Page 26 of Dating the DILF
It has been an ongoing theme tonight. The women in the room have definitely been taking note of his appearance and while, in general, it has been a pervasive sense of subtle curiosity, I have recognized a few ladies looking with either fierce interest or deep hostility. It has me slightly on edge.
“These events aren’t mandatory for assistants.” I force myself to ignore Mrs. Klein. “It’s strongly encouraged that they attend, but it’s Addy’s mom’s birthday today, so she’s having dinner with her family.”
His grip on me tightens and he leans down, his lips finding my ear. “I’m glad I could be here with you tonight, then.”
How does he know? How does this guy that I have only known for a month seem to understand me as well as he does? Because I can do this thing tonight. I can absolutely come in with my game face on and I can impress every single person who needs to be impressed. But every second is filled with anxiety, and if I had had to do this alone tonight, it would have seemed insurmountable.
“I’m glad too.”
“Charlotte.” My boss appears suddenly in front of us, startling me, and I take a step away from Miles as I remember I really should entertain some decorum considering where we are. Despite the free-flowing alcohol and all the schmoozing, this is essentially a night at the office.
“Kendall,” I greet her. “Miles, you remember my boss, Kendall Harris.” He nods at her with apolite smile, which she does her best to return, but her face is taut and filled with tension.
“Charlotte, David Brennan is insisting that the draft of the contract be emailed over to his partner now.”
I know the contract she’s referring to. A team of us spent today locked up in a hotel room with Mr. Brennan negotiating the finer points of the agreement.
“I thought we were going to finalize it tomorrow and send it through?”
“So did I.” Kendall’s lips purse. “Apparently he wants his business partner to review it before we go any further.” She shakes her head in annoyance. “Would you mind running up to the room and emailing it through?” She hands me the room key. “Send it to their corporate office in LA. The number is on the contract.”
“Of course.” She’s moved on before I can say anything else, so I turn to Miles and offer him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He takes my hand, entwining our fingers. “Lead the way.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind if you would rather wait at the bar? I won’t be long.”
“I’d rather be with you.”
I search his eyes for any sign of annoyance at this disruption, but I find none.
“Okay, let’s get this over with and then the next round of drinks are on me.”
“It’s an open bar, Chicago,” he counters wryly.
“Jeez, appreciate the gesture, will you.” I roll my eyes at him and start for the elevators, but I come to a sharp stop when Miles fails to move.
I turn, confused, and Miles’ eyes, which only moments before were playful, are now watching me earnestly. He takes a step closer and drops my hand, lifting both of his to cradle my face.
“I appreciate everything about you.” And he presses a kiss to my lips that has my thighs clenching together in an effort to control my altogether inappropriate response to his mouth on mine.
Pulling away, he maintains his hold of me and slays me with a wicked smirk.
“C’mon, let’s see what trouble we can find in this hotel room.”
He stalks off, pulling me behind him as a throb pulses through my core at the promise his words hold, all thoughts of decorum and etiquette vanishing.
The hotel is humming around us, the air thick with the heady anticipation of a Saturday night as people make their way through the palatial lobby.
Miles hasn’t said a word since he pulled me from the ballroom, and my mind is working overtime, playing his words over and over.
“What floor?” His resonant voice pulls me out of my head.
“Hmm?”
“Which floor are we going to?” Bemusement colors his words.
“Oh, fifteen.” I clear my throat and ignore his smirk.
