Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“Could be worse,” Kate points out. “There could be a bunch of married men who are interested in a little somethin’ somethin’ with a twentysomething woman.”
“True.”
“Have you seen Ian yet this morning?”
My mug stops halfway to my mouth, and I hope it hides my blush.
The way that man kisses . . .
Kate studies me. “You okay?”
A little hot-flashy, but yeah, fine.
“Yep!” It comes out too peppy, and Kate’s eyes narrow.
“What happened after we all left last night?”
“I told him about my report. He was relieved. I left.” After we made out in the elevator. Seriously, is the AC not working in here today?
Kate gives me a skeptical look. “You could have told him about the report in an e-mail.”
“Actually, I always tell the people I’m investigating my findings in person.”
It’s true. It’s not an SEC rule or anything. It’s not even necessarily recommended. But it’s a part of my own process. It feels like a human decency thing—whether I’m turning their life upside down or giving them their life back, it’s the sort of thing I feel I should look a person in the eyes and say, you know?
Of course, it’s never resulted in getting felt up before, not that his hands had wandered to any bikini areas. I’d just wished . . .
I take another gulp of the champagne, then set the mug down before I chug it.
“Well, thanks for taking the time,” Kate says, dropping into a chair. “He’s in a really good mood this morning. Like, I heard him whistle.”
“Really?” The information causes a thrill to rush through me that has nothing to do with professional satisfaction.
Kate shrugs. “Wouldn’t you if you’d just been told you weren’t going to jail?”
“There was no guarantee he’d have gotten time. Sometimes it’s just a hefty fine and job loss, though for some, that can be just as devastating.”
“The fine wouldn’t have bothered Ian.”
“Some of these guys end up losing seven figures. Not to mention their jobs.”
“I already told you he’s not about the money,” she says. “And I think you know that.”
I look down at my drink. I do know.
The Ian I’ve gotten to know over the past several weeks wears expensive suits, drinks overpriced wine, and hosts parties with caviar, yes, but that’s merely the top layer. Just like the flirtatious womanizer is just a layer. The man beneath that is kind, and generous, and maybe a little bit vulnerable.
“Lara.” Kate’s voice is softer than I’m used to, and I glance up. “Don’t play games with him. Please.”
I swallow and nod but say nothing. I’ve been so busy figuring out how to protect myself from Ian, it hasn’t really occurred to me that Ian might need protecting from me.
That he might be just as out of his element as I am, albeit in a different way.
Kate looks down at her mug. “Damn, it’s empty. I told myself I could only have one until I finish up the weekly reports. Guess it’s back to work.”
The sudden sting of sadness I feel at her words surprises me. I’ve been so focused on whatever the heck is going on between Ian and me, it hasn’t hit me that this is goodbye. Kate’s become a friend, or at least someone I would like to be friends with.
I’ll miss Kennedy and Matt, too, even Sabrina in all her gorgeous prickliness. It’s a group I wish I could be a part of . . .
If only things were different.
Kate stands. “Look, I know this might be weird, but if you ever want to grab lunch sometime . . .”
My smile is huge. “I’d like that.”
“Good.”
“Hey, Kate,” I say when she’s almost to the door. “Is Ian in his office?”
When she turns back, her grin is a little bit mischievous. “He had a meeting at nine, but it should be done by now. He’s got a break till eleven.” She leans against the door. “Whatcha need him for? I mean, the case is wrapped up, right? And you delivered that message last night. So—”
“Kate.”
“Yeah?”
I pick up my mimosa and take a sip. “What’s the deal with you and Kennedy?”
Her grin vanishes. “We’re not that good of friends yet, SEC.”
I smile. “Exactly.”
Kate points at me. “I knew I was going to like you.”
I’m still smiling when I walk down the hall toward Ian’s office. It’s just past ten, so assuming his nine o’clock didn’t run over . . .
Ian’s behind his desk, attention on his computer screen.
I watch him type for a moment. I’m used to seeing him in his charming people-person mode, but I’m realizing there’s another side to his professional persona. The guy who gets things done is very intense, very focused, and . . . very hot.
He’s wearing a dark-pink tie today, but it looks anything but feminine when paired with his dark-gray suit, broad shoulders, and sharp jawline.