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My fingers tremble as I fold my resignation letter, the paper still warm from the printer. Heartbeat thumping in my ears,Islidetheletterinsideasnowywhiteenvelope. It’sfine.Sofine!Thisistotallyfine.
I’mnottuckingmybleedingheartawayinthisenvelope.Notlosingapieceofmyself.That’sridiculous. ButwhenLeoCorbinbellows formefrominsidehis office,thatthunderous voicerattling thewalls,Ijumpupwith a squeak,mycheeksflaming LikeI’mdoingsomethingwrongouthere,somethingsneaky “Hazel?Hazel!Getinhere”
Seriously, why do I love this man? He’s such an ogre sometimes Huffing outa breath, I snatch up the envelope and edgearoundmydesk,mentallyrehearsingthemomentthatI’llgiveittohim
Just place it on his desk and run away. Be a coward! That’s why it’s in writing, yeah?
“Everything ready for tonight?” LeoCorbin is a man offew words,and he leaps straighttothe point Shaking offmy spiralingthoughts,Ifixabrightsmileonmyface
He grunts again.That’s Leofor ‘good’,though you wouldn’tknow itfrom his grumpy frown and firm jaw.Ifanyone evergetsthismantocrackasmile,thefabricofrealitymighttearapart.
“Tonight needs to go well, Hazel.” The boss rubs his jaw, glowering out of the window. “I’m not throwing another fuckingparty.Thisisit.Makeitcount.”
But Leo doesn’t care about that. If anything, he seems crankier than usual, slumped in his chair and tugging on his collar,sohismorningmeetingwithourstarcomposermustnothavegonewell.Thewayhisshouldersbunchupisadead giveaway Icanreadthisman’smoodslikeaweatherreport
“What’s that?” Leo is doing that one-eyed squinty thing he does when he’s got a headache brewing, and I’m already itching to run and fetch him a painkiller and a cool glass of water. Hate when he’s in pain. Butmy feetare glued to the floorboards,mystomachtwistingintoknotsasLeodragstheenvelopeacrosshisdeskandripsitopenwithascowl.“You alreadybroughtthemail…”
Well Iam That’swhatmyresignationlettersays,rightthereinblackink Butsometimesthebossneedsaminuteto processbadnews,soIsuckinahugebreathandkeepgoing He’llcatchup,andthenhe’llprobablybeglad
“Mynewrolestartsonthefifteenth.Ifyouwouldbewillingtowritemeareferencebeforethen,thatwouldbe ” “New role?” Leoblinks and sits upstraighter.His desk chair creaks under his impressive bulk.“You have a new job linedup?Thisisserious?”
He’salready shaking hisdark head.“No,you’renot.”Hisbig hand twitchesaround my letter,crumpling itintoaball. “You’renotleaving,Hazel Thisisnothappening”
When I burstoutlaughing,Leolooks atme like I’ve gone insane and maybe I have The jitters have taken over my body, and there’s a weird ringing noise in my ears None of this is going like I expected, but I have to push through, becausethesecondIleavethisroom,myjellylegswillgiveout I’llcollapseintoasadpuddleonthefloor
And meanwhile, a crack splinters through my chest, pain searing my insides. See, this is why I’m leaving. It’s self preservation,that’sall,becauseIdeservetofindamanwho likes me.Amanwho’sthrilledbymybouncyattitudeandwho can’tgetenoughofmychatter.Hell,evenjustabosswho’lltoleratemypresencewithoutwincing.
Soalthough this hurts even worse than I thoughtitwould,although itfeels like I’m sawing offa limb,I need tostay strong.Needtoholdoutforsomethinghealthier.Something sweet.
Forstarters:amanwhoseesmeasmorethanaplanneronlegs An annoyingplanneratthat “Youletmehandletonight’sparty”Ifwedidn’thavethisgiantdeskbetweenus,I’dpatLeo’sshoulder Helooksshellshocked “Youfocusonthatreference,okay?AndI’llsetupinterviewsformyreplacement Don’tworry,Iknowyourwish listbynow:someonewhowon’tspeakunlessthey’respokento,andwhodoesn’tbelieveinFlapjackFridays” AKA:notme
“Hazel,”Leosays.
“And I know you hate interviewing,butI promise this willallbe over in notime.The fifteenth willcome sofastand thenyou’llforgetIwaseverhere,Iswear!Thistransitionwillhappeninablur.”
“Hazel.”Thebosssprawlsbackinhischair,breathinghard,facechalky-pale.IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dcallforadoctor, because he looks ill. Does he really hate change thatmuch?He coped okay when we repainted the lobby.“I mean it,” he says.“Youcan’tleave.”
