8
Finally, he glides his mouth down and presses a slow soft kiss on the nape of my neck. I’m a puddle. I can’t feel my limbs. I’m nothing but a heartbeat and oozing desire. I slowly turn to face him, and when I do, his gaze is full of emotion; curiosity, lust and… pain. He slides his cheek against mine, and I’m completely frozen under his touch. He sweeps his mouth down my cheek and plants another soft kiss on my collar bone. The warmth of his soft lips and the feel of his five o’clock shadow sends chills down my spine.
I want more.
I reach for him, taking his face in both my hands, and draw his mouth to mine. Our lips meet for just a second before he pulls away. A pained expression etches his features as he tells me we can’t do this.
My heart sinks. My pussy screams in protest. My brain is fuzzy.
“We can’t do this, Gretchen,” he tells me again. “Given the circumstances. I am your employer, and you are my employee. This kind of behavior is highly inappropriate.”
“I don’t care,” I say, oozing desperation. “I don’t mind at all. I want—”
He takes a few steps back. “You don’t understand. We are not in the same positions here. As your employer, the consequences of these actions are much more severe for me than they are for you. I have much more to lose than you. We are not equal in this scenario.”
“Oh…” I say. “I know. You’re my boss, Mr. Rich and Important, and I’m just a lowly employee.” I spin away from him, and head out of the closet. “I get it. Please forget anything ever happened. I’m very sorry.”
I’m almost in tears as I dash out of his bedroom.
He runs after me. “I’m sorry,” he says. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
I turn to him, determined to act professionally. “No, I completely understand, Mr. Hanson. It was a moment of weakness on both our parts, and I won’t let it happen again.”
He nods quietly, at a loss for words.
“I need to get back to work.” I turn on my heel, and quickly scurry to my office with as much dignity as I can muster.
* * *
I’m eatingice cream straight out of the container. I’m sharing with Ethan, so I don’t feel so bad. He’s loving every bite.
“And then I tried to kiss him,” I’m saying. “Can you believe me? Trying to kiss the boss?”
“More,” he demands.
I scoop up a large spoonful, and slide it in his mouth.
I sigh. “I’ve ruined everything. I’m probably going to get fired on Monday for hitting on the boss.”
Ethan’s brows furrow and his face crumples. His reaction surprises me. Can he understand what I’m saying? That’s impossible.
His expression morphs into one of pain, and his familiar cry fills the kitchen.
What the hell?
“What’s going on, baby?”
He presses a hand against his forehead, all the while wincing and squirming and crying.
“Oh, shit, baby.” I take him in my arms. “I think you have what we call a brain freeze, baby. Too much ice cream too fast. It’s all Mommy’s fault.” I stroke his back. “It’s okay. Mommy is very sorry. Mommy promises to start being a better Mommy.”
I resolve to put the ice cream away, and get my life in order. I will not freeze my baby’s brain. I will not hit on my boss. I will be a good mother and employee, and get my fucking act together.
* * *
It’s Saturday afternoon,and I’m in heaven. I’m sandwiched between Claudia and Abigail at the nail salon, and my feet are being rubbed by Sandra, also known as an angel sent from heaven. I’ve chosen a sparkly blue for my nails, and am desperately trying to forget all about the unfortunate recent events with my beautiful boss.
Claudia is still talking about her new chef boyfriend, and I welcome the distraction.
