Catt Chasing by Shana Burton Read Free Book Online Page B

absence.”
    â€œSlacking off? In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been chained to this lab for the past two weeks.”
    He took a whiff of the product. “Did you create this by yourself?”
    â€œIt’s just something I’ve been playing around with. I’m not asking for a critique yet,” clarified Catt in an attempt to squash his latest round of rejections before he fired them off.
    Jamal smelled it again. “Is it for the men’s line?”
    â€œIt could be. I think it’s too rugged for women.” She revealed the truth. “Actually, my dad’s birthday is coming up, and I thought it would be nice to give him his own signature fragrance. Don’t worry—I haven’t been wasting company time working on this. I do it before or after work.”
    â€œI’m not as worried about you wasting the company’s time as I am you wasting company resources,” he grumbled. “But I like it. I want Oni to take a look at it.”
    She beamed with pride. “So I’ve finally created something you like?”
    â€œTwo things, actually. I’ve been doing a little work on one of the fragrances you started on that I thought you had some potential. Here, check this out.”
    She inhaled the invigorating scent. “I love it. It’s clean, not too flowery or overwhelming.” She sniffed it again. “Very feminine.”
    â€œLet’s try a little bit on you.” He dabbed a few drops on her wrists. “How’s that?”
    She stretched out her arm to him. “You smell it, and tell me what you think.”
    He took her hand and lifted her wrist to his nose. “It’s sexy and seductive.” He flashed her a smile. “Or maybe it just smells that way on you.” He daubed some on her neck and leaned into it. “I especially like it right here.”
    Catt’s head was starting to swoon with his being so close to her. “Maybe we should call Oni and tell her the good news,” she suggested in a futile effort to distract him or herself.
    He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him, burying his face in her neck.
    She was taken unawares, paralyzed into submission. “Jamal, what are you doing?” she squalled.
    He lifted his head. “Research.”
    â€œResearch?”
    â€œYeah, this is how I conduct my analysis.”
    Catt pushed him away. “Your methods are very unconventional . . . and extremely inappropriate!”
    â€œDon’t get your dandruff up. It’s not anything personal. I’m just trying to determine how this fragrance affects men when it is worn by a beautiful woman.”
    She was still flushed. It was undeniable: Jamal Ford definitely had a way with women. “And what was your conclusion, Mr. Ford?”
    He arrested her with his gaze. “Once again, the data was inconclusive.”
    Catt composed herself and slipped a lock of hair behind her ear. “For future reference, please don’t mistake me for one of these lovesick women throwing themselves at you around here. Your charm is wasted on me.”
    Jamal jotted something down on his clipboard and laughed a little. “Whatever, Catt . . . you know you liked it.”
    Catt rolled her eyes. “You’re so smug. It’s infuriating.”
    He turned and addressed her head-on. “Not smug, just sure of myself.”
    â€œI believe the phrase you’re looking for is full of yourself.”
    â€œBut that’s what you love about me, isn’t it?” asked Jamal with a wink.
    â€œTry loathe about you.”
    â€œYou know what I love about you?” he went on. “I like it when you squint your eyes and your lips get all pouty like that. It’s kind of sexy.”
    She could feel heat rising to her face. “I don’t think this conversation is appropriate for the workplace. Besides, I’m a Christian. I don’t like engaging in conversations