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“You can’t turn it however you like.”

“I just did, Blue.” That smug look spreads across his face.

Two can play at this game. I take a few measured steps forward, letting my arms fall to my sides. “If you wanted to get up close and personal, you could’ve asked.”

Connor’s gaze drops to my lips before snapping back up, his throat bobbing with a swallow. “Is that an invitation?”

Liquid heat pools low in my belly at the undisguised want in his voice. I shift closer until his warm breath ghosts over my skin. “Why don’t you find out?”

What am I doing?

This is Connor. The same Connor who’s been hired to do a job, not… whatever this is. I start to retreat.

But his hand shoots out, his fingers curling around my wrist in a grip that’s firm yet somehow gentle. “Where do you think you’re going, Blue?” His voice is low, rumbling straight through me in a way that has my insides clenching.

“I… We can’t…”

“Can’t we?” He rises from his chair and steps towards me. I back up instinctively until I feel the cold wall against my shoulders. He places one hand on the wall beside my head, his eyes burning into mine. “You started this.”

“I didn’t mean to…”

“Didn’t you?” Connor’s free hand slides into my hair, fingertips grazing the nape of my neck. “You sure about that, Blue?”

“Why do you call me that?”

“It’s—Your eyes.”

I’m momentarily taken aback, warmth flooding my cheeks. “Very original”

His voice is softer now. “You don’t like it?”

“I don’t.”

“Hmm.” He tilts his head. “I like ‘babe’ better, anyway.”

That’s worse. “Blue is fine! You know, call me whatever you want.” I try to get out of his hold, but he’s too strong.

“Whatever I want?”

Oh, no.

“Then what about girlfriend?” he asks.

“I’m not your girlfriend.”

“Fiancé?”

“Are you dreaming?”

“No, I’ve got persistence. And I always get what I want.” His nose grazes my cheek before he speaks into my ear. “What about… my wife?”

My eyelids flutter as he nuzzles against my neck, his lips brushing my pulse point. Panic wells up inside me. This isn’t right, not here in the server room with cameras everywhere. I know I should maintain professional boundaries, but with the way he makes me feel, it’s impossible.

“You seem nervous. Why is that?”

My heart pounds as I avoid his eyes. “I’m not nervous.”

“I think you are.” His thumb grazes my bottom lip lightly. I shudder at the contact, my lips parting. “In fact, I’d say you’re very nervous right now, and it’s not because you drank too much coffee. In this spot, no one can see us.”

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