Page 31 of Cocky Prince
I take in the unaffected expression she’s trying to pull off. Then, because I can’t help myself, my gaze dips. She’s wearing a navy skirt with small white polka dots and a sheer blouse that I’d be able to see through if it weren’t for that unfortunate camisole. Hayden isn’t short, and in her nude heels, the top of her pretty head hits me at eye level. The heels, I note, have a sexy strap across the ankle, sending images of binding her flashing through my mind, though I’m not normally into that.
With Hayden, all bets are off on what is normal for me. I can see myself doing a lot of things I wouldn’t normally do, just to rouse her, or—shit—make her happy.
Where did that come from?
I clear my throat. “Hayden, are you trying to probe for inside information?”
She steps the rest of the way into my office and closes the door.
My heart rate increases at the thought of being alone with her, visions of her naked still close to the surface. I raise an eyebrow. “Do we need privacy?”
“Stop being difficult. It’s a simple question. I just want to know what company William settled on.” She moves next to me, tilting her sloped hip against my desk in a similar pose to mine, only her figure is a work of art. She reaches out and absently fingers my glasses.
I glance down. “You have a thing for glasses? I’d be happy to put them back on.”
She quickly withdraws her hand. “What? No!”
A knock sounds at the door, and Bridget’s head peeks around the corner. She looks from Hayden’s blushing face to me. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you were in a meeting. Should I come back?”
“It’s fine, Bridget,” I say. “What can I do for you?”
She pushes the door open all the way, carrying her purse and a sheet of paper. “I’m off to go shopping. There are some things from…my previous place of employment that Eve wants me to pick up. In the gift shop,” she says carefully.
Given Bridget was a stripper before I hired her, I pinch the bridge of my nose, imagining exactly what Eve has in mind.
“Oh! Don’t worry,” Bridget adds quickly. “Eve ordered most of the items she needs online. There are just a few things my old work sort of…specialized in. A few products I recommended.”
I glance quickly to Hayden, whose brow is furrowed. “Yes. Fine,” I say. “You’ll be reimbursed.”
Bridget leaves and Hayden’s eyes narrow. “What was that about?”
“Nothing.”
Her delicate jaw shifts. “Why must you be so difficult? I’m trying to be civil here.”
“Civil,” I say, rolling the word over my tongue and studying her pert expression.
“Yes. Civil. We’re work friends, right?” Her look is almost eager now, which is new. Hayden has never expressed an interest in friendship, for business purposes or otherwise.
“Are we? I didn’t realize.”
“Forget it.” She turns to leave, but I grab her hand. She barely budges, keeping her distance, which is predictable. She wants something, and it’s not friendship.
I let go of her hand. “I apologize. Arguing with you is a bad habit.” I reach back and grab the edge of the desk I’m leaning against to keep from touching her again. “Yes, we’re work friends. And no, I haven’t heard anything about whom William wants to hire for the burlesque, but I have a meeting with him next week. I’m assuming the decision-making will take place then.”
She smiles, but I don’t trust it. Hayden’s smiles are few and far between, and never aimed at me with any sort of honesty. “Was that so difficult?”
I tap my finger on the desk. “Is that all, or would you like me to put my glasses back on?”
Her face flushes and she swallows. “No. I should go.” She scurries out the door, and I stare at her hips swishing back and forth in agitation.
Sweet Hayden has a nerd fetish. I shouldn’t be surprised, given her bookish tendencies.
I return to my computer. It’s late, but I’ve got a busy week ahead. I’d like these dozen or so interviews to go smoothly. I enjoy interviewing about as much as I enjoy dinner with my father, which is to say, not at all. The sooner the bodyguards and burlesque dancers are hired, the sooner I can keep Hayden from snooping and expressing undue interest in my business at Blue.
Bridget’s two-week anniversary and the day I win the bet with Hayden can’t come quickly enough.
Chapter Fourteen
