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And now... this broody man has stormed into my workplace and thrown me off balance again. He’s arrogant, stubborn, and impossible to read. But when he’s close, all my defenses crumble, and he can see every part of me.

Unnerving is what it is. And hot. Can’t forget hot.

I take another swig of wine straight from the bottle, not bothering with the glass anymore. Who needs manners when you’re drinking alone on your couch, drowning out thoughts of the men who just can’t seem to stay out of your head?

Stupid, perfect face. Stupid bedroom eyes. Stupid cocky attitude that makes me want to smack him… or rip his clothes off.

My phone buzzes, jarring me from my thoughts. Probably, Mom following up about Fancy Lawyer Guy. I almost ignore it, but something compels me to check.

Connor: Rough day at the office?

I blink at the screen, warmth blooming in my cheeks. Does he have surveillance on me 24/7, or what?

Mary: You could say that.

The typing bubbles appear almost instantly.

Connor: I can think of a few relaxing activities if you’re up for it.

I nearly choke on my wine. Is he…?

I groan and turn off my phone screen, getting ready for bed. As I crawl under the blanket, my phone lights up with a new message.

Connor: Good night, Blue.

Blue.

Mary: Do you ever sleep?

Connor: Not when I’m thinking about you.

My heart races. This guy just doesn’t quit. There’s no mistaking the implication behind those words. I shouldn’t encourage this. But right now, I almost don’t care. For the first time in forever, I don’t feel so alone.

My fingers hover over the keyboard as I try to figure out how to respond.

He’s an employee, for god’s sake. And not just any employee. The guy who’s supposed to be making my dad’s company more secure and not the one getting into my pants. Why can’t I just get him out of my head?

But another part of me... that reckless, thrill-seeking part… is intrigued. Turned on, even. Make the dream a reality.

Screw it. I’m too riled up to sleep anyway.

Mary: Is that so? And just what kinds of thoughts are keeping you up at night, Mr. Milton?

I hit send before I can overthink it, my pulse thrumming in my ears. Something about Connor brings out that rebellious side. The side that loves testing boundaries.

Connor: The kind that would make you blush. Unless you’re already thinking about it yourself, Blue.

I actually do blush. He really doesn’t pull any punches, does he?

Mary: What if I am?

Connor’s typing bubbles appear, disappear, and then reappear, and he takes his time crafting a response.

Finally.

Connor: What about your boyfriend?

Connor: Chris?

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