Page 39

“Maybe if you crawl out of my ass, I’d be able to concentrate. Now stop keeping our visitor waiting and call her in.”
He sighed before walking out. Soon after, a young woman walked in. She was a petite woman with arresting facial features and perky breasts that bounced as she walked, her hips swaying from left to right with rehearsed elegance.
I swallowed. It had been a long time since I had been with a woman—well, except for Olivia. I didn’t want to lump her in with the rest of my escapades. That night was different; I could still remember it vividly.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Steele.” She stretched her hand for a handshake, her curly hair bouncing as she moved.
“Likewise. Please have a seat.”
She nodded before taking a seat in one of my plush white sofas.
“Tea or coffee?” I offered.
“I’d like something stronger.” Her voice was daring.
I smiled as I poured two whiskey glasses and joined her. “So, I hear you’ve already gone through the reports,” I said.
“Yes, and the progress your team has made in such little time is quite impressive,” she responded.
“And what do you think about the project?”
“I have nothing to say about that till I see the finished work, Mr. Steele.”
“A practical woman, I like that.”
She crossed her slender, long legs slowly, the oil on her skin shimmering in the light peeking in from my window blinds. Leaning in, she held my gaze while licking her lips. “I can promise you, there’s more to like.”
I caught myself before my eyes went wide and cleared my throat as I placed the glass down. “That’s very informative, um, about the report—”
“I’ve already gone through it, and like I said, I loved it,” she responded.
I blinked. “So, why are you here, if I may ask?”
She shifted on her chair, confidence emanating from her poise. “Well, I was so impressed. So I thought, ‘Why not invite this brilliant man over for dinner, at least to appreciate the efforts he’s put into this?’”
“Oh, Miss Jaime, as much as I’d love that—”
“I’m not taking no for an answer, and please call me Liliana.”
I sighed, trying to numb the guilt swelling in my chest. “Perhaps I could . . .” I began, but my phone began to buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out and smiled as I saw the name. “Please excuse me, I have to take this.” I picked up the call. “Hi!”
“Hey, boyfriend.” Olivia’s voice was refreshing, sending shivering waves through my shoulders.
I chuckled. “We’re doing that already?”
“Well, duh, the big finale is in two days.” Excitement trailed her voice, and I could feel myself getting excited as well. “Well, let’s hope everything keeps going according to plan.”
I turned to Liliana, who was waiting patiently. Then I asked Olivia on the phone, “Yeah, um . . . do you maybe want to grab dinner?”
“Like, right now?” Olivia asked.
“You’re busy, aren’t you?”
“No, no. Absolutely not. Text me the address, and I’ll be right there.”
“Oh, all right then.”
The call ended, and I turned to Liliana, fighting a cheeky grin as excitement bubbled in my chest.