What I might hear? He grinned. You have a rep I should know about?
Youre one to talk about reps. Vivian laughed, the sound both sexy and sweet at the same time. Itd take me a lifetime to even work up to a tenth of your reputation, Mr. Bad Boy Bennett.
Good point. So what am I going to hear?
Her gaze narrowed, those big brown eyes intense as she studied his face. But instead of answering, she shook her head.
Just keep that kiss in mind, she suggested.
As if there was any chance hed forget.
Whatre you doing later? he asked, keeping his voice low. No point in making it easy for the Kewpie doll to stir up gossip.
Later, when?
Later, after we meet for drinks.
A smile curved those full lips. It was a tempting sort of a smile that sent a hot shot of desire straight though his body. God, he couldnt remember ever flashing so hot, so fast, for a woman before.
I have some chocolate to replace, she said, running her tongue over her bottom lip, then lifting one arched brow. You remember the chocolate from last night?
In vivid detail, as a matter of fact. I even dreamed about a few of those chocolates.
Actually she leaned in closer so her words were a breath of air over his skin a few of those chocolate designs were based on my very own lingerie.
He thought of the various odes to sexy underthings hed seen the night before. Oh, yeah. Even hotter.
How about I help you with that? Since its my fault your other batch was ruined. This might be the first time hed ever used chocolate as a ploy to get a woman naked.
Are you any good?
Babe, you have no idea. Zanes smile turned wicked. I promise you wont be disappointed.
I guess well see.
Zane wanted to show her here and now just how satisfied shed be, but he could hear the clock ticking behind him.
Tonight, he promised, heading for the exit with the chocolate cupcake in hand. Oh, yeah. One hand on the door, he glanced back. Just one question.
She hitched herself onto the desk, one leg crossed over the other so her skirt fluttered at her thighs as she swung her foot.
Only one?
His eyes locked on those legs, Zane wondered if he could actually feel his brain cells dying from lust overload.
Just one. He pulled his gaze up to her face, appreciating the sassy smile playing over those vivid red lips. Whats your name?
Her laugh filled the room as sweetly as the sugar already scenting the air.
Vivian.
Zane knew hed never slept with a Vivian before, but he did a quick memory check anyway. Because there was something so damned familiar about her.
Nice to meet you, Vivian.
The pleasure is all mine, Zane. The words were a husky purr that suited silk sheets and candlelight.
His grin flashed.
Believe me, it will be.
Hed make sure of it.
Oh, Zane?
He looked over his shoulder.
One more thing. She swiped up another scoop of frosting, then delicately licked the glittery white confection off her finger. His blood zoomed south so fast, Zane was surprised he didnt black out. He grabbed hold of the door frame, just in case.
Anything, he said. Especially if it includes frosting.
It might. Vivian smiled, one foot swinging to and fro, each pass making her skirt flutter and showing that sexy hint of thigh. Of course, you have to show up to find out. With that in mind she put her finger in her mouth again, sucking the frosting clean off, and Zane had to remind himself to breathe I dare you to show up this eveningno matter what you might hear about me.
What? He shook his head to clear the lust fog. Why?
Oh, I have my reasons, she promised. If you take the dare, youll find out what they are.
I never say no to a dare. Zane aimed a finger her way. Youre on.
I cant wait. With that, Vivian dipped her spatula into the stainless-steel bowl, spread a thick layer of white glitter over the first tier of cake, then looked up with a flutter of her lashes. Maybe later youll be saying that again.
* * *
YOURE ON.
Those words played out in Zanes head like a soundtrack to a very enticing reel of images. What did she have in mind? Oh, hed clued in to the sexual innuendo just fine.
Hi.
But there was more going on.
Zane?
He might serve in EOD instead of Intelligence, but he was trained well enough in cryptology to recognize a hidden message when he heard it. Now he just had to decipher the meaning.
Have you slipped into a coma? Or did you forget why you knocked on my door?
Zane blinked the pretty brunette into focus. From the expression on her face, she wasnt used to being ignored. With good reason. There was nothing ignorable about Quinn Oswald.