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Evening to you too, Guy. You're early.
Well, I didn't figure you'd mind. I mean you have to be bored to death, here all alone.
Actually, I don't think Hope's been bored at all. Have you darling?
Miles' arm slid around Hope's waist, and his fingers caressed her hip. Lord, the man had incredible
timing.
Uh, I guess I should have called first. Guy's face turned the color of a summer tomato. He shook his
head and held out his hand to Miles. Miles didn't look pleased, but he returned the greeting.
I'm sorry if I interrupted anything. Maybe I should come back another time.
Hope pried Miles' hand off her hip. Nonsense, you're here now. Why don't we go into the den and talk
business? Miles, I'm sure you can find something to do for a few minutes.
Hope really didn't want Miles to leave but the glowering look he was wearing only made him look that
much more seductive. His eyes glowed a bottomless jade, and his previous kissable lips were chiseled into an
almost pout.
Yeah, guess I could clear the table.
Hope shook her head. His tone sounded like a disgruntled child. A child with a body of a cover model.
Okay, enough. She needed to get this meeting over with so she could find out what Miles wanted to tell her
before they were interrupted.
That would be great, Miles, thank you. Have a seat, Guy. Hope eased down onto the recliner's surface.
Guy moved to the couch and sat. His expression not much happier than the one Miles had worn. At least she
didn't have to worry about him sitting too close. With all the male testosterone 79
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floating around, there was bound to be an explosion if she let things get out of hand.
That man is your bodyguard? He doesn't act like one, Hope.
Guy's clenched fists radiated the anger she could see in his eyes. Yes, he is, and his behavior has no
place in this business meeting. Now, you mentioned some items missing from shipments. When did this start,
and do you have a list of the items?
There were several pieces of jewelry along with a few medieval artifacts. I didn't think to bring a list. I
can run one by tomorrow if you like. Or we can have lunch, and I'll bring the list then.
Not on her life or his. Why don't you email me the list? I'll go over it and get back to you on what we
should do.
Guy cleared his throat. I'll get the list, but I don't want to bother you with too much detail. You're still
recovering. I just wanted to run the security idea by you.
Guy, I'm fine. I'm in no danger of expiring from what happened. I'm also more than capable of dealing
with the list and the security system. Get me a list of security companies you're considering, and I'll query them
and compare their stats and costs.
I really think that I
Sorry to interrupt you two, but I thought you might want a glass of wine.
Hope didn't know if she should slap the smirk off of Miles' face or thank him. That's very thoughtful,
Miles.
Miles handed Hope a goblet and then offered one to a reluctant Guy. Thanks, now if we could get back
to business, Hope.
Her sexy and definitely not subtle Miles set the empty tray down on the end table and moved to Hope's
side. Too bad she couldn't shoo him out of the room like a pesky fly. The man knew he was a 80
Dunbar's Curse
distraction, and his take-that look to Guy as he sat on the arm of the recliner just made it worse.
I agree, let's wrap this up. I want the information on the missing items and the security systems by noon
tomorrow.
She waved away his protest. I know. I've been totally absent from the business in the last year, but I
plan on being more up to speed on what's going on at Morgan Rarities.
But you
Yes, I've never been there full time, not since I worked summers during college, but Mom and Dad kept
me abreast of what they wanted for the company, and they taught me how to do things their way, Guy.
Hope stood and watched as Guy stumbled to his feet. I hope we can work together to keep Morgan's
the wonderful company my parents built. I won't be looking over your shoulder, but I do expect to have final say
on most of the decisions. I think that's what my folks would have wanted, don't you?
Guy's features did a one-eighty. He lost his belligerent scowl and managed a slight smile. Good, she
really didn't feel like fighting or extending the meeting any longer.
Of course, Hope. It's your company. Just let me know what you want me to do.
I want you to continue to manage Morgan's, but I want to be involved. Hope moved toward the doorway
and prayed Guy would follow. She also prayed Miles would keep his mouth shut. A few moments later, Guy
was gone, and Miles leaned against the den threshold.
Go ahead, say what you're thinking.
About what, Hope?
Guy. You certainly weren't very warm and fuzzy toward him.
I didn't know I was suppose to be. Miles looped 81
Faith V. Smith
his arm around Hope's waist. Now, if he'd been a bit less rude and hadn't interrupted our dinner, I might
have been more polite.
He pulled her closer. But at least I didn't kill him.
Hope's grin threatened to split the sides of her mouth. Yeah, well, I'd make you clean up the blood.
Miles' guffaw came from out of nowhere. Hope stood amazed. The man seldom laughed. But she liked
the humor on him. His face softened into bronze etched lines, and his eyes went from dark jade to a green that
made her want to wallow in their depths.
Hope's feet left the floor, and her legs found anchor around Miles waist. What are you doing?
Finishing a few conversations.
I like the way you think.
Miles' lips locked on hers. A kiss that lasted the time it took them to reach the couch. Hope welcomed the
cool leather against her heated skin. Her nerve endings screamed for him to touch more than her lips. Her
mind yelled don't stop this time. Miles'
tongue wooed her with its caress. She gave him back each touch, and when he released her mouth, she
felt lost.
Miles slid farther down on the couch taking Hope with him. A twist of his body and she lay beneath him.
One of his hands caught both of hers
his hold possessive but gentle as he raised her arms above her head. Again his lips captured hers. This
time the rhythm of dance changed. The slow tempo was gone, replaced by a blast of sensual chords. He
stoked her mouth with firm strokes, sending a heat wave down to the ache between her thighs. Hope's body
dampened with desire. She needed to touch Miles. She wanted him to touch her to fill her with himself. She
pulled back from his kiss. 82
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Miles, please.
Please? Tell me what you want Hope.
I want you. I want you inside me.
Bells went off above their heads. It took her a moment to realize it was her cell phone. Not now. Maybe
whoever it was would hang up. The phone continued its discordant noise.
Miles, the phone.
Ignore it. Miles lips burned her throat before tickling the tender spot below her ear.
It could be the hospital.
Ignore it.
The phone rang a second more before it stopped. Miles nipped the lobe of her ear, sending shocks of
sexual awareness down to her toes and back to her core.
Now, tell me again you want me.
Miles, I
Hell's bells. Miles released Hope's hands and grabbed his phone. He snapped it open and growled.
Call back later!
Miles?
Miles shook the lust from his brain. Zacke?
Yeah, I was calling Hope, hoping to reach you.
Well, now's not a good time.
Zacke's laughter did a good job of deflating Miles' remaining arousal. Hang on. The phone made a
clunking sound on the table. He cupped Hope's flushed cheek with his palm and dropped a hard kiss on her
mouth. I'm sorry, love.
Miles exited the couch without lingering against the warmth of Hope's curves. He caught her hands in
his and helped her to sit up. The dress's askew neckline plagued him with regret.
Miles, you still there? Zacke's now not so humorous tone jerked him back from his wayward thoughts.
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