Dalton, Tymber - Love and Brimstone [Brimstone Vampires 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Tymber Dalton Page B

for six. Ah, hello, Murry.”
    A huge black cat with a white star-shaped mark in the middle of its forehead jumped up onto the library table. He loudly purred.
    “That’s a good sign indeed,” Thompson said.
    She reached out and petted it. It rubbed its head against her, its purring louder. “Why’s that?”
    “He doesn’t like most people.”
    One question answered. “Really?”
    Thompson nodded. “He’s been with Mr. Hawthorne for years. He isn’t a very social cat, I’m afraid.”
    The cat proceeded to make a liar out of Thompson by meowing at him and head butting her elbow.
    “I’m impressed, Ms. Proctor. He seems to have taken an instant liking to you.”
    Taz scratched the cat under his chin and along his back at the base of his tail. Murry purred even louder still as he closed his eyes and arched against her hand. “I think I just made a friend.”

    * * * *

    Murry followed her to her office and curled up in a corner chair, watching her work. She didn’t mind. She loved animals, but she didn’t have time for any of her own.
    Albert Thompson stuck his head in her open doorway. “Oh, Ms. Proctor, did you find your passport?”
    “Yes, I have it.”
    “Good. You may be going to London on Friday.”
    “Ah. Okay.”
    He disappeared. She briefly wondered how he knew she had to find it when her phone rang, distracting her. Robertson.
    “How’s the first day going, sweetheart?”
    “You should see this place. It’s amazing.” She hadn’t seen the inside of Hawthorne’s office yet, but if hers was this nice, she imagined his was even nicer.
    “I imagine.”
    “Guess what? I was just informed I might be going to London this week.”
    “Excellent. I can hold my toga party while you’re gone.”
    She laughed so hard she thought she’d wet her pants. He knew how to crack her up. Tea party, maybe. Toga party? Robertson?
    He’d die first.

    * * * *

    Her office came with a custom sound system, satellite TV— sixty-inch plasma flat screen, thank you very much— and an inner office lounge area. Including a full private bathroom with shower. She could come to work, exercise, and shower before starting her day. Not that she was a huge exercise freak, but instead of dragging herself to the gym after work once or twice a week, she could incorporate it as part of her daily routine. She’d been meaning to work out more. Now she had no excuse not to get into better shape.
    The next day she brought several CDs to work with her. There was little traffic on their floor, and she left her door open with her music turned down low so she didn’t disturb Thompson. “Classical Gas” was currently playing, relaxing her without distraction.
    “I love Mannheim Steamroller.”
    She jumped. Matthias Hawthorne leaned against her doorway, smiling. Maybe she would have to start closing her door so he couldn’t sneak up on her. The guy sure was quiet.
    “Mr. Hawthorne. I didn’t hear you.”
    “I’m sorry I startled you. I just wanted to drop in and see how you’re doing. Is Albert getting you settled?”
    “Everything is wonderful, thank you.” She tried to keep her eyes low, on his mouth—no, that wouldn’t work, she wanted to kiss those lips, but if she looked into those gorgeous eyes…
    His lips curled in a smile. “Excellent. Did he tell you I might need you in London this week?”
    She tried to control the heat building inside her under his gaze. “I’ll make sure I pack.”
    “You’d only be gone a couple of days at the most, if you go. I personally keep a bag packed here, just in case. You can always buy what you need when you get there. Just put it on your corporate cards. Our travel department will handle arrangements for you, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
    “Thank you.”
    He took a step inside her office, as if reluctant to intrude. “I wanted to thank you for coming on board, Ms. Proctor. I know our company will greatly benefit from having you with us.”
    That was nice of him.