Worth the Risk by Karen Erickson Page A

his office, and she did as he asked, fuming that she could follow his demands so easily. He shut the door, reminding her that she was completely alone with him, and then settled in the chair behind his desk. “While in London last week, we held extensive meetings in regards to the Worthwhile line.”
    She nodded solemnly, wondering where he was going with this. She already knew about the meetings. That had been the reason he’d gone to London in the first place.
    “We’re going to hold a huge launch party for the spring line with a runway show at the Beverly Hills store.”
    “The store Rhett is in charge of?”
    His mouth hardened, his eyes darkened. She had the distinct feeling Hunter didn’t like his younger brother much. “That would be the one. I plan on going to the location late next week to check it out, see what we’re working with. I’ve never been to that particular store.” He paused, his gaze meeting hers. “I want you to go with me.”
    She stiffened. Did he want to take her so he could get her back into his bed? “I don’t know…”
    “You’re one of my most valued members on the marketing team and you’re in charge of the Worthwhile spring launch. I need your opinion while on this trip.”
    “How long will we be gone?’ She sat up straighter, wishing her spine was made of steel. Maybe it would give her a hint of courage, make her feel stronger, able to deal with this…this curve ball Hunter had thrown in her direction.
    It was as if the man purposely kept her off center.
    “Two, three days tops.”
    “I see.” She swallowed hard, glanced about the room. Anywhere but at Hunter. “Are you asking me to go because you’re jealous of Marcus?”
    He slammed his fist on top of his desk so hard she jumped in her chair. “I am not jealous.”
    “Right. So your over-the-top reaction meant nothing.” She dared look up to watch as he leapt out of his chair and rounded the desk to stand just before her. Tilting her head back, she met his gaze. Saw all the anger swirling in their blue depths.
    “If you want to screw around with Marcus, then I can’t stop you. Who am I to care what you do with your off time?” His eyes blazed as they stared into hers and she refused to look away.
    “You scared him out of the office.”
    “I did no such thing.”
    She laughed and shook her head. “Stop pretending you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
    Hunter leaned over her, resting his hands on each arm of the chair, boxing her in. She shrunk back, not because she was scared, oh no. More like trying to get away from his scent, his warmth, the very delicious essence of him. But seeing her move back only pressed him forward, until his face was directly in hers.
    “Are you flirting with him to make me jealous?” The deadly thread in his voice made her shiver.
    “I’m not that immature,” she retorted.
    “Really?” He cocked a brow. “You never showed any interest in Marcus until after we were—intimate.”
    The word conjured up all sorts of images. Her naked in his arms, his tongue drawing wet, warm circles around her hard, aching nipples…
    “I didn’t encourage his behavior.”
    “Look at you, all prim and proper. ‘I didn’t encourage his behavior’. Is that what you say about me? Us? Did you encourage my behavior?”
    He was desperately jealous. And if the throb of his pulse at the base of his neck was any indication, he was also really upset. “I—I—”
    “Did you want to have sex with me, Gracie? Or were you merely doing it because you thought it was what I wanted?”
    “What are you saying?” He was purposely trying to confuse her. “Are you trying to get me to admit that yes, I wanted to have sex with you and no, I don’t regret it? Because if you are, fine, you’re right. I wanted it. I wanted you. And I don’t regret it either. Does that make you feel better?”
    Her breath came in ragged spurts after her abrupt confession, and she swallowed hard, wishing she could