Page 35 of Matchmaking the Rival

My ninety-year-old grandmother winked before closing the door.

"What was that all about?" Meredith asked.

"I told you she was thinking about matchmaking the two of us."

"Yes, but I don't understand why you went along with it just now."

I swallowed hard. "Honestly, I'm not sure how to answer that. I think I just saw her enthusiasm and didn't want to wipe that happiness away. No harm done. It’ll just get her off my back for a while."

"Right. I'm going to leave before this gets even more out of hand."

I raised a brow. "How exactly could it get out of hand?"

"I don't know. That interaction with Jeannie is already more than my imagination can handle."

A whiff of her intoxicating perfume reached me. I tilted closer, needing more.

Meredith drew in a breath, darting out the tip of her tongue and licking her lower lip. This time, she did push her chair back, and she rose to her feet.

I walked her to the door, opening it for her.

“My CFO will be in touch,” I told her, noticing that John was now watching me.Wonder how Grandmother got past him. Probably used her sweet-talking or the age card.

“And will you be?” She held her chin high.

“Do you want me to?”

“Does it matter?”

I frowned. “Of course. Meredith, I’d never do anything that would make you uncomfortable.”

“No, I know you wouldn't. That’s not what I meant." She shifted her weight from one leg to the other before stepping back from the door. On instinct, I closed it, wanting to be alone with her. I didn't want anyone to see or hear us.

"I don't want you to be uncomfortable," I repeated because I wanted that to be clear. "If this is bothering you, tell me."

She licked her lower lip. I glanced away, biting down a groan. I caught another whiff of her perfume. It was going to be my undoing.

“It doesn’t.”

I stepped closer to her without even thinking. She drew in a sharp breath. I lost it and kissed her, putting a hand on the back of her head. I fisted her ponytail with the other hand and pushed her against the door with my body against hers. Her taste was incredible. This kiss wasn't going to be enough, not even close. I wanted to devour her. I wanted to make her mine.

She moaned against my mouth. The sound reverberated through me, fueling my desire for her. This desperate need was foreign to me. All I wanted right now was to give free rein to my instincts. Her breasts were full and soft against my chest. It was all I could do not to peel off her clothes.

"Did Meredith already leave?" Arthur's voice resounded from the corridor.

I took a step back as Meredith winced, her hand now covering her mouth.

"No," my assistant's voice answered. "I didn't see her come out of the office. They're probably not done yet, but you can wait in the lobby."

"Sure," Arthur said.

Meredith still didn't lower her hand as we both listened intently until footsteps indicated they’d moved away.

"I've got to go," she muttered.

I needed her to stay, but I didn't want to cause her any discomfort. I opened the door for her again.

"I'll be in touch, then, Meredith."

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