Chapter Nine

The structure gleamed beautifully against the rays of the sun. At night, Lights from within and those reflected from surrounding buildings bathed it in a stunning silhouette that drew awed gasps. But this morning, his pride and joy paled in comparison to his interest in the silver car idling in the designated parking space beneath the wide double portico of the building.Parked a dozen feet behind it, Timothy watched Chloe Gilbert step out, her long, shapely legs extending in that way that only models and trained dancers could execute without appearing pretentious or awkward. Her heels were a shiny rose-gold color that drew attention to her delicate ankles.

He suddenly had this wild image of gripping those ankles, spreading her thighs and baring her wet pussy to his hungry gaze. Years ago when they were together, they had never gone past kissing and making out... Neither of them had been ready for more back then, but now.....

His thoughts had taken a crazy turn, and he knew he should stop thinking about her that way, but he couldn't.. Maybe he didn't even want to. What kind of underwear did she have on? Was it one of those mind-blowing scraps of silk underwear that he liked? Did she have a garter belt under that short, flared black skirt whispering against her thighs in the light breeze? His thoughts were wild and very unprofessional, and at that moment, he didn't care.

He took the opportunity to get a good look at her. Back then in his father's office, he had been so surprised to see her that he didn't have enough time to acknowledge her beauty.... And indeed, she was beautiful. His gaze climbed up her body to the black off-the-shoulder top baring her throat and the top of her cleavage, his hands gripping the wheel as he imagined what those full, heavy breasts would look like if she was naked underneath him.

The girl he knew in school had been breathtaking when he had eventually forced his head out of the sand and acknowledged her beauty and intelligence. But the woman he was looking at now had an extra layer of tenacity to her. He had noticed it when she’d first walked into his father's office. She’d confirmed it when she had her head high in the face of his less than stellar behavior in the office.

Now, she rested one hip against the boot of her car, her head slightly cocked as she watched him, the corners of her incredible lips slightly tilted as if he amused her. Cowering behind the wheel, holding on for dear life, he guessed he was hilarious. With a muted curse, Timothy threw his door open and stepped out. Her light, alluring perfume reached out and curled around him as he approached. Her dark hair was up in a loose knot and the breeze caught at a few errant strands as she stared up at him.

"I guess we are both right on time. Thank you for accommodating me, Mr Packard" she murmured, tucking a clutch the same color as her shoes under one arm before reaching out to brush a runaway curl from her cheek.

Timothy was jealous of that curl, jealous of the breeze whispering over her face, the rosy gloss clinging to her lips. Bloody hell, get a grip. He told himself. It was wrong to think of her that way, especially before their meeting.

"No problem." he replied, "And oh, you really don't have to call me Mr Packard. It sounds a little… awkward coming from you. Timothy is fine. Shall we?"

He turned away from her before she could reply, and stared up at the building he poured his blood and sweat into. From all angles it was a masterpiece. One he was supremely proud of. She followed his gaze and for several seconds neither of them spoke.

"It’s a beautiful building, Tim. I remember it wasn't as magnificent as this when we were in school. The progress Packard Enterprises has made is indeed remarkable. You and your father must be so proud" Chloe said. Sincerity oozed from her and for a moment she was the girl he had once loved and called his best friend.

"Thanks." Timothy replied simply. The word emerged gruff.

She smiled at him and that illusion grew. What the hell was he doing wanting to smile back? Tim asked himself. She’d ruined their friendship. Not that he was still mad about that. He didn't care enough to be mad. So instead of smiling back or saying anything, he frowned slightly and turned away from her.

They entered the building and were immediately greeted by the receptionist who smiled and blinked way too many times at Timothy, and Chloe almost laughed. She couldn't blame the Lady. The man looked good even if he was so grumpy.... Or maybe that grumpy part of him was reserved just for her. The Tim she had been friends with had been easy going, funny, and most of the time, she had been the grumpy one. She told herself that she didn't care if he wanted to be a jerk. She would simply do the job she came for and be done with it.

"This way." she heard Timothy say, as he strode across the atrium to the bank of lifts set against the east wall. Chloe kept up, her heels clicking in tandem with his.

Timothy stabbed the button for the lift, and waited for her to precede him when the doors slid open. Chloe strolled to the back of the carriage, turned and rested her shoulders against the polished mirrored wall. She angled her body in a way that subtly thrust her chest and hips forward and it was all he could do not to drool at the lush display of her figure. Her clutch was still tucked under one arm and she was toying with the clasp of a diamond tennis bracelet.

Timothy's gaze dropped to her wrist, and he wondered if her pulse was as erratic as his. What would it taste like? Christ, everything about her turned him on. It was going to be a huge fucking problem, and it was his father's fault, he thought.... Or maybe it just had to do something with the fact that he hadn't been with a woman in months, because why else would his body be reacting this way.