The door clicks shutbehind my assistant,and I stare atthe handle with dry eyes.Waiting for ittojiggle.Waiting for Hazel to burst back in here and declare this is all a terrible joke that this is the long-awaited sequel to the April Fool’sDaycreamtartmadeofshavingcreamthatsheleftonmydesklastyear.Yetanotherexampleofhergod-awful senseofhumor.
Because I know Hazel likes her work, and she loves her colleagues. She’s always babbling on about them, telling me storiesaboutthisaccountantwhohadababy,thatdesignerwho’sgettingmarried,thejanitorwho’slearningtoknit.Every tediousdetail HazellovesGrapevine
WhenIthrowmyselfbackintomydeskchair,it’sbecausemylegswon’tholdmyweightanylonger.Mymuscleshave stopped working, and my chest is icing over from the inside, and god, what is happening to me? What the hell is this nightmare?Whydomyinsidesfeelallwrong?
There are three importantmeetings scheduled for today,and I cancelallofthem.I’d cancelthe party tooifHazelhadn’t workedsohardonitformonths,butIwon’tdothattoher.Besides,itwillonlyhurtmycause.
Stay as my assistant,obviously.Nothing more.I won’tkid myselfthata pure ray ofsunshine like Hazelwould ever want… that… fromamoodyassholelikeme
Because whatdoI even have tooffer her?Muscles and money and a specialsigned agreementwith HR?Thatwon’t work Hazelisacommitmenttypeofgirl A relationshipgirl,andthatissomethingIamill-equippedfor Doesn’tmatter I’mgettingofftopic
“We’re going out this afternoon.” Away from these weird eggshell walls, closing in on me. Away from the empty, pointlessfutureloomingahead,barrenofalljoyandflapjackcrumbs.“Wrapupwhateveryouneedtofinishhere.” Hazelgapes.“Buttheparty ”
“We’llgetthereintimeforthesetup.What’s youraddress?Getsomeonetodeliveryourdress and whateverelseyou needtomyapartment.Youcangetreadythere.”
“ButI ”
“Thisistimesensitive,Hazel”Hernoticeperiod istwoweeks,afterall Onlytwoweeks And inthemeantime,Ican’t letheroutofmy sight notifI wanttobe able tobreathe “Ifyou wanta good reference from me,I stillexpectyourbest workwhileyou’rehere Thatincludesthisafternoon”
Becauseouthereonthebright,sunshine-drenchedsidewalk,Leocan’twalktenmeterswithoutsomeonebattingtheir eyelashes at him, smiling a come-hither smile, or shamelessly raking him with their gaze Even dogs strain on their leashes,tryingtogetclosertothegiant,dark-hairedmanwithapermanentscowl
Athis side,I am invisible Hurrying tokeepupwith his long strides,and trying desperately toignore the prickles of jealousyeverytimesomeonechecksmybossout Eventhedogs
AndIgetit,okay?Leoisgorgeous Astone-coldten He’stall,broad-shouldered,andsevereinthatwaythatgivesme full-body shivers, so I can’t judge I’m a card-carrying member of the Leo Corbin Simp Society and yet if one more randompedestrianbitestheirlowerlipatmyboss,Iamgoingtovomitonhispristinewhiteshirt.
“Ugh.” Call me petty, but after the most shameless eye-fucking yet, I can’t help scoffing. “That redhead practically drooledonhershoes.”
SowhydotearsburninthebackofmyeyeswheneverIthinkaboutleavingLeo?Whydoespicturinganotherassistant behind my desk make me feelsick?Why does the thoughtofserving anotherboss,day in and day out,make me wantto veeroffthissidewalkintotraffic?
“Hayfever?”mybossclipsout,frowningstraightahead.
“Yeah,”Ilie,snifflinganddabbingmyeyeswithmywrist.“It’s,um.It’sallthispollen.” Leosighsandtakesmyelbowagain,tuggingmeintoasmall,coolstore.“IfI’dknown,I’dhavepickedsomewhereelse,” hesays.“Tellmeifyou need toleave.”Ittakesthreelong secondsofblinking around usbeforeIrealizewhathe’stalking about
Because:flowers.
Tubs and tubs of flowers, all freshly cut and fragrant. This whole store is an explosion of color, with delicate petals, greenleaves,andthescentofdampsoil.MyheartclimbsintomythroatasIpeeraroundus,struckdumbbythismagical cave.
