“You’ve got to be kidding me!”

Chase grabs the coffee cups and gives them to a hotel steward who hovers nearby. “Put these next to Miss Callahan and Mr. Jefferson’s name plates,” he instructs.

Based on his obvious knowledge of Taye, and now me, he had to have known who I was when we met at the bar last night. He never said a word. Frustration and anger war within me.

Chase grasps my hand and brings it to those plump lips. Electricity zaps me the second his lips touch my knuckles. His expressive eyes darken, pupils dilating. I swear I feel the lightest sweep of his tongue in between my middle and ring finger with that kiss. I gasp, and his eyebrows rise. He watches me intently, sending me crazy mixed signals.

I hear the softest “Mmm,” and I’m lost in the sensation of his nearness. His body dwarfs mine by a good half foot, even in heels. I zero in on the bit of flesh still pressed against my hand. The air around us is sizzling, and I’m once again breathing in his woodsy fruity love potion concoction. Finally he lets go as Taye joins us.

“Gigi, I see you’ve met Mr. Davis, the chairman of the board,” Taye says.

The. Spell. Is. Broken.

Hazarding a glance at Chase, I’m certain my bafflement shows in my widened eyes. I am so screwed!

“You’re the chairman of the board?” I close my eyes and attempt to piece the puzzle together. How the hell did I not know this? Recognition slaps me against the forehead. The company letterhead has “C. Davis, Chairman of the Board” listed prominently at the top. I sigh. So stupid! I should have been smart enough to put two and two together. Now the joke’s on me.

Chase shakes Taye’s hand. “Mr. Jefferson, good to see you again. I trust you’re well?”

“Yes, Mr. Davis. Thank you. I’ve brought along Gillian Callahan, our Contributions Manager,” Taye says with pride.

Chase looks at me and discreetly skims me from head to heeled toe. A flicker of heat fills his blue gaze. “We’ve met, briefly. I look forward to your presentation this afternoon, Miss Callahan.”

He acts as if nothing happened between us. Technically, nothing has…besides a few caresses and a near kiss. Now that I know who he is, that kiss will never happen in this lifetime, and neither will the non-date only “drinks” that were supposed to happen tonight.

I cannot believe my luck. My mystery man, my tall dark and handsome, is the chairman of the board of my foundation. I want to crawl under a rock and die. Instead, I pick up my bootstraps. This is not the time to crumble. I’ve been through much more embarrassing and harrowing days over the past several years. This is but a bump in the road. A sexy-as-sin-man is just gum on the bottom of my shoe. I’ll scrape off the feelings I have for him and move forward with my plan to secure my future.

A lovely blond woman taps Chase’s shoulder. “Excuse me, Mr. Davis. It’s eight o’clock.”

He clasps his hands together. “Excellent. Let’s get started then.” He winks and turns toward the head of the table.

Taye grasps my elbow and leads me to our table closer to the end of room. I fall into my seat rather clumsily. Chase starts the meeting, and I hunker down, taking notes and trying desperately to clear my foggy mind of all things sexy-man-in-nothing-but-workout-sweats-and-washboard-abs-you-could crack-a-tooth-on.

The rest of the meeting is spent paying close attention and doing my best to avoid looking at Chase. I already feel better about my decision to blow him off. We break for fifteen minutes, and I rush out of the room. I need the space.

Entering the solace of the women’s restroom, I lean against the cool multicolored tile. The washroom has a quaint sitting area with large puffy couches. A mirror spans an entire wall. A large square sink fills the space, almost like an ornate trough. Turning on the water, I chill my hands, wrists, and the crook of my elbow like my mother used to when I was child. The cooling of my pressure points does wonders at calming rankled nerves. He’s the fricking chairman of the board. I refrain from slamming my head against the mirror to knock the stupid out of me. Break all ties and run.

Behind me, I hear two women enter the sitting area giggling. “Did you see how perfectly those slacks fit that tight ass?” one of them says.

“How could you not? Makes you just want to wrap your legs around that cowboy and ride him into morning!” the other woman drawls with a southern accent.

“Maybe you should make a go for Davis, Claire. He seems to like tall blondes.” The first woman laughs.

Peering around the wall that separates the two spaces, I see Claire Dalton, the board member from Texas. The other woman I haven’t met yet. They adjust their hair and makeup in the vanity mirror. I plaster myself along the wall, staying out of sight, and listen.

