"Yes." He frowned, coming closer to me. "How is everything around here? How are people treating you?" he asked as he closed the door to the office.

I sucked in a breath. It felt like we were miles away from everything going on outside his office.

"Good. Everyone's cooperative." I smiled, deciding to lighten the situation. "Even the CEO everyone warned me about."

"Hmm," he replied. "Are you warming up to the CEO?"

I grinned. "More than that. Let's see... Well, he kissed the panties off me."

He growled, "Zoey."

I pressed my lips together. "Oops, I slipped up."

He looked at my lips intently. "What are you doing tonight?"

I bit the inside of my cheek. "I have a long-distance call with my parents. I haven't talked to them in a while, but I can postpone it."

"No, take the call. The group will probably want to go out for drinks anyway. Who knows how long that's going to take."

We were both silent for a bit.

"You smell delicious," Colton said.

I bit my lip again.

"It's my favorite perfume," I said. "Honey by Marc Jacobs. Although it's running out. I've been thinking about trying something else, though." Realizing I was rambling, I took a breath to get myself together. "Anyway, I won’t keep you."

"Colton." The voice calling from the corridor was stronger.

"I'll see you around, Zoey," he said right before opening his door, then slipping out.

I was used to teasing and rattling others, but I wasn't used to the reverse.

***

On Thursday, I founda package on my desk. I carefully took off the wrapping paper.

It was a perfume. Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent.

I sprayed it on my wrists, inhaling it. Wow, the scent was strong. It smelled floral but also had strong hints of vanilla. I loved it, and I knew who'd sent it even though there was no note. My heart rate picked up as I texted Colton, sending him a picture of the perfume.

Zoey: Thank you. When did you have time to get it?

He answered right away.

Colton: Last night, after drinks, I went to a department store, and this scent reminded me of you.

Heat pooled between my thighs. I got up from my chair, pacing up and down my office.

Colton: How was catching up with your parents?

I grinned. He was asking me about that? Aww, I didn't see that coming.

Zoey: It was good. They're both so happy. They said they're probably going to extend their gallery tour. I'm happy for them, of course, but I miss them a lot.

Colton: You're damn cute. About that perfume... I want you to wear it.

I wanted to tease him that I didn't like to do as I was told, usually just the opposite, but I did want to wear it.