Page 37 of Fateful Hearts

The elevator dings, and I make my way into the office with the smell of coffee lingering in the air. Edging around the corner, I spot Zoey working away at her desk, and warmth floods through me.

Always here before everyone else.

Chuckling as I approach, I step up behind her and lean down toward her, my breath peppering her ear. “Looking lovely this morning.”

She gasps, her hand racing to her chest, but I don’t miss the goose bumps that have risen on her skin. “Jesus, Blake, scare a woman half to death, why don’t you.”

I laugh. “You looked super intense there.”

Zoey sinks back into her chair. “Yeah, there’s a meeting clash. I don’t know how I missed it. I’m trying to figure out how it happened. I’ve never had a meeting clash before. I must be off my game.”

“You’ve had a lot on your mind recently, Zoey. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

She turns back to her computer and shakes her head. “Maybe so, but I shouldn’t let my personal life interfere with Nash’s work. He’s going to have to shift a client, and it’s all my fault. He’s never had to shift a client. I don’t even know how to broach this with him without looking completely incompetent.”

My stomach twists when her face tells me she’s terrified of Nash’s reaction. “Okay, who are the two clients that clash?”

She turns back to her system. “Dalton and Dunn and Frankston and Partners.”

“Okay, easy fix. You have Lucas take the Dalton and Dunn meeting, they love him, and he basically runs their portfolio anyway. Nash doesn’t need to be there, and I can step in and help. I know their analytics, so Nash can take Frankston. We don’t have to move anyone.”

“Why didn’t I think of that? Blake, you’re a genius! God, my head is all over the place.” Her eyes blink a few times as she lets out a heavy exhale.

I squat down to her level and place my hands on the arms of her chair, swiveling her to face me. “Listen to me… don’t let Kyle get to you. You’re amazing at your job and an even better mother. You’re the best person I know. So stick it to Kyle by showing him how much of a badass you are. You hear me?”

Her eyes meet mine, that electricity flowing between us as I stay squatting in front of her. Her suit skirt ends at her delectable knees, right by my eyes, and all I want to do is run my hands up her thighs, straight between those legs that go on forever. Then I want to push her legs open wide so I can smell her arousal. It makes me want to bury my face in that sweet-smelling pussy of hers.

The only problem—Nash and Lucas will be arriving soon.

And that would be taking this arrangement into a territory we simply can’t move into.

But fuck do I want to.

Slowly, I stand in front of her and take a step back. She gnaws on her bottom lip and rolls her shoulders like she’s trying to ease the tension in them. “Hailee wouldn’t shut up about you this morning.”

I can’t help the smile that touches my lips. “She’s a great kid. You’ve done such an amazing job with her.”

“Thanks again for last night. You really did make her feel special.”

With a dip of my head, I wink. “You’re both worth it.” I shrug. “Okay, I better head to my office before Lucas and Nash arrive, but send me the meeting details and schedule Lucas in too. We’ll handle Dalton and Dunn. It will work itself out.”

“Have I told you that you’re the best?”

My insides warm with pride. “No, I don’t think you have.”

Her smile lights up the office like a beacon of hope. She’s so fucking gorgeous it makes me feel physically weak. “Well, youarethe best, Blake… I mean, Mr. Branson. While we’re here, I better keep calling you that. Otherwise, Mr. Harrington and Mr. Grant will get suspicious.”

My cock jerks in my slacks, aching for her. It seems I am going to need a cold fucking shower. “Have a good morning, Zoey.”

“You, too, Mr. Branson.”

Shit!

Inwardly groaning, I turn and head for my office, trying to hide the fact my cock is as hard as a damn rock inside my slacks.

This woman is going to be the death of me, I swear.

Making my way into my office, I close my door, letting out a frustrated sigh, and head for my desk while running a hand through my hair. “Get it together, man,” I murmur to myself as I slump into my seat, then reach over, turning on my computer. Glancing past it, I see Zoey working away and shake my head. “It’s going to be a long-ass day.”

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