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“There is already one waiting for you inside the car.”
I feel like a movie star. “Thank you.”
“And a banana and caramel muffin,” Jenkins adds.
They are my favorite. I ate one at my desk yesterday for lunch.
Did Nathan notice and tell him what I liked? Surely not; he had his head stuck in files for ninety-nine percent of the day. I swear a bomb could go off and he wouldn’t notice.
I recall Nathan’s words from last night.I see and hear everything.
Of course he told Jenkins what to order for me this morning.
Which is sweet of him, and awful; mostly awful. But it also shows his caring side. Why does he have to be so nice? Or is this all part of his game? Because after last night, he left me desperate for more and he knew what he was doing. He’s not a nice guy. He’s the devil in the flesh. The worst kind of temptation. A tease.Goddammit.
Pushing my thumb over my shoulder, I inform Jenkins, “I’ll just grab my things.”
He nods his acknowledgment.
Excited, I skip along the hallway and enter my bedroom. Slipping my shoes on, I put on my favorite black blazer with the big gold buttons, then check my appearance in the mirror one last time. “You’ll do.” I comb my fingers through my hair to fluff it out before lifting my work bag off the floor, and I’m out the door, ready to face another day in record time.
Hands behind his back, standing waiting for me as rigid as a soldier, Jenkins only breaks character to open the door for mewhen I get closer and his mouth breaks into a gigantic smile. “Ms. Donovan.” He nods.
“Thank you, Jenkins, but please call me Ari.” I make my request before sliding into the back seat and get the fright of my life when I realize someone is already inside.
Nathan.
Softly closing the car door, Jenkins seals us inside before getting into the driver’s seat then proceeds to raise the glass divider between the rear seats and the front of the car, giving us some privacy.
“Good morning, Arianna.” Nathan’s voice is smooth and sultry, every word steady and wrapping around me like melted golden honey; rich and irresistible.
I nod, my mouth refusing to cooperate, anxiety creeping in as I realize I’ve found myself once again in a situation where I’m far too close for comfort. And alone with him.
When I place my work bag on the floor, he hands me a to-go cup. “One grande flat white with extra hot steamed oat milk, one pump of cinnamon dolce syrup, and a double shot of espresso.”
Holy shit.
He must listen to every conversation I have.
Nathan places a brown paper bag between us on the leather seat. “And a banana and caramel breakfast muffin.”
As if hypnotized, I wrap my fingers around the to-go cup, unable to take my eyes off him, or control the rapid beat of my heart.
He shakes his head and mutters something under his breath I don’t catch then opens the lid of the laptop that’s resting on his knees. “Are all the settlement documents ready for today?” he asks firmly, getting straight down to business.
“Yes,” I reply. “I have the settlement agreement drafted which includes all the terms you discussed with the opposing party.” I typed them up when I went home last night. “I alsohave the waivers and confidentiality forms ready for everyone to review and sign once we finalize everything. I read the opposing party’s latest offer and we’re all on the same page.”
I look over at him to find him staring at me as if in awe.
He gives me a curt nod, which is a complete contrast to how he was with me last night when he spanked me, something I never thought I would enjoy, but did.
“You’re efficient, thank you, Arianna.”
“I’ve done this before.” Many times. “This isn’t my first rodeo.” I take a sip of my coffee, the strong caffeine increasing my energy levels in a flash and warming my throat, which always seems to go drier than a box of crackers when I’m around him.
He breaks our gaze, his concentration returning to his inbox. “We could be in this meeting all day.” He lets out a long sigh, knowing our day needs our full attention.
“I know.” It’s all part of the negotiation process and if they fall through then we go back to square one. Sometimes clients change their minds and decide to go to trial even during negotiations. I hope that doesn’t happen for Nathan today.