Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 47223 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47223 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
I shift my weight and clear my throat, grateful my suit coat covers my erection. “Hello, Kate.”
“Mr. Hunt.” She extends her hand.
“Just Marcus.” I engulf her delicate fingers in mine, her touch inciting another hot hum of desire. “At least now I know your name.”
She looks shaken, too. As she jerks her hand free, her expression turns all business. “It’s good to meet you. I look forward to working together.”
I look forward to fucking you.
I need to stop thinking that. “It’s nice to meet you, too. Tell me all about you.”
“Professionally? I grew up in construction, since my father and uncle built houses and strip malls all over Phoenix. After I graduated from high school, I took my flair for interior design and began decorating the model homes and commercial spaces for the business. A few years ago, my uncle had a heart attack, so I stepped in to fill his shoes, overseeing sites, fulfilling his role as general contractor, and finishing his existing projects both on schedule and under budget. Since he and my dad agreed that I have a knack for this business, my uncle sold his stake to my dad and I continued on as both GC and decorator. I picked up a weekend radio show to help out a deejay friend who had some surgery and it became successful, so the station manager gave me a permanent weekly slot. And that’s pretty much my whole résumé.” She smiles nervously. “But I truly enjoy every aspect of property development and management. Since I was ready for a change, I applied for this job when it popped up.”
“Fascinating.” I truly mean that. Construction is such a testosterone-driven world, and a lot of women are intimidated. Kate isn’t. I’m intrigued by the fact she has a spine and that she doesn’t let society form her opinion about her career. Still, her impressive elevator pitch doesn’t tell me what I really want to know. “From Phoenix to Boston, huh? That must be a big change.”
“Huge.”
“What precipitated it? Anything in particular?”
Her face closes up. “It was time.”
So Kate doesn’t want to talk about it. I’ll get to the truth eventually. For now, it’s a closed subject and pushing would be counterproductive. “How do you like Force Financial so far?”
Her smile returns. “Everyone has been helpful and welcoming. The corporate environment is new to me, so I really appreciate the kindness and patience.”
“What do you think of this venture we’re embarking on?”
“It’s exciting. I’m eager to get a look at the property and surrounding area. Of course, I’ll need to thoroughly scout the site when we get there, and I’ll look into the local regulations and building codes before we leave. That way, once we hit the ground, I can quickly formulate the type, size, and scope of the project. Since our time there is limited, I’ll have to make every second count. How do you see your role in this?”
On top of you isn’t the answer I should give her. “Josh and I are traveling with you strictly in an advisory role. We’re supposed to move obstacles from your path, organizationally speaking, and help with the numbers. I’m happy to lend an ear or help you bounce ideas—”
“Thank you, but I generally work alone.”
I raise a brow at her. “You know nothing about this company or the investors who have entrusted us with their multimillions in capital. You’ll have a lot of autonomy, but you’ll also have our oversight.”
Just then, Josh sidles up and hands Kate a glass of champagne. “We’ll be there to help you however you need. I look forward to being on the same team and getting to know you better.”
“I’m sure working with you two will be a pleasure,” she says diplomatically as she reaches for the bubbly.
“The pleasure will be ours”—he smiles—“Kate.”
Outwardly, she looks composed, even detached. But when Josh’s fingers brush hers as she takes the stem, the pulse at the base of her neck leaps and thrums, just like it did when I took her hand in my own.
Every instinct I possess screams at me to press her back against the wall and seize her mouth—then kiss my way down her body so Josh can devour her lips while I taste her pussy. I stifle the urge. I can hardly bitch at him about professionalism and reputation if I’m the one who crosses the line. Besides, Kate is a colleague. She might be attracted to us—and single, based on her bare ring finger—but that doesn’t make her willing to have sex with either of us—much less both of us. It’s a horrible idea.
She musters a stiff smile. “I’m looking forward to a mutually beneficial working relationship and evaluating this property as a potential source of profit for Force and the investors. Now if you’ll excuse me…”