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Just haven’t seen you this smitten in well … ever.

“Are you sure you don’t need to reschedule this meeting?” Katy asked, sounding a little put out that both Derek and I were occupied with our phones. I slid mine into a drawer so that I couldn’t be distracted.

“Our apologies,” I said, glancing first at Katy before my gaze inevitably went to Erin, drinking her in. She was breathtaking, her black V-neck shirt showing a hint of cleavage, while a small gold chain rested between her perfect breasts. I cleared my throat. “Let’s begin. What’s first on the agenda?”

“The promotional winter package has been very popular,” Erin said, bringing up a document on her tablet. “At this rate, we’ll be sold out before the end of the week.”

I couldn’t help how my eyes practically smouldered every time I looked at her. Well, it was her fault for being so beautiful. My eyes raked over her thick, golden-brown hair piled up in a bun, her bright eyes framed by dark mascara, the shine of gloss on her lips. And don’t even get me started on her figure. Erin was curvy in a way that made a man lose his train of thought as well as his focus, which was exactly what happened when my brother said, “Is that okay with you, Tristan?”

I dragged my attention away from Erin to Derek, his lips twitching in barely concealed amusement. “Rinnie and Katy have suggested that we arrange to give out tokens for two free drinks at the staff disco this Saturday.”

“Just a small gesture of goodwill,” Erin said. “I think it will go a long way. One of our bartenders, Teddy, said he’s happy to work the bar that night.”

“Yes, good idea,” I said. I’d been so distracted lately I’d all but forgotten about disco night, but Erin was right. The staff had been going above and beyond to focus on their training as well as preparing the hotel for opening. Two free drinks was the least we could do. “Let Teddy know we appreciate the offer and that he’ll be paid time and a half.”

Erin seemed pleased with this, smiling as she typed down a note on her tablet. “Perfect. Thank you.”

“Well, I think that’s everything,” Katy said. “I have to head out now, but you can catch me on my mobile if anything urgent pops up.” She began packing away her things, and Erin followed suit.

“Tristan,” Erin said, and she had my immediate focus. “Do you mind if we talk for a moment in private?”

“Of course.”

A small smile tugged at my mouth. She wanted a few minutes alone with me. I didn’t care what she needed to talk about. I’d take any excuse to have time with her.

We stepped away from the others, and I waited.

She cleared her throat. “Um, it’s just about the thing we discussed about Cooke. You know, the food truck?”

“Of course.” I gave her my full attention. “Tell me what you need.”

I wanted her to know that was all I expected from her. If she needed advice, I’d give it. If she needed help, I’d help. If she simply needed someone to listen, I could do that, too.

I’d already told her what I wanted from her personally. Now it was up to her.

And especially with me being her boss, I needed her to know there would never be any pressure attached to that. She didn’t owe me a chance. She didn’t owe me anything.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Derek said before gathering his laptop and the few folders he’d come with.

Moments later he left just after Katy, and I was alone with Erin. The office felt smaller despite there being less people. Only a foot or two separated us, and I longed to close the gap, but I forced myself to remain where I stood.

“You look beautiful,” I said.

A nervous smile pulled at her lips, her fingers tightening around the tablet. “Tristan.”

“I’m sorry. Ignore me. It’s just been a long day, and I like seeing your face. You wanted to talk about Cooke?”

Her breathing was choppy as she exhaled then reached over to my desk to grab a pen and a piece of paper. She glanced at me, her perfume tickling faintly at my nose. I wanted to slide my hands around her curvy hips and lift her onto the desk, scattering everything to the floor as I climbed between her legs. “Do you mind if I borrow these?”

“Not at all.”

She moved to sit, and I retook my seat as she set the paper against her knee and wrote something down. “So, I spoke to Cooke about your offer to help him with his business plan. He was really touched by it and told me to give you his number so that you two could arrange a time to meet. I know you’re probably too busy right now with the re-opening, but once that’s over, maybe you’ll have a free hour or two someday to see him.”

“Of course. I’ll get Becky to pen it into my schedule.”

“Perfect. Here you go.” She held out the paper, and I couldn’t resist allowing my fingers to slide along hers as I took it. Her breath hitched slightly and it made me imagine her losing her breath while I kissed my way down her body.

She sat back, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I suppose you’re also wondering about that other thing we spoke about?”