Page 38 of Lying to the Boss

“So, I’m different than what you expected?”

“Can we talk about something else?” I say, lifting up my pizza to take a bite. Maybe if my mouth is full, he won’t talk to me. I know that’s not true. Nothing will stop this man from talking to me.

“Sure. Have you ever thought of getting married?”

“Oh, my God!” I drop the slice of pizza on the plate and glare at him as he smiles. “Why do you enjoy teasing me so much?”

“Because it’s so easy.”

He smiles playfully, and I can’t help but smile back.

It’s weird seeing him here, in my half-furnished apartment, but I don’t hate it. I was surprised when he showed up, annoyed when he pushed himself inside and helped himself to my toilet, but now? This is nice. Seeing him like this in a normal setting. Having him here, talking to me, eating together. I like it.

He takes a sip of his beer, then reaches for another slice, which has me relieved. We eat in silence, and when we’re done, I put the leftovers away in the fridge. I’ll bring it for lunch tomorrow. Cold pizza is delicious.

When I turn, he’s just standing there, far too close.

“So, do I get a tour?” he asks, looking down at me.

“You already saw the entire apartment.”

“I think there’s one room I didn’t see.”

My chest gets all warm, and I’m suddenly very aware of my dick, of how it was in his mouth not too long ago.

“Are you asking if you can fuck me again?” I say, my voice low.

“If that’s what I was asking, you’d know it.”

Disappointment floods me, but there’s something in his gaze that tells me there’s still a chance.

Which is when I realize that I do want to sleep with him.

When did that happen?

Sure, I wanted it when we did it, but when did I ever want it preemptively like this? Never. Not until right now. After the man barged in and fixed my toilet. He’s so annoying.

“The bedroom is kind of boring.”

“I’ll be the judge of that. Show me,” he says, taking a step closer.

I can smell his cologne. See the barest hint of a five o’clock shadow on his jaw. He’s so close, I could just lean in and—

“Tage?”

“Huh?” I blink and he comes into focus.

“Everything okay?” he asks with a knowing smirk.

“Perfectly.” I clear my throat and carefully step around him. I expect him to block me, shove me against the counter, then flip me around and pull my pants down.

Maybe that’s just wishful thinking and not something he would do.

I’d let him though.

I’m a mess. Lord, I am a mess.

Lane follows me down the hall and into the bedroom. I lift my arms and gesture around.