“Not, like, serious passes. Not while you were together. Just…vaguely suggestive flirting. He didn’t make any real passes until after y’all were split.”
“The question of Pierce’s fidelity is fairly far down the totem pole of sleaze. But if he sexually harassed you, I’ll castrate him myself.”
Cecily held up a hand. “Not necessary.” With a few more keystrokes she opened a file. “You remember how I told you I have a background in theater?”
“Yeah…” Where was she going with this?
“Well, keep that in mind.” She turned the computer around and hit play.
The screen was abruptly filled with Pierce, seated at his desk, staring at something on the dual monitors. Paperwork was spread out before him. Projections for some campaign or other. His hair was messy instead of artfully rumpled, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up. The sleek silk tie was loose, his collar unbuttoned. He looked, for the first time Norah could remember, frazzled. That pleased her far more than it should have.
The timestamp in the corner showed it was well after closing when the knock came on his door.
“It’s open.”
“I have those reports you asked for, Mr. Vargas.”
Pierce swiveled away from the monitors to face Cecily, schooling his face into the confident smile that had won more than one account. “Thanks Cecily. You’re a lifesaver.”
As the door shut, the view shifted to that from the other monitor. Cecily hesitated as she handed over the files, studying him. “You’re working too hard.”
“Nature of the beast. It’s always rough transitioning new members to the team.”
“Shouldn’t Matthew be transitioned by now?” She perched on the corner of his desk, and his eyes followed the rise of her hemline.
“Well, one would hope. I’m afraid Norah spoiled us.”
Cecily laid a hand over his. “It must be doubly hard on you, losing your partner and your girlfriend. You were such a good team.”
For just a second, something like remorse flickered over his face. “Yeah, we were.”
“You’ve been so busy picking up the slack, I’m sure you haven’t had any chance to even think about yourself and your life outside the company.” She edged around the desk, into his space.
Pierce watched her, his eyes sharpening. “Not so much.”
“Must be lonely.”
“I do find I could do with some company.”
She reached out and fingered his tie. “You’d probably work much more efficiently with some stress relief.”
And Pierce, damn him, laid a hand on the length of thigh bared by her too short skirt. “Undoubtedly. But I thought you weren’t interested.”
“I was never not interested. But you weren’t available before. And then I thought you needed some time on your own. A girl’s gotta be sensible, even with a catch as…impressive as you. Besides, I wasn’t even sure I was your type.” She jerked a shoulder in lazy shrug that caused the neckline of her blouse to gape.
Pierce’s eyes immediately went to the hint of lace beneath and his hand began to knead at her thigh. “Brunette and brilliant? You’re absolutely my type.”
“I also had to figure out if you were my type.”
“And what type is that?”
With a half smile, she grabbed the tie and began to work it lose on every word. “Sexy, handsome, powerful.” Tugging him forward until his mouth almost met hers. “A hint of bad boy.” She pulled the tie loose and tossed it behind her, nudging him back in his chair.
“Bad boy, huh?”
“Mmm yeah. I’ve got that fantasy. Lots of girls do.” Cecily ran one foot up the inside of his thigh to stroke him through his p
ants. Pierce jerked, his hands tightening on the arms of his chair.