“I can,”he interrupts,dark eyebrows spearing down “I can buy whatever the hellI like And for the nexttwoweeks, you still work for me, Hazel Correct? You’ll still do whatI say And the task I wantyou to complete is to pick outyour favoriteflowers”
Waiting Scowling Planting his feetand folding his arms, like he’s ready to waitme outfor hours ifnecessary Like monthscouldpassandtheseasonscouldchangeoutsidethisstore,andhe’dstillbehere,glaringdownatme.Ugh. Fine.Fine!Iwhirlaroundandstareblindlyatabucketoftulips.
“ItwouldhelpifIknewwhatyourwomanislikesoIcanpick.”Renatamakesasmallnoiseofdismay,butIcan’tlook in her direction. Can’t stand to see the disappointment or worse, pity in her eyes. “Or Renata could tell you. She has moreexperiencewiththisthanIdo.”
ButI won’toverthink this Somany times over the lastfew years,I’ve kidded myselfthatthe boss and I have shared these moments Invisiblesparkscracklingbetweenourfingertipswhenourhandsaccidentallybrushed;aswoopingfeeling wheneverwe’realoneintheelevator,likewe’redropping down,down,downtotheearth’s core Allthosetimes oureyes lockedanditfeltliketimestoodstill
“Pick your favorites,” Leomutters atlast,turning away.“We’re notleaving untilyou do.” Then my boss stomps back outside,thedoorslammingshutbehindhim,andstandsguardatthewindow,hisbacktotheglass.
There never were any errands. I had no plans except spoiling her all day. Nothing else matters except keeping my assistant within arm ’ s reach, and changing her mind about quitting and sure, I’d rather do that while buying her a diamond necklace or hand-feeding her chocolate dipped strawberries, but we can lug around sun loungers on my building’srooftopifHazelprefers.
Staticcracklesacrosstherooftopasthebandsetsuptheirsoundsystemoveronthepop-upstage It’sahot,stickyday, and we ’ re on top of a skyscraper, held up to the sun ’ s fiercest rays Is Hazel drinking enough water? Does she need sunscreen?
Isn’titobvious? So far, guess work has gotten me nowhere.Thatmeans I need to go on the attack.After all, I didn’t buildathrivingbusinessbybeingtimid.
Theskyallaroundusisstainedpink,andthepuffsofcloudarelitgoldenbythesunset.We’vebeenworkingatthisfor hours already,stopping only forarushed latelunch ofdeli sandwiches.Theguests willarrivesoon,and I’llgritmy teeth and smilethroughthewholenight,and thenHazelcanfinallyforgetaboutthisnonsenseand focusonwhatisimportant: stayingwithme.
“YouneedtotellmehowIcanstopyoufromquitting”
“Ialreadyhavequit,”Hazelpointsout,liningupanotherbeerbottlewithasoftclink “It’sdone”Andshedoesn’tneed tosetupthese bars,doesn’tneed tohelpwith every single task,butmy assistantactually likes being helpful She told me oncethatitsootheshernerves
I already tried thatapproach plus more paid vacation,a fancier desk chair,and a membershipatthe fancy wellness spathreeblocksfromtheoffice.Allafternoon,I’vebeencallingoffersacrosstherooftop.Nothing.Notevenanibble.
“There’s nothing I wantfrom you, ” Hazelsays,mechanically filling the refrigerator shelves,butthe back ofmy neck prickles.Somethingaboutthemeasuredtoneofhervoicegivesheraway:she’slying!Thebeautifulwretch. “Anything,”Isay,squaringuptoherinthenarrowbarspace.“Anythingatall.Nameitandit’syours.”
Hazel’s lips press together in a thin line. And she keeps working, keeps lining up booze bottles like it’s the most importanttaskonearth,butIcatchherelbowthenexttimeshestraightensupandholdherinplace.
My assistant trails off, her chest rising and falling beneath that purple dress. We’re closer, somehow. Gravitating nearer.My hand is on her bare arm,and her flyaway hairs dance on the breeze,and those soulfuleyes flick down tomy mouthandstaythere.
Body thrumming, I close the distance between us. Her dress brushes against my shirt, and Hazel lets out a soft whimper.
Thiscan’tbereal.
But when I bend my head, going slow, she doesn’t back away. No: Hazel pushes onto her toes and flings both arms around my neck,likeshe’s beenlonging forthis foryears.Likeit’s beenexhausting hertiny frame,trying tohold allthis passionback.
Hermouthfindsmine.Ourlipsbrush,andourbreathminglesinthetwilight,andit’slikeapunchinthegut. Need curls through me, buckling my knees and stealing my air Don’t care if swarms of hired staff can see us here; don’tcareiftheygossip Don’tcareaboutanythingexceptthemaddeningwomaninmyarms
“Mmph. ” She gives as good as she gets, kissing me eagerly. As though I’m a man she could truly desire; as if this is shakingherworldaparttoo.Butthatcan’tberight,becauseofallpeople,HazelknowswhatI’mtrulylike. Themoods.Thesurliness.
