Page 26 of Catalyst

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“We’ve discussed the changes and have sent back our final revisions. Anything you want to discuss further, we’d be happy to hash out when you get into town on Friday.” Leon Jones, the owner of the New Orleans Jaguars, grins at me through the monitor on my wall.

“That sounds great, Leon. I’ll have Ellie make the final arrangements for our trip.”

“Great to work with you, Adam. We look forward to this partnership.”

“As do we.” I glance at Matthew, who nods his head in agreement. After saying our goodbyes, I end the virtual meeting with a click.

“How do you want to handle any partnership inquiries once this goes public?” Ellie asks, her fingers poised on the keys of her tablet, ready to note my answer.

“Can you draft a memo to all of the office managers, making them aware of the partnership, and provide them with a script for how to handle any inquiries on future partnerships with Sidelines?”

Ellie nods her head as she writes down my words.

“Send your draft to me once it’s finished.”

“Will do.”

“Anything else? I’ve got back-to-back meetings after this,” Matthew says, looking at his watch.

“Should be it. I’ll get with you later this week to go over my updated responsibilities list.” After heavy prodding from Ellie, I finally finished creating a list of tasks other people could do for me. As much as I hate to admit it, I’ll be glad when they’re off my plate. Especially if we start bringing in contracts with other professional sports teams. I’ll want time available to devote to going over those contracts myself.

“Finally! Thank God.” Matthew slaps a hand over his chest as if all his cares have been released. It makes me roll my eyes.

He stands from the table and strides out of my office with a wave and a, “See you later.” Ellie starts to follow him out when I stop her.

She looks at me expectantly, her shiny blonde hair falling straight around her shoulders. I’ve been dying for this moment since my spontaneous HR meeting this morning.

I pull out a piece of paper and slide it to her across the table. As she reads the words, her eyebrows furrow into the adorable frown I’ve come to love seeing on her face.

“I don’t understand what this is.” Ellie looks up at me, a spark of hope behind those endearing blue eyes.

“Ever since the fundraiser, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. Even before that, I found myself distracted by thoughts of you. And when I came into the office this morning, I realized there was no way I could resist making you mine. That piece of paper will protect your job if this goes down in flames.”

Ellie reads it again with this new information in mind. It states that we are both willingly consenting to pursue a relationship with each other, and should the relationship be dissolved, Ellie will retain her position, and I am protected from any backlash should she decide to retaliate. I don’t believe Ellie would ever do anything of that sort, but we both need to be protected.

“I know it’s not the most romantic beginning to a relationship. I just wanted to ensure you felt comfortable moving forward with this, and it assuages some of my guilt for pursuing you.” I shrug. This is who I am. I won’t ever be able to change my rigid, rule-following tendencies. Having this piece of paper will allow me to relax into whatever is brewing between me and Ellie without the constant worry that I’m doing something wrong.

Ellie spears me with a look hot enough to melt metal. “So, if I sign this, it means we’re game on?” The slow, sultry smile on her lips sends lust coursing through my body so fast I’m almost dizzy with it. All I can do is nod my head as images of boosting her up onto this table and shoving her skirt up her hips flash through my head.

She turns to her tote bag sitting on the floor and pulls out the infamous purple feather pen. With a snarky grin I can only shake my head at, she places the pen under the line I’ve already signed and sends the peacock bouncing with her flourish. She slides the paper across the table to me as she stands with her bag in hand.

I stand, as well, unsure of what to do now. Would it be unwelcome if I grabbed her and kissed her right now? It would definitely be weird if I asked her for permission. Then, before I can do anything, Ellie is walking across the office.

“Where are you going?” I stride after her.

She turns when she gets to the door to her office, her hand on the doorknob. “Back to work. Did you need something else?” Her raised eyebrow makes me realize she’s toying with me, and my control slips.

Before I know what I’m doing, I’m pushing her against the wall, my hands threaded through the silky strands of her hair, pillowing her head in my palms.

Her little gasp gives me a thrill, and I crash my lips against hers, wanting to capture the sound.

Fuck me, she’s even more delicious than I imagined. I tilt her chin up to deepen the kiss, needing more of her than I’ll ever be able to have. My entire body is swirling with the effect of her lips on mine. Ellie’s mouth matching me stroke for stroke is earth-shattering.

Ellie’s hands slide up my chest to grip my shirt, as if she needs the stability to keep her grounded. Knowing she’s as undone as I am by this kiss brings me a measure of comfort I desperately need.

The need for air is the only reason I pull away from her luscious mouth. Panting, I rest my forehead on hers, not quite ready to pop the bubble we’ve created.

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