Cross stayed with me all the way to the bank of elevators. He said a few things to James about sports, I think, but I was too focused on the way I was reacting to him to care about the small talk. When the car arrived, I breathed a sigh of relief and hastily stepped forward with James.
"A moment, Emmy," Cross said smoothly, holding me back with a hand at my elbow. "She'll be right down," he told James, as the elevator doors closed on my boss's astonished face.
Cross said nothing until the car was on its way down; then he pushed the call button again and asked, "Are you sleeping with anyone?"
The question was asked so casually it took a second to process what he'd said.
I inhaled sharply. "Why is that any business of yours?"
He looked at me and I saw what I'd seen the first time we'd met – tremendous power and steely control. Both of which had me taking an involuntary step back. Again. At least I didn't fall this time; I was making progress.