And sure,I want Hazel.That’s beenclearfromthemomentImetherfouryears ago,whenthesunroseinmy gloomy universe. And yes, my body craves hers in a way that I’ve never wanted anyone else, but it’s deeper than that like she settlesmysoul,orsomething.
Butthat’simpossible.
Andthisisonlyonekiss tomakeherstay
Onekiss
God
Tearingmymouthawayfeelswrong Wrong It’sallwrongtotakemyhandsawayandstepback;allwrongtofeelcool dusk air wash over my front Everything aboutthis is wrong,and nothing is rightin the world unless our hands are on eachother.
My boss makes zerosense.One minute,he’s gazing atme hungrily,yanking me tohis front,and kissing me untilmy head spins. Making all my heartsick daydreams of the last four years, all those imaginary kisses that played like a moviereelinmyhead,paleincomparisontotherealthing.Drowningmeinperfect,overwhelmingdetails.
Likehisheat.
His hunger.
The hard planes of his chest and the little growls in the back of his throat, and the way he kissed along my jaw, breathinginthescentofmyskinlikehewantedmetofillhislungs.
Then… this. We’re back to cold, professional distance between us again, like nothing ever happened. Like it meant nothing If I didn’t know better, I’d think I hallucinated the whole freaking thing except my lips are kiss-swollen, and there’s a telltale slickness between my legs thatwillnotstoptormenting me as I walk Thoughts blurry,I dodge a server carryingastackoftraysandstumbleacrosstherooftop Thebandiswarmingup,randomnoteshummingonthebreeze
Gottagetinside
Gottachangefortonight
Andhell,I’mgoingtoneedalong,coldshowerfirsttogetmyheadonstraight;tocalmtheacheinmylowerbellyand myfeverishpulseandallthesilly,foolishvoiceswhisperinginmyheadthathe wants me, he wants me, Leo actually wants me.
LeoCorbindoesnotwantme.
LeoCorbindoesnotdorelationships.Period.
And if he ever broke thatrule, itwould never be for me.I annoy him too much, driving him to distraction with my perkinessfirstthinginthemorning.He’sgrumbledabouthowunbearableIammoretimesthanIcouldevercount andI tryreally,reallyhardnottocount.
Back inside the building, my spare key lets me into the boss’s penthouse apartment. I’ve been here dozens of times before,runningerrandsforLeo,butmyhearthasneverracedlikethisasIstepinside Myskinhasneverflushedhot,like I’mdoingsomethingwrong
I’mnot
I’m not
Leoistheonewhotoldmetogetreadyhere,andIremindmyselfofthatfactoverandoverasIgobbledowntwoofmy toffee-nutcookiesinthekitcheninplaceofdinner,showerinhisbathroom,dressinhisbedroom,andkeepmygazefixed on anything except the bed. Still, it’s impossible to miss the faint spicy scent of his aftershave. What color are Leo’s bed sheets?
No!Iwillnotlook.
If I do, I’ll probably rope myself to the headboard and beg my boss to ravish me just once for old times’ sake. Sane, normalassistantsdon’tdothat.
He’s still in his work clothes from earlier, the white shirt open at the collar and rumpled by our kiss and duh, of coursehehasn’tchangedyet.I’vebeenhogginghisapartment.
Wish I could cancelthis party.Eventhough it’s selfish,eventhough I’veputinmonths and months ofstressfulwork, I’d love nothing more rightnow than toclose thatdoor and block outthe restofthe world.Tohole upin this penthouse withthebossandlethimpersuademeagaintostaywithakiss;toswitchonhisfancyremote-controlfireplaceandcurlup togetheronthesofaformore…negotiations.
BecauseLeokissedme.
He kissedme.
Doesn’tmakeanysense
Butmystupidheartdoesn’tcareaboutlogicandboringstufflikethat it’stoobusydoingcartwheelsaroundmychest “Youlook ”Leotrailsoffwithafrown,placinghisemptyglassdownwithathud Myexcitableheartsinks,finallysimmeringdown,andIpluckatthepinkfabric It seemed finewhenIchecked myself in the bathroom mirror, but maybe this outfit is all wrong “Oh Okay I could change back into the purple dress from earlier?”
And I’m notdigging for compliments,I swear,this man justscrambles my brain with a fork whenever he’s near.But Leohuffsandfoldshisarms,leaningbackagainstthecounterlikeI’mbeingdifficult.
