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Since Rafe was still talking, Hope covered the phone with her hand and called out, “Hello?” When there was no answer, her concern grew, and she left her office

Hope froze when she entered the reception area Larger than life, intoxicating as well as overpowering, he stood near Skyler’s desk

Her momentary concern blossoe of pleasure thatsense of dread

It ht have been the end of the day, but his suit was iht, and his shirt was crisp and starched He had the barest hint of an afternoon shadow, and he smelled of spice

She had a feminine instinct to yield to hi” She ended the call, then held the phone in front of her to ward him off

“I prefer not to answer questions about sadiseneral terms” He didn’t smile to dull the impact of his words In fact, he sounded as if he were in a tough business negotiation rather than talking about sex “I’d much rather discuss specific situations and ask round, or so to try”

She tightened her grip until she could no longer feel her fingers “I’ll convey what you’ve said to see if the potential ht want to have further conversation with you”

“And what about you, Hope?” He dropped his cell into an inner pocket of his suit coat “You’re not curious at all?”

“This isn’t about me”

“You received my questionnaire” It was a statement, not a question He’d sent the email with a read-receipt request, so he knew the exact moment she’d opened it

“I did”

“Did you learn anything about yourself?”

“Nothing that pertains to you,” she lied She had a number of questions, but for her sanity, she needed to keep hi to business where she understood the landscape better, she said, “As I s with the candidates for you if there is mutual interest”

“Nothing at all?” His ss were you curious about? What scared you?”

Hope kept her gaze riveted on his tie “This is not an appropriate conversation” Even so, she couldn’t find the words to ask him to leave If she were honest with herself, she’d ado In desperation, she said, “You’re a client” Was she trying to convince herself or him?

“Are you familiar with a safe word?”

She forced herself to look up at his face Then she wished she hadn’t His eyes were probing, giving her no place to hide