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I fucking wish.
Suddenly a loud ring comes from Jonathan. Pulling his phone from his jacket pocket, he looks at the screen.
“I have to join a call with a client. If you need anything, let Jake know. See you later.” He exits through the large, thick glass doors.
I turn back in Mia’s direction. “What was it like living in Europe?”
She shrugs. “Fine.”
Her once happy and engaging attitude is now replaced by the exact opposite. Her smile is gone, she seems uncomfortable, and she’s looking everywhere else but at me. As though she were purposefully avoiding my gaze.
Thinking it could be my imagination, I continue to make small talk. “I imagine the culture is very different over?—”
Before I can finish my sentence, she stands from her desk.
“I appreciate the chitchat, but there’s no need. I’m sure you and Jonathan are busy today.”
I shake my head. “Him more than me. I’m pretty flexible today actually. Would you want to grab lunch with me?”
“I can’t,” she blurts. Her body stiffens, her expression almost panicked. She angles her body toward the door as though she is trying to get out of the conversation. “I need to leave soon.”
“Okay. Rain check, then?” Usually I wouldn’t push this much, but her body language is making me curious. Why does she seem so nervous about saying no?
“I think it’s best if we keep a…professional relationship.”
What does she mean?
“What’s wrong with old friends getting lunch together?” I subtly challenge.
She looks flustered, as though she’s struggling to come up with a better response. Why the hesitation?
After a short pause, she seems to calm herself by taking a deep breath and responds. “Given the rise in success within this company, which includes the growing demand to manage everything, I doubt any of us would have time for that.”
Why is she talking to me like one of my business emails?
Rising from my seat, I walk over to her. “That may be true, but we all have to have a well-deserved break now and then.”
A long silence fills the room. I fight the urge to take her hand in mine. To pull her close.
Those gorgeous eyes of hers, despite her insistence on professionalism, betray her. If I’m right, then what is it that she truly desires? Why is she denying herself that? And why do I get the feeling it has something to do with me?
Fuck it. I know I shouldn’t want her, but I can no longer deny that I do. Not when I feel something there between us. Something as important as the air in my lungs.
Breaking the eye contact, Mia pulls her phone out. Her fingers glide over the device fast and efficiently. A few minutes later, she shuts the device off, shoves it back inside her purse, and stands.
“My ride will be here in a few minutes. Thanks for the tour. And tell my brother thanks as well.” She walks down the hall to the elevators. Once again, I can’t help but watch the curve of her hips and ass as she walks away.
“Sure thing.” I’m hating the fact she’s going home to some other guy. A guy that isn’t me. And there’s no doubt in my mind he’s enjoying every moment with her.
As she disappears down the hallway, a thought occurs to me. She’s saying no, yet her body says the exact opposite. What if she wants me as badly as I want her? And if that’s the case, how can I get her to admit it?
Chapter Two
New Year’s Eve
Dallas, Texas
Mia