Page 28 of When I Found You

“Because,” she replies between peals of laughter. “You think I...Victor.” Kate buries her face in her hands and her body shakes with mirth.

“When you’re finished.” I stare completely bewildered at why my comment would elicit such a response. “Please, take your time.”

The sarcasm sobers her. “I’m sorry. It’s, well, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

I will never understand this woman. “I’m glad you find it amusing. Victor isn’t only my colleague; he’s my friend. I do not approve of flirtations, however innocent, with a married man.”

“So, I can flirt with an unmarried man?” Kate’s response comes with a smile.

Jealousy flares hot in my veins. “You cannot flirt with anyone in my office. Period.”

Rose blooms in her cheeks as she closes the gap between us. I stand my ground when she wraps her hand around my tie. Desire pulses around us, hot and desperate. She licks her tempting lips.

“Even you?” She tugs on the tie.

I grip her shoulders, keeping her from pulling me toward her. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“I agree. It could be an absolute disaster.” She cocks her head. “I didn’t ask for any of this, but here I am. We’re in this together now. Why not make the best of it?”

“Kate.” My reserve slips with the word. She’s right. Heaven help me, she’s absolutely right. I’m only a man. A man with needs and a willing woman in his arms. How long can I fight this magnetic pull? Reason begins to slip as she rises up on her toes.

“Arthur.” She jerks on my tie, and I concede, closing the distance with a muttered curse.

Her mouth collides with mine, soft and pliant. I wrap my arms around her and deepen the kiss. She tastes like mint and lemon. Her curves press against my body teasing me with the innumerable possibilities. My hands wander along her spine until one cradles the back of her head and the other settles on her lower back. I want nothing more than to push her back on my desk and explore all of her.

Kate moans and flicks her tongue against mine. She runs her fingers through my hair, tugging and caressing. Soft breathy moans punctuate each kiss. My cock rubs against the zipper of my dress pants. She grinds her hips against me.

I break the kiss and hold her at an arm’s length. “Kate. Wait.”

Each breath is torture. I want to bury myself inside her. I want to taste her, commit her to memory, possess her completely. But I can’t.

“We can’t do this.” I force myself to put up the barrier knowing my restraint is hanging by a few thin threads.

The passion in her eyes fades at my words. She straightens and steps away, her pained expression sends regret surging through me. I hate myself for ripping this moment from both of us, but it needs to be done.

“I’m sorry.” I drop my hands to my sides. “Until your memory returns, I don’t want to take advantage of you.” Her stricken face makes his conscience twist.

“My memory might be gone, but I’m still able to decide what I want...and who.” Kate pushes past me and pauses in the doorway. “Don’t worry. I won’t flirt with anyone in the office.”

“Kate.” I reach for her, but she’s already gone.

Son of a bitch. I kick the trashcan and knock it over. What the hell did I just do? Raking my hand through my hair, I pace the office.

For years, I’ve been satisfied with my life. I never wanted a family, a wife or kids. Traditional expectations meant nothing to me. At least they didn’t until I found myself at the end of my sanity over a curvy brunette with no memory of who she is or where she comes from.

I should drag her back into my office and show her exactly what she does to me, but I can’t. I won’t. And the damnedest part of it is...I can’t think of a single, logical reason why I shouldn’t.

Chapter Thirteen

Katherine

One week since the disastrous kiss, and I’m still not over it. Arthur locked himself in his studio the moment we got back to his apartment. He only came out to eat and use the bathroom, barely sparing me more than two words every time he emerged from his dungeon over the weekend.

I stole an empty notebook from the drawer in the closet and spent my copious amounts of free time writing while the television played in the background. I had no other way to document my thoughts since there was no one I could trust with the truth.

Over two days, I poured my heart and soul into the notebook, documenting everything from the events of the past year to my conflicting emotions for Arthur. Part of me hoped I could somehow make sense of what was happening, but my words sound like the rantings of a lunatic. I sincerely doubt there would ever be anyone who would understand and not want to ship me off to a shrink.

Come Monday morning, we were back on speaking terms. I wanted to talk to him about what happened in his office last Friday, but the stern expression and steely determination in his eyes warned me of another week of silent treatment should I pursue the subject.

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