When the elevator doors opened,I rushed out and headed across the lobby.
Declan kept pace with me and said, “Sean, I’m sorry. I should never have done that.”
I glanced around and confirmed we were still alone. “You don’t need to apologize, but that can’t happen again. I’m your boss.”
He nodded. “Is that the only reason?”
I pushed open the door to the parking garage and walked toward my car in the first row. “What do you mean?”
“I just assumed the problem would be because I’m a guy.”
Him being a guy hadn’t crossed my mind when I considered the reasons why kissing Declan Rivers was a bad idea. I was more concerned about him being my employee and twenty-five years younger than me. But since he’d mentioned it, I was also starting to freak out a little about the guy part.
It wasn’t as though I had a problem with the idea of being attracted to another man. I was open-minded enough to understand people’s sexuality didn’t fit into little boxes that some parts of society tried to force them into. That didn’t change the fact I was in a situation I never expected and was struggling to wrap my head around everything.
I pressed the button on the door to unlock my car. “The reason doesn’t matter because it was inappropriate. I shouldn’t have let it happen, so that’s on me. We can just forget about it.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“It is. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I slid into the driver’s seat.
“See ya,” I heard Declan say before I closed my car door.
It took me a little over thirty minutes to drive from the office to my house in Weston, and I spent the entire time thinking of how Declan’s lips felt against mine. It had only been for a few seconds, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel something when we kissed. And I wished it had lasted longer.
Was I into men but somehow never knew? I didn’t think that was the case. While I hadn’t dated much, it wasn’t because I never found myself attracted to someone. I had noticed beautiful women plenty of times, but I’d never looked at a man the same way as I looked at women.
I was still trying to figure things out when I walked into my house. After setting my briefcase down on the console table in the entryway, I made my way toward the kitchen. Ryan’s car was in the driveway, and it was likely I’d find him sitting at the island, flirting with Jasper, despite my warnings to leave our chef alone.
When I rounded the corner, my son was exactly where I thought he would be, his chin resting in his hand as he watched Jasper check something in the oven.
“Hey,” I greeted. Both of them turned toward me. “Sorry I’m late. I hope I didn’t ruin dinner.”
Jasper shook his head. “It’s fine. The lasagna and garlic bread are staying warm in the oven, and the salad is in the refrigerator. I’ll make your plates now.”
“Thanks,” I replied and looked at Ryan. “I’m going to change really quick. I’ll be right back.”
“No problem, I don’t mind hanging out with Jasper.” Ryan smirked.
I chuckled and turned to leave, but not before I noticed the grin on Jasper’s face.
After I changed into a T-shirt and joggers, I joined Ryan at the kitchen table while Jasper placed plates filled with steaming lasagna, Caesar salad, and rustic garlic bread, along with glasses of pinot noir in front of us.
“This looks great, Jasper. Thank you,” I praised.
He smiled. “You’re welcome. I hope you both enjoy it.”
“I know I will.” Ryan waggled his eyebrows, and I nudged him with my foot under the table.
Jasper laughed and then addressed me. “If you don’t need anything else, I’m going to take off. There’s a key lime pie for dessert in the fridge and your dinners for the rest of the week are in the freezer with heating instructions.”
“Sounds great. I hope you have a good evening.”
“You too.”
As soon as he was gone, I gave Ryan a stern look. “I swear you’re going to get me sued for sexual harassment if you keep that up.”
He rolled his eyes. “Trust me, Jasper doesn’t have a problem with me flirting.”
