Master of Fortune / Marrying the Lone Star Maverick. Katherine Garbera

it gives you something in common with your mum.”

      “Yes, it does. Want to come back to my place for a nightcap?”

      “Um … what?”

      “I don’t want this night to end. I don’t think you do either,” he said.

      She hesitated and then sighed. “No, I don’t want it to end. But I have a busy day tomorrow.”

      “I know your boss.”

      “Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. It’s hard to balance working together with a personal relationship.”

      “Is it? Everest Group has no policy against fraternization, so your job isn’t in jeopardy at all.”

      “Will that still be true if I say I want to go home?” she asked.

      “Of course it will be. I think you know me better than that,” Henry said. “And if you don’t, then going home is definitely what you should do.”

      She bit her lower lip. “I’m sorry.”

      “It’s fine. I guess I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”

      “Yeah,” she said, climbing out of the car. He watched her walk to her vehicle, and she opened the door, tossing her purse inside before looking back at him.

      “Do you really want to pursue a relationship with me?” she asked.

      He nodded. He couldn’t get her out of his mind and he was tired of trying. He was going to have Astrid Taylor if for no other reason than they might be able to work without the tension of wondering what they’d be like together.

      “I’m going to be honest with you, Henry. I’m not sure sleeping with you is in my best interest.”

      “Well, when you put it that way, I’m not either,” Henry said. He reached out and tugged on one of her curls. He didn’t want her to say no to him, but he knew that she had a lot more at stake than he did. He was trying to go slowly with her, but he was used to just reaching out and taking what he wanted.

      And damn the consequences.

      “Come to my country home this weekend,” he said. “We can ride horses and play rugby and get to know each other.”

      She shook her head. “I already have plans.”

      “Then invite me along,” he said. A shy man never got what he wanted.

      “It’s with my family…. Still want to come?”

      “Yes. What’s the occasion?”

      “My sister’s birthday. My mum’s having a dinner party for her.”

      Henry realized that Astrid thought she had taken a risk by inviting him. And he wasn’t about to pass it up. “I’d love to.”

      “Good. I’ll see you at work tomorrow, Henry. Thanks for the lift.”

      “You’re welcome. Drive safely, Astrid.”

      She got in her car, and he backed up to let her leave in front of him. She was completely unlike any other woman he’d ever met and he was beginning to understand that was part of what attracted him to her.