“He never yells. That’s what makes it worse.”
The Rockwoods are so different from my parents, who argue loudly, cry, hug, and resolve everything over a plate of burnt ends within the hour. My family runs hot. His runs cold. Neither is perfect, but I’ll take the shouting and the hugs over the controlled chill any day.
“It could’ve been worse.”
Liam drops a kiss on my hair. “Progress, I guess.”
We don’t talk about it again.
The rest of the afternoon passes in a blur of data models and conference calls. I lose myself in the work. By the end of the day, I’ve finalized the preliminary dashboard for the Arizona pilot and emailed the results to Liam’s VP of operations.
I’m shutting down my laptop when a knock comes at my door.
“Come in.”
Liam walks in carrying a pile of clothes and a pair of hiking boots stacked on top, the laces dangling. He himself has changed out of his suit into outdoorsy gear: green cargo pants, boots, and a light-brown heavy sweater.
I lean back in my chair. “What’s all that and what’s with the new look?”
He dumps the load on my desk, scattering a few pens. “You’re about to test Rockwood Outdoors merchandise firsthand.”
I pick up a fleece jacket and turn over the tag. The Rockwood logo is embossed on the inside collar. “Where are we going?”
“On a first date.” He crosses his arms. “If you still want to go.”
“Mmm.” I stand, smoothing down my pencil skirt. “Sounds adventurous.”
“Meet me outside?”
“Where are you going?”
“To let you get changed.”
“Are you suddenly shy?” I cock my head. “Stay. Enjoy the show.”
I round the desk and shove him backward by the chest until the back of his knees hit the chair in front of my desk. He drops into it, his eyes flaring wide.
I cross to the door and push it shut. Lock it.
When I turn around, Liam’s stare has gone dark. I hold his gaze and unzip my skirt. The fabric whispers down my legs and pools at my feet.
His throat bobs.
I shove off my cardigan and unbutton my blouse, one button at a time, pulling the silk from my shoulders. I stand in front of him in my bra and panties, the late afternoon light slantingthrough the outdoor blinds and painting golden bars across my skin.
“We don’t have time,” Liam warns. “Not if we want to make it before dark.”
I tilt my head, smiling innocently. “Time for what? I’m only doing as I was told.” I reach for the cargo pants he brought me. “Changing.”
“Should I remind you that you’re sleeping in my bed tonight? I’ll get my way with you.”
I step into the pants, tugging them up my hips. “I hope so.”
The look he gives me could incinerate the building.
I finish dressing up, lace my new boots, and grab my jacket. “Ready.”
“That smart mouth.” Liam rises from the chair. He tangles his hand in my hair and pushes me against the office door, kissing me thoroughly.