The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(18)

Just open it, for Christ’s sake.

Kate’s hand slipped into her large purse, which also served as her work bag today, and she felt the envelope in her hand.

As she exited the revolving doors of the hotel and stepped out onto the sidewalk, she released the envelope. She couldn’t do it. Maybe if she didn’t open it, she could continue to work as though there was no danger.

She would keep telling herself that, at least.

She startled at the sound of the high-pitched ring that blared from her purse. “This is Kate,” she answered after retrieving her phone.

“Hey, you coming into the office today?” Julia asked.

“Walking there now. I finished with the designer at the hotel.”

“Perfect. Michael is back from New York, and he’s asking for you.”

Kate slowed down her pace, worried if everything was okay. “Oh really? Does he want to check in on our progress?” Or fire me for turning him down?

“I have no idea. Just head on over to his office when you get here. See you in a bit.”

Kate tossed her phone back into her bag, thoughts of the envelope far from her mind now.

Michael. He was all that was in her head.

When she got to the office, she nodded and smiled at Cindy, then started for Michael’s room.

Julia’s office was empty, giving her no reason to stall now.

She toyed with the strap of her bag as she forced her black pumps to move, one step at a time.

When she arrived at his door, she popped her head in to say hello, but her mouth closed when she saw he wasn’t alone. He was sitting on his couch next to an auburn-haired woman. His hand rested on her shoulder, and the woman’s gaze was cast down.

Kate took a step back, attempting to duck away before Michael saw her, but it was too late. His eyes captured hers, and he gave her a slight shake of the head.

She put her hand up, motioning that she’d catch him later and quickly left. It was obvious she had come at a bad time.

“Kate,” Julia called out on approach.

“Hey, I was going to set up shop in your conference room. Is that okay?” Kate pointed to the room that adjoined Julia’s office.

“Of course. I was hoping to catch you before you saw Michael, anyways. He got a visitor right after we hung up, but I’m sure he’ll find you after.”

“Sure.”

“You okay?” Julia arched a brow.

Kate shrugged her purse off her shoulder and allowed it to drop to the ground. “Yeah, just a little tired. I’ve been working like crazy on this gala.” It wasn’t a total lie.

Julia smiled. “Thank you. I’m so grateful.” She sat down at the conference room table and folded her hands. “I have great news. I followed your advice, and I have a special guest speaker for the ball.”

“That’s awesome.” Kate started to sit but seeing Michael through the glass wall caught her off guard. He was walking down the hall next to the redhead, his hand on the small of her back. He managed to avoid looking into the conference room, and Kate forced herself not to overthink anything. Besides, what did it matter? She’d said no to Michael the other night. What difference did it make to her who he dated—or whatever he did with women . . .

Julia cleared her voice, which had Kate glancing over at her.

“Maybe we could order some lunch to the office while we work? I’m starved—my treat.”

“Let’s go grab some food instead. I know a great place,” Julia said.

Kate nodded. Hell, Julia’s idea was a lot better. She’d been in the building for five minutes but suddenly felt like she was suffocating.

She kneeled down to grab her purse off the floor, but a large hand beat her to it. She followed the black dress shoes to slacks, which stretched all the way up to a trim waist. She inhaled as she straightened, taking in with her his cologne and the smell of clean linen.

“On your way out?” Michael asked, handing Kate her bag.

“We’re going to lunch.” Julia looked at her brother. “Care to join us?”

“Sure. I’m always hungry for something good to eat.” The way Michael’s eyes traveled the length of her body before settling on her face made her buzz to life with excitement. Her body betrayed her as her nipples hardened beneath her silk blouse. She prayed her bra was thick enough to cover her sudden arousal.

“Michael? Kate? You two ready?” Julia asked.

Michael tilted his head and wet his lips. Was he teasing her? He was, wasn’t he? “Yes, I’m ready.” She swallowed. “Are you?” she asked Michael in a faint voice, frustrated that this man was intentionally trying to get a rise out of her—even after he’d just walked in front of her with another woman. Of course, Kate had no idea who the redhead was—but with his reputation what else could she think?

“I’m more than ready,” Michael said in a low voice. His words were like satin, wrapping around her every limb—and she hated that he was able to create such an intense reaction within her so easily.

Kate diverted her attention, unable to look at Michael any longer without giving herself away.

Once they all entered the elevator, she stared down at her heels and clutched her bag with both hands, hanging onto it like a lifeline.

“Is Mexican okay?” Julia asked as they stepped out into the lobby.