Dawn Endeavor 1: Fallon's Flame by Marie Harte (book recommendations website TXT) 📕

help wishing she could swirl down the drain with the rest of the water. Oh God. How was she going to look at Jesse again? How could she look at his team? No doubt the handsome playboy had told everyone what they'd done, how he'd nailed the new girl in under a day.

Though he'd been the perfect gentleman last night, even going so far as to dress her in a nightshirt and help her into bed, she'd been through this song and dance before. In her experience, the prettier the guy, the worse his behavior.

Jesse was by far the most handsome man she'd ever…what? Fucked? Not quite. Though he'd brought her to bliss, he hadn't experienced the same—at least, not at her hands. Why had he done that?

Puzzled he hadn't displayed the characteristic selfishness his type normally did, she relived every kiss, caress, and touch from the night before. She had to end her shower by dialing down the heat, cooling her libido in a hurry to make the ten-o'clock meeting.

After drying off, dressing, and blow-drying her hair, Olivia dressed in slacks, a sweater, and a pair of leather mules. Taking a deep breath, she resolved to act as if nothing had happened.

That she hadn't broken every cardinal rule in the workplace by sleeping with a coworker, if she could call Jesse that.

When she opened her door, she found a rose and a short note under it. Our secret.

Warmed, though still hesitant to believe in him, Olivia tucked the rose and the note in her room and hustled down the stairs. She retraced her steps twice but found the kitchen soon enough. To her delight, a warmed plate of eggs and toast awaited her. She took it to the expansive counter and pulled up a stool across from the team.

“Hey, Olivia. You missed the rest of the bacon by minutes. Thank Gunnar for eating the last of it,” Kisho greeted.

“No worries. I don't eat much in the morning.”

Jesse, Gunnar, and Jules sat at the counter. Kisho stood on her side of it, drinking water.

Jules read the paper, while Gunnar and Jesse traded insults.

She glanced at Jesse, saw his smile of welcome, and quickly glanced away, praying she looked more at ease than she felt. God, her libido kicked into high gear at just the sight of him.

Kisho frowned. “You should eat more. You could do with a few pounds.”

“I knew I liked you.”

He grinned back at her, and she felt like she'd earned a treat. She had the feeling Kisho didn't smile as often as he should.

Cupping a mug of coffee, Gunnar scowled. “Hey, you snooze, you lose. Sorry, sweet cakes, but I like meat. A growing boy's got to eat.”

“Jerk.” Fallon smacked him in the back of the head. “Ever heard of ladies first?”

“Please, she's no lady. Olivia has 'trouble' written all over her.” She grinned. “You're damned right. And don't you forget it.” He grunted. “See?”

Jesse sighed. “This is as good as he gets. I'll apologize in advance.”

“Nothing more we can do about him,” Kisho agreed. “And it was all we could do to get him housebroken.”

“Smart-ass.” Gunnar tried to hide a grin. “Don't let the Asian fool you. Kisho acts all nice and friendly, but he's deadly. One word of his poetry and you'll die of boredom.” Kisho said something in Japanese.

“What?” she asked.

“I told him he has the face of a goat and the lovemaking skills of a swine. But it's much more poetic in Japanese.”

“How'd you sleep, Olivia?” Jesse asked.

Jules looked up from his paper. He narrowed his gaze at Jesse, then her.

She studied her plate and toyed with her eggs. “Fine. This place is better than a five-star hotel. Ava even put my clothes away for me.”

“Did you enjoy the gardens last night?” Jules asked.

Olivia took a bite of breakfast and forced herself to chew, concentrating on not blushing.

She didn't look up. “I did. I love the landscaping around here. Very pretty, even in the cold.” Good job. Now if you can just keep your cheeks from flaming every time you see Jesse's talented mouth, you'll be okay.

She still didn't understand why she'd let him go down on her. Olivia had no problem expressing a healthy sex drive, but oral before a first date had never been her MO. No doubt about it, Jesse was dangerous. She'd be best to steer clear of him while she acclimated to her environs and the team.

At least he hadn't bragged to his friends. Kisho wouldn't say anything if he knew, but Gunnar most certainly would.

“Ah good, you're all here.” Mrs. Sharpe joined them. She wore a similar outfit to the one she'd worn yesterday. Gray wool slacks but with a black dress shirt and the pearls. “I've put together a folder for each of you. Study the contents thoroughly, and you'll know as much as I know. I want this to be your focus for the next few days. After that you'll start training with Olivia. You'll need to see what she can do physically and mentally.” Mrs. Sharpe turned to her. “My dear, I'd like to see you later today, after you've had a chance to look over the folder.” Folder actually translated to a thickly bound sheaf of paper.

“Don't you want to know if I'll agree to do the job?” Olivia asked, curious that Mrs. Sharpe acted as if her participation were a done deal.

Mrs. Sharpe looked at Kisho.

He nodded. “Sorry, Olivia. You're on board. Saw it again yesterday.”

“Really? What did you see?” Incredible, she thought, to know the future.

“I get glimpses of possibilities, but every one I've had since Mrs. Sharpe told me about this mission has you in the jungle with the four of us.”

Her mouth dried, and she reached for the glass of orange juice Jesse handed her. Their fingers touched, and she shivered. She didn't mistake his look of satisfaction.

“Ah, okay.”

“And there you have it.” Mrs. Sharpe dropped a thick stack on the counter. “Read up, and I'll see