Page 61 of Miss Understanding

“You mean kisses, don’t you? The ones you seem to think I’ll report to someone?” I countered.

He ran a hand through his short hair. “I didn’t mean to make more assumptions. I just have trust issues.”

“Why?” I wondered if I was missing something before, but now I knew I was.

“I don’t have time to get into it now.”

I checked the clock on the wall. “I have nine more minutes.”

He moved closer to me until he was a breath away. I wondered for a moment if he’d choose not to tell me. To my surprise, he did. “As I’ve gotten further into my career, I see it all around me. People losing respect, money, their jobs because of mistakes they make. Because of the wrong people they trusted.”

“What happened between us was consensual. You can trust I won’t ever tell anyone.”

“It still shouldn’t happen again.”

At least he sounded conflicted but still obviously not wanting to take the leap. I fought my disappointment. “Less likely to happen if I don’t work with you on the weekends, don’t you think?”

He sighed. “I don’t like you being here. Do you have any idea what happens on this floor?”

“I’ve heard rumors, but this is my first time up here.”

He instantly looked relieved.

His expression made me ask my next question. “How do you know what happens up here?”

“The manager told me.”

“Oh.” Made sense. “Is the only reason you came here tonight because you wanted to offer me more work?”

“If I tell you no, would you think I was a stalker?”

I fought a grin. “No. Nor would I think it was stalking if you wanted to wait for me until I was done with my shift.” There. I’d put it out there.

He sucked in a breath, his gaze burning into mine. “I don’t know if it would be a good idea.”

Hell, neither did I. But the connection was something I couldn’t deny. But my pride wouldn’t let me push it any further than he was willing to go. “Let me know if you figure it out. My time is up.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Liam

Watching Kendall walk out of the room solidified one thing. I wanted her like I’d never wanted another woman. Although the hurdle about romance in the office might end up getting resolved in a few months with her leaving the firm, ultimately she was a relationship girl. She wanted a husband and children. She’d said as much to my sister. But I didn’t see a family in my future. Not at all.

As I was exiting the room, contemplating whether to stay until Kendall was off, one of the large security men came up to me. “Mr. Liam Davenport?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Chance Maxwell asked me to escort you to his private suite once you were done.”

I hadn’t anticipated Chance being in town, let alone at this club tonight. He spent a lot of time traveling. “Of course,” I replied and followed the man down the hall.

I’d expected to be escorted into a suite similar to the one I’d just left. With Chance on a couch, a woman on each side waiting to do his bidding, and a stripper pole being utilized in the center. At least that had been his scene four years ago when I’d last met him at one of his establishments.

But this time I was ushered into an office on the third floor. A huge, wall-sized window looked down into the club. He was seated behind his desk and rose with my entrance.

“Hello, Chance. It’s been a while.” I crossed over, meeting him halfway and taking his extended hand in a firm handshake.

“It has, my friend. Which is why upon hearing you were making a night of it at my club, I had to drop by.” He hadn’t changed a bit. Perfectly groomed, dressed in expensive clothing, and with an expression some might call aloof but which I knew was always calculating. He was definitely a shrewd businessman.