It’s Thursday night when I get a text from Kit inviting me to dinner at his house on Friday to discuss work. Well, he calls it “work” but I’ve learned that nothing is that simple where Kit is concerned.
Of course, I can’t go.
Not after our last evening out when it felt so much like...like more.
When I wanted more. When I kissed his cheek...and dreamed of him all night.
I’m insanely attracted to him, and I need to keep my walls up. So first thing in the morning, I will politely decline the offer. In person.
And no, I swear it’s not just an excuse to see Kit.
After all, I’m uncomfortable and nervous about seeing him in person, and hate that I am because I rarely ever felt that way around Alastair.
But it’s different...because it’s Kit. This man has this way of pushing my buttons. All of them.
I arrive early at the office to more cheers from my co-workers who are still thrilled that I loosened up at the party last weekend. They’ve been doing this every day for the past week. They’re such kids sometimes. Really.
“Go Alex!” Tim cheers when I arrive.
“Right, and we’re still celebrating because...?”
“You let loose last weekend. Had some fun. Told off the big ole boss...” Tim adds, tongue in cheek.
“Don’t remind me. Don’t remind me every day of my life.” I roll my eyes, but inwardly laugh like they are laughing.
I head into my office to get some work done.
Kit never arrives until after nine o’clock. I wait until ten so I don’t look too eager. Then I head to his office. I’m aware of Angela’s eyes following me.
When I enter Kit’s office, the first thing I notice is he’s wearing glasses. Somehow, this shocks me. It makes him look more intelligent, if that’s actually possible.
His face is screwed up in concentration as he clicks through some files on his computer. When he looks up at me, his eyes are magnified by the lenses.
Adorable.
I compose myself quickly, trying to push aside the thought that Kit has never looked better. “Morning, Kit.”
“Hey, Alex. I was just reviewing some of the expenditure reports. Have you come to rescue me from boredom?”
I smile. “Actually... I just came to say I can’t make it tonight.”
Kit raises an eyebrow. “Big plans?”
“No... I’m just not sure I should. After last week. I don’t want anyone at the office getting the wrong impression.”
Kit doesn’t seem concerned. “Come on, Alex. It’s just a business dinner.”
I blush. “I know but...our last business dinner was...”
More like a date to me, I think.
Kit takes off his glasses and stands up, coming around to my side of the desk.
A teasing light appears in his eyes. “As your boss, I demand that you come.” He’s obviously joking.
I smile slyly. “So fire me.”
Kit rolls his eyes, but his lips twitch, even if he does seem a little exasperated. “We’ll make it an early dinner. Just come for an hour.”
“I don’t think so...”
“Come on, Alex. You agreed to help mentor me. And I want to see the revised design. Am I to think you didn’t really mean what you said? I won’t take much of your time. What do you think?”
I waver.
I hate to admit it but being around Kit makes me feel totally vulnerable. Especially now that we are actually getting along. I can’t deny my attraction to him anymore, and I don’t want any office rumors to complicate things further.
My having dinner at his place will only add fuel to the fire. Even if it’s only a business dinner.
There are a million reasons not to go. Probably more. But when it comes down to it, I want to spend more time with him. I did offer to mentor him, even if it means facing my shame and going back to that house. And I know that discussing business in a private place rather than a restaurant is more ideal—especially when trade secrets are going to be shared.
I sigh, and as the breath leaves my body, so does my resolve. “I guess an hour can’t hurt...”
Kit grins smugly, returning to his chair. “I knew you’d come around.”
“Yeah, well. I’m aiming to keep my job.”
Kit smiles, picking up a pen and chewing the end. He’s the perfect image of a schoolboy troublemaker. It’s both endearing and totally inappropriate, but I decide I don’t really care. I can appreciate him from afar, right?
“Just an hour, and I’m out. Deal?”
Kit’s eyes sparkle. “Anything you want, Miss Croft.” He releases a deep low male chuckle. “I’m just glad you’re coming.”
I nod and retreat from the office. I close the door behind me and take a deep breath. I guess I forgot to breathe for the entire meeting. I smile to myself as I return to my office. With the prospect of seeing Kit tonight, this day just got a whole lot better.
* * *
There’s only so many times a girl can change her outfit without going insane.
I’m one dress change away from screaming right now, with over ten options already lying discarded on the floor. I’ve spent longer getting ready than I plan to spend at Kit’s place. I don’t often look to others for validation, but all I want from this evening is for Kit to tell me I look good again.
This is ridiculous. It’s a work dinner, not a hot date.
I guess he just wants me there to discuss business in private. Maybe after how receptive I was to him during our last dinner, he feels the best way to soften me up is with a good meal.
I groan as I check my watch. I’m due to arrive in half an hour, and it’ll take me that long to get there. I snatch up a modest navy dress and throw it on. It’ll have to do. At least it doesn’t make me look tarty or desperate. The last thing I want is for my boss to think I’m dressing up for him. Even if I am.
I finish my hair and makeup in a hurry and leave the house without looking in the mirror. If I hesitate any more, I know I’ll chicken out.
The whole drive, my heart keeps pace with the music on the radio, which is fast.
This doesn’t feel like me. I’m not usually the kind of girl who gets frightened over work dinners.
Why did Kit have to turn out to be a good guy? With those looks of his, it’s a killer combination, and it has complicated everything for me.
I kind of wish I could just go back to hating him, but in all honesty, this sensation I’m having right now is much more exciting.
When I pull up in his driveway, the first thing I notice is there’s only one other vehicle parked there. A white Range Rover.
Kit’s, I’m sure.
I wait in the car for a few minutes, half hoping he texts me and cancels, but he doesn’t. I know he won’t. Forcing myself to get out, I start walking to the front door.
Last time, the music was so loud I heard it from halfway down the road. Now it’s so quiet and peaceful, like a whole different place.
I hesitate before knocking.
The thing is, I’m scared to be alone with him.
My feelings always seem to get more intense when I catch him alone.
It’s in those moments when he is off guard. Softer. Better. It’s those moments where I find myself drawn to him like a magnet.
It’s such an alien feeling to me that I hardly know what to do with it.
Exhaling, I prod myself to move. I can’t just stand here all night. So before I can stop myself, I knock on the door.
I wait, but there’s no response. I’m starting to feel like this whole thing is a prank. Everyone at work will be laughing at me when they find out.
When nobody answers, I start to fume. I’m totally being pranked. I shake my head in frustration, wishing I could just go home. But something keeps me glued to the doorstep. I’m confused. Intrigued.
Why would Kit ask me here and not open? I’m sure he’s not above playing practical jokes, but why now? Why me, when we are finally on track?
Maybe he’s trying to stir things up again, but somehow, that doesn’t feel like a viable explanation.
I’m about to turn away when it occurs to me to try the doorknob. When I turn it, the door clicks, opening slowly. My heart gives a little kick of anticipation as I step inside, flustered by this entire thing. Then I glance around and see something amazing.
The entire room is filled with black roses.