Page 48 of Brighter Together

I swallow.

“And that’s why you’ve been grumpy?” I ask. I need to hear him say it.

He gives me a look. “I know. It sounds fucking stupid.”

“It is a little stupid.”

“Thanks.” I smile.

His fades again.

“I’m your boss.”

“I know.”

“That matters.”

“I know that too.”

“I didn’t want to put you in an awkward position. I didn’t want you wondering whether your job depended on how you reacted to me or whether I hired you because I fancied you.”

“You didn’t hire me.”

“But I’m still your boss.”

My mouth curves. “So you decided the safest option was to make me think you disliked me?”

“When you keep saying it back to me, it gets worse,” he winces.

“Happy to repeat it a few more times,” I grin.

That finally gets a small laugh from him.

Then his eyes drop to my mouth.

My laughter dies.

The air between us shifts.

My heartbeat kicks harder.

“I was trying to keep my distance,” he says quietly.

My hand moves before I can overthink it.

I reach across and touch his face.

Tommy goes still.

His stubble is rough beneath my palm.

His eyes close for the briefest second.

That tiny reaction gives me all the courage I need. I lean across the space between us and kiss him.

For one heartbeat, he doesn’t move.

Then his hand slides into my hair.