Sugar stared down at the business card, feeling her eyebrows rise as she took in Colton’s full name.

Colton Ethan Richmond.

Holy shit. It was clear he had no clue who she was, but then again, she’d only given her first name. And she hadn’t known who he was, not until he’d given her his business card and she’d seen exactly whom she’d been speaking with.

Richmond Talent Agency.

Sugar lifted her head and looked over to where he’d been. There was no sight of him; he had obviously hauled ass out of the dog park.

Her company was doing business with his. In fact, if the deal went through it would be one of the biggest mergers for both of their corporations in over a decade. And she was the one holding it up, going through all the paperwork, the fine print, making sure all the Is were dotted and the Ts crossed.

She got plenty of messages from Mr. Richmond, wanting to meet, wanting to go over the specifics so things could move forward. She’d been dragging her feet, but then again, as a communication director it was her job to make sure everything was in place before signatures were delivered.

Her heart was thundering as she curled her fingers around the thick, expensive business card. She tucked that, as well as her cell, into her bag. Calling Poppy over, she attached the leash to the collar, not being able to help smiling as Boscoe trotted over as well. Once he was secured on the leash she headed out of the dog run to do a few laps around the lake.

Sugar had been partially joking about walking his dog and caring for Boscoe, but before she could set him straight, Colton had handed her his business card, the leash, and gotten the hell out of there.

She’d been left with an open mouth and no doubt wide eyes, shock filling her with what had just happened. But that wasn’t even the most shocking part. The fact that he was who he was resonated in her like a damn atom bomb. Things would obviously have to come out in the open eventually, especially when there was a meeting set for the following week, one where she would come face-to-face for the first time with Mr. Richmond.

Well, he thought it would be the first time he’d met her. His expression would certainly be amusing.

But tonight she’d bring his dog back, tell him she wasn’t about to be his employee as she dropped Boscoe off, and then she’d go home and figure out exactly how things would play out next week.

Would he be upset if she didn’t tell him tonight who she was?

Either way she’d deal with it when there was a conference room full of staff.

Sugar stared up at the apartment building where Colton lived. It was flashy, expensive as all get-out, and she wouldn’t be surprised if he had the top floor penthouse. She’d dropped Poppy off at home on her way over here, needing an hour just to talk herself into coming over here and confronting him.

She curled her hand more tightly around the leash that secured Boscoe. He sat beside her, on his best behavior, seeming excited to see Colton. Despite Boscoe having some behavior issues, it was clear he did love Colton. She looked down at the dog and saw his tail wagging. The whining coming from him as he stared at the front doors of the building told her he knew he was home and anticipated it.

“Do you want to see Colton?” Boscoe lifted his big shaggy head and barked once. She smiled and reached down to scratch behind his ear. “Well, let’s get this over with.” She headed inside, the doorman holding the gold-framed glass door open for her.

When she was in the elevator and had his floor pushed, she leaned against the elevator railing and exhaled. Her heart was thundering at the thought of seeing him, knowing who he was. She felt like she was in that elevator for an eternity. Finally the ding indicated she was at her destination. The elaborately detailed doors slid open.

When she stepped out in the hallway she could see Colton indeed had the penthouse floor. Only one door could be seen on this floor and that was his.

Each step she took closer to his front entrance had her hands shaking and her heart racing. Stopping in front of it and looking down at Boscoe again, she licked her suddenly dry lips and wondered if he could sense how nervous she was.

“I guess it’s now or never,” she said softly to Boscoe. He gave her an answering whine. And then she brought her knuckles down on the wood, knocking three times before taking a step back, curling her hands at her sides, and holding her breath.

It was only a second later that the front door opened and Colton stood there, a thin, no doubt cashmere tan sweater covering his broad shoulders and muscular abdomen. His brown slacks were color coordinated with his shirt—of course—but his feet were bare of socks or shoes.

God, how could a man’s feet be so attractive?

She swallowed, this lump in her throat forming and refusing to go down, refusing to allow her to say anything. They stood there, staring at each other, neither speaking for long seconds. The air thickened and heated.

“Mr. Richmond,” she finally managed to say and then wanted to slap her hand over her mouth for being so formal. He lifted a brow and smirked, still unaware of who she was.

Feeling too nervous to say anything else, Sugar handed him the collar, scratched Boscoe behind the ear once more, and turned on her heel and left. She stopped in front of the elevator and pushed the button far too many times to seem sane. She knew Colton still stood by the front door, felt his gaze on her. Looking over at him, she saw he had one hand tucked in his front pocket, the other hand still holding on to Boscoe’s leash.

And he was smiling.

“And no, I’m not a dog walker.” The elevator doors opened at the right time and she stepped inside before he could respond. But before the doors could close she saw Colton standing there, his hand holding the elevator open.

He smirked. “You’re not a dog walker, but I am desperate for your help.”

She swallowed, knowing she should say no, that she should tell him who she really was, but the words lodged in her throat.

“Please,” he said in a sweet voice. “You’re so good with him.”

Glancing down, she closed her eyes briefly. “I’ll be by tomorrow.” She opened her eyes and looked up at him, getting lost in his dark eyes. She was a fool for doing this but she couldn’t help herself. He stepped back, smiling.

“Thank you.”

When the doors closed and she was alone again she leaned against the wall and breathed out.

She was embarrassed and still nervous, but most of all, she was aroused.