AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yep,” he said, bobbing his head. “If I learned anything in my six years at the firm, it’s that I’m not willing to play the games I need to get ahead. I’d rather use my talents to help small businesspeople like you realize their dreams and keep their finances in order.”
“Ben, I don’t even know what to say.” When she’d thought about what he might want when they met up, this was the last thing she’d expected.
“You don’t have to say anything. Not now. And if this isn’t something you want, I have other ideas in mind. I just want you to go after what you want.”
“Of course, I want this, Ben. But, is this what you want? Will this make you happy?”
“Well, there’s more,” he said, taking a step closer and holding both of her hands in his. “There’s still one proposal I’m a little nervous about.” He looked at the sidewalk as he stroked the back of her hands with his thumbs. “I’m wondering … since we won’t be working together, since we’ll have two separate businesses, if you might go out on a date with me.”
Of all that he’d thought about, between his future and hers, the idea of continuing to see where the two of them could go was his best plan yet.
“One thing,” she said as she hooked her arms around his neck. “If you own the building, does that make you my boss?”
“Not at all,” he chuckled, wrapping his hands around her waist. “If anything, you’re the boss here.”
“Oh! I do love the sound of that. But what if we’re partners … business and otherwise?” His lips pressed into hers, sealing their arrangement right there on the sidewalk in front of the place where they’d make all their dreams come true.
About the Author
Lindsey Jesionowski is a wife and mom who does most of her writing in her car in the school pickup lot. She’s a native of West Virginia, a lover of coffee, and a fan of books with happy ever afters—so she decided to write one.
Lindsey’s books are full of heart and humor with plenty of sizzle and no explicit content. Just lots of smiles.
Visit her website at: https://lindseyjesionowski.wixsite.com/lindseyjesionowski
Crushing On the Boss
Ashley Zakrzewski & Kaci Bell
Chapter One
Jennifer
The sun’s glare was turning down as I finished my final touches of getting ready for my date with Peyton. Laura was so kind to me and let me borrow her green dress, as I didn't have the chance to purchase a dress after work. It paired perfectly with some black chunky heels to complete the look. She was a lifesaver. My small New York City apartment wasn’t anything spectacular, especially with my minuscule salary, but it allowed me to live in the city and close to work. I put my hair in an uncomplicated but stylish twist and my jewelry shone brightly against my neck.
As I grabbed my small clutch and purse, my doorbell rang. I checked the clock, noting how punctual Peyton was, and opened the door. Outside, Peyton stood tall, looking dapper in a gray sweater, black chinos, and a white dress shirt underneath, holding a bouquet of freshly picked daisies, which he shyly offered to me.
“Happy anniversary,” he said, pulling me in for a quick kiss. “You look gorgeous. Is that a new dress?”
One thing that I truly appreciated about him was that he was always giving me compliments, something that I wasn't able to experience with my previous partner.
I smiled, taking the daisies from him, and grabbing a vase to put them in before we headed out. “You didn’t have to get me flowers, babe.” I nudged myself into his chest and his chin rested on the top of my head. “So, where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise,” he said as I shut the apartment door behind me and grabbed his hand.
It had been six months since I first walked into the restaurant and met Peyton. He walked toward my table, smiling wide, and the sun lit up his blonde hair while he took my order. My best friend Laura gave me crap about it all night, because every time he came out of the back, my eyes would wander over to him. By the end of our dinner, he came over and asked if I would be interested in getting together when he got off, and even though Laura told me he could be a serial killer, I said yes. I hadn’t expected to meet someone and have an instant connection, but that’s what happened. We talked all night, and by the end, he was the missing piece of the puzzle to my life here in New York City. He was the first semi-serious relationship I’d been in since arriving in the city ten years ago, and I was almost afraid to say it out loud, but the two of us were perfect for each other.
“Can you believe it’s only been six months? I swear it’s like we’ve been together for ages,” I said, as he opened the door for me and I slid in.
He was acting strange, like something was bothering him. With no words exchanged, we drove until we reached our destination, the restaurant. A place of such grandeur was something I had never encountered before, making me uneasy, yet I forced a grin on my face as we settled in at the small table. From the moment we left my apartment, he had not even glanced my way. He seemed to avoid making eye contact.
“Is there something bothering you?” I asked as the waiter approached, and we each ordered a glass of wine. “You just seem tense. Did something happen at work?”
Peyton had been having a dispute with the proprietor of the restaurant he worked in, and he'd been discussing it for quite a while. Two weeks ago, he thought about walking out, but like everyone else in this city, bills had to be paid and finding a job wasn’t as easy as one would think, even in New York City.
“It’s been a crap day. Honestly, I just want to chug a couple of glasses of wine and forget about it.”
Our anniversary ended up being ruined by work problems. Our first fight was over him taking out his problems on me, not in a physical sense, but it would dampen his mood, which caused him to snap at me. So, the fact I had to deal with this tonight was insulting.
