Abby’s eyes widened at his tone. “Gage, this is Clayton Reynolds. He was a friend of King’s.”

“Reynolds, yes. Mayan culture, isn’t it?”

“That’s right.” Clay stuck out a hand, and the men shook.

“So what can we do for you?” Gage asked, clearly not happy to have an uninvited guest.

“I just came by to speak to Abby. I thought perhaps she might have time for lunch or at least a cup of coffee.”

“We’re on a tight schedule,” Gage said. “Maybe when we get back.”

Abby felt a trickle of irritation. She and Clay were friends. If Gage didn’t approve, that was just too bad.

Abby smiled. “I appreciate the offer, Clay, but as Gage says, we’re really swamped. I’ll give you a call if I get a spare moment.”

As tall as Gage, Clay was more than just attractive, though Abby had never had any real interest in him.

“I’ll look forward to it.” He smiled. “Well, then, good luck wherever you’re headed.” Abby thought that he would have pursued his invitation if Gage wasn’t making it more than clear that it was time for him to leave.

“I’ll walk you out,” Abby said, flicking Gage a disapproving glance. By the time she returned, she figured he would be back at work. Instead, she found him sitting in the chair at her desk.

“There’s something we need to discuss,” he said, rising. Setting a hand at her waist, he steered her into his office and firmly closed the door.

The next thing she knew, she was pinned between the door and a solid wall of muscle, Gage’s mouth coming down over hers. Warm, firm lips took control, softened, and sent a flood of heat out through her limbs. She gripped his shoulders to stay on her feet and gave in to the hot sensations.

Gage’s kisses gentled, turned coaxing. Moist lips traveled along her throat, nipping and tasting.

“I’ve been neglecting you lately,” Gage said softly, pushing the lock on the door as he used his teeth to nibble an earlobe. “Time to put work aside and remedy that.”

She could feel his heavy erection pulsing against her, tempting her with its fierce demands.

Gage’s big hand slid beneath the T-shirt she was wearing with a pair of yoga pants and sandals, unhooked her bra, and cupped a breast. Abby moaned as he teased her nipple into a rigid peak, arousing her until she was trembling.

Gage kissed her again, and she found herself clinging to his neck as he moved her backward, farther into the office. It barely registered that he had pulled the blinds on his windows.