Page 55 of Second First Kiss

“If I said yes, would you submit your résumé?”

“Depends.”

He rested his warm, wet, manly hand on her bare thigh. It wasn’t a sexual gesture but one of caring and support. Still the feel of his skin on hers sent a shiver through her body. “On?”

“Why did you do it? Because I hinted that I needed a new job?” she asked. “I’m not a leech. I don’t use my friends.”

He twisted his body so that he was facing her fully. “I never thought you did. And I did it because I need the best and you’re the best.”

“So this has nothing to do with your Superman complex?”

That crooked grin was back. “Is there anything wrong with wanting to be your Superman?”

“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I don’t know what to do with that side of you.” She placed her hand on his and slid them further up her thigh. He groaned. “This side, however, I know exactly how to handle.”

He gripped her hips and twisted her as far as he could without her falling in, then rested his forehead to her stomach. With a groan, he asked, “Did you submit your résumé?”

“I told her I’d let her know on Monday.”

He looked up at her through his lashes. “Don’t pass because of me. You’re really the best person for the job. I need your expertise to keep my family’s company safe.”

There he was again, thinking about his family first. She knew that if she took the job, he’d never cross that line, and it was clear that he was desperate to cross that line.

“It’s not just you,” she admitted. “Judy made it clear that it’s a contract job, which means I’d have to keep my job at the county to maintain my insurance, and to ensure that when the project is finished, I still am gainfully employed like a proper adult.”

“You can work from home, set your own hours, do whatever works for you. And since you won’t have to work at the bar any longer, you’d have the time. Plus, you’d get to keep an eye on your sister.”

“Oh, Tessa’s just going to love that.” She became serious. “Would those be the rules for anyone you hire for the job or just me?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes.”

“Then regardless of who we hire, those will be the terms.”

Kat regarded him for a long moment, taking in the honest vulnerability in his gaze, amazed at how easy it was for him to show all of himself. It was brave, she decided. And she wanted to be brave too.

“I’ll call Judy on Monday,” she said. “And send in my résumé.”

“Are you giving me notice for the bartending job?”

“Yes.”

“Accepted. And since you haven’t technically signed on with HR for the IT job—” His gaze lingered on her thigh.

“I still have to interview.”

“You’re the best for the job, I have no doubt.”

“No pulling strings. Repeat that,” Kat insisted.

“Scout’s honor. I will not pull strings.”

“I know it’s the truth because I can see you being a scout.”

“Eagle Scout.”

She laughed. “Of course you were.”

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