“I think I will. Maybe at tonight’s dinner I’ll make a move on him,” Claire drawls.

No, no, no, no! I want to scream! Wait. If he goes for the blond Barbie doll, he’ll forget about me. My job won’t be at risk, and my sanity will stay intact. It’s a win-win.

My job at the foundation is more than just a position or somewhere I pull a salary. The past few years have been rife with hard work while I tried to piece my life back together after the Justin Period. I’m not letting anyone take me away from my goal. Especially not a man. Even if he’s disarmingly handsome and makes me quake with desire. Nothing matters except securing my future.

The two women leave the sitting area. My fifteen minutes of freedom are up. Sighing, I square my shoulders. I can do this.

Outside the bathroom, I see that Claire doesn’t waste time. She and Chase are standing not ten feet from the bathroom door. His back is to me and Claire is laughing, batting those long eyelashes of hers. I inch my way around the two of them, careful not to interrupt.

A firm hand grasps my wrist and tugs me to a halt. “Miss Callahan, may I have a word?” His eyes pierce mine.

Taken away by his essence once more, I’m rooted to the ground where I stand, awaiting his next request. It’s annoying the innate control this man has over me.

“Claire, it’s a very nice offer, but I have plans after dinner. I’ll be just a moment.”

Claire looks deflated at his dismissal. I have an evil desire to stick my tongue out at her retreating form. He doesn’t want you! He wants me. Not the frame of mind I need to have right now.

I pull my hand from Chase’s grasp. “Don’t manhandle me,” I whisper in an irritated voice. The man is constantly touching me. It needs to stop.

“I didn’t want you running away.” He takes a deep breath.

Knotting my fingers together, I look down at my heels to calm my nerves.

“I just wanted to remind you about this evening.”

Looking up, I meet his gaze. “You still want to meet me?”

“More than anything,” he says with confidence.

I fully expected him to come to the conclusion I had. Our pseudo-date was a no-go. I inhale sharply and shake my head.

His eyes graze over my body like a caress. “Nothing’s changed.”

He looks around the hallway. The rest of the group has returned to the meeting room, leaving us alone. The pace of my heart picks up. He leans, and his lips lightly stroke the shell of my ear. A tremble runs from my head to my toes. A warm wet sensation tickles the curved flesh of my ear. His tongue. Liquid fire spreads from my ear down my neck, through my chest, settling in my belly. The tender space between my legs feels heavy, aching to be touched. I clench my thighs. Zings of pleasure shoot through my body.

“You’re stunning in green,” he whispers. “Brings out the color of your eyes. I could easily get lost in them.”

Chase’s words, his nearness, the breath against my ear, all compound to make me dizzy. I steady myself against the solid wall of his chest with a shaking hand. I curl my fingers around his tie and tug him toward my mouth. All rational thought is gone. I want him more than I want my next breath. I reach up on my toes to bring our mouths closer. He pulls away, the silky fabric slipping through my fingers.

Reality crashes in, and once again the spell is broken.

I was going to kiss him! Right here. Right where anyone could see us. Jesus, what’s wrong with me? This is not who I am. It’s him. He makes me feel needy, wanton, and sexually depraved. Prickles of embarrassment coat my skin.

“Another time,” he says, though his smile is wicked and would drop the panties of any female in his presence.

Thank God one of us has his wits about him. I must have left mine in the box marked “Private” under my bed.

Chase sets his hand against my lower back as he leads me towards the boardroom. “Nine o’clock,” he reminds me. His hand falls away as I enter the room to take my seat.

The meeting continues and the business development director drones on and on about the new affiliations and business arrangements he’s negotiated this past year.

“Thank you, Mr. Howe, for your update.” Chase cuts off the director somewhat abruptly, noting the allotted hour he was given has passed. “I believe we have lunch, and then the Contributions Department will give their presentation.” He looks at Taye and then me.

Taye smiles confidently. I’m trying in earnest to snag the confidence I had before I learned my Superman is the chairman of the board.

Taye pats my shoulder. “You’re going to do great,” he whispers.

Nodding, I smile.

When I look up, Chase is blatantly staring at me, his features pinched. He seems to be assessing the communication between Taye and me. Whatever Chase is thinking, he doesn’t seem pleased. I continue my conversation with Taye and ignore Chase’s stare until lunch arrives.

