Page 13 of Personal Research

Which had made her feel even more dumb. And hard up. And still, even after last night, very horny.

“You seem preoccupied today,” Jackie said as they emerged into the long hallway that led to the partners' offices. “Usually you're Miss Chatterbox.”

“Funny.” So she kept to herself, mostly. Was that such a bad thing? “And what would I have to be preoccupied about? It's not like there's any reason to be.”

“No, of course not.” Jackie gave her a strange look, knocked on Mr. McGinty's door and ushered her inside. In an instant, Jackie was gone and the door had shut behind her, trapping Elena in his huge office. His hugegreenoffice. The place teemed with plants of every variety, because Mr. McGinty had a green thumb just about as big as his heart.

The man in question lingered near the window, his hand propped thoughtfully under his chin. Big hands, cleft chin.

She grimaced. Did she have it bad or what?

Work. Think about work.

She tried to smile and failed miserably as he faced her with a wide grin crossing his ruddy face. “Elena, how are you?”

Who smiled when they were about to fire someone? Talk about sadistic. “Uh, okay.”

“Just okay? Today's a fine day. Take a look out there.” He swung his arm, indicating the view. “A gorgeous morning. Birds singing, snow melting, blue sky. Can’t ask for more.”

She genuinely liked her boss most of the time, and she liked her job, except when it bored her to tears. But right now, his cheery mood put her already frayed nerves on edge. “Sleet’s predicted by day's end.”

He frowned and she wanted to staple her mouth shut. Why did she always have to think negatively? She'd come in here sure she was about to be fired for screwing his nephew on her desk, but that couldn't be the case, not if he wanted to make small talk. God forbid she just stay silent.

No wonder she hadn’t gotten laid in years. All it did was make her even more bitter than usual.

“True. It will make for a messy commute home tonight, but that's eight hours away.” He dropped into his leather high back chair and steepled his hands over his blotter. “Sit down, Elena. Please.”

She sat, shoving her hair behind her ears. She'd left it down today. Not for any reason in particular. Just because.

Just because you want to get lucky again with the gorgeous Italian guy you tossed out of your office last night. Even if his wide palms and blunt-tipped fingers remind you of his uncle.

Heat crept up the back of her neck. God, his handswerejust like Enzo's. Lighter and ruddier, of course, but the size and shape?—

“How long have you worked for us?”

“Six years, sir.”

“Enough with the 'sir' business. We’re a family here. A big family, with our assortment of crazy aunts and uncles.” He winked and tapped his thumbs on the green felt blotter, drawing his attention to their breadth again. Which brought her right back to Enzo.

Don’t think about sex. Think about this nice office instead. She'd always loved its rich masculine tones and broad cherry desk.

Oh, the desk.

Desk sex. Delicious. She’d liked it more than she’d expected.

And this desk was even bigger and wider than her own…

Elena gnawed on her lower lip and resisted slapping a hand against her twitching eyelid.Don’t, don’t, don’t.

“Mostly, we all get along here though, as families do,” Mr. McGinty continued, thankfully oblivious to her prurient thoughts. “But a good atmosphere and being part of a team only goes so far. We all need a little extra incentive from time to time, don’t we?” The twinkle in his denim blue eyes made her vaguely nauseated until he removed an envelope from his top drawer and pushed it toward her. “I promised you a raise some time ago. It’s retroactive six months. Elena, you’re a valuable member of our team. I just wanted to say thank you for services rendered.”

Yeah, I made sure your nephew came twice last night. You’re so welcome.

She choked back a laugh and snatched the envelope. “Thank you. I appreciate it. So much. I do love it here. Lots to love.” She leaped to her feet and waved at her throat as her coughing fit took hold. “Sorry. Must be getting a cold. Or allergies.”

Hetsk-tskedsympathetically, but she swore she still saw that twinkle in his eyes. Damn her guilty conscience, seeing things that weren’t there.

“Go on then,” he said. “Take care of yourself.”

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