Page 51 of The Exposed Heiress

Leo placed his neatly folded tie in his pocket. “Bloom Advertising was taking off. It wasn’t the right time to fund a completely separate venture. I could have lost everything trying to establish a boat-building enterprise.”

She thought about his ability to manage a large staff. “You seem comfortable with taking risks. Why not start something new?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I didn’t want to fail.”

She looked back at the space. He had told her about being found as a child in a similar, dilapidated warehouse. Did a fear of failure drive him, or cause him to help others escape similar fates?

She faced him. “It’s hard to imagine you failing at anything.”

He gave her a speculative look and the energy between the two changed. Suddenly thoughts of their physical connection swept over her. She smiled to herself. He definitely didn’t fail at passionate encounters.

Stepping towards him, she said, “We need to solve the issue of where to locate. Will you give Francis Bolles a home for a year?”

He crossed his arms. “I can draw up a favorable twelve-month lease. It might make sense if the location works to eventually purchase the building.”

Narrowing her eyes, she said, “You live on the top floor.”

He looked at her. “It might be time to move on. I purchased this building twelve years ago and the area has stabilized.”

She nodded and thought about his intentions. Leo seemed so much the advertising guru and Bloom was turning away high-profile clients, but maybe he wanted something different. Twelve years was a long time to own a building. He could purchase any home in London and not base himself in Rotherhithe, among the old warehouses and wharfs.

Her stomach growled. “I know we have a ton to discuss but I’m starving.”

Pulling her into his embrace, he kissed her neck. “I’m starving as well.”

“Leo.” She laughed. “I haven’t eaten anything today.”

He slowly unzipped her skirt while pressing small kisses onto her jawline. “I had my catering service put coq au vin in the oven. It should be ready at seven. That gives us twenty minutes.”

She wanted him with a longing that overrode all of her concerns about possible consequences. Holding onto his shoulders, she reached down and pushed off one of her four inch heels and then the other.

Between kisses, she asked him, “Is anyone in the building?”

He removed her skirt. “No.”

She stood in front of him in basic nude briefs and a pink silk blouse.

Leo lightly touched her hips. “I’d been imagining a lacey thong.”

She unbuttoned his dress shirt. “Not very practical for the work day.”

He licked her lower lip. “I find everything about you sexy.”

Lifting her onto the arm of the sofa, Leo hastily removed his shoes and pants.

Emma bit her lower lip and waited for him to gather her in his arms. She wanted to feel his warmth and forget about everything but him.

* * *

A short while later,Leo helped Emma pick up their clothing from various places and guided her upstairs. The dinner must be incinerated by now.

Emma wore her nude briefs and his dress shirt. “It’s strange being here. It’s like being the only one in a gigantic warehouse.”

He leaned forward and kissed her. “I like the openness.”

The elevator opened and he smelled their dinner. Going into the kitchen, he opened the wall oven and discovered the open casserole dish held chicken and roasted vegetables sizzling in a perfect glaze.

“The convection oven must have been on a timer. The dish is warm, but not overcooked.”

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