LITMIR.BIZ

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parted ever so slightly to gather some air.

      Connor jumped down, snatched his thick work gloves off his hands and jammed them into his back jeans’ pocket while he strode toward her.

      Olivia clenched her fist, digging her nails into her palm. The mildly uncomfortable action snapped her back to the reality of where she was and why. She was not here to snatch this fine specimen of a man by his leather belt and haul him into one of these deserted buildings. That was not her assignment.

      “Olivia,” he said in greeting, making her name sound like a hymn.

      “I should have called or something, but I did want to get started. Maybe we can work out some kind of schedule.” She wished that she could see his eyes behind his dark shades.

      The left corner of his lush mouth inched slightly upward. “It’s not a problem. Really. You can come...whenever you want.”

      Her clit jumped at the double entendre.

      “We can work out a schedule tomorrow night—at dinner.”

      Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second, but it wasn’t lost on Connor.

      “We’re still on...?”

      “Yes. Sure. I’m looking forward to it,” Connor said.

      He studied her for a moment from behind the shield of darkness. “So...where do you want to start?”

      “Well, I thought I’d begin by matching up the drawings with the structures that are standing—do some sketches. Then, going forward, examining each of the buildings, the areas around them, checking for artifacts, note taking, more pictures.” She grinned. “Ideally, I need to get in before any major restoration is done. I’d also want to examine any debris.”

      “Whatever you need.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll get Jake to take you around.”

      Why was she disappointed? She forced a smile. “Great.”

      “He’s on the other side. Follow me.”

      Connor walked a step or two ahead of Olivia and she cataloged the confident, long-legged swagger that could part a crowd or the seven seas. She drew in a “get it together” breath and matched his pace.

      “What time do you want me to pick you up?”

      “Oh, um, seven, seven thirty.” She glanced at his profile.

      Connor gave a bare nod, then lifted his chin. “Over this way.”

      Jake was in the midst of reviewing the blueprints with one of the crew when Olivia and Connor walked up.

      “Connor. Dr. Gray.” His greeting held a questioning note. He glanced from one to the other.

      “Dr. Gray wants to get started with her research. We’ll work out some kind of schedule, but I told her that you’d give her the full tour in the meantime.”

      A brief shadow of confusion passed over Jake’s face. He gave a slight shrug. “Sure.” He flashed a look at Connor, but couldn’t penetrate the dark lenses.

      “When you’re done, come back to the main building,” Connor said, and strode off.

      Olivia watched him leave and juggled the conflicting emotions that followed—dismissal, disappointment, uncertainty.

      “Ready?”

      Olivia blinked and turned her focus on Jake. “Yes.” She adjusted her tote on her shoulder and fell into step with him. “I hope this isn’t too much of an inconvenience.”

      “Not at all. What the boss wants the boss gets. We can start up on the ridge and work our way down and across,” he quickly added, before Olivia could respond to the “boss” comment.

      “Lead the way.”

      “You do a lot of these, I suppose,” Jake said.

      Olivia smiled. “I’ve had my share. You?”

      “Working with Connor is a lot different from what I’d been doing.”

      “What was that?”

      “Basic construction work, apartments and office buildings mostly.”

      “So...how did you and Connor meet?”

      Jake slowed in front of a structure that was standing with a hope and a prayer. “Funny, seems as if I’ve known him all my life.” His brow knit. “We were at this bar in Harlem, Rhythms I think was the name. We had a few drinks, started talking and the next thing I knew I was saying yes to joining him on his next reno job. One job led to the next.” He shrugged. “Here we are.”

      “He must be a very persuasive guy.”

      Jake gave her a sidelong glance from midnight-blue eyes. “Very. Connor always finds a way to get what he wants.” He picked up a yellow hard hat that was stored on the outside of the building and handed it to Olivia. “Can’t be too careful.” He unhooked his own from his work belt and put it on his head. He held open the door of the cabin and Olivia stepped inside.

      * * *

      For the next two hours, Jake led her around the development, explaining the layout and functions of each of the structures and what, if any, work had been done, while Olivia photographed and took notes. In between she asked innocuous questions about Connor, which Jake seemed more than happy to answer.

      * * *

      “See everything you need?” Connor asked when Olivia and Jake approached. He wiped his moist forehead with the back of his hand. At some point he’d taken off his gray hoodie and was now wearing only a fitted gray T-shirt that was sticking to his damp torso.

      Olivia licked her bottom lip and tore her gaze away from the expanse of his chest, but looking into his now exposed eyes was just as deadly. “Jake was extremely helpful.” She turned and flashed Jake a smile.

      “Anytime. I’m gonna head back up the hill. The supplies came in. Need to check the inventory.”

      “Sure. And thanks.” Connor focused on Olivia. He leaned against a mud-covered truck, crossed his feet at the ankle and stared at her, his gaze gently probing.

      Olivia felt as if she was being caressed, but Connor was several feet away. Her skin tingled. She ran her hands up and down her arms.

      “Cold?”

      She shook her head. “Um, I’m going back to my place. I have a lot of work to do. Thanks for today.”

      “I’ll walk you to your car.” He stepped up to her, then casually placed his hand at the dip of her back, as if it was something he was entitled to do, and the warmth of his hand and his self-assurance flowed through her.

      Olivia allowed herself to be guided around the workmen and their big toys. When she and Connor reached her Range Rover, she faced him. “How many more hours?” she asked, lifting her chin toward the work site.

      “Till about six.” He took a step. “I’d be in the mood for a drink about six thirty. Care to join me?” It sounded like a challenge.

      “I...really have a lot to do...”

      “No problem. If you change your mind, I’ll be at McCoy’s on Winston Street.” He tapped the side of her car and walked away before she had a chance to respond.

      Olivia tugged the door open and got behind the wheel. She should have agreed. Instead, she pulled away and went home...to spend the evening alone.

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