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For a second, she leans into my touch. “Thank you.”
And then, she’s gone. When the door snaps shut, all I’m left with is an empty house and regret that I now know what I’m missing.
Chapter Nineteen
Several Hours Later
Harbor
My boss’s office is bright from natural light. The entire back wall is windows with a phenomenal view of downtown. Of course, from my vantage point, all I see is clear blue skies.
The second I got back on the road, Layla started messaging me and hasn’t stopped, but I haven’t had a moment to respond. And what am I supposed to say? We agreed it was a one and done and we weren’t broadcasting it for public consumption. The last thing either of us wants is for my brothers to find out.
I jot down notes on my tablet as Mr. Burke relays his next appointment with an investor. The man goes to more dinners and parties than a top-listed socialite would. Everyone wants to be seen with him, and a lucky few will get his endorsement, and even fewer will receive a financial endowment to further a project.
“I think that’s everything.” He leans back in his chair and drops the pen he was tapping on his pristine vintage desk. The pen is a nervous habit since there isn’t a scrap of paper around. All his work is completed on secure databases.
“Perfect.” I uncross my legs and cringe at the tender pull of my muscles.
Seriously. The sex was knock your socks off crazy, but I should be in better shape than that. But luckily, there were no bats that flew out of my panties from lack of use.
A smile tugs at my lips as his teasing comments play back in my head. I wasn’t expecting witty banter. Hell, I wasn’t expecting any of it. The man’s attention to detail was…. I shudder and recross my legs on instinct. Which does nothing but increase the heat building between my thighs. Get your act together. You’re in your boss’s office and thinking about sex. That’s a no-go.
I uncross my legs again and slide to the edge of the chair. “If you don’t need me for anything else, I’ll return to my desk.”
He tips his head sideways and studies me. “Is everything okay? You seem flustered and distracted today.”
“Yes,” I say, barely letting him finish his assessment of my unprofessional behavior. “Everything’s fine, and I apologize for not being focused today.” I cringe. That wasn’t the only unprofessional thing I’ve done today. “And for being late today.”
“Harbor.” He gives me a disapproving look as anxiety settles in my gut. “Everyone is entitled to a personal life, including you. You know I’m not a taskmaster who won’t let you take time off. I appreciate your attention to detail.”
“Thank you.” I smile weakly and stand. “You’re a great boss, and I don’t want to let you down. Don’t worry. Everything is fine.”
“Is everything good at home?”
“Yes.” I frown. “What wouldn’t be okay? I don’t even have a goldfish. There are no issues at my condo. And if there were, the landlord is top-notch.” The building he put me up in is near here, and while it’s not exquisite like the multi-million dollar pad he lives in, none of my friends could afford a place like mine.
“No, dear.” He clasps his hands together. “You drove in from home this morning. Is everything okay with your family and friends?”
“Yes, they’re great. Thank you for asking.” I tuck the tablet under my arm and rub my hands together.
“You’re welcome. It’s great to see younger adults who are close to their families. It’s something missing in a lot of youth today, and I hope that my children feel the same about their mother and me when they’re in their early twenties.” He chuckles and rolls his eyes. “Listen to me. You don’t need anyone to tell you how to live your life. I must be getting nostalgic in my old age.”
“You’re not old.”
“Ple-e-ese, I wasn’t searching for compliments. Go on now and answer that phone that has been chirping nonstop since you got here today. It’s clear someone can’t wait to talk to you about something or hear something you have to say.”
“Right.” My face heats as I slink from his office to mine. Why didn’t I silence my phone?
After I shut the adjoining door, I flop onto my desk chair and swipe my phone screen open. 25 messages from Layla.
Lord.
As I scan them, they’re all variations of the same thing.
Layla: What happened?
Layla: Hello?
