Because suddenly it was so clear to her that all the hurdles that lay between them couldn’t kill the passion that ignited between them every time they were together. On the contrary: the fact that they shouldn’t, couldn’t be together, seemed to only fan the flames.

14

Zach had spent a sleepless night alone in his bed. Quenching his carnal urges with his own hand had left him even more unsatisfied. He wanted Rochelle like he’d never wanted a woman before. But he’d promised her not to pressure her any more, and he was determined to keep his promise.

He felt somewhat tired and worn out when he sat at his desk and tried to concentrate on the contract in front of him. His gaze wandered to the clock on his computer. Already past three p.m. No wonder he felt exhausted. He needed caffeine.

Zach rose, walked to the door and popped his head out. “Jessica—” But his assistant wasn’t at her desk. Well, maybe it would do him some good to move a little and get his coffee from the little coffee shop on the first floor of his building.

He took the elevator down and crossed the entrance hall. The security guard nodded at him, and Zach returned the greeting, before entering the café and standing in line. Judging by the length of the line, he was clearly not the only one who needed a boost of energy in order to stay awake.

While the line moved slowly, he got lost in his thoughts. He’d seen Rochelle only briefly this morning when she’d arrived with her two colleagues and entered the conference room. He hadn’t exchanged a single word with her. After all, what should he have said? He’d apologized the day before, and even though there’d been a brief moment between them, where he’d thought she’d kiss him, he’d probably only imagined it. Wishful thinking.

Now he could only hope that the investigation would be completed swiftly, so he and Rochelle wouldn’t be on opposing sides any longer. Maybe then they could try again. If he managed to scrape together enough patience until then.

When it was finally his turn in the line, Zach ordered a large, black coffee to go. The barista handed him the hot paper cup, and he took a quick sip before turning to leave.

But he didn’t get far.

“Oh Zach! What a coincidence.”

The voice belonged to none other than Emily Grover. Zach forced a smile onto his lips and turned to face her. She sat at a small round table near the window, waving at him.

He had no choice but to approach. “Emily, what brings you here?”

She smiled sweetly and motioned to the empty chair opposite her. “Please, why don’t you join me?”

“I really don’t have much time. My next meeting—”

“Just a few minutes.”

Reluctantly, he sat down and placed his cup on the table.

“I just wanted to talk to you briefly,” Emily started and leaned across the table, lowering her voice as if she didn’t want to be overheard. “I’ve heard rumors.”

Instinctively, Zach’s pulse kicked up. “Rumors?”

Emily looked around, before she answered, “Is it true that the SEC is investigating you for insider trading?”

Zach stiffened. “Who says that?”

“Listen, Zach. I know you. You’re not the kind of man who needs to enrich himself by doing something illegal.” She put her hand on his forearm. “I’m on your side. Whatever you need, I’ll support you.”

He pulled his arm from her grip and reached for his coffee so it didn’t look like he wanted to avoid her touch. “That’s very nice of you, Emily, but that’s really not necessary. As you said yourself, I don’t need to conduct any illegal business to enrich myself.”

“Then let me help you.”

Was he imagining it or did she lift her eyelashes deliberately every time she looked at him? Or rather, gazed at him adoringly.

Did Emily really think that by offering to help him they would grow closer?

“You and I, together, we could achieve anything,” she added.

It was clear what she meant by that. “Emily, I don’t think that would be a good idea. I respect your opinion as a member of the board and appreciate all that you’re doing for Ivers International. I would hate to see our professional relationship destroyed. You know yourself that neither you nor I have been very lucky when it comes to personal relationships. It would be foolish to risk tainting our relationship by trying to make it into something it is not.”

Particularly when it was evident that he could never be with a self-centered woman like Emily. She didn’t need a man, she needed a lapdog that jumped at her command. And he was no lapdog. His encounters with Rochelle had made it clear that he wasn’t tame. Far from it.