allowed my imagination to run free with that naughty fantasy. “Can I have a word with you in my office?”

Kate draws her lower lip between her teeth drawing my focus to her mouth. “Of course,” she stammers before setting aside the files in her hand.

She looks nervous. Damn it. I didn’t mean to make her uncomfortable, but she needs to understand. I need to understand.

Inside my office, Kate stands demurely with her fingers interlaced. “Did I do something wrong, sir?”

“Arthur.” I lean against the desk in an attempt to make this conversation informal but still show the importance of its content. “When we’re alone, call me Arthur.”

She nods.

“Kate. I’m going to ask you a question, and I want you to be honest with me.”

Her wide eyes flash with fear. “Okay.”

“After I introduced you to my colleague, you seemed upset by the encounter.” I tap my fingers on the edge of the desk. “What happened?”

Kate drops her gaze to the carpet. “It’s nothing. I...well, he seemed familiar. The meeting must have triggered something in my memory.” Her head shakes back and forth as she speaks.

“He reminds you of someone from your past?” My body tenses at the thought.

“That must be it.” She shrugs her shoulders. “Although I still don’t remember any details.”

Disappointment settles over me, but I remain skeptical as to her designs on Victor. She doesn’t seem like the type of woman who would set her cap on a married man. And yet I find myself addressing it with no qualms about my perspective.

“Victor came to tell me the good news.” I straighten to my full height and shove my hands in my pockets. “He and his wife are expecting their first child. She’s due in June.”

“His wife. Pregnant.” Kate sways but steadies herself on the back of the chair beside her. The color in her cheeks fades.

“Yes. They found out last week.” I step closer.

“Last week.” Kate pinches her eyes closed and nods slowly.

“Are you well?” I reach out and rest my hand on her shoulder. “You look like you’re going to faint.”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” I pull her toward the chair. “Sit down. Do you need something to drink?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” She waves her hand. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Kate.” My voice is soft but firm. “Do you have any intentions of pursuing Victor?”

“Pursuing?” She stills and her bewitching gaze meets mine. “You think I’m attracted to Victor?”

I replay the memory her physical reaction to meeting Victor and her response to the news of his wife. “Yes. I do.”

“What?” Her lips part in surprise. She covers her mouth and laughter fills the room.

“Why are you laughing?” I refrain from grasping her by the shoulders and demanding she explain herself. My hands clench into fists by my side.

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