Mr. Carter?
He didnt release Sierras gaze to look at the woman in the doorway, but did answer her. Yeah?
Mr. Driscol on line one. Hed like to discuss expanding his offer. Her voice hesitated as she apparently picked up on the tension in the room, then she cleared her throat and continued, He said the timing is crucial and he needs an answer ASAP.
Driscol was a client who liked Reeces way of doing security. He liked it so much he wanted Reece to move RC Security out here to Southern California to be on a permanent retainer.
No doing, though. Reece had already told the guy twice. Nothing could entice him to move his base here to L.A. Crowds, crime and crazies. None of which appealed more than the wide open spaces of his home in Kentucky. His family was there, his grandma and his dad. Travel was all well and good, but he needed to know he could drop in for Sunday dinner anytime he wanted. After all, that sense of family was his touchstone, his reminder of everything that mattered to him.
Mitch had been begging him to relocate here, too. But if he wasnt going to do it for a cousin he loved, he sure wasnt about to move for a job he didnt need.
Ill call him back.
But
Ill call him back, Reece repeated.
Yes, sir, she murmured as she left, closing the door.
Shall we discuss terms? Reece asked, refocusing his attention on Sierra.
Dont you have a contract for that? she asked, her tone deliberately breezy. She must have used the interruption to think. And her conclusion was to ignore the heated sexual tension sparking between them.
Hed have to see how quickly he could change that.
I realize youre exactly the kind of client I generally turn away, he pointed out.
You mean the kind that doesnt worship you?
Reece laughed. A little worship wouldnt hurt. But no, I mean the kind that doesnt listen. If Im going to protect you, you have to agree that Im in charge. I cant do my job unless youre willing to give me your complete cooperation.
You never struck me as the have-to-be-on-top kind of guy, cowboy.
Reece gave her a slow grin and waited. It didnt take more than two seconds for her to realize that she knew firsthand that he was all about equal opportunities when it came to sexual positions.
Youll do exactly as I say? was all he said, though.
Her jaw tensed in a sharp line and he watched her delicate fingers tighten into fists. She stared at him, then dropped her gaze to the package of pictures on the desk. Her brow furrowed and a tiny shudder shook her shoulders. Then, as if to shrug it off, she lifted one shoulder and tilted her head toward him.
Ill do exactly what you say, she agreed. Reece let the pleasure of those words wash over him. But
Of course theres a but.
But, she continued, sliding her feet back into those killer heels and standing, only as it applies to this picture perv, Family and the necessary protection required so Eventfully Yours doesnt lose the account.
Once she was in her high heels again, her game face firmly in place, all of the vulnerability that had scared Reece was gone. Sierra was back in control.
Just the way he liked her.
Works for me, he agreed, stepping forward and holding out his hand.
She shook her head. Apparently she had other caveats. This account is crucial. My work, my focus right now has to be one hundred percent.
He waited.
She frowned, and for the first time since hed met her, she looked as if she was trying to find an inoffensive way to word her request.
Then she shrugged and rolled her eyes. I cant waste time deflecting your attempts at sexual games. I need to work. I dont have time to worry about you hitting on me.
He couldnt help it. He laughed.
Sierra hissed.
Sweetheart, I wont have to hit. I promise. He reached across her to put his hand on the door handle. A week, maybe less, and youll be the one hitting.
You think pretty damned highly of yourself, she said with a strained laugh.
Were about to do the one thing youve been avoiding since we first met six years ago. He paused, watching her eyes turn smoky blue.
He could see exactly what was going through her pretty head and grinned down at her in appreciation. She was thinking sex, pure and simple. Or not so simple, in their case. He loved that about her. Not only was she a deeply sensual being, but she didnt try to hide it. There was nothing coy or demure about Sierra Donovan. She was all woman and embraced her sexuality with both hands. Even if she didnt want to share it with him.
That was okay. She hadnt wanted to share before, either. That hadnt stopped them from doing it against a wall. The sexual pull between them was more intense than anything hed ever felt. He had complete faith it would overwhelm her again.
Eventually. He just had to push the right buttons.
Whats that? she finally asked in a husky tone.
Were going to spend a whole lot of time together, sweetheart. I promise, time is all I need to chip away at that milehigh wall of resistance you like to hide behind.
He turned the handle and pulled the door open.
She stared for a second longer, then stepped toward the door, her breast brushing his forearm as she turned away and said, You wouldnt like whats on the other side.