Page 55 of Tempting Miles
I think it over for a second.
I mean, he’s not wrong. Most of us would just be twirling our thumbs at home for a couple of months.
Then it hits me.
“Let me talk to Ms. Levine,” I say.
I head over to where Penny’s chatting with a few of the employees and tap her shoulder.
The second she sees me, her whole face lights up.
Her reaction surprises me, and fuck if it doesn’t make me stand a little taller.
“Eddie made a good point, and I got an idea that could work,” I tell her, resting a hand against her lower back as I guide her to a quieter corner of the room where we can actually hear each other.
“The construction is moving fast. We’re on schedule—maybe even a little ahead. Yeah, we’ve gotten a lot ofsnow, but we still have a few weeks before everything’s completely frozen.”
I straighten up, already knowing this sounds a little unorthodox. “And since the budget clearly isn’t an issue…” I pause. “What if we bring in a second crew? At least for a few weeks.”
Penny tilts her head side to side the way she always does when she’s thinking something through.
“With two crews, we could get the roof and the exterior walls done way faster,” I continue. “Once the building’s closed in, we can keep working indoors through winter.”
Her smile blindsides me.
“Look at you, Miles MacAllister. Full of great ideas.” She punches my shoulder lightly. “And not just in bed,” she whispers so only I can hear.
I groan and drag my hand down my face.
Her cackle follows me as she steps away again.
I’m not flirting with Penny Levine.
I’m definitely not thinking about her underneath me.
But as I watch her take control of the room again, already discussing logistics with the crew, one thought hits me hard enough to knock the air out of my lungs.
This plan is either going to be the best decision I've ever made... or the one that finally ruins me.
Chapter 15
Miles
“Miles, do you think you can spare half an hour for a meeting with Gio and Xander this afternoon?” Penny asks from way too damn close to me.
I turn slowly, taking my sweet time looking at her while cold winter air drifts through the open hallway behind us every time someone steps in fromoutside.
The more time I spend around this woman, the more I feel the need toseeher—to memorize her body, her face, her mannerisms.
This morning, when I dropped off her coffee, she wasn’t in her office yet.
And yeah, I hate to admit it, but something like disappointment hit me in the chest.
My gaze drops to her black heels. White residue clings to the intricate embroidery, and I wince. Those shoes look expensive as hell.
“What?” she asks, catching me staring.
The velvety black pants and a soft pink sweater somehow make her look cozy and put together at the same time.
