Page 42 of Off Her Game
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The elevator opened. She audibly released her breath.
“Wrong floor,” he muttered, pushing another button. The elevator resumed its downward trek. Air got tight in her lungs again. She glanced his way and didn’t even realize she’d turned to face him or that she’d moved toward him. Or that she was laser focused on his lips until the doors slid open.
His gaze remained fixed on hers. He didn’t move to exit. The smoldering heat in the depths of his eyes activated crazy fantasies of pushing him against the wall and kissing him deep and hard.
“Door,” she muttered, waving half-heartedly at the opening.
The doors slid to close. Noah’s hand shot out to trigger them to open again. “You’re right. Elevators are a big problem. Come on.”
She jumped away from him and waved for him to lead the way.
Once inside his office he said, “There’re drinks in the fridge. Grab something if you’d like. Give me a few minutes to make a call.” He waved at the bar area and sat behind his desk, scrolled his cell, and then dialed on the landline.
Tori roamed the office, eavesdropping on Noah’s phone conversation, but lost interest when it seemed to be about some future meeting. Movement from beyond his door caught her attention. Jason waved wildly.
She fast walked into the hallway. “How’d you know I was up here?”
“Chis the motor-mouth couldn’t stop talking about Noah taking his date, mysister,to his office.” Jason pulled closed the glass door of Noah’s office behind her. Noah might not be able to hear them, but he could see them.
“What are you doing on a date with my boss? Did you actually sleep with him?” Jason’s face mottled several shades of red.
“First date was yesterday. I’ve got some scruples. Not many, I’ll grant you, but some. So, no, I didn’t sleep with him.”I would’ve, but it’s not like that.Once more time in an elevator, though, and I might.
“How in the world did you end up on a date with Mr. Harrison?” Jason squinted at her in silence.
She folded her arms. “I don’t need a big brother butting into my life. What’s wrong with me dating him? Don’t think I’m not good enough for him?”
“He’s a CEO and you’re…you.”
She smacked him in the arm.
“Oww.” Jason massaged his arm. “He doesn’t date. That’s his M.O. Why in the world would he randomly decide to start dating and go out with you?”
“Why not?” She narrowed her eyes.
“Tori—”
“You two doing okay out here?” Noah interrupted.
Jason and she whirled to face Noah, both silent.
She stared at Noah wide-eyed, unsure how Jason would play this. Her big brother could go protective in a heartbeat. Aside from a hot temper, the other thing the Duarte kids got from their Cuban father was a clear family-first mantra.
Noah said, “Bet this was a surprise. Tori and I met in D.C. the other day. I fucked her up.” His face flushed. “I mean I made her mess up when she might’ve won. Didn’t mean to. Took her out last night to apologize, but we turned out to hit it off.”
Please let Jason buy this had been a pity date. Kind of bruised her ego, though.
Jason’s eyebrows rose as he met her gaze. Her brother clearly thought she’d slept with Noah last night. Perhaps, she’d taken the farce too far.
“Call me when you get home, Tori. Let’s chat.” Jason pointed at her in a clear “behave yourself” before he strode back to the elevator.
“Sorry about Jason.” She shrugged.
Noah held open his office door for her to reenter. A glance out the windows showed the city moving far below. “God love my big brother, but he can be a pain in the ass. He’s going to dwell on the fact me and you together makes no sense. Hope he doesn’t blow things.”
“He’s the least of our worries…” His voice trailed off. “Would you like a coffee or soda? Maybe a water?”
