Page 58 of High Seduction
Matt waved hello as they entered the room, but other than gesturing to the table he didn’t say a word, his attention pinned to the computer tablet sitting beside his plate.
Guilt hit Erin briefly. “I should check my e-mail.”
Tim made a rude noise.
She snorted. “Youshould check your e-mail as well. Bastard.”
He held a hand up by his ear. “What’s that? You’re mumbling. I think you said something about bastards, though—that sounded familiar.”
“What if you’re the missing heir to the throne of some tiny nation you’ve never heard of, and they’re desperately trying to track you down to crown you?”
“More likely find a bunch of Viagra offers, which I don’t need.”
He leered at her, and Erin laughed.
Jason stepped into the room, coffeepot in hand. “If there’s anything you need from the kitchen, let me know. The chef is making a cold lunch, and he’s taking requests for dinner as well.”
“God, I like how rich people live.” Tim held out a chair for Erin. “I like how I live when I’m with them.”
“Tim,” Erin scolded.
“What? Matt knows he’s loaded. It’s not really a secret.” Tim pulled his cup forward for Jason. “And I have no requests—let the chef do his magic and surprise me.”
Jason paused after filling Erin’s cup and leaned in to speak softly. “Tim’s right. Matt knows he’s loaded, and I like how I live when I work for him. It’s all good.”
Erin laughed as Jason pulled back to his formal distance. “I like you.”
He tipped his head and retreated from the room with a smile.
***
Tim took his time prepping his coffee, watching Erin out of the corner of his eye. She sipped her juice, then pulled her phone from her pocket, glancing at Tim as if daring him to say something. He just smiled and grabbed a couple of pastries from the table, before eyeing the covered plates resting in front of Matt.
She’d said she was fine with last night. Given him the go-ahead to keep things rolling, which was incredible. But part of accepting responsibility for their bedroom games meant being in tune with what she wasn’t saying. The subtle or not-so-subtle hints that she was giving off.
If her words said she was okay but her body screamed for them to stop, he’d call off his plans in an instant. Nothing was worth hurting her, and the last thing he wanted was a repeat of years earlier when she’d taken off without explaining the true reasons why.
Matt closed his computer and put it aside, turning with a satisfied sigh to the table. “And that’s done for the day. No more work to deal with for a week.”
A muttered curse escaped Erin. She glanced up, frustration in her eyes.
Shit. That didn’t look good. “Trouble?”
“You were right.” She slouched back in her chair. “I shouldn’t have checked my e-mail.”
“Something wrong?” Matt asked.
Erin made a face. “Not wrong, but our holiday time here is cut short. They need the chopper in Calgary by tonight. We have to leave.”
“Seriously?”
She nodded.
It was Matt’s turn to make a rude noise. “Can I admit I’m disappointed? I was looking forward to your company for a few more days.” He cleared his throat and damn near flushed. “And I mean that without any ulterior motives.”
“Of course not,” Tim reassured him. “You’ve been a great host and...” It was a wild idea, but why not? “Why don’t you come with us?”
Matt and Erin both straightened.
