Ewan nods. “Yeah. Be careful.”
I shake my head with a smile at their protectiveness and make my way out of the room. The hallway matches the one we walked through earlier, wood panelling and portraits; floor creaking beneath the carpet. A few people mill about chatting in pairs, and as I move along the corridor, I catch sight of Heath.
A woman stands opposite him, and I pause to watch them. I know this is a networking weekend, but I can’t help the jealousy that rises. She’s attractive—and that’s just from the back. Long legs and an elegant black dress that gloves her curvy figure, and long glossy brown hair, straightened to perfection.
Heath has his hands in his pockets, and the woman seems to be doing the talking, judging by all her hand gestures and his bored expression. Did she pick Heath out because she thought I was with another of the guys?
I walk over and slide my hand around Heath’s taut waist. He left his suit jacket over a chair back with the group, and as I rest my head on his cotton shirt, the scent of his cologne joins the warmth of his body. Turning my face upwards, I meet his relieved eyes, and he kisses me the way Joss did moments ago.
“Verity?”
I jerk my head around in surprise at the familiar voice, and when I meet Charlotte’s eyes, I’m unsure who’s the most surprised. I’d seen Alphanet listed on the companies attending, but as they’re a big organisation, I didn’t think twice about who’d be here.
Her plump, pink lips part slightly, and her thoughts couldn’t be clearer even if she had them on a flashing neon sign above her head: you’re with him?
“Hi, Charlotte.” I move my arm down, so I’m holding Heath’s hand. “How are you? I didn’t realise you were here this weekend.”
“Same.” She stares down at where my fingers lace through Heath’s. “Did you move companies? Who are you representing?”
Heath interrupts my pained attempt not to lie. “I was headhunted for a different company. Vee’s with me, as my guest.”
Charlotte blinks. “That’s nice.”
Nice. I smile. I can think of better words. The conversation stops before it’s even started. For the first time in days, I feel uncomfortably like the awkward human Vee who would fade into the background around girls like Charlotte.
“Everything okay, Vee?” Heath blanks out Charlotte as he turns his attention to me.
“Fine. I just wondered where you’d gone.”
“Bathroom. Then I bumped into um...” He pulls an apologetic face. “Sorry, Charlotte, isn’t it?”
I fight smiling at his words; he knows Charlottes’ name since I used it a minute ago. Her mouth tightens.
“Maybe I’ll see you around?” she says to me. “I’d love to catch up and chat about what you’ve been up to.”
“Sure! We’re part of a group you’d probably like to meet,” interrupts Heath. “What do you think, Vee? You could introduce Charlotte to all your men.” His eyes sparkle in amusement as I frown at him. “Did you know Vee has a collection of guys now?”
“Heath, shush.” I tighten my fingers around his in warning.
“I like to think I’m her favourite though.” He pokes my nose affectionately.
Charlotte’s confused look grows.
I force a laugh and dig my nails into Heath’s hand. “Yes, because you’re so funny.”
Heath grins. “Maybe catch you later, Charlotte. I just wanted to chat to Vee about something.”
“Oh. Okay.” She snaps herself out of her staring between us. “Nice to see you again, and I’ll be sure to check out Vee’s men collection.” Charlotte laughs then stops abruptly when we look back with straight faces.
As she stalks away, I turn to Heath, who wraps his arms around my waist and smiles down at me. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist. When I worked at Alphanet, I’d watch Charlotte and her friend, and their superior attitudes to every girl around them annoyed me.”
“You didn’t have to make a comment about me having a collection of men.”
Heath’s mouth tips at one corner. “But you do! Besides, I wanted to see her reaction.”
I poke his nose the way he did mine. “And don’t get any ideas about being my favourite, mister.”
Heath places a hand on his heart. “Ouch.”
I bite my lip. Is he serious? “Don’t be mad. Nobody is my favourite.”
“Yeah, I know.” His hands roam around to my backside. “But you like me better than Xander, right?”
“Depends on what mood you’re both in.” I push his hand away.
“Or what mood you’re in.” He points at his cheek. “Please, will you admit you punched him when you were in a War mood?”
I shake my head. “Will you ever drop that?”
“I wish I’d seen his reaction.”
“Heath...”
“Sorry.”
“Let’s get back to the others. Come on.”
Heath pouts at me. “We haven’t had much chance to spend time alone together recently.”
“Occupational hazard.” I kiss him, leaving my mouth pressed on his long enough to feel the soft buzz of connection.
Heath sighs and pushes his hands into the back of my hair before softly kissing me back. “Yeah. Doesn’t leave much time for romantic dates, huh?”
“Exactly. I’d suggest a walk around the estate grounds in the snow tomorrow, but you’d probably just shove snow down my jacket.”
Heath chuckles and rubs both thumbs across my cheeks. “I’ll settle for a kiss.”
The second his mouth meets mine; he ignites the spark that’s been lost in the middle of recent events. I press mine back, and I'm unprepared for the intensity that follows the softness. Heath kisses me, hungry and needy, and I part my lips as he holds my head to him. He crushes me against him, his strong arm around my waist. His taste, the way his tongue pushes hot into my mouth, the overwhelming need radiating from him, pushes everything away.
Here, now, in this snatched moment, I’m lost in Heath who’s skilful kiss draws me into him, and my body floods with a longing I struggle to push away.
“This isn’t very professional,” I whisper as someone passes by.
Heath nips my earlobe. “If I were totally unprofessional, I’d find a room to hide in with you. Do you want me to tell you what I’d do?”
I shiver at his bite. “Probably not a good idea. I might take you up on anything you suggest.”
“I know.” He steps back, eyes glinting, and appraises me. “Hell, look at you. You’re freaking gorgeous.”
I rub lipstick from his mouth with my thumb. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“Hmm.” Heath pulls at his shirt collar. “I’d rather not be wearing this.”
I arch a brow. “You mean you’d rather be naked with me?”
“No. I promised myself we’d spend some time together with our clothes on before we took them off again.”
“Fair enough. Maybe we’ll take that walk around the estate tomorrow then?”
“I was thinking something less work related.” Heath smiles. “Joss took you on a date; I’m sure I can find time too.”
I chew my lip at Joss’s name. “Can you talk to Joss, please?”