OA

ten years avoiding this for a reason. I've spent ten years leaving a situation if it reminded me

way a man makes your body remember before your mind catches up. Ten years can stifle

ently

. Damned all those long nights and early mornings. From controlling every aspect of every project- from blueprints, to contractors, to designers. I need pe

doesn't look rushed. He doesn't look unsure. That used to undo me. It doesn't now.. right? "Fu

se and beyond." I continue hastily- "The Spa Expansion needs the Hotel. The hotel needs my business, that's it." I say firmly. This was with thoroughly more dedication than I've put onto a statement in over ten years. Rhett stands and looks me over slowly. I feel like I'm naked in front of this cursed man. I'm trying my best to act like he doesn't exist and I'm here for business. Because I am. The air changes as he stands- or thickens, so stifling I can't breathe- everyth

s softly. "My Magnolia, is tha

hen we were children. This man is infuriating. It's been a decade. For a decade I proved myself to the entire

ity I can project. We can't do this. Not on day one. And definitely not hours into

ear. The touch is brief but devastating. How am I ever going to pull this off? This job will

. "You still react," he murmurs. "The

gain some control of the situation. "I know," he says with a growl in his throat that almost tears me apart "That's the problem." His thumb brushes my jaw, feather-light. Another touch. Another move. My skin hums where he touches me, every nerve screaming in memory. My heart tells me, we want this- we need this. But my brain remi

ofessionally." I nod, even though my body is still leaning toward him. "That's for the best, Rhett." Although part of me is let down. What's wrong with me

king just as dangerous and dismissive as he is. "Very well, Mr. Whitmere." I swallow hard. Letting his name bite off of my tongue with all of the malice I can produce. "Thank you for your time. I would love to

ivate elevator. As I descend the eleventh floor, I realize something terrifying. Something m