Page 36 of Tears of Ink

“Why are you so nervous?” I frown at him. “Even if I say no to your project, there are many people who wouldn’t. It’s not reliant on me.”

He gazes at me, his eyes drawing me in. Deep, vibrant blue pools, perfect for diving into and letting go of all restraint. “That’s true.”

I know he’s only agreeing with me, but his words have a sting to their edge.

“But I want you to do it,” he continues. As his lips curve into a smile, I’m sure he’s aware of every thought I’m having.

“Why?”

“I told you at Bowsley, I have a good vibe.”

“About the project?” I ask.

“About you.”

Fuck. I get really hot. A sudden rush of sweat simultaneously bursts from every pore on my skin.

His words.

I shove my hands in the pockets of my shorts because I’m scared what they are going to do. I want to slide them over his body, run them through his hair, pull at his clothes and tug them from his skin.

And those things you shouldn’t do with your boss. Not ever.

“I’ll do it.”

The relief that flickers across his expression takes me by surprise and I giggle nervously. “I just hope you aren’t disappointed.”

He shrugs and for a second, I get a glimpse of the awkward man in the suit I met in The Ritz. This man is complicated: so many sides, so many puzzles.

It’s not good. It’s makes him all the more intriguing. All the more dangerous. All the more suitable to become the subject of my latest obsession.

“But I have something I need to tell you.” A pinch of nerves squeezes my stomach.

“Yes?”

“I’m dropping out of my degree.”

There it is. The bombshell.

“Why?”

“I’d rather not say.”

His eyes narrow into slits.

“You’d rather not say?”

“Does that affect you wanting to hire me for the project?”

There’s a pause, and my heart pounds painfully.

“No.” He gives a small shake of his head. “Faith, come let’s go find the park and then you can tell me all about it.”

“Don’t you have work to get to? It’s a Monday—or does stuff not happen on a Monday?”

I grin at him and he smiles back. Damn, those eyes are going to melt my panties.

“Stuff is later. Now, I have time for the park.”