Page 37 of Tangled Control

“I’ve always been handy with rope.” I smirk.

“Did you yearn to be a cowboy as a kid or something?”

I chuckle. “Well, I’ve always liked to tie people up.”

Catriona’s cheeks turn an enticing pink which reminds me of the colour of herother cheeksafter I spanked them.

“Anyway…” She drops the knot in her jacket pocket and picks up her pace.She’s keeping it.

We’re a few blocks away from the office when I broach what’s been churning in my head. “So…regarding KSS, you think I’m aiming too high too soon?” My tone is even, despite the gravity of the question. She replies with an equally even voice, not mocking or spiteful.

“Yeah. One step at a time, Rian, and make sure each step counts.”

I know she has a point, but that’s not what echoes in my head.

It’s the first time she’s ever called me “Rian”. I want her to say it again, want to hear her whisper or scream it in throes of passion.

The way she says it though, not just my name, but the whole sentence, is intimate, so unlike our normal banter. There’s a sincerity to her answer, as if she knew it was a serious question.A connection.It’s almost on par with that look we share in my office.

I swallow. Catriona isn’t like any other woman. She doesn’t accept my bullshit but calls me on it and bites back. If she could only relax a bit more. She is so damned uptight. A bit of the softer, laid-back Catriona has showed during lunch, but still with the sharp wit and tongue that I love.

Fuck! My intention to move forward with Alexandra is out the window if I keep having these thoughts about Catriona. Glancing down at her, I know there’s only one way to get Catriona out of my head. Out of my system.

I have to fuck her.

I sigh. Only yesterday I’d been determined to end things with her, and now I’m determined to step up the heat.

I’m afeckingmess.

* * *

“As you know, Friday three weeks from now, the office is closed for the spring barbeque.”

Gemma, Linda and Mona squeal excitedly where they’re gathered around me. Trevor looks like he wants to join in but manages to calm his inner girl in time. I’m chatting with myteam out in the open office rather than calling them into mine. It’s an attempt to be more accessible. I’m not sure if this new tactic is to prove myself to Dad or Catriona. Her opinion of me matters more and more.

As expected,shedoesn’t react emotionally to my comment, but pragmatically. “Will we get overtime if we still come in for work that day?”

I fold my arms and lean against one of the partitions by Mona’s desk. “Catriona, seriously. Live a little.” Repeating the line that convinced her to agree to lunch earlier today doesn’t have the wanted effect. She doesn’t fall for it this time.

“I’ve never gone to the spring barbeque and don’t see the need for it.”

“You’ve never been to the spring barbeque? Why not?” Mona and Gemma’s mouths fall open as if horns are growing out of Catriona’s head.

“There’s just always been a lot to do at work and taking a full day off for a staff event seems a bit much,” Catriona explains, but her gaze flicks. I wonder what the real reason is, but I don’t push the issue in front of the others.

Trevor clears his throat. “I’ve only been once, so I’m kind of a novice. What do you think, Catriona, maybe we can go together and keep each other company?” His smile almost wraps around his whole head, and I want to slam my fist right in the middle of it.

“Sorry, Trevor,” Catriona says with a sigh. “We’ve been over this before. I don’t go on dates with colleagues.” She casts a quick glance at me.

“It won’t be adatedate. It’s a work event,” Trevor pushes.

“Sorry, Trevor, it’s a no.”

“Can’t blame a guy for trying.” Her rejection doesn’t do anything to lessen Trevor’s flirting.

I grit my teeth. “Trevor, can you come to my office for a minute?” I walk off without checking if he follows.

I sit down behind my desk and make him stand in front of it a little longer than is comfortable, just to be sure I have his full attention.