Page 43 of Fate In Fiction

“She was an instant replacement and, for some reason, out of respect, I haven’t looked into her background. I trust HR, and she’s been proving to be the best assistant I have ever had.”

“Yet, you made her almost quit?”

“She got upset that I booked her a private fitting with one of the designer shops downtown. Her wardrobe could be updated and more fitted for the floor she’s working on.” Emmett brushes a finger absentmindedly over his lip as he thinks. “Adrianna has so much potential, and I want to see her succeed.” I feel a smile stretch across my face, one of pride. For someone complaining about being on an account probation from his parents, my heart warms, knowing the goodness of his heart. “I thought she’d appreciate the free clothing, but I overstepped my boundaries.” His head shakes with slight confusion. “Any other assistant would have jumped on the offer.” This soft side and need for helping others adds an entirely new layer to the cocky guy who wants his own helicopter.

“The dress code makes sense. You meant well, but went about it the wrong way.” I keep my tone understanding. “She is aware she doesn’t quite fit in with your floor, and that messed with her insecurity.”

“What should I do next time?” His brows draw together as he gives me his full attention.

“An employee raffle to win store credit? If it were me, I would have lied and picked her name.” A smile paints his face.

“You and your lies outta love.” He leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “I’ll be sure to ask you for any future dilemmas.”

“Glad to be of service.” My legs straighten, toes poking at the side of his solid thigh.

“Thank you.” Leaning back, his large hand wraps around my ankle, giving it a squeeze. “I feel better getting that off my chest.”

“Do you want to watch a movie?”

“No,” I say too quickly, unsure if I can handle his hand on me for the next hour and a half and not act on anything.

“No?” He laughs, drawing his eyebrows in, amused by my answer. “Everyone likes a good movie.”

“If we are sitting together in silence, I’d rather stare at a book than a screen.” I cross my arms and poke him again with my toe.

“You cute little nerd.” He picks up my foot and tickles the bottom.

“Ah! At least––” I try to retract my foot as my laughter fills the room. “I’m being honest.”

“Promise me something?” His hand clamps around the top of my foot, and my entire body relaxes from it.

“You want even more from me?” I try to catch my breath, making him laugh.

“Just that you’ll always be honest with me.”

“I can do that.” Winking, he continues to massage my foot. “Unless it’s showtime.”

“Agreed.” Our conversation fades as his hands absentmindedly work their magic on my feet. My teeth clamp on my bottom lip with a relaxed sighed. It’s a battle to not let a moan slip through.

“Emmett?” He pulls his eyes away from the blank TV screen to look at me.

“Hmm?”

“Reading is sexy, not nerdy.” His jaw ticks as a chuckle vibrates in his chest. “You should try it sometime, Rookie.”

“Maybe it’s sexy to other book nerds.” His comment sits me straight up before pushing to my knees and glaring down at him. “I don’t need to read a book to feel sexy.” His jaw tightens as he fights the laugh with my half-offended self.

“Your confidence in how sexy you are is quite arrogant and unattractive.” My head tilts to the side with attitude. “You think it’s so easy to get whatever woman you want.”

“Haven’t proved myself wrong yet.” His eyes travel down my body, lighting it up along the way.

My tongue slides across my lips as a flirty tone cuts through. “I beg to differ.” It’s a bold move, but I’ve seen the way he looks at me.

“I could have you begging me to strip you and desperate for a fuck within five minutes, little darlin’.” Tongue darting out to lick his lips, his eyes darken.

“If you were really that skilled and sexy, you’d be able to do it in two.” I roll my eyes and instantly wish I hadn’t taken the bait.

Before I finish my breath, Emmett loops his arm around my thighs, sending me backward on the couch. I land on my back as he hovers above, caging me in as his forearms rest on each side of my head. Everything blurs as his eyes focus on mine. This is it. He’s right here, within reach, and ready to cure every bit of curiosity I’ve ever imagined. I blink, realizing my leg remained around his hip, arching my back into him. His face lowers, but he doesn’t say a word. His swift movement makes me question if he had already been executing this move in his mind before I taunted him. His eyes hold the question for an okay to continue, and paralysis kicks in, making me unable to object.