Jack flicked the bottom of my chin with his finger, forcing my gaze up. “You do that when you’re nervous. Keep your eyes on me when you speak. Do you understand?”
>
I nodded.
“Good.” His knuckles trailed the length of my jaw, then down my neck. “Give me a number.”
I swallowed, wanting to arch into his touch. I had to keep some pride, so I said. “I’m not that nervous…”
“Quantify,” he said sharply.
“Three: Hot.”
He nodded. “Don’t look away. Even when you’re unsure. Say what you need to say.”
A dose of courage surged. He was right. I squared my shoulders. “Everything else aside, I was hoping I could see more of you, but that was before today.”
“Before you realized I owned the resorts?”
“Yes.”
A sexy smile tugged at his lips for a split second. Lips I knew firsthand to be sinful.
“Why don’t you come by my home tomorrow on your lunch break, and we’ll discuss this before you make any rash decisions.”
“Your home?”
“Yes, I have an office and take several meetings there. It’s where I’ll be tomorrow. However,” he pulled a card from his pocket. “Here is my corporate office information. A clear statement of my intentions to pursue per your request. Because I like this idea of seeing more of each other.” He cupped the underside of my chin in one hand and brought me close enough that I felt his lips move against mine when he whispered, “Now, don’t go kissing anyone else. Do you understand?”
I nodded, not knowing what else to do.
He closed the fraction between our mouths and branded a searing kiss on me. So quick and consuming, it almost knocked me off my feet. One deep thrust of his tongue had me moaning and teetering on my heels, because as soon as he advanced, he retreated, leaving me breathless and dazed.
He wiped his thumb over my bottom lip—the lip he’d just sucked on—turned, and walked away.
Chapter Six
Of course Jack would have an office in his incredible home. I had an hour for lunch. While his corporate headquarters were in some building downtown as well, I made the short trek to his home, which wasn’t that far.
“Ten minute walk,” I said to myself, doing some mental math, as I reached the front door of his home. Depending on how long it took to actually get face time with him, a safe estimate meant I’d give him thirty minutes. That allowed for plenty of time to walk back and eat lunch, take a deep breath, and re-focus on work.
The re-focusing part was going to be tricky.
I had no idea of Jack’s agenda, but being around him frazzled me enough to consume my thoughts. I had replayed every word, smile, and stare, and finally come to a decision. Yes, he may be a super sexy sparkplug that made me feel and want things—like his body and attention—but I couldn’t be with him. He would technically have power over me professionally.
I glanced at my watch, then rang the bell.
“Half hour,” I reminded myself. I’d stick to my plan. State plainly that distance was best while I worked at the payroll office.
“Miss Case?” A woman asked, opening the door. Her presence shocked me. Didn’t people who worked from home typically wear sweatpants and order in Chinese?
“Miss Case?” the woman asked again, because I stared like a buffoon. Finally, I shook off my surprise and glanced around. Yep, right house.
“Sorry, yes, I’m Lana Case. I though Jack was…here?”
She was pretty. Young. Her short bob and bangs were perfectly coiffed. Suddenly, the dress I’d picked this morning felt like a shabby clearance rack item. Which it was. Not that anyone would know. Typically I wouldn’t care, but the woman before me looked like she wore only the finest designer skirts and heels.
“I’m Nina, Mr. Powell’s assistant. He is here and expecting you.”