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She sighed, her heart aching for thechildren into the world was such a risk of love She gave hie and honesty

Another hour passed as she updated spreadsheets and waited for Max

He strode into the office, obviously in a temper Not that his smooth looks betrayed a hair out of place or a wrinkle in his pressed iron-gray suit His purple tie was perfectly knotted and never askew But his features were tight with displeasure, and his eyes snapped blue fire as he du probleanics"

Uh-oh

Carina rose froainst it She kept her voice smooth and controlled "Robin already came to seeabout? When?"

"He came while you were at the waterfront He’s been late with his deliveries over the past weeks and he was afraid he’d lose our account I had a long talk with him and we fixed it There should be no further issues"

A muscle worked in his jaw The musky scent of his aftershave hit her "I just listened to an endless tirade from our pastry chef who insisted I dump this account What was his excuse?"

"His son has been giving him problems and they’re short-staffed"

Max lifted one brow in scorn "How is that my problem? Did you threaten him? Get us a discounted price for his screwups?"

Temper bit her nerves "I didn’t feel that was necessary, Max He’s been working for us for years and we’ve never had previous probleh personal proble hihtshorter He cursed and raked his fingers through his hair Carina hated the way the waves just fell back in perfect for Sex God be created in such forainst the wall caused tu satisfaction She concentrated on his hard-assed behavior instead

"Relationships are iet aith this once, he’ll know it can be repeated Once again, you’re being too soft You need to man up and take the heat"

Her fists clenched at his condescending tone "Man up?" she asked softly "This has nothing to do with being soft--it has to do with building trust He trusts us to give him this free pass, and that inspires loyalty and a desire to never let us down again Business 101, Max Maybe you need to take a refresher course"

He took a few steps until they were face-to-face Her breath ca array of emotions ready to explode The hell if she’d lose her temper in front of hi with

"Maybe you need to tell our chef to forget about the fig tarts for his party tonight How about that?"

She rose on tiptoes and flung her head up "Maybe you can man up and tell hiie He’s a temperamental asshole and always has been"

His lips twisted in a snarl "He ht issues by beinghirabbed her upper arms His face was so close to hers she saw the wicked curve to his lower lip, the sexy stubble clinging to his jaw, and the burn in his blue eyes "I’m the boss, and I make the final decisions"

"Too bad you’re not ht ones"

His breath rushed hot over her ers bit deep into her ar a little "

Desire slaainst the sheer silk of her blouse and begged for the naughty bite of his teeth Her voice dropped to a whisper "So make me shut up"

He hesitated for a moment Spit out a curse

And slammed his mouth over hers

The kiss was hot and fast and deed between her lips and thrust deep while he lifted her up and set her on top of the desk She opened wider for hih on her thighs and she scooted toward the edge to part her legs wider He caught her frantic rabbed her ankles, and wrapped them around him

Carina fell into the kiss as an array of sensations dampened her panties andpredator intent on destroying his prey whole His hand squeezed the sensitive flesh behind her knee, then slid up toward her white lace panties He caught herthe swollen flesh with his tongue "I need to touch you," he rasped out "I need--"

"Do it Do it now"

His fingers slipped under the elastic and slid ho her stiletto heels deep into his back His thue in a wild tease She pulled on his hair, opened her legs farther, and slipped toward orgasm

The intercom buzzed "Max, your two o’clock is here"

Hishiered look on his faceand e to the air Her breath caed and uneven as she slid off the desk, pulled down her skirt and smoothed back her blouse Then faced hi? I didn’t ed in obvious contradiction Sick of hi the hot-blooded attraction, she cocked her head and pointedly dropped her gaze "Seems like you et it, Max Go to yourI’ll see you later"