“What did you have planned for me today?” I prompt. I know it didn’t involve sitting across from me, staring at me in this impromptu purchase from the resort gift shop, but honestly, this is one of my all-time best Plan Bs.

Roman seems to snap out of his daze. “A tour of the office,” he says, then cracks a smile that tugs at something low in my belly. Just like it always did, whenever I caught a glimpse of it at school.

No. I will not be derailed by his innate sexiness.

“But I have to imagine….” He clears his throat. “I have to imagine you don’t want to meet everyone in the office wearing clothes you purchased on the spur of the moment from the gift shop.”

I look down at the outfit as if this is the first time I’m seeing it. “Why not? It’s as good of an advertisement as any for the gift shop’s product line. Don’t you guys ever sample the items in stock before you put them on display?”

“Of course we do!” He laughs. “But not usually as part of an average workday.”

I drum my fingertips on the surface of his desk and laugh. “I’d say this isn’t your average workday.”

“Not in the least.”

I stand up then and clap my hands in front of me. “Give me the abbreviated tour, then. I’d like to get some shots of the pool while the morning light is still ideal.”

Roman’s eyes go up to his eyebrows. “Shots of the pool?”

“Photos. For Instagram. Your account there is…” I purse my lips and catch him glancing in the region of my lipstick. “…lacking. I want to start building up my assets right now so we have plenty to choose from when it’s time to ramp up promotions.”

And then, because I am crushing it at being Carmen Sandiego by way of a semi-successful model, I make a slow turn in front of Roman’s desk and walk back out into the ‘bullpen.’ That’s what the receptionist, Sarah, called the main room of the office. “Will I be sitting out here, or—”

“No, no.” There’s Roman’s hand on the small of my back again, only this time I can feel the heat of his palm more keenly through the sheer fabric of the cover-up. As soon as his hand meets my skin, he pulls it away again and steps to my side. What is this feeling? Victory? Utter victory?

Cool it, I remind myself. This is the first hour of the first day. There’s a long way to go. 

Four weeks, to be exact. That’s when the contract runs out and when I’m going to have to pack up all my things and go…somewhere. I haven’t planned that far ahead yet.