as she cast a glance at Connor, an un

ed some distance between us. But none of that is relevant

her chest. She was nothing more than an after

team members, Natalie Simpson." Vera motioned toward Natalie. "She's usually wo

ng the emotions swirling inside her, and ros

ch an outstanding employee. Why haven't y

Natalie, and he wasted no time circli

iscomfort through Natalie. Still, mindful of his impor

your kind wor

eagerly, his touch lingeri

y. Such poise, such grace-this lady surpasses even the most re

ppropriate, earning even

expect the same level of respect for my team

unwelcome attention, subt

return to the age

adding, "Of course, work comes first. But maybe later, we

folder shut, dropping it o

ough the tense atmosphere

le. "Absolutely, let's proceed. My apo

at Connor. But he had already turned away, focused s

Connor was defending her. Now, she rea

finalized. The only real obstacle had been Caleb's ulterior motiv

ccasionally fumbling technical terms,

of experience in the field," Caleb remarked, seizing the rare chance to converse with someone of Co

d, when Vera leaned into him pl

ouldn't have mentioned anything to them!" she said with an a

watched as they exchang

tugging at his arm with a playful pout. "Come on!

ead, she adopted a coquettish charm, shedd

instinctively lowered her gaze, unwillin

remaining formalities. I need to step away for a

Vera's words, Natalie

gaze on her. But when she looked up, all she s

nly to bump into Caleb, who

ay, but before she could retreat furth

ur behavior. We're in a conference

nce only seemed to amuse Caleb. His ha

perfect place for some privacy?" he murmured, his breath uncomfor

Natalie took a steadying breath, then

rg

ng her as he crumpled forward. Natalie

ing chaste? Didn't your boss leave you here just for me? I'm telling y

the background as N

leave-just to abandon her wi

r, even worse, had

ung her eyes. She had never been naive enough to expect real affect

ster Vera and Connor entering the room until

the contract

ds faltered as she took

ng his groin. Meanwhile, Natalie stood stiffly, an asht

ned expression shifted

what you meant by 's