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"Mistake?" His brows furrowed

"I wasn’t thinking clearly and you took advantage of it We can still move on and pretend like it never happened, or I can transfer you to Richard--" My nails dug into the pal his head "I’ht that was settled"

"Look, I admitted I’m attracted to you, but we shouldn’t have acted on it You’re a client for Christ’s sake You caught uard and I was confused" I tried toas I could, but he didn’t look like he was buying

He stooped to pick up the paperwork andAs he walked over to me, I scrambled to my feet My heels felt wobbly, and I took a step back, worried he was going to kisswith anyone?"

He just wasn’t going to give up "No, but I don’t--"

"Then there was nowhat happened We both wanted it" His brows narrowed, his gaze was intense It was clear ere both exasperated, but for very different reasons "If you still think you’re confused, I’llyourself while thinking about me"

His casual reference to h I was no prude, I hadn’t talked openly about touching myself to anyone but Riley and certainly not with anyVincent!

He watchedfor me to speak, but I couldn’t think of a coherent response

"Right now I have aWhat I said earlier stands If you’re not e-Howser" He gave uided me to the door, his hand at the sht it "This isn’t over Kristen We’ll discuss later"

When I stepped out of the office, no one seemed to notice my shellshock or even pay me any attention I let out a deep breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding and checked lass wall, one eye trained on the office staff The collar of my blouse had been turned upwards and I quickly folded it down I ran my hands over my skirt to smooth out the wrinkles, but my panties were a lost cause I’d have to pick up a spare on the way back or do without for the rest of the day As I ran h my hair, I could see ot out of there the better That kiss was a ht cost me more than my career Now that Vincent had seen the effect he had onhe wouldn’t stop until he had exactly what he wanted

Chapter Five

I studied ain, searching for traces of what happened in Vincent’s office It still didn’t look right For the third time, I wiped off my lipstick and reapplied It had to look fresh, like I decided to redo it after getting the contract in anticipation of the big celebration This was a huge deal I should be happy

During the walk back to the office, I’d decided I was going to re Vincent would be huge for my career I couldn’t let that opportunity slide Even if I’d just let so almost unthinkable happen A client had kissed ain, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to resist his potent sexual energy It was irritating that a bad boy like him could have such an effect on uys?

I closed h point in avethey were fine I practiced ood at being phony

The door opened and two first-year analysts walked in I couldn’t wait any longer It was showti for ray eyes were bolts of intensity How on earth had he made it back from Jersey already?

I took a deep breath, put on ned Deal’s closed We got it"

His hands shot up in triule clap He looked torn whether or not to hugthe doculy

He quickly leafed through each of the required signatures as I shifted back and forth on my feet "See, I told you we impressed him Carl will be pleased God I can smell the bonus already Definite promotion"

I nodded, sh , I was beginning to feel anger This should be h moment; I’d worked so hard for it Instead, I was concerned about hiding et fired

"You knoorried you were in there crying because so," he said, his eyes fixed on the final signature "I’ Did he say anything important?"

Before I could respond, a shrill voice caot Sorenson?"