“Kat, when the president’s secretary calls and tells you Mr. Noble is detaining one of your interns, you don’t ask questions.” Trevor gets close enough for secrets. “Since you know him, maybe you can tell me if he’s…” He stalls for a minute before blurting, “Does he like men or women?”
I stare at Trevor like he’d grown a third eye. Is he asking because he’s interested in Damon or fishing for gossip? Feeling protective, I don’t want a scandal surrounding his sexuality.
“He’s not gay, Trevor.” My blush gives me away, but I’ll be damned if anyone spreads rumors about Damon.
“Darn. He’s a fine-looking man. I thought for sure there was a chance … he dresses too nice to be straight.”
“I can assure you Damon’s heterosexual, and he dresses nicely because he has impeccable style and taste.”
“You can assure me, huh? Tell me … is Mr. Noble a good kisser? Maybe I should say Damon since you’re on a cozy, first-name basis with him.”
“I’m a friend of the family and attend charity events with him and his mother. Stop prying for information. I’m not your go-to source for gossip.” I tap my chin. “I’m assuming your preference is for men similar to Damon?”
“I prefer them to know they’re gay, but if you think I can persuade Mr. Noble to try the other side, I might enjoy the challenge.”
“Give it up. It will never happen.”
Trevor staggers backward with his forearm against his head as if he may faint. “I’m crestfallen.”
“Don’t you have anything else to do besides bother me?”
“Yes, but it’s so much fun to watch you blush.” He squeezes my shoulder before he leaves.
I spend the next three hours organizing deliveries and getting donations. At exactly twelve o’clock, I turn off my computer and make my way to Damon’s office.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Cross.”
“Hello, Greta. It’s so nice to see you today. How are you?”
“Excellent, Ms. Cross. How about you?”
“Marvelous. Is Mr. Noble in?”
“Go on in. He’s waiting for you. Enjoy your lunch.”
I enter his private office without so much as an announcement. I wanted him today, and I wondered how a person can crave someone after just four hours.
Closing the door behind me, I glance around the large office and find him by the window setting the table for our lunch. He’s in deep thought as he places the silverware in their proper places and pours us a soda.
I lean against the door and stare at him. When he sees me, he enchants me with his smile. I want this man so much.
“What are you doing over there? This is where all the action is,” he says.
“Really? What kind of action are you offering?”
“What I have in mind will take more than an hour, so you’ll have to settle for a quick lunch. I ordered soup and salad. Eating heavy makes me feel sleepy, and then I’m less productive.”
I sit at the table and place the napkin in my lap. I didn’t approach him for a kiss or a hug but hope he’ll give me one on his own accord. Sleeping with him last night was a major step, and I don’t want to push him too far—too fast.
“I bet you’re fabulous when you’re at the top of your game.”
“Are you being naughty again? If you finished your reading for the week, you’d know what happens to naughty girls.”
“I’m intrigued. I’ll rush home after work and read the next installment.” He’s so put together in his custom gray suit, crisp white shirt, and red tie. “I see you made it home and back in time.”
“I did. Kat, last night was good—really good.”
“Did you know that I’ve never spent the night in a man’s arms? I’m glad you were my first.”
A dark look clouds his expression. It’s not a look of passion, but a look of distrust. “Your first? Do you plan to have others?” His voice challenges me.
“All I meant was you’re the first man to spend the night. I didn’t mean to imply I was looking for others.” Whoever she was, did a number on him.
“I’m sorry I misinterpreted your response and overreacted.”
“You seem to do that a lot.”
“You are right, and I’m sorry. These are my burdens to bear.”
“You don’t have to bear them by yourself.”
He reaches out to cover my hand, and I’m sure he is going to open up.
“Let’s leave it for now.” And the subject is closed.
“Are you having a good day?”
“The beginning was so great. Everything since then has been a disappointment until now, but things are looking up.” He nods to the couch. “Do you want to sit with me for a few minutes?”
“Sure. I don’t have to be back until one.” Sitting on the couch can only mean more kisses, and if I can’t get information from Damon, then I’ll settle for what I can get. I’m not one that gives up easily. One day he’ll let me in.
“How many pastries did you eat this morning?” he asks.
“I ate two. Why?”
“You’re still in my debt because I only received compensation for one. We haven’t even discussed the price for the coffee or the ride.”
“Those sound like expensive pastries, Mr. Noble. I’m not sure I can afford you.”
“We can draw up an installment plan.” He lifts his broad shoulders. “I’ll charge you interest, and I should warn you, my rates are high.”
“Hmm … I’ll make a down payment now, but before I leave, add my bill, so I know what I owe you.” I smirk.
“We could arrange scheduled payments. I’d be happy to draw up the agreement.”
“You’re a shrewd businessman.” I love it when playful Damon is present because he’s so much fun.
He scoops me up and sits me on his lap, where he plays with my hair and nibbles on my lip. His hand comes up to cradle my cheek while his thumb brushes lightly over the highest part of my cheekbone.
“Your blue eyes, combined with your blonde hair, remind me of an angel. All you need is a halo.”
“I’m no angel,” I say.
“You’re my angel.”
This man muddles my brain, first with his kisses and now with his words.
“I’m happy to be yours.”
“What does your schedule look like this week?” His thumb slides down my cheek until he is softly caressing my lower lip. He stares at me like a lion stalking his prey.
“I have to study tonight and read several pages for my book club meeting tomorrow night. I have lunch free all week, and Thursday night isn’t booked yet. Friday night, I have a date with this sizzling, Viking god.”
The clock on his desk ticks closer to one o’clock and our time is almost up.
He skims his lips across mine. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“I look forward to it.” After a deeper kiss, I unwrap myself from his tight embrace and say goodbye. Then I leave his office and go to the third floor to finish my shift.
Chapter Fourteen