It felt wrong to leave the office without even thanking him for the job.
That’s not the only reason I’m having trouble leaving.
Angelina had spent so much time worrying about how she’d handle any advances from him that she hadn’t considered how disappointed she would be if he didn’t seek her out. She checked the clock. She had a little time before she picked Whitney up from his after-school enrichment program. I should just stop by Connor’s office, thank him, and go.
“Miss Kroll.”
Angelina spun around at the sound of Connor’s voice. There he was, filling the doorway of her office, and so damn good-looking her jaw dropped a little. He didn’t smile so she held her own back. “Mr. Sutton.” It was all she said because it was all that came to mind. She’d convinced herself that she’d imagined how good it felt just to be near him. Her body hummed for him like it was already his for the taking. She swallowed hard and gripped her purse at her side.
“How was your first day?” It was an innocent question, yet the way his gaze raked over her was anything but. Her skin warmed as if in response to his caress.
“It was wonderful.” Even to herself her voice sounded husky and strangled. What is wrong with me? This is a good job. Whitney seemed happy enough with his school choice. I have my life back on track. Having sex with him would put all of that at risk again.
And why am I imagining sex with a man who isn’t even flirting with me?
I’ve worked way too hard to make a good life for Whitney and me to start making irresponsible decisions again just because he has the kind of lips a woman wants to feel run over every inch of her body.
He’s so big. So strong.
What would it be like to be taken by a man who could lift me with ease?
“Good,” he said abruptly. “Have a good night.”
Just as he was turning away, Angelina said, “Wait.”
He stopped and turned back.
“Thank you for this opportunity.” God, she sounded lame.
He nodded. “I heard your son started at a new school today as well.”
“He did.”
“Which one?”
“Binston Preparatory. It’s affiliated with Columbia University.”
“Impressive. You must be proud of him.”
“I am. He’s brilliant.”
His expression softened. “That’s not surprising.”
She blushed. Of all the things she could have responded with, she had no idea why she said, “Every parent worries if they’re doing the best for their child. Sometimes I feel like I am. Sometimes I’m not so sure. He signed up for computer coding after school, but he chose the Binston because of their soccer team.” Connor didn’t say anything, just looked back at her as if waiting for more. She added, “I’m afraid he’s choosing what he thinks I want him to do rather than what will make him happy.”
Connor studied her face then stepped closer. “He’s lucky to have a mother like you.”
“That’s nice of you to say.” Angelina licked her bottom lip. Sorry, Whitney, you’re the last thing I’m thinking about right now.
He came to a stop just a foot before her. The air sizzled between them. He opened his mouth as if about to say something. Or possibly kiss her.
Angelina leaned closer, ready for either.
Kimmie’s voice had them both jumping back a little. “Mr. Sutton, I wanted to remind you about the thing you have scheduled for tomorrow. Claire said she has a conflicting appointment so she can’t make it. Have you considered taking Miss Kroll? Might be a good way for her to get out there and start making connections.”
“When I want suggestions from you, Miss Sanchez, I’ll ask for them,” Connor said, his expression closing off. Without saying more, he spun on his heel, strode past his secretary, and disappeared down the hall.
“Well that was clear enough,” Angelina said. And a bit of a kick in the pants.
Kimmie didn’t look put off. In fact, she was smiling, which absolutely made no sense. She stepped into Angelina’s office and lowered her voice. “He’s so sensitive when it comes to you. At least he came by to say hello.”
Sensitive? Connor Sutton? Am I missing something? “He was just checking on how my first day went.” A thought came to her and she had to ask, “What kind of ‘thing’ does he have tomorrow?”
Kimmie rolled her eyes in a full circle before answering. “Now I’m not so sure I should say. My problem is I spend so much time creating situations for my characters to fall in love that I can’t help but want to nudge the two of you together. Now that I think about it, though, I can see why tomorrow might not work in reality. Even for a romance it might be a little over the top.” She tapped her chin. “Or really hot. I just changed my mind. I’m definitely writing that scene into my next book.”
“You’re an author?”
“Sure am. I almost gave up on the dream, but then I met Mr. Sutton, and he convinced me that dreams are worth following. I’m writing a three-book series. When I finish the last one I’m going to put them up for sale and dedicate them to my husband and Connor Sutton. Without both of them I wouldn’t have finished the first and I’m halfway done the last one. They’re going to kick off a whole new career for me, I just know it. Mrs. Tellier is spicing up the sex scenes. Wow, that woman knows her stuff.”
Following her instincts, Angelina excused herself and headed over to Connor’s office. His door was closed. Some might have taken that as a no, but Angelina’s curiosity outweighed everything else in that moment. “Mr. Sutton?”
“Come in.”
She pushed the door open and stepped through it. He didn’t turn to greet her, instead simply continued to look out the window beside his desk. It wasn’t until she was standing in his office that she realized she didn’t have anything to say. All she knew was that she didn’t want her first day to end with him walking away. “I just wanted to say thank you again. This is the perfect job for me, and I’m grateful to have it.”
He folded his arms across his chest and turned toward her. “It’s a photo shoot tomorrow.”
“Oh.”
“A calendar for local animal rescues. Me in swim trunks, themed to each season. Hopefully without having to explain why I won’t wear a speedo. Probably hours of me holding puppies and kittens while pretending I’m actually on a beach or anywhere they think I’d be in a bathing suit with a cat. I figured I’d spare you that.”
The images that rocked through Angelina made it near impossible to breathe. “It doesn’t sound like something I’d mind.”
His brows come together briefly, and she could have sworn there was a spark of humor in his eyes. She decided she must have imagined it, though, when he frowned. “It’s for a good cause. I’ll have to pretend I’m enjoying myself.”
And I’ll have to pretend I’m not.
It was difficult to think clearly while his attention was focused so intently on her. She swallowed hard and clasped her hands in front of her. Connor Sutton was a complicated man. If he was the sensitive, caring man his employees said he was . . . the one she thought she’d glimpsed during his visit to the school . . . then why did he also seem defensive and closed off? As soon as she thought of a possibility, she blurted it out. “Are you worried what I’ll think of you?”