CHAPTER 4

“Miss Clay,” he murmured, his voice only deepening my paralysis.

I tensed all over. I could hear my heart thudding in my ears. I knew I had to speak at this point—but I couldn’t. I was lost for words, completely captivated by this man.

“I’m closing the door now,” he said calmly, recognising my stupidly tensed state.

He leaned down, lowered his head to level with my eye, then whispered in my ear, “Are you okay?” His hot breath against my skin sent scorching coals to radiate through my body, a sharp pulsation breaking free between my legs. I breathed in and cleared my throat, snapping myself out of the embarrassment.

“Hi,” I croaked, my skin flushing. “I’m Robin Clay.”

I extended a hand. He took it gently, the contact sending a shiver straight through my frail body. I gasped, both of us releasing our hands just as quickly as we clasped them.

“I know,” he murmured, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Come. Sit. Mr Betton sent over your portfolio for a position at our company.”

“Oh, I thought this was a communications company?” I murmured, my voice faltering with disappointment.

“Yes. Among others,” he replied evenly. “You’ll be assigned to our confectionery processing factory. That’s where your expertise lies, no?” he said, his tone clipped with a quiet confidence.

“Yes. I majored in Food Science. I’d be elated to join your company.”

I smiled. He nodded, his sapphire eyes prickling at my senses as I stared at his stunning face, silently praying to get through this without any more humiliation.

“Um… what more would you like to know?” I asked, fidgeting with my fingers. I had to distract myself, I couldn’t focus under his consuming gaze.

“I’ve got all I need.”

He did?

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you’ve got the job. How soon can you start?”

My breath hitched, surprised. “Um, whenever you want me to.”

“Monday. Keep me posted by submitting a full report of your activities to me.”

“I can do that,” I said, shifting uncomfortably in my seat under his seductive gaze.

“However,” he cooed, “I do have a minor concern. Are you partnered with anyone?”

The question slammed me to the back of my seat, my thoughts screeching to a hot stop. I wrinkled my nose instinctively.

“That’s a personal question, Mr—”

“McCullen,” he supplied, his lips curving into a faint smile.

“I don’t believe I’m obliged to answer that,” I said flatly.

“It’s a question we ask all employees for security reasons.”

Security reasons? This must be a joke!

I nearly laughed. Instead, I bit back the sarcasm threatening to escape my lips and forced a strained smile.

“No... I’m not.”

His lips pursed thoughtfully, releasing them just as quickly.

“Robin,” he said slowly, savouring the taste of my name on his tongue. It took everything in me to not react. I clenched my legs tightly together preventing a violent throb through my heavy and aching groin. I was completely rapt by him, which was why I really had to get the hell out of here.

“We’re done for now. I’ll expect your report on Friday.”

Thank fucking God.

I nodded, my face turning crimson.

“Miss Clay.”

I stood up, the swivel chair producing a faint creaking sound as I made an attempt to leave. He moved quickly behind me with long strides.

“Please,” he said, holding the chair backwards for me to easily sidestep between the space. “Allow me.”

As I moved past him, his hand gently grazed my arm, I clenched my jaw, fighting a groan.

“Thank you,” I murmured, meeting his gaze one more time.

“I aim to please,” he mused, his lips curving into a half-smile.

Oh, God! Don’t look at me like that…please.

I turned my eyes away from him, escaping on trembling legs.

I slumped into my car, releasing a shaky puff of relief, picked a tissue from the holder and dapped my face. Had I been sweating the entire time? I slouched forward tapping my head lightly against the steering wheel, before turning the key in the ignition.

As I drove out from the rear of the building, Jack’s face continued to replay relentlessly in my mind.

How was I supposed to work with him?

One thought reverberated louder than the rest my drive back home.

It would take everything in me to resist Jack McCullen!