There are a few boxes of my things already sitting on the large mahogany desk. Behind it, huge windows overlook downtown. I didn’t think I would, but I missed Seattle. San Francisco was a great place to live, and it was definitely the right move for my career. But it’s good to be back.
I sit down and open my laptop, but I’m distracted. Instead, I lean back in my seat and put a hand to my chin. The presence of Selene in my new company presents me with an interesting dilemma. There’s no doubt that woman was off the charts. And I’d be kidding myself if I tried to believe she didn’t leave her mark on me. So few women do.
None have, in fact. Not for a very long time.
I know that’s why I never called her. It’s easy to blame the move. I was literally on the road to California the next morning. My stuff was on its way, my new condo purchased, new job waiting for me.
And that one night made me question it all.
I woke up in the morning to her dark hair spilling across the pillow, the soft curve of her body beneath the sheets, and I wasn’t so sure I wanted to go. One night with a woman—no matter who she was—should not have made me question my life choices.
So I did the asshole thing and left, brushing her off like our night together didn’t mean anything. Like it was just a good time after some drinks, and I was happy to be on my way. After that, I doubt I’m on her list of men she cares to see again.
What is she thinking now? At the meeting, I didn’t see her long enough to read her expression. I wish I’d noticed her when I first walked in. She had the advantage there—she got to watch me for a while before I realized she was in the room. What did she think when I came in? Was she pissed? Interested? Disgusted?
Did her panties get a little wet?
There are a lot of reasons I should steer clear of Selene. She works for me now. I assume she maintains her rule about not dating coworkers. And there’s something about her—something that makes me nervous in a way I haven’t felt in years. It makes me wonder if I should stay far away from that magnetic woman.
Selene is a risk. A big one.
But risks are like crack to me. I can’t resist.
5: Selene
Aidan pulls out my chair and I take a seat. We’re out for dinner. Again. Though the restaurant is new, so I suppose he gets points for that. His hand caresses my shoulder as he moves around the table to sit down. That’s some extra touching from him. Interesting.
I give him a nice smile and pick up my menu.
I haven’t seen Ronan since the meeting yesterday. I’m not sure if he was in the office today—I didn’t see any sign of him, and I avoided the hallway that leads to his office like the plague. The anticipation of having to speak to him face to face is getting worse. I wish I got it over with yesterday. I could have stopped by his office to say hello. It’s not like I don’t have a reason. I worked closely with Brad, and I have a lot of valuable information that Ronan is going to need. But mostly I want to get that first conversation over with so we can move on.
Instead, I’m sitting with my boyfriend (he is my boyfriend, right?), completely distracted by thoughts of another man. That’s really not good.
“So,” I say, trying to stay in the moment. “How are you?”
Aidan smiles over his menu. “Not bad. You?”
“Lots going on at work,” I say. “Our company was bought out.”
He winces. “That’s not good. Are you worried about your job?”
“Well, the message we’re getting is that no one is going anywhere, but I’m not sure how much I trust it.” After all, that line came from Ronan—and I don’t trust that man any farther than I could throw him.
“Are you going to start looking for a new job?”
“Definitely.”
As I peruse the menu, the back of my neck prickles. I have the distinct feeling that someone is watching me. I shift in my seat, telling myself I’m being paranoid. We’re in a busy restaurant. A lot of people could be looking in my direction.
The feeling doesn’t go away. I glance over my shoulder and almost drop my menu. Ronan is sitting across the restaurant, his hand resting on his chin. Our eyes meet, and he makes no attempt to hide that he’s staring at me.
I quickly turn back to Aidan.
“Are you okay?” he asks. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”
I do my best to smooth out my expression. “Yeah, I’m fine. What are you going to order?”
Aidan opens his mouth to answer, then looks up in surprise.
Ronan’s smooth voice almost makes me jump out of my seat. “Selene.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. Of course he would come over here and interrupt my date.
I decide to play it off like Ronan isn’t the only man here who has seen me naked. “Ronan,” I say. “What a surprise.”
“Excuse me for interrupting.” His eyes flick to Aidan, and immediately back to me. “I saw you sitting here and had to come say hello.”
“Aidan, this is Ronan Maddox,” I say, gesturing between them. “Ronan and I used to work together.”
Aidan and Ronan shake hands, but Ronan hardly looks at him.
“And it appears we work together again,” Ronan says.