38.

"Have a good night?" Edward asks the next morning when we're in the elevator.

I stare straight ahead. "Really good, actually. Thanks for asking."

I can feel his eyes on me. "Oh?"

Offering a fake smile, I turn to him and say, "You?"

"It was a very satisfying evening." His eyes are bright. "Thanks for asking."

I shake my head, knowing exactly what he's getting at.

It sends a little thrill throughout me.

He leans in, lips brushing my ear. "Did you think about me?"

"As a matter of fact… I did."

The doors open. I leave him standing there.

39.

After a second, he follows and falls into stride next to me.

I don't think he was expecting me to admit that.

We walk together, some associates watching us with speculative eyes, but trying to hide it.

"What are you doing?" I whisper when he passes his office and walks with me to mine.

"Did you mean it?" he asks when we have more privacy.

The door stays open.

"What?" I ask rhetorically. "You think you're the only person around here who can make suggestive comments?"

He looks annoyed. "No."

"Yes, I meant it. I thought about your mouth. Happy?"

40.

He looks very happy indeed.

Too happy.

I've never seen a smile so genuine on his face before.

"Cool it," I tell him, fighting a grin of my own. "It's not a thing."

He leans in the doorframe, navy suit buttoned just so.

"Kind of feels like a thing."

"You gave me good material. That's all." I keep my sex dream to myself. "I have work to do."

He pushes off the frame, stepping into my office, reaching over for a peppermint from the decorative bowl.

He grabs one, unwrapping and popping it into his mouth. "Have a good day."

41.

"Is there something going on with you and Edward?" Jared asks.

I swear this office feels like high school.

"No." I'm firm. "Why?"

"Been spending a lot of time together."

"Are you keeping tabs on me? Edward and I are colleagues. We're going to engage."

Rumors about Edward and me feel more dangerous than those about Jared. Edward essentially owns the company. It wouldn't look good for me.

"Edward doesn't really... engage with people." Jared looks unconvinced, changing the subject. "Get a drink with me tonight?"

"Fine," I say, just to put any and all inquiries about Edward to rest.