A year ago

For the record, I did not—underline not—make the offer because he’s hot.

I only made the offer because I’m helpful.

That was it.

That was all.

It went down like this.

At the end of a department-head meeting, my boss popped in, introduced the new director of sales, then—because he had an unexpected meeting with a client—asked if someone wouldn't mind showing him around.

Wouldn't mind?

Ah, hell no.

Because Noah Rivera was easy on the eyes.

And had the best smile ever.

But wait. That’s not why I stuck my hand in the air.

“I’ll be happy to show him around,” I offered.

I did it because I liked to help.

Always had, always would.

“Why, thank you very much for being my tour guide,” Noah said as we walked down the hall and I showed him the food labs at our chocolate company.

“I like to wear all sorts of hats. Head of marketing, captain of the softball team, and chief tour guide.”

He stopped in his tracks. “Whoa. Did you just say softball team?”

I laughed. “Yes. Is that a surprise?”

“No. It’s just—could this day get any better? I love softball.”

I nudged his elbow.

Wait, did I just nudge his elbow?

Must behave.

I tried to make light of it. “Then you really ought to join our team. We have a ton of fun playing with the other food companies in the city.”

He shot me a quizzical look. “And you like sports leagues? Like, really like them?”

“Sure. My daughter’s school is right near the park, so it works out perfectly. She’ll meet me at Central Park and work on homework during the games.”

His eyes swept down to my hand. Was he hunting for a ring? Well, he wouldn’t find one.

“That is so cool that you’re into—I mean, that Heavenly has a softball team. I’m fired up to join.”

I flashed him a smile. “And I’m fired up you want to join.”

I gave him the rest of the tour, popping by to say hi to other key team members, saving the best for last.

When we reached the corporate cafeteria, I swept my arm out wide. “And the best part? Heavenly has fabulous food. Yummy soups and delicious salads, and all sorts of options if you’re a vegetarian or gluten-free, or what have you.”

He nodded appreciatively at the spread. “This is going to be perfect.”

I glanced at my watch. It was twelve thirty.

“Want to get something to eat?”

He smiled brightly. “Is everyone here as friendly as you?”

I shrugged playfully. “We do have a great group of people. That’s why I’ve been here for more than a decade.” I lowered my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Not for nothing, they do call me Ambassador Ginny.”

He offered a hand. “Have I mentioned what a pleasure it is to meet you, Ambassador Ginny?”

“And it's a pleasure to meet you, Noah.”

See, I did all that because I’m helpful.

Not because I was totally perving on the hot new guy.

We sat down and had lunch together, and that’s when I made the biggest mistake.

“Tell me more about you.”

I learned he lived in Queens, a few blocks from his family, had dinner with his parents every Sunday, and liked to play soccer with his older sister’s youngest son.

He was a freaking twenty-five-year-old family man.

Thanks, universe, for the temptation.