“Interesting choice, that one.”
I cocked my head to the side. “You have an issue with Zeke?”
“Not at all. He’s a nice guy. Professional. If not a tad aggressive.”
I grinned. “Aggressive isn’t always a bad thing.”
“True. The question is whether or not he’ll make a good impression on the teams you want him to manage.” Landon straightened his tie, then peered over his shoulder. “Anyway, I’ll let you get back to…doing whatever it was you were doing.”
I grimaced. The man had caught me during a weak moment. One I wasn’t at all proud of. Spying on Ben was not something I’d ever done before. It bothered me that I was trying to do it now.
Granted, it probably wouldn’t stop me from doing it again.
Damn it.
*
BEN
“IS EVERYTHING ALL RIGHT, MR. SNOWDEN?” Addison asked when she stepped into my office.
I watched as she slowly closed the door behind her. From what I could tell, she was nervous. Perhaps that was understandable considering the way I had summoned her.
In my defense, I’d been sitting at my desk thinking about her endlessly. Truth was, for the past two weeks, I’d been enjoying every single step forward that we seemed to be taking. But it seemed as though, just when I thought we would take the leap, something would set us back a step. Every time I thought I was ready to claim Addison physically, I stopped. Mr. Parker’s words still resonated with me and I’d been following his lead. Since he seemed to be wanting to take things slow, I’d adopted that same outlook.
Only, now, I was no longer on board with that plan. It was time I took matters into my own hands.
“Everything’s fine,” I confirmed. “How’s the day going?”
“Good. A little slow, but it’s good. We just interviewed Dale for the receptionist position.”
“And?”
“I think he’ll do well.” Her gaze shot to the floor, as though she had spoken out of turn. “If he’s offered it, of course.”
“Come here, precious.” When she peered up at me again, I motioned her closer.
The instant she heard that name from my lips, her entire posture changed. She knew what was coming and it was obvious she welcomed it. I liked that about her. I’d known her for only a few weeks, yet I was picking up on little things. Such as the fact that Addison wanted to be wanted.
Well, she was in luck, because I wanted that girl with a passion I’d never felt before.
“Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Snowden?” Her voice was raspy, her eyes wide and focused on my face.
“There is.” I was purposely taking my time, wanting to build her anticipation.
“Anything, Mr. Snowden.”
I leaned back in my chair and regarded her, allowing my eyes to trail from her head to her feet, then back up. “I want you naked.”
That seemed to shock her, but her expression was one of wonder. As though she couldn’t believe I’d said it.
“Of course, Mr. Snowden.”
The fact that she didn’t question me was a good sign. All morning I’d been trying to figure out how I was going to handle this feisty woman. I felt it was necessary to establish my dominance with her early on, ensure that she knew where her place was. Well, that and the fact that she brought out all my dominant instincts.
“Then strip for me, precious.”
I noticed the way her hands trembled slightly as she worked the buttons free on the black silk shirt she wore. I hadn’t selected her outfit this morning. Not because I didn’t want to do that for her. Simply because I’d forgotten. For two weeks, I’d only forgotten twice. Those were moments I wasn’t proud of and that was the very reason I had added it as a reminder on my phone. I wanted to ensure I gave this woman everything she needed, whatever it took to make her happy. From this point forward, that was my one goal and I refused to fail.
“Slow down,” I told her. “Let me enjoy the show. Oh, and leave the heels on. I like them.”
She smiled, then continued her impromptu strip tease.
I admired every silky inch of skin she revealed. Simply seeing her there, so willing… It had the Dom in me rearing up. My cock hardened as I thought about sliding into the tight sheath of her body.
Within minutes, Addison was naked, standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked downtown. The sun backlit her, making her skin glow and the natural red highlights in her hair stand out. She truly was a stunning woman. The tattoos were a nice touch, as well.
Damn, she was sexy.
Patting the top of my desk, I pushed my chair back out of the way. “Come have a seat.”
I could see the pulse pounding in her neck, noticed the way her breaths were coming in faster than before.