Watching Chase in action today has been quite a treat. The questions he asks each presenter are calculated, to the point, and innately brilliant. His expectations of his peers and the foundation staff are high, ones he seems to have also given himself.

A hotel server sets a silver tray in front of me. “The filet, miss, is seared and broiled with a blue cheese butter crust, coupled with hickory smoked bacon mashed potatoes and seasoned sautéed vegetables.”

“Thank you.” My mouth waters at the sight of the food. The muffin this morning was tasty but pales in comparison to this feast. I can’t recall the last time I had filet mignon. Must have been prior to my mom’s passing. She always did love the finer things in life. Not that we ever got to indulge much on our little family’s budget.

I take a bite, and the taste explodes like a firecracker on the fourth of July. The texture of the meat is utter perfection. It’s a soft melt-in-your-mouth bit of heaven. I moan in contentment, closing my eyes to enjoy the experience. When I open them, Chase has his eyes on me, but they are no longer the stunning blue of the ocean. They are black as night. His pupils are dilated, and he’s gripping his fork so tightly his knuckles have turned white. His jaw is clenched and so taut I wonder briefly if he’s angry. He lets out a deep exhale that I can almost feel against my skin even though there’s a ten-foot gap between us.

I know that look. I’ve seen it on men several times in my life. He’s turned on. He shakes his head and tunnels his fingers through his hair haphazardly, giving it that sexy, tussled, just-got-out-of-bed look. He’s clearly affected by me physically. As much as I need to avoid starting anything with him, the sexual tension I feel in his presence is stifling. I bite my lip and look anywhere but at his heated gaze.

“Are you about ready?” Taye’s voice startles me.

“Yeah, I think I am. The numbers don’t lie. Time to blow them away.” I smile widely at my colleague and friend.

Sitting straighter in my chair, I look at Chase, pleased that I’ve gotten under his skin a little. Chase’s subtle smile fills me with light. Regardless of what’s going on between us, I came here to prove my worth to this foundation, and I’m going to do just that.

Taye gives his update on major giving donors and quite a few of the board members seem impressed. “At the Chairman’s Giving level, Mr. Davis, we request that you sit down face-to-face with the donor. It would be at a time and place of your choosing, based on your schedule.”

Chase tips his chin, an air of authority surrounding the movement. “And at what level would that donor be giving?”

“Miss Callahan and I have done a great deal of research and secured recommendations from a national philanthropic organization—”

“Brass tacks, Mr. Jefferson,” Chase warns. “What does one pay to have the pleasure of my company?”

Several board members snicker, and he grins, merriment taking over the all business fierceness in his eyes.

“Six figures, Mr. Davis.” A couple of people gasp. “You are a very desirable man, Mr. Davis.”

Chase’s eyebrows shoot up. He flicks his gaze to me and then back to Taye as he continues his spiel.

“Direct access to one of the wealthiest men in the United States can be very valuable to anyone with that kind of disposable capital. I imagine anyone’s access to you on a regular basis is limited.” Taye smoothes down his jacket. “Is that not the case?”

Chase looks at a hulk of a man standing near the door. I hadn’t noticed him before. He’s almost as broad shouldered as he is tall. Looks like an NFL football player. He’s stoic, unmoving, his arms firmly planted across his chest. Slicked back black hair adds to his very Italian mafia-type features. I wonder why he’s here and who he is.

“You are correct,” Chase responds. “Access to me is strictly on a needs basis outside the foundation.”

“So a donation in the six figures would be worthy of access to you?”

Everything is riding on the answer to Taye’s question. He’s been preparing this moment for three months.

“I’m agreeable to it,” Chase says.

I release my breath in a whoosh. Taye got him. Slam dunk! I was proud. Taye worked so hard on this proposal, and Chase’s agreement to visit top donors face-to-face is the last piece of the puzzle. The Leadership Society would move forward.

“You won’t regret it, Mr. Davis.” Taye beams.

“Don’t let me, Mr. Jefferson. Great work. I look forward to seeing how this pans out.” Chase smiles at me. “I believe Miss Callahan has some information to share with the board.”

His smile, coupled with his agreement to Taye’s request, gives me the confidence boost I need.

Over the next thirty minutes, I dazzle them with glossy charts and graphs showing in great detail how the Contributions Department has met its revenue goals for the fiscal year in charitable gifts. Not only met, but also exceeded it by forty-five percent.

