car yet, but I do want to get out and away. I want to see more than downtown Detroit and the Detroit River. Can you arrange for me to have a car spot?â
âCertainly. Parking space and card for you.â Tia added this to his growing list of requests.
An hour later, Tia returned to her desk and sank into the chair. Together, after she and Christophe raided the office-supply closet, they returned to his office and set up his desk. She took him on a tour of the Gautier executive branch and introduced him to his colleagues. Christopheâs pleasant personality was a huge hit with the legal department. The attorneys welcomed him enthusiastically. That wasnât all. Tia suspected it was his good looks that also won over the female staff.
Tickled, Tia turned aside, hiding her smile when several of the executive assistants began to giggle like tweens when Christophe flirted lightly with them. She couldnât blame them. From the moment that charming and handsome hunk of male perfection had entered Adamâs office and turned his pale blue eyes on her, Tiaâs heart had thumped wildly in her chest while her body quivered in response.
Her immediate reaction and attraction to Christophe was a major surprise. She had never before reacted to a white man or a colleague in this fashion. There was definitely a spark of something she hadnât felt since high school. The sensation was stronger than any she had felt after meeting Darnell.
Calm down, she warned herself silently. That white boy is not for you. Remember, youâre in a relationship.
Smiling, she swiveled her chair from side to side. I think Iâve made a good deal with Adam. Iâll get my promotion and a chance to work as a law clerk. This Christophe assignment doesnât seem like it will be difficult at all.
Tia grabbed her purse from the bottom drawer of her desk and rose. The next few months would be interesting. She hoped that she would not regret agreeing to this deal.
2
A week later, Tia tapped on Christopheâs office door.
âYes?â came the accented reply.
She poked her head inside the room. The surreal lyrics of Enya filled his office. âHi, Mr. Jensen.â
âCome on in.â Chris rose from the desk and met her in the center of the room. He moved close to Tia, entering her personal space. âLetâs not be so formal. After all, we work together. Please, call me Chris.â
She smiled. âOkay. Chris.â
He looked handsome in a crisp white silk shirt, a floral multicolored tie, and navy trousers. His hair had that rumpled, just-out-of-bed look that movie stars sported. One wayward lock fell across his forehead. Tia shoved her hand inside the pocket of her suit jacket, ignoring the urge to smooth the blond tresses into place.
Instead, she handed Chris the stack of pages. âTake a look at the motion and brief. Let me know if you need any changes.â
âThanks, Tia. Will do.â He flipped through the pages and then gently patted her shoulder.
Chrisâs soft touch made Tiaâs skin tingle and her heart race. âYouâre welcome.â She struggled to keep her voice light and professional.
Was it just Chrisâs way? A cultural habit? Tia didnât remember Reynolds ever acting so familiar. She doubted Chris was flirting with her. He seemed far too professional to jeopardize his career over a light dallying. Yet, she found herself remembering that spark that had surged between them the day they met. Tia also noticed that Chris always maintained physical contact with other staff when he spoke with them, too.
Tia put a step or two between them and waited.
He flipped through the pages. âYouâre very efficient.â
âThank you. Thatâs what I aim for.â Tia started for the door and called over her shoulder, âIâll be leaving for lunch around one. Let me know if you have any changes.â
âWill do.â
Tia returned to her