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back. When his chair squeaked she
tensed. His tall form came into view as he carried a small thumb drive to the
front of the conference room. “May I?”
    Her
breath caught as he reached over and closed out her program. Removing her
drive, he slipped his USB into the port and punched in a few keys. His familiar
scent swirled around her like an opiate. Shutting her eyes, growing dizzy with
memories of his body filling hers, his hands touching and caressing her flesh,
his mouth—
    “Bradford
would like to take Apricot to a new dimension…” Braydon’s deep voice took command
of the room.
    Becca’s
eyes flashed open as he dominated the meeting with his presence. Easily the
most beautiful man she’d ever seen, only now he was dressed in another sharp
suit that did wonderful things to his broad chest, strong shoulders, and piercing
blue eyes. This one wasn’t the same deep blue he’d warn the other night, but
she liked him in gray as well.
    As he
presented, various things became apparent. When necessary, Braydon possessed
quite the commanding attitude. This made her recollection of their tender yet
deliciously forceful encounter seem all the more intimate.
    Commercial
architecture was a lucrative profession. He presented with a polished ease she
didn’t think she’d quite mastered in her career. They were in two different
leagues. She was simple functionality and he was sophisticated luxury. The
memory of their one night together replayed with resounding mortification.
    It was
only a ten minute presentation, but it lasted entirely too long for Becca’s
poor, palpitating heart. By the time Braydon concluded his show of designs for
Apricot’s headquarters and chain of future franchises, she felt drunk. Drunk
with very wet panties and very hot cheeks.
    Braydon
returned to his seat and her lashes lowered as her head swirled. Even from two
feet away, her body reacted as if he was on top of her.
    Miranda
took over. “So, gentlemen, as you can see, we’ve taken your mom and pop appeal
and turned it into something superior, without losing that mom and pop
impression. Every franchise will boast the same conveniences and treasured
amenities as the original Apricot Inc. Neighborhoods everywhere will gain a
sense of familiar homecoming whenever they cross Apricot’s threshold, no matter
what state they’re in.”
    Mr.
Dillard nodded, a satisfied curve to his mouth. “I like it. Mike, what do you
think?”
    “I have
a few notes on schematics, but other than that I think it’s great.”
    “Wonderful,”
Miranda said. “Braydon will forward the paperwork to Mrs. Stevens, and we can
carry on from there once you initial any changes in the deal. I don’t see any
reason why this project can’t begin immediately.”
    Everyone
stood and pulled out their phones, marking various dates for future meetings.
Keeping her eyes on Mr. Dillard and Miranda only, Becca entered a few dates and
stepped back as everyone gathered their belongings and exited the room.
    Once
she politely said her goodbyes and thank yous, she gave them her back and
compiled her notes into a folder. When the room silenced and the door finally
clicked shut, she let out a depleted sigh and pressed her palms into the table,
her shoulders collapsing and head hanging low. How she ever survived that was a
miracle.
    “This
was unexpected.”
    Her
spine stiffened and twisted so fast she nearly lost her balance. Braydon leaned
against the inside of the door, blue eyes trained on her, strong arms crossed
over his chest. A master of insipid tameness, she skeptically kept her
distance. Such consistent friendliness didn’t exist, certainly not after the
way she’d abandoned him with no explanation after what they’d done together.
    Breathing
was impossible. Her skin turned sticky under her blouse. His impenetrable
calmness had to be an act. What guy wouldn’t be pissed? Forcing herself to
stand straight, she lifted her chin. “I’m sorry about the other night, but