Page 7 of High Rise Secrets

My phone buzzes next to me, and I look at the text from Ethan.

Ethan:Sorry to text so late. I’m going to need you for a few hours tomorrow. Also, I need you to go to the charity ball with me next weekend. I’m trying to work a deal with a client and was invited last minute. I could really use you there. See you tomorrow morning.

I know there’s no use texting him back. He knows I’ll show up. I put my stuff down in my apartment, kick off my shoes, and peel off the day’s outfit. I take a quick shower and then go to bed where I fall asleep with images of Ethan and his fine ass body.

* * *

I arriveat the office with two coffees in hand at nine-thirty. I take the elevator up, and when the doors slide open, my breath hitches. He’s standing there in a pair of dark wash jeans, a fitted t-shirt, and his hair is messy chic, per usual.Is there any look this man can’t pull off?

“You’re late.”

I hold a cup of coffee out for him, and he nods his thanks before taking a sip. “I’m not late. You never told me what time to come in, and since it is supposed to be a day off, I didn’t think it mattered,” I sass.

A tiny smirk graces his lips as he turns and walks into his office. I roll my eyes, but follow, pulling my tablet out before taking a seat in my usual spot.

“So, the reason I asked you here. I need help trying to win over Patrick Hughes. Word is he’s looking for a new company to partner with to handle internal security for his systems. I want the account.”

I type Patrick Hughes into the search bar and look for basic information about him and his company. Not bad. Worth one-point-one million and his company has grown from ten employees to over one hundred in just a year. That’s a huge growth in a short time.

Letting out a small whistle in interest, I ask, “Any idea why he needs it?” before taking a sip of my coffee. When he doesn’t answer right away, I look up at him. He’s staring at me, his lips parted slightly. I have the strongest urge to climb over his desk, sit in his lap, and kiss the look off his face.

Jesus, I really need to stop this.

I lick a drop of coffee off my lower lip and slowly pull my tongue back. He clears his throat. “Sorry.” He mumbles something under his breath that I can’t understand and starts again. “My understanding is he’s had a few hacks and doesn’t think his company’s current security is working well.” He smirks and I know exactly what he’s up to. I’ve been working for him for long enough now. I know his signs. He’s been the one hacking into their systems.

I smirk in return. “You’re playing a dirty game, Mr. Freeman.”I want to play all sorts of dirty games with you.

“Since we’re on off-hours, how about you call me Ethan?”

“As long as I’m in this office, working,” I raise an eyebrow in his direction, “I’ll continue to call you Mr. Freeman. I can contact Mr. Hughes’ office on Monday and request a meeting be set up.”

He nods in approval. “Addy, this isn’t going to be easy. I’m going to need all the help I can get to win this account. You’ve been able to get me meetings with everyone so far, and I know you won’t let me down.”

I stand and take my tablet with me. I know from past accounts he’s won, it’s going to take a lot of schmoozing on my part to make it happen, including a visit or two toRISE. Madam Ember is going to have to come out and play.

“Hey, Addy?” I stop in the doorway and turn to face him. “Do you know anything aboutRISE?”

Chapter 4

Ethan

Addy looks like she’s seen a ghost as soon as I ask her about the strip club. I jump up from my seat and rush to her side, hoping she's not going to faint like it appears. I place my firm hands on her delicate shoulders, and her skin warms my hands through the thin fabric.

I direct her to my seat, then squat in front of her, looking into her green eyes. Hers dart back and forth between my deep brown ones, and I know she’s searching for something. God, she smells amazing like always. Without her usual heels, I have at least a solid foot on her. My mind wanders. There are so many fun, dirty things I could do with a girl so petite.

“Isn’t it the strip club downtown?”

“Yes. It is.” I stay silent and wait for her to say more. It’s my signature move. Silence makes people uncomfortable, and they feel they have to fill the void. It’s the best way to get a read on people and what they know. Stay silent for long enough and the truth always comes out.

“Why would I know anything about it?”

“I’ve been looking into it. Turns out I have a membership I know nothing about, and I didn’t know if you’ve happened to see invoices come across my desk. None have gone to my house.”

Her whole body relaxes and she pushes out a shaky breath.Strange.“No. I haven’t seen anything like that. Have you checked with Bill in accounting?”

“No,” I say, dragging the word out a bit. It had to have been my father. He was always into the old-school way of doing business—sex and alcohol. “Sorry I asked.”

We both stand at the same time, and the top of her head only comes to my mid-chest.Jesus, she is tiny next to me. I start to reach my hand out to her but pull it back at the last second. I need to get a grip. Addison is driving me insane. I can’t even keep my damn erection at bay around her anymore. I turn to look at the window. “Thanks for coming in. Get that meeting set up and get me anything you think will help us win the bid. I’ll see you on Monday.”