Book 1 - Page 9 (1/2)

Cross stayed with me all the way to the bank of elevators. He said a few things to Mark about sports, I think, but I was too focused on the way I was reacting to him to care about the small talk. When the car arrived, I breathed a sigh of relief and hastily stepped forward with Mark.

”A moment, Eva,” Cross said smoothly, holding me back with a hand at my elbow. ”She'll be right down,” he told Mark, as the elevator doors closed on my boss's astonished face.

Cross said nothing until the car was on its way down; then he pushed the call b.u.t.ton again and asked, ”Are you sleeping with anyone?”

The question was asked so casually it took a second to process what he'd said.

I inhaled sharply. ”Why is that any business of yours?”

He looked at me and I saw what I'd seen the first time we'd met - tremendous power and steely control. Both of which had me taking an involuntary step back. Again. At least I didn't fall this time; I was making progress.

”Because I want to f**k you, Eva. I need to know what's standing in my way, if anything.”

The sudden ache between my thighs had me reaching for the wall to maintain my balance. He reached out to steady me, but I held him at bay with an uplifted hand. ”Maybe I'm just not interested, Mr. Cross.”

A ghost of a smile touched his lips and made him impossibly more handsome. Dear G.o.d...

The ding that signaled the approaching elevator made me jump, I was strung so tight. I'd never been so aroused. Never been so scorchingly attracted to another human being. Never been so offended by a person I l.u.s.ted after.

I stepped into the elevator and faced him.

He smiled. ”Until next time, Eva.”

The doors closed and I sagged into the bra.s.s handrail, trying to regain my bearings. I'd barely pulled myself together when the doors opened and revealed Mark pacing in the waiting area on our floor.

”Jesus, Eva,” Mark muttered, coming to an abrupt halt. ”What the h.e.l.l was that?”

”I have no freakin' clue.” I exhaled in a rush, wis.h.i.+ng I could share the confusing, irritating exchange I'd had with Cross, but well aware that my boss wasn't the appropriate outlet. ”Who cares? You know he's going to give you the account.”

A grin chased away his frown. ”I'm thinking he might.”

”As my roommate always says, you should celebrate. Should I make dinner reservations for you and Steven?”

”Why not? Pure Food and Wine at seven, if they can squeeze us in. If not, surprise us.”

We'd barely returned to Mark's office when he was pounced on by the executives - Michael Waters, the CEO and president, and Christine Field and Walter Leaman, the executive chairman and vice chairman.

I skirted the four of them as quietly as possible and slid into my cubicle.

I called Pure Food and Wine and begged for a table for two. After some serious groveling and pleading, the hostess finally caved.