“Uh—Meeks. Kathleen Meeks.”

“Well now, that’s intriguing. Kathleen is such a strong name. Meeks is rather an interesting contrast. As if someone placed Kathleen there to surpass her heritage. So which are you?”

Was he breathing faster—or was it just her imagination? She had always found it exciting if a man she found particularly attractive became noticeably aroused around her. But now she was confused.

“I’m sorry?”

He leaned in ever so closely. “Are you strong? Or are you—meek?”

She laughed nervously at the play on words. “Mm—it depends on my mood.”

He smiled broadly, revealing smallish, pointy teeth. “Ah—a little of both. I like that.”

His inflections dripped with a heavy sensuality that was just understated enough to be seductive. Now the burning in her ears did come and spread rapidly to her cheeks before she could stop it. She was turning bright pink before this strange, sexy man’s eyes.

She looked down, smiling at the carpet. Suddenly he had her hand enveloped in both of his. Bear paws. She blushed harder. He kissed her hand slowly and with a little more pressure than cordiality should allow. Was he tasting her skin?

He straightened up reluctantly, as if he didn’t really want to, and she raised her eyes to meet his.

“It is my deepest pleasure to meet you, Kathleen,” he intoned huskily.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Morell.”

“Cedric, please.”

“Cedric.”

An awkward hesitation as they stood staring at each other.

“I should probably let Michael know you’re here.”

“All right.” He didn’t move.

“Excuse me.”

He smiled, mouth closed this time and stood aside—slightly. She slid past him, her hip almost brushing up against his dark flannel gray trousers. God, she could feel the heat radiating off of him. She started quickly down the hallway to Michael’s office.

“Oh, Kathleen.”

She looked over her shoulder, stopping short. “Yes?”

“You know you’re even lovelier when you blush like that.”