“Miss Callahan, what did you do to make these numbers increase so drastically?” asks one prim and proper-looking board member.

“Well, Ms. Conrad, I took a different approach.” I pace the room. “The foundation had been sending out mailings that were about the foundation and the work we do in a generic professional way. However, it lacked sincerity. The stories of the women who so desperately need our help on a regular basis show a more personal aspect.”

A couple of the board members nod.

“I interviewed some of the women who had been battered and were having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel until they found us.” I clear my throat but my voice cracks and shakes. “I shared how we helped save their lives. It spoke volumes to the donors.”

I choke up again when I remember my last interview of a woman who had suffered a brutal beating. She couldn’t walk for a week afterward. The foundation helped her cut ties with her attacker and to start a new life. I held her hand and cried right along with her.

Tears blur my vision. I dab at them before taking a deep breath. Chase stands, goes to the drinks table, and brings me a glass of water. I gently sip while getting my emotions in check.

Now is not the time to relive the past. Chase’s hand warms my shoulder as he tips his head to the side. “Okay? Need a moment?” He searches my face, clearly showing his concern.

I nod and plaster on the fakest smile I can muster. The last thing I need is to breakdown in the middle of the most important presentation of my career.

“Thank you.” I clear my throat and shift my shoulders back.

“Wow, Miss Callahan. I don’t think anyone here had any inkling you wrote those letters. We also weren’t aware they were about real women the foundation had saved.” Chase’s voice holds adoration. He wasn’t just saying it to win over the group, or me.

I feel nothing but a deep respect for him in that moment. I nod and set down the glass of water.

“Well, let me be the first to congratulate you on a job very well done. Please continue with your presentation.”

“Thank you, Mr. Davis.” I watch him walk back to his seat.

He focuses solely on me as he gracefully sits. His intensity may get to me, but I’m thrilled that he’s seeing my work and the value I have to the organization, not just someone he wants to bed.

“The next area our department focused on was tele-fundraising.” For the next fifteen minutes, I hit them with the results of our successful calling campaign. “If you would be so kind as to review the information and the additional fundraising options, I believe we could save a lot of women with the money we’d raise.” Scanning each member of the board, I can tell that I’m making an impact. “We understand these massive changes take time, and we appreciate the board’s consideration. Thank you.”

“Very impressive, Miss Callahan. You have given us a great deal to think about over the coming weeks,” Chase offers. He glances at his colleagues. “I want each of you to review the information each department has brought to the table today and come to our next board meeting with your list of questions, concerns, and your initial decision on whether to move forward with the recommendations from our staff. We will take a vote at the next meeting.”

The board members nod, write notes, and the board secretary rapidly taps out her transcription of the action.

Taye nudges my shoulder as I sit down. His full pearly white smile beams, the one he says is the only way to find him in the dark. Under the table, he holds out his hand. I smack it lightly. We both quietly snap. It’s our mini-high five “won and then done” victory bump.

As the meeting concludes, I’m thinking of a nice hot bath to end the intense day. I’m about to leave with Taye when Chase grasps my hand and pulls me to his side. I wave off Taye and feel the jolt like two magnets reaching for each other. My body flows toward his so easily. I’ve known him for twenty-four hours, but the pull is undeniable.

“Gillian, I’d like to introduce you to someone.” He guides me to the burly man in black. “Gillian, this is Jack Porter. My bodyguard, driver, my safety net. He will be picking you up this evening.”

“Good to meet you.” I hold out my hand.

Instead of taking it, Jack looks me up and down. I’m not sure if he’s assessing me as a woman, or checking to see if I have any conspicuous bulges that could hide a concealed weapon. I tilt my chin defensively and place my hands on my hips. “Take a picture, it will last longer,” I say to the huge man.

He grumbles, but doesn’t respond.

Chase laughs a full-bellied laugh as he leads me away from the mob boss. The man didn’t say two words to me. Strange company Chase keeps.

“He didn’t even shake my hand. And it’s rude to stare like that.”

Chase continues to laugh as we walk briskly out of the room, his hand at my lower back. A girl could get used to being led by Superman. Maybe Lois Lane purposely put herself in all those dangerous situations so she’d be saved by the man of steel.

We’re a good distance from everyone else when I realize I’m being propelled into another small meeting room. Jack comes and stands in front of the door and guards the entrance.

