I hand her the flowers. “Here.”
Her teeth flash in a wide smile as she takes the peonies and hugs them carefully to her chest. It’s too bad the blossoms are hiding her breasts from view, but I absolutely adore her smile. “They’re gorgeous,” she says.
“I had to get them for you as soon as I saw them.” I run my fingertips along the edges of the velvety petals. “Soft and pretty, like you.”
She tilts her head and looks at me. “I don’t even know what to say.” Her eyes widen. “Oh…”
I wait a beat. “What?”
“It’s just…nobody’s ever bought me flowers before,” she says softly. “You’re the first.”
Part of me is preening that I’m the first to give her flowers and make her smile with joy. But another part is outraged. What the hell? I always considered Chad to be a piece of shit, but this proves it. Instead of just gift cards, I should’ve thought to buy her some pretty blossoms, too, for National Employee Appreciation Day or her birthday.
Klein’s eyes are bright, full of a cheery affection that lifts my mood.
Suddenly her light dims a little as she continues to hug the bouquet to her chest. “Uh. I was going to change out of the shirt before you came home.”
I frown. “Why?”
“Well, I didn’t want you to be unhappy that I took the shirt. Fiona said it’s probably the least expensive one in your closet, but still… There was an incident with some spilled juice and I need to launder the dress I bought today.”
I can only imagine what Fiona must’ve told Klein. My sister-in-law lied through her teeth, probably as a small, harmless revenge for my putting a bug in her purse that one time. The shirt is one of the most expensive items I have. Handwoven silk from Japan isn’t cheap. Not only that, it’s tailored and hand-stitched. Still, I’m not upset because it looks fantastic on Klein. “It’s fine. You’re my fiancée. You’re entitled to wear my shirts.” Now I’m wondering if she’s wearing panties underneath.
She bites her lip shyly. “Okay. Thanks, boss.”
“‘Boss’?” I take a step forward. Her eyes widen slightly and she steps back, almost stumbling. I take another step, and her butt hits the edge of the counter. The peonies’ sweet fragrance fills the space between us. I pluck the bouquet from her arms and place it on the counter. “You really need to stop calling me that.”
“But…youaremy boss…” She sounds a little bit breathless. Her breasts are rising and falling rapidly. The movements push her nipples against the silk, and all the blood in my head starts to travel downward.
I put my hands on either side of her, caging her and letting her feel my body heat. She leans further back, which presses her breasts even more tautly against the shirt. The view is too damn erotic, especially since she has no clue what she’s doing to me. I want to find out how she’ll react when she realizes the effect she has on me. I want to push her buttons. See if she’ll see me as a man rather than the “boss” she’s worked for over the last three years.
“Klein.” I say her name like it’s that of a goddess. “We’re engaged. Don’t call me boss again.”
“Then what do I call you?” Thoughts fleet over her pretty face, her violet eyes wide. I could stare into them all day long.
“Sweetheart. My love. My liege and master.” I quirk a teasing eyebrow. “Sugar cock.”
A choked laugh escapes her tightly pressed lips, then she bursts out laughing.Good. I love the sound—full of humor and joy. It makes me want to let go and join her.
“I don’t think I can do, um, Sugar…” She can’t even continue, her face red. “But maybe—”
I run my fingertip over her lips. They’re so full, so soft. My dick grows harder. I lean a little closer until I can feel her breath fanning my cheek, and the tips of her breasts brush against my chest. “Or you can just call me Josh.”
Her eyelashes flutter. Hesitation lingers in her gaze.
Then something like determination and grit firms her jaw. Her eyes dart left and right, then look straight at me, as though she’s ready for one of the most difficult tasks of her life. “Okay. Josh.”
She breathes out my name like she’s calling for a dream. The single syllable hits me more potently than the best whiskey. She’s never used my name before, and my head spins with the unexpectedly intimate and erotic impact.
I stare at her soft mouth. “Say that again,” I order her.
Her darkened eyes stare into mine. She licks her lips, her pink tongue darting across them like a skittish rabbit. A heartbeat. She inhales, then her throat works. “Josh.”
The second time is even better. My blood heats. “I want to kiss you, Klein.” Then I wait a couple of beats, giving her a chance to push me away if it isn’t what she wants.
“Okay…Josh.”
My control shatters. I dip my head, capturing her mouth. I keep my eyes open, wanting to witness her reaction to our first kiss. Her eyelashes flutter like butterflies, then close. She parts her lips, slips her tongue out to flick it over my mouth. My heart rate skyrockets.
