Page 23 of Lying to the Boss

“Then why can’t we do it again?”

“Because it’s weird.”

“Says who?”

“Everyone,” I say, stepping back from him and missing his touch immediately, even though I’ll never admit that out loud. “We work together. I’m your assistant. I don’t need people thinking I got where I am because I know how to suck your dick the right way.”

“You didn’t even put my dick in your mouth.”

This man!

“That’s not the point,” I say seriously.

“Then what is?” he says, still so calm.

I search his face, trying to figure out what the hell is going on here.

“Why?” I finally say.

“Why what?”

“Why are you pushing this? You could have anyone you want. Why am I the chosen conquest?”

He looks offended at that question.

“No, Tage, it’s not like that.”

“Then what’s it like?”

Sighing, he looks away for a moment before bringing his attention back to me.

“I’ve always had money. I’ve always been able to buy and get whatever I want with a snap of my fingers. It gets boring.”

“So, I’m a challenge.”

“Let me finish,” he chastises, stepping closer to me again. “Yes, and no. It’s not about the challenge. It’s not about winning. It’s about the way you make me feel. I’m intrigued. Impressed. You make me want to figure you out. You make me want more.”

“And once you do, you’ll throw me aside for a newer, better, upgraded model.”

“I’m not like that.”

“You’re all like that,” I say sharply.

He frowns, and I know I fucked up. I didn’t mean to say that.

“I just mean—”

“It doesn’t matter,” he says softly. “No matter what I say, you won’t believe me. This isn’t a declaration of love; it’s just a declaration of interest.”

“You’re interested in me?”

“Is this not what we’re talking about?”

“I thought we were just talking about sex…”

“I told you: I’m not like that.”

“But work—”