“Chase,” I say in warning, not altogether comfortable with being guided into a dark room.

“Trust me.” He ushers me farther into the room. And without question, I do trust him. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. The man has done nothing but put me off kilter since the moment our eyes met across the bar last night. I should be more circumspect, but the prevailing feeling I have near him is “cherished.” I’m not sure why or where the feeling comes from, but it’s filling the doubts that usually control all my decisions with something other than fear.

As my eyes adjust to the dark, I notice a normal-sized conference table with a bunch of cushy leather office chairs. I’m about to ask what we’re doing here when Chase grasps my arms, whirls me around, and pins me against the closed door.

A protest sits on the edge of my lips until his mouth prevents speech. The moment our lips touch, it’s magic. I lose all thought. His fingers intertwine with mine, palm to palm. Electricity sizzles between our clasped hands as he holds them over my head, pressing his large body against me. The power behind his kiss, the wet heat, fingers clutching, chest pinning me to the door is exhilarating. It’s like a fast car racing around the track, going the distance right before crossing the finish line in an explosion of excitement.

The forbidden nature of his passion has my mind in a drunken tizzy. The realization that I’ve allowed him to control me is disconcerting, but it feels too good to stop. His lips nibble and pluck, and a delicious sensation ricochets through every pore as sparks of lust race through me. I need more. Of him. Of his mouth. Just more.

I suck his tongue greedily and am rewarded with a guttural groan. Chase pulls away to catch a breath and then delves in deep, leaving no space uncharted. God, the man knows how to kiss. He tastes of coffee, the tiramisu we had for dessert, and something darker, richer. My entire body is on fire. Every nerve ending is hypersensitive, anticipating his next touch. He lets go of my hands and brings one to the side of my neck, tipping my head where he wants, and then he plunders again, taking total possession. I can feel the weight of his body pushing me harder against the door. The thick length of his erection digs into my hip.

His left hand burns a trail from my neck, over my breast, and settles at my rib cage. I want to tell him to go back up where I need him most, but he steals my breath with his searching tongue. I can do nothing but grip his back to keep him firmly pressed against me, rubbing my body along his, trying but failing to assuage the burning desire ripping me apart. He sweeps his thumb across the silky fabric at my ribs in small massaging circles. The touch fills me with want, with the need to take him, right here, right now. My brain tells me to stop this, let go. Walk away. It’s too much. My body, however, has different plans. I arch into him to feel more, to get closer.

Both of his hands encircle my hips as he thrusts his erection against me. I moan into his mouth, loving the fact that I please him, make him hard. He devours me with his tongue, teeth, and lips. He moves his hand lower, pulling one leg up and hooking it over his hip, holding it there. The angle is sublime. He grinds in the perfect spot between my thighs, captivating me with every stroke. Desire shatters through me, soaking the wisp of lace between us. My entire focus is on the press and release of his body as he pushes me to unbelievable heights of pleasure. Taking advantage of my hiked leg, he glides his fingers to where my thigh high is held in place by the thin strip of fabric attached to a black garter.

“Jesus Christ, you’re wearing thigh highs,” he says in a strangled voice against my mouth.

His teeth nip my swollen lips to the point where pleasure and pain mingle. I grin against his teeth. Some of my secrets are good ones. My penchant for sexy lingerie is a favorite. He comes in for another scorching kiss, pressing his turgid length deep against my clit. Tingles of pleasure ripple out from the sensitive nub. I fear I may come here, against this door, like a common hussy.

Chase kisses his way down my neck, and I’m lost in the sensation. His natural woodsy and citrus scent is stronger as his skin shimmers with sweat. It’s intoxicating, pulling me further into the abyss that is Chase. I tremble with need, my breath ragged as I grip and claw, trying to pull him deeper against me. Merge as one.

His lips brush my ear, sending chills down my spine. I hear his intake of breath as he drags his warm tongue down the column of my neck, tasting, devouring. He moans and bites down hard on the ball of my shoulder. Excitement builds between my thighs, moisture pooling and soaking my panties. No man has taken control of me and my body in this way before. I want to bottle it whole, spray it on every surface in my bedroom so I can revisit it…often. It’s unusual, frightening and freeing at the same time. I want to beg for more, not run in fear. Chase brings out a side of me I don’t recognize, but am desperate to release.

Chase nips at my ear. I can feel every breath as his words caress the skin of my neck. “You’re driving me mad.” He bites my earlobe and I gasp. Then he pecks my lips with a kiss.

