Charles grins. “Do your cheeks always turn that lovely shade of red?” On cue, my cheeks heat even more.
“They do not,” I say, trying at denial. Grabbing the glass of wine, I take a large sip.
“They do, and they are currently.” He takes a deep breath. “Will there be a problem with you working closely with Reagan?”
I choke on the wine, spluttering into my napkin and looking like a complete fool, I’m sure.
“What? No. You know I’ll keep it strictly professional.”
His one eyebrow lifts in anare you sure about thatexpression, and my eyes blink several times. He sets down his pizza and leans over the table.
“I must admit I’m growing tired of that word.”
“What word?” I practically whisper.
“Professional.” He nearly growls the word.
“Oh?”
It’s the only word I can squeak out. I’m thrown off balance, watching his eyes burn with something very close to lust—but that can’t be right. I’m imagining it because I want it to be.
Stop.
“Extremely tired of it,” he drawls, his eyes never wavering from mine.
I shrink under the intensity of that stare and only slightly relax when his eyes drop to my lips. I instinctively run my tongue over the bottom, and his eyes darken to molten pits.
Shit. What am I doing?
We might be working well together, but there’s no doubt that there’s a pull to him. Something I’m fighting hard against. It’s been like this since Silver, and I’m finding it very hard to avoid.
I turn to face the computer and try to veer the conversation back to the plan.
“I think we’re almost done,” I say awkwardly.
“I think you’re right.” He sighs. “Thank you for staying late with me, Raven. I know it’s a last-minute ask.”
Awkward doesn’t come close to describing this moment. The air is thick with tension, and I want to run from the room. Save myself from doing or saying something monumentally stupid.
“Raven,” he presses when I don’t say anything.
“I don’t mind,” I offer lamely. “This job means a lot to me. This account means a lot.”
Charles touches my arm, and I turn to face him. “That’s good to hear. Because this job means everything to me, and not many people seem to get that.”
His hand lingers on me, heating my insides to inferno levels. Our eyes meet, and we search each other’s faces. I’m not sure what he’s hoping to find, but at this moment, I want to give in to this fierce attraction.
To kiss him.
To feel his hands roam over my body.
I want him to finish what he started in that closet at Silver.
I won’t be saying no even though I should.
His eyes lower to my lips again, and I instinctively lean in.
He doesn’t hesitate.