Jake acknowledged
the receptionist’s words, but his eyes were trained on the
door which she’d just exited. The door knob turned, and a
tall, blonde woman with a porcelain-perfect complexion and
an easy smile approached him.
He had a few
seconds to take in the view from the top of the chic hair
style, down the full breasts, and over hips camouflaged
behind black linen. The woman was close to five ten,
imposing to the ordinary man, but lucky for Jake, he was
well over six feet, and he liked his women tall. And
full-figured. He tried to keep his eyes above neck level,
but instinct had him watching the movement of her hips as
the woman approached him. He had a second to shoot his gaze
to her face before her eyes noticed him.
Emma
walked toward the visitor, her eyes assessing him in one
quick sweep. The man was taller than the average man,
dressed all in black, with broad shoulders, long, brown hair
that flowed down his back, a slight beard which really
looked like he’d forgotten to shave, twinkling hazel eyes,
and a hoop earring in his left ear. Exuding raw
masculinity, the man was obviously at ease, his posture
relaxed. And he was smiling, just a slight tip of his lip
that disturbed her.
“Mr. Ryder.” She held out her right hand, the onyx ring on
the third finger catching the glint of the morning sun. “I’m
Emma Slade, Mr. Water’s assistant. I apologize, but we
don’t seem to have an appointment for you on Mr. Water’s
schedule. Perhaps it was scheduled for another day. If
you’ll give me a few minutes, I’ll be happy to take a look
and see what we can find.”
Jake was still holding her hand, enjoying the feel of soft
skin against his calloused palm. He could smell the light
fragrance of her perfume. She was all woman with curves,
silky hair, and full lips. He could feel his blood pressure
climbing.
“That won’t be necessary. Leon isn’t expecting me, and I
don’t have an appointment. But if you would just let him
know that I’m here, he’ll see me.” He gave her a long, slow
look that carried a healthy dose of interest.
Emma tried not to squirm beneath the scrutiny. “Of course.
Please have a seat, and I’ll be right back.” She tugged her
hand out of his. “Would you care for anything, some coffee,
maybe? We have cold sodas in the back. Katie would be
happy to bring you anything you need.”
“I’m
fine.” Jake folded his arms; a dragon tattooed on his left
biceps caught her attention.
“I-um-I’ll be
right back.” Emma thumbed toward the entrance to the offices
and back stepped toward the door. Once inside her
sanctuary, she leaned against the heavy wood and took deep
breaths.
One hand over
her heart, she felt the increased tempo against her palm.
Just one step across the threshhold, and the electricity had
charged the bottoms of her feet. Whoever he was, Jake Ryder
was one hell of a sexy man, but definitely not her type.
Besides, she had her list, and he definitely wasn‘t on it.
And she had no room for any more additions to that list.
She had a feeling that Jake Ryder would obscure any of the
names currently occupying it anyway.
