It’s so sexy and such fun tormenting her that it makes me want to say more nice things about her ideas. Makes me want to pursue the subject further. Makes me want to lean over and nibble on her earlobe, but that’s probably not the best move I could make.
But laying network fiber…there are so many interesting directions to go from here, and I’m curious whether we could come up with a vision to share with my brother. The wheels start turning.
Until I yank them to a stop. It’s a good idea, but I’m here to find out what Nathan’s good ideas are. And so far I’ve heard practically nothing from the man.
Despite being even more attracted to Genny now that I’ve seen glimpses of her brain, I refocus on Nathan. I try several more times to pull him back into the conversation, but he seems more interested in listening. Maybe he’s not as innovative as Hudson thinks he is. Or maybe he’s just not as eager to brag about his ideas.
But then there’s a lull in the conversation, and it’s Nathan who breaks the silence. “Warren Werner’s receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award tonight,” he says. “What do you want to bet he names his successor in his speech? There’s a rumor you’re in line for the job, Edward.”
Edward answers modestly. “If I truly am, Warren’s not announcing it tonight. Because I’ve been made no such offer.”
“Oh really?” Nathan’s eyes widen. “Then the job might still be open. Whoever gets it is a lucky bastard. Imagine being able to helm that company. The magic that could be made. I would die to get my hands on that position.”
Ah! Then he is interested. I shouldn’t have doubted Hudson—his instincts are almost always good. Not that I’m ever telling him that.
But now things have gotten interesting.
Here’s the score—everyone at the table except Nathan and his lovely wife knows that Warren won’t be naming his replacement tonight—or ever, if Pierce Industries doesn’t approve. And pretty much everyone at the table (except Nathan’s lovely wife) is vying for the spot. Which means everyone at the table (including Nathan’s wife because I’ve given her the Chandler grin more than once) is looking at me.
Gotta say it’s a pretty empowering position to be in. Damn, sometimes being a Pierce is pretty fucking bomb.
With the table as my court, I lean back in my chair and ask, “Which direction would you take with Werner Media, Nathan?”
Genny kicks me under the table, and when I glance toward her she mouths, “What are you doing?”
“Making conversation,” I mouth in response and turn back to Nathan.
“But…” Genevieve’s hand falls to my upper thigh. My upper, upper thigh.
My head whips back toward her, and before I can second guess myself, I lean in and whisper, “A little higher and you’ll know exactly how much I’ve been thinking about what’s under your dress.”
I glance down at her lips, which have parted. She swallows.
And now I’m remembering what it felt like when she swallowed around my dick.
Puppies! Kittens! Nathan Murphy in the boardroom with Hudson!
I manage to get myself under control and direct every bit of my attention on Nathan and not the blushing beauty next to me. Definitely not thinking about the inappropriate comments I just made to her.
I almost don’t notice when she politely excuses herself from the table.
Okay, it’s a lie. I totally notice.
“Excuse me. Too much wine,” she says. Which is clearly untrue since she’s barely touched the cabernet in front of her. I’m convinced I flustered her.
I’m thoroughly pleased.
While she’s gone, I find it easier to concentrate, and somehow Nathan and I manage enough of an exchange for me to solidify his interest and mentally mark him as a possible candidate for the job.
Genny returns a few minutes later. After she sits, she moves her hand to mine under the table. I eagerly grab at it, desperate to feel her skin under the caress of my thumb, but she doesn’t let me hold it, pulling away after she drops something in my palm.
Something rough. Something flimsy. Something familiar.
I’m smart enough to not bring the material out into plain sight, but I’m too much of a guy not to look. When I’m confident no one’s watching me, I sneak a peek, and sure enough I’m holding a pair of black lace panties.
As discreetly as I can, I tuck the souvenir into my pocket. I’m biting back a grin when I next glance over at her. A big, big grin. And a semi, but that one’s easier to hide thanks to the whole I’m-still-sitting thing.
Her smile in return is tight. “You wanted to know,” she says softly. Cruelly.
Wanted to know what was under her dress. Yes, I did say that. Though I was more interested in the part that doesn’t come off. The part that the panties were covering.
Jesus, she’s not wearing anything now.
I am officially never going to make it through this meal.
“What was that, princess?” Edward asks, and it takes me a second to realize he’s heard what Genny just said. I’m beyond glad the question isn’t directed at me because I’d have no idea how to answer.
Thankfully, she’s on top of it. “Chandler has a headache,” she says, patting my leg. “He just gave me a miserable look, and I asked him if he wanted to go.”
Oh, that’s good. Want to go does sound like wanted to know.
He buys it. “Sorry to hear that, Chandler. You do seem a little pale.”
Probably because I’m still in shock about the gift she’s brought me. And more in shock that she’s doing this to me on purpose. Throwing me off my game for…what? Spite?