“I won’t be able to make it through dinner”—kiss again—“without thinking about you”—kiss—“against this door, wearing those fucking thigh highs”—kiss—“and how I’m going to remove them with my teeth.” His hips rhythmically circle and press harder into me with every staccato kiss.

“God, Chase,” I moan.

He dips his tongue into my mouth as he presses against me exactly where I need it most. A cry tears from my throat. I bite my lip, almost drawing blood. He soothes the hurt with his tongue. I reach down and squeeze his tight ass, bringing him closer. It’s too much. I have to have him.

“Please,” I beg shamelessly and punctuate my need by digging my stiletto into the tender meat of his thigh.

He winces, hissing through his teeth. “God, I can’t wait to get you into my bed.” He finishes his statement by sealing his mouth over the skin of my neck.

I’m sure he’ll leave marks. I almost hope he does. That thought is a first for me. I’ve had a man leave too many marks. Never have I wanted them to be there.

Chase picks up the pace of grinding me into sexual oblivion. His cock perfectly presses against my clit. All thoughts of the past are gone. I’m plowed right back into a haze of need. The pleasure almost reaches the apex, a few more strokes and I’ll fly—

A brisk knock on the door behind me startles us both. We both jump away from one another and scramble to readjust our clothes like two teenagers caught by the adults.

“Just a moment!” Chase says to the closed door.

My heart races as I smooth my skirt with shaky hands. Our breathing comes in tight bursts. I’m trembling, and the knowledge of what was about to take place is like an ice pick to my chest. The chairman of the board was dry humping me against a door. Shit!

Chase scans me while smoothing his suit coat and tie. He grips both the lapels of his jacket, shaking it in place before buttoning the jacket over a very impressive erection. I cringe as he covers his need for me. He catches me sizing up his package, shoots me an impish grin, and finger combs his hair into that sexy tussled look, which this time is actually from a sex act. Chase reaches out and glides his fingertips down the side of my face. He clasps my chin and tips it up. He pets the cheekbone and pulls me into a simple, reaffirming kiss.

“Tonight. I will have you,” he promises, and then opens the door.

His cell phone rings, bringing me out of the sex-induced coma. With a flick of the wrist, his phone is to his ear and he barks into it, exiting. He takes one look back and shoots me a saucy wink that I can feel from the tips of my toes to the ends of my hair.

I wait a respectable amount of time until I can’t hear any voices outside. If I am honest, I’m really waiting to make sure I can walk without having to hold myself up using the wall like a drunken college student on frat night. I’d be mortified if anyone caught me coming out of a dark room with Chase. I can only imagine what they’d think. Probably assume I’m sleeping my way to the top or something equaling demoralizing.

Venturing out, I see that Jack is waiting for me. He has my laptop and purse. He hands me my cell phone.

“Mr. Davis asked me to wait for you to ensure you got your things. He also said to give you his personal cell phone number and asked that you text him that you still plan to meet him. I’ve added it to your contacts. Do not share it with anyone,” he warns.

“Thanks,” I say to his retreating form. The man is so on edge. I wonder who pissed in his Cheerios today.

How odd. Chase had his driver, bodyguard, whatever he is, wait for me and ensure that I text him about a meeting that’s less than three hours away. Looks like Mr. Chairman of the Board has a few insecurities of his own. The thought makes me feel a little better, but not by much.

I open my contacts and find him. Of course the mob boss entered Chase’s information in perfect text, appropriate capitalization on the C and D. He added his cell, business, and home numbers. He also provided his e-mail. I guess that leaves no possible reason for me not to reach him in one format or another.

I pull together a quick text.

Immediately I receive a reply.

The thought of what will likely take place tonight makes my stomach feel tight and fluttery. Anxiety swirls and festers, pricking my skin as if I were getting acupuncture. I want this man. Really want him.

In my bed. In my body. In every way possible.

I’m torn. A man has never made me feel this high or want to fall so hard. Chase brings out desire in me so fierce I can barely avoid its burn. After the conference room escapade, I know we’ll set the sheets ablaze. I want you in my bed, he said. That one sentence has me twitching with longing and impatience. His need for me makes me want to weep in frustration. Regardless of how bad it will look if people find out, I’ve got to have him.

Lord help me, I’m about to make one beautiful mistake.