Page 3 of High Rise Secrets

He glances over at me from his laptop screen. I hold the tablet in my hand, waiting for whatever instructions he’s going to give. “Have a seat.”

I smooth the back of my skirt under my butt and sit in the chair he motions to, crossing my legs over one another. He leans back and steeples his fingers under his chin. I study his features for a little longer than necessary, taking in his deep brown eyes, his perfectly coiffed chestnut hair, and strong jaw. My mind wanders, and I imagine running my fingers through his hair, tugging him closer to me.

I seriously need to get laid tonight. Madam Ember is going to be on the prowl...

“I have a meeting with Clyde Willows tomorrow. I want you to cancel it.” His words pull me from my inappropriate fantasy.

“Okay, and the reason I should tell his office?” I pull up an email to draft it. I know Clyde isn’t in the office at this time. He’s probably over atRISEfor the night, enjoying one of the girls’ shows. I’m very familiar with Clyde and his habitual habits.

“I have a conflicting appointment and need to reschedule.”

I smirk. He knows I know his schedule inside and out. I glance up into his dark eyes that are dancing with amusement. “And the real reason? For my knowledge.”

He sits forward, resting his forearms on his desk. “I don’t like how he handles business and don’t want to associate myself with him.”

His eyes stay locked on mine, and I fight the urge to lick my suddenly dry lips. My phone rings in my lap, and I jump to turn the ringer off. “Sorry,” I mumble, hitting the ignore button.

“Popular tonight, aren’t you?” His face is stoic, but I can tell he’s amused.

“I’m supposed to be at my friend’s wedding dinner party. She got married a few weeks ago in a surprise ceremony, but wanted to have a small, formal celebration with her friends and family. It started half an hour ago.”

He raises his brow and runs his fingers along the stubble that has grown since his shave this morning. Watching him stroke his chin is erotic and so wrong. I know I shouldn’t think of my boss that way, but there aren’t many thirty-one-year-olds that look and act like him. He could be a model—he has the whole package—yet he has the brains, too. And I know for afacthe’s a giver. Both inside the bedroom and out.

“So, what are you still doing here then?” His voice is low and beyond sexy.

I chuckle and shake my head, a few loose wisps framing my face. “You’re here.” Those two words hold more meaning behind them than he will ever know. “My job isn’t done for the night until you leave.”

“Get out of here, Addy. Enjoy your night. You don’t want to end up like me—a workaholic.” He undocks his laptop and starts cleaning up his desk. “Besides, you’re right. I should head home.”

I stand and offer him a smile. “Okay then. Enjoy your night, Mr. Freeman.”

He shakes his head and looks down at his desk. “How many times do I have to ask you to call me Ethan?”

I shrug my shoulders and step out of his office without another word. I open a new message and send it to Lia.

Me:I know, I’m coming. I got stuck at work. I’m running out the door now. Tell Ev to put her shanks away.

I toss my phone into my purse and pack my things at record speed. Walking to the front of the office, I press the button on the elevator and wait as I watch the numbers light up one by one. Ethan steps up behind me, and we both walk in. He stands in one corner, and I stand in the other.

His cologne tickles my nose as the small space fills with his scent. My pulse flutters frantically, and I shift my weight, trying to ward off the need pulsing between my legs.What is it about damn elevators?He moves his hands discreetly in front of him, and it takes all my human strength not to look down.

One little peek wouldn’t hurt, right?

I remember what he’s packing down there, and it’s a hell of a lot. My cheeks flush at the thought of our romp all those years ago—not that he would remember. I was just a stripper, a faceless girl. I take a shallow breath and try to stop my fluttering heart.

The doors slide open, and I rush out into the parking garage in a hurry to get to my car. He calls out to me, wishing me a good night, but I barely register it as I slide into my black Audi. He’s just reached his car as I drive past and offer a wave as I rush to get to the restaurant.

I pull up to the valet in no less than ten minutes and toss him the keys as I all but run inside with the gift I bought for Everleigh and Luca. I can’t believe she’s married and has an adoptive daughter, Aurora, who we call Rory for short. I never thought this day would come, not with everything that seemed to be working against them. Luca is a good guy though, and the two of them couldn’t be more perfect for one another.

Especially because if he does anything to hurt her, he’s going to have to deal with us three girls, and he has seen what happens when we work together. Needless to say, he’s screwed if he ever tries to go against us.

I meet eyes with Eden first, and she gives me ‘the look’.Yeah, yeah, I know I’m late. I may be a few months older than her, but she still acts like a mother hen. I wouldn’t change her for the world, though. She protected me and the other girls when no one else would, and I’m thankful for it. Without her, I wouldn’t be part owner ofRISE.

I look around the table at my friends and smile at the small family I found on my own. Everleigh finally notices me, jumps up from the table, and envelops me in a hug.

“Sorry I’m late,” I say, squeezing her back. She pulls away, and I hold the bag out in front of me for her to take. “Congrats on finally tying the knot. Luca is a lucky man.”

“Fuck yes, I am, and I know it, too,” Luca chimes in.