Then he’d turned what should have been a simple kiss into an all-out assault on her senses. He’d taken his time, teasing her, tasting her, arousing her, and bringing her to the brink of insanity with how much she’d wanted him inside her, hard and hot, just as he’d said. She shivered at the very thought.
She had no doubt in her mind that if he’d stripped off her clothes and taken her then and there, she would have gone along for the glorious ride. Her sex clenched with need, reminding her that instead of sleeping with her, he’d walked out, leaving her empty and aching. She squeezed her legs tighter, fighting against that rising need.
With a deep breath, she followed the directions to the stadium and pulled up to the guardhouse. She handed a uniformed man her license. He checked his list then printed and handed her a parking pass and directions before opening the gate with a welcoming smile. A few minutes later, she strode through the large parking lot, the May heat already coming up through the pavement.
By the time she reached the door, she was a sweaty mess, reminding her of the biggest drawback to living down south. She passed a bathroom and stopped into the ladies’ room to pull herself together, blot her face and neck, and touch up her makeup. She assured herself the fact that she might see Ian had nothing to do with the extra prep.
A little while later, feeling better, she stepped out the door and ran directly into a hard body. She recognized the potent scent that lingered in her apartment and had kept her tossing and turning most of last night.
“Ian,” she said, sounding too breathless for her liking.
He grasped her waist, steadying her. “You seem to be making this a habit,” he said in an amused tone.
“Sorry.” She bit down on her lip.
His heavy gaze followed her inadvertent reflex. “I’m not.”
Neither was she, not that she’d be willing to admit it.
“I didn’t know if I’d run into you or if I’d have to come seeking you out. Apparently luck is smiling on me this morning.”
She smiled, relaxing. “Well, it’s good to see a familiar face.”
“Looking forward to your first day at work?”
“I’m nervous,” she admitted.
He laughed. “Normal, but my sister’s only an occasional slave driver. You’ll be fine. Come. I’ll show you where to find Olivia.”
“Thank you. Better than me wandering around clueless.”
He placed a hand on the small of her back as they walked down the hall. His touch radiated heat throughout her body, the neediness she’d fought to tamp down returning full force, as if her body recognized his, priming itself without her permission.
In the elevator, he stood across from her, watching her with pure lust in his smoky eyes. She attempted to distract herself by studying him here in his element. His dress shirt, a small navy check with white collar, and a complementing sky-colored tie brought out the blue in his eyes. The perfect cut of his suit accentuated his broad shoulders, making her wonder what his bare chest looked like, how much of a six pack he had, and whether he’d taste good when she ran her tongue down his chest, abdomen and lower, to the—
The elevator announced they’d reached their floor.
“After you,” he said, gesturing for her to precede him with a gentlemanly wave and a knowing grin on his handsome face.
She stepped out onto the corporate level, certain the flush of arousal she’d experienced was obvious for all to see.
“Did you tell Alex about your new job opportunity?” he asked.
Oblivious to her thoughts, he led her down a long hall lined with oversized photographs of the team’s best players decked out in full uniform.
“Not yet.” She’d thought about it and decided to hold off. “I thought I’d wait until I had a specific position.”
“You don’t think he’ll be upset you’re working for the opposition, do you?”
“Don’t you mean working for you?”
Ian shrugged. “That too.”
All of the above had crossed her mind, had her wondering whether she shouldn’t show up this morning as promised.
In the end, she’d been unable to resist the lure of opportunity any more than she’d been able to resist Ian so far. “Alex wants what’s best for me. No matter what form that takes.” But it didn’t mean he’d be happy.
And if her best friend knew she’d kissed Ian again or that he clearly intended for them to end up in bed, their long-standing relationship would be in jeopardy. So she’d put off telling him. At least for now.
“We’re here.” Ian stopped at a closed wooden door with Olivia Dare’s name on the brass plate beside it.
He knocked once and pushed open the door.
“Come on in,” a female voice called.
“We already are,” Ian said, his hand settling on Riley’s lower back again as he escorted her into the room.
His touch was warm, hot, and felt too good. Because his sister was watching, she eased away from him.
“Olivia, this is Riley Taylor. I told you about her this morning.”
The other woman rose from her desk. Tall like her brother and model thin, she was the opposite of Riley and her more petite body and full curves. If she hadn’t come to peace with herself long ago, she’d be envious of Ian’s sister.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Olivia said, extending her hand, which Riley gratefully shook.
“I’m happy to be here myself.”
“When Ian told me you’d be working here and I just needed to find the perfect fit, I was thrilled. Frankly, we need someone to jump between PR and Travel. Our travel secretary has the shingles, and he’s out for who knows how long. An extra set of hands will be useful while booking for the season. Once things settle down, we can find a more permanent place for you. I hope that’s okay?” Olivia asked, talking a mile a minute.
Pleased to be useful and not a burden imposed by Ian, she grinned. “I can handle anything you throw at me. I ran the distribution department at a sporting goods manufacturer. I’m used to glitches and problems and moving people and dates around.”
“I knew you two would get along well,” Ian said, sounding pleased. “I’ll leave you to it.” Ian started for the door then turned. “Olivia, do me a favor and invite Tyler, Scott, and Avery to my place on Sunday? Afternoon by the pool and dinner.”
His sister nodded. “Sure thing.”
“Add Sienna to the guest list.”