Page 16 of The Exposed Heiress

She removed her jacket and dropped it on a nearby chair. “I’m not worried about the legacy, exactly. Companies have to adapt to changing times. I’m worried about the employees.”

His head tilted away. “You’re driven by the Bolles legacy. Why else would you sacrifice everything to keep it going?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “So you admit that I’ve sacrificed everything?”

His eyes locked with hers and he stood up, unfolding his arms. “Yes, you’ve worked hard and haven’t benefitted financially. But are you part of the problem?”

Throwing her hands wide, she asked, “What do you mean, part of the problem?”

He stepped closer to her. “Have you contributed to the poor financial decisions? Have you advocated spending more and more without concern for revenue? Do you seek unfair advantages over competitors?”

Her mouth fell open. “No. Why would I want to hurt the company?”

He shook his head. “Everyone seems to believe that you are the power behind the throne. If that is true, then you have responsibility for the poor decisions that led us to this place.”

She looked at him. “I’ve been focused on design. I had no idea of the financial problems and wasn’t involved in the management.”

He shrugged, “We’re talking in circles. Unless you own your decisions, there’s not much to do.”

Emma grasped his arm tightly and he stilled. “I want to take responsibility. Truly, I do. I don’t know the way forward.”

Looking down at her standing inches from him in the sunlight, her sheer blouse allowed a glimpse of her full breasts. Without thinking, he drew her closer and stared into her dark eyes. Her beauty had always captured his interest, but he couldn’t allow himself to be drawn to her. They were from different worlds. He wasn’t from wealth or privilege.

But it didn’t seem to matter. A sensation of warmth flooded over him and he lowered his head. His fingertips grazed her cheek, and his other hand found the curve of her neck and slowly pulled her closer. His lips teased her mouth, wanting her to open to him. He kissed her lightly several times and traced the outline of her lips with his tongue.

She let out a surprised sound, then her hands moved to his chest. He pulled her closer and the soft feel of her body sent a pulsating desire through him. His mouth opened to hers and he seductively licked her lower lip before gently sucking. Taking in a breath, he continued exploring her mouth and encouraging her to relax into his arms.

He moved a hand into her long silky hair and could feel his body tighten. The experience of feeling her trembling in his arms far surpassed his dreams about her. They were playing a dangerous game.

Within moments, he shifted her in his embrace to kiss her neck. “We shouldn’t be doing this, love.”

Her rose scent enveloped his senses and he tightened his hands on her hips. He wanted to lose himself in her.

She ran her fingers along his shoulders and his body tensed in response. He returned to her mouth and drove his tongue deep inside. She stood on her toes and he could feel her body pressed close to his.

He stopped himself from pulling on her silk blouse; instead he loosened his hold on her and began to pull back.

She whispered, “Don’t stop.”

He moved away from her. “We can’t allow ourselves to get carried away.”

* * *

Emma turned away from him.A flush crept over her body. She wanted him to take her back into his embrace.

“You’re not wearing a bra.”

She turned and looked at him. “No.”

He straightened his dress shirt. “Why would you wear a sheer blouse without a bra?”

She let out a gasp. “I don’t know. I was wearing a coat. I had tried on the gown this morning and put on supports instead of a bra and didn’t want to take them off after just putting them on.”

He shrugged. “It’s somewhat improper.”

She crossed her arms over her breasts. “I’m not putting a bra on.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “Fine.”

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