we’re back.”
“Layla, get a grip. No one is in there—”
The words had barely left his mouth when he heard the rattling of the balcony window inside the room, followed by the sound of shoes hitting the sidewalk on the street below. They ran out the entrance of the hotel to watch a dark-clothed male tear down the street.
Layla stared at Kevin with disdain.
He shook his head in disbelief, adrenaline coursing through his body at the thought of the danger he nearly put them in. “How did you know? Who the hell even knows we’re here?”
“You need to leave the real work to your employees and stay at home behind that desk of yours. My guess is your buddy Ardros is having you checked out before he fully confides in you. I thought it was a mistake to book us different rooms. How are you going to explain that? You’ll have to tell him we had a fight.” Layla still looked disgusted with him.
They made their way back to her room and she opened the door. Kevin followed closely behind, but Layla turned and placed her hand on his chest.
“Boss, if you send me home now, he’ll know something’s up. Don’t deny it’s what you intend—it’s all over your face. You think you chose the wrong agent? Fine. I’ll do whatever you say. The one hundred grand is still mine, though. I didn’t blow this, but you may have.”
Kevin nodded sheepishly.
“And by the way, you never intended that kiss as practice. I don’t have a file on you, but I have your number, sweetheart!” Layla pushed him into the hallway, shutting the door in his face.
Bad actress ? Oh, Colin, she’s no wounded flower. She’ll do .
***
Layla’s hands shook as she walked to the balcony, pulling the full-length doors shut behind her.
Please, God, don’t let it be them …
She brought her fingers to her lips, wondering how Kevin’s kiss could have rocked her so thoroughly, wondering a million things about him.
Stop your romanticizing and just go for the ride !
The tap on the door jarred her out of her fantasy. Her heart raced and she grabbed her pistol, holding it to her chest. “Who is it?”
“Who the hell do you think it is?” Kevin grumbled.
Oh no ! Layla squeezed her eyes shut. He is going to fire me .
She opened the door and nearly gasped at his expression. He was furious!
“What’s wrong?” She backed into the room as he slammed the door shut behind him.
Kevin ran his hand through his hair in a gesture Layla was beginning to recognize as frustration.
“I’m fired, aren’t I? All right, well, if you don’t think I can pull this off, Irish, then fire me. You’re wrong, but it’s your company—”
“Layla, shut up,” he commanded. He closed the distance between them in two strides, nearly lifting her off her feet as he pushed her against the wall.
Layla’s heart pounded. “My God, you’re full of surprises. I thought you didn’t sleep with your employees?” she gushed breathlessly and stared at his blue eyes flashing in lust.
It’s just sex, he just wants sex. Don’t forget that .
“I don’t sleep with my employees. And you don’t have sex on a job.”
“I suppose a little more kissing couldn’t hurt.” Please, stay, take me. Keep me safe .
“Oh, yes, it could.” Kevin pressed up against her belly as he kissed her neck and shoulders.
“Take off that shirt, Irish. I’ve already had a glimpse of that body and I want another look.”
Kevin stepped back and looked at her in surprise before smiling at her sly expression. He stripped off his T-shirt and Layla was on him in a second.
“You’re incredible, but of course, you know that,” she moaned, pinching his nipples and running her hands across his smooth chest and down his tight flat stomach, luxuriating in the satiny feel of his skin, appreciating the heat he radiated. “Did you know I have a thing for tattoos?” She nibbled at the one circling his arm.
“Yes,” he gasped. “I think you said that. I thought I was the one