Thebosspuffsup,outraged.“ButIkissedyou.Weagreed ” “We didn’tagree on anything.You tried something and itdidn’twork.Nice attempt, though.” My heels clack on the floorasImarchpast,and jeez,Ihateplayinghardballlikethis.HatewalkingawaywhenIcanfeelthemiserypouringoff himinwaves,butwhatelsecanIdo?
This man could crush my heart without a second thought and he doesn’t even want it. He wants me to stay as his assistant,nothingmore,andhe’swillingtotoywithmyfeelingstowinhisprize. Ishouldbemadderthanthis.Ishouldstompandyell.
He stands soclose our arms brush as we greetthe guests arriving on the rooftop; he fetches me drinks and canapes, fussing over whether I’m hydrated. When my shoe strap comes undone on the way to check on the band, it’s Leo who kneelsdownandfixesit,thosebluntfingertipsbrushingovermybareankleandmakingmetingle.
Mindgames
That’swhatthisis
Justanotherploybymywilybosstomakemewanttostaywithhim,fetchinghiscoffeesandschedulinghismeetings for as long as we both shall live. Another attempt to wear me down, crumbling my will power with sweet gestures and rumbledkindwords.
“A dance.” He takes my hand,his expression more patientthan I have ever seen,and tows me gently intothe crowd. “You’vewatchedenoughpeoplehavingfun,Hazel.Nowyoushouldtryit.”
Curious glances flick toward us from all directions because Leo Corbin does not dance He does not engage with meremortals And yethereheis,lifting my armsaround hisneck beforeplacing hishandsonmywaist,theheatofthem searingthroughthethinfabricofmydress Hereheis,turningusinsteadycirclesasthebandplaysasmoothsong,staring downatmewiththosefrostyblueeyes
Thebosspuffsoutabreath,buthedoesn’tscoldmeorstormoff,eventhoughthisconversationmustbemaddeningfor him Instead,hemovesuscloser,handsgrippingpossessivelyatmysides
She’s been hobbling for the last hour when she thinks no one is watching. Well, joke’s on Hazel, because I’m always watching,andshecan’thideherachingfeetfromme.
The stone is still warm, radiating the heat of the day, even as the wind whips across the empty rooftop and ruffles Hazel’sdressandhair.Withoutthecrowdsandthegazebostogetintheway,thewindmoansandpusheshertinyframeso hardshestumbles.
That’senoughofthat.Straighteningup,ItakeHazel’shand and tugheracrosstherooftoptothepool.Coolwaterwill makethosetoesfeelbetter andifshesits,she’llbeshelteredfromtheworstofthewind.
“I’mverywise”Draggingasunloungercloser,Isitdownandstareatthebackofmyassistant’sblondehead Herlong ponytail dangles between her shoulder blades, ruffled by the breeze What I’d give to wrap that rope of hair around my fist
“What Leo whatthehelliswrongwithyou?”Hazelfightsoutofmyarmsandturnsonme,soakedandfurious.Her eyemakeuphassmudged,andherpinkdressclingstoeveryinchofherpint-sizedbody.“I’mnotdrowning,youass.”
“Good toknow.I’mglad this wasn’ta dangerously insane thing todo,justunhinged.You know,ifyou’re thatafraid to answermyquestion,youcansayso.There’snoneedtodrownyourselftoescapeasimple,adultconversation ” Watersplashesovermeinasmallwave,and Iwipemyeyes,spluttering.Myassistantglaresatme,furiouslytreading water.“Oh,shutup.It’snotthateasyandyouknowit.”
I know it?WhatthehelldoIknow?
“Yousplashedme,”Isaylikeanidiot.Hazelhuffsanddoesitagain.“I you stopsplashingme!Comehere,youlittle witch.”
With allthetimes I pictured myselfwrestling with Hazel,this scenarionevercameup:both ofus fully dressed inmy private pool,our evening wear soaked toour skin,bickering and grappling as water sloshes over the sides.Overhead,a clouddriftsacrossthemoonlikeit’sshieldingitfromournonsense,butI’veneverfeltsoalive.
She’sawrigglylittlething Allelbowsandknees,withzeroshameabouttryingtocatchmeinthejunk AndI’dgiveher some space, would be more careful aboutcrossing this line, exceptmy assistantis giggling like a maniac, splashing and kickingand Jesus biting Boomingoutalaugh,Iwrestleherarounduntilshe’sfacingme,barelegswrappedaroundmy hips
Hazelpokesouthertongue Myfingersflexonherwaist
It’sinevitable,really
We slam together like twowild beasts,kissing savagely,stillhalfwrestling.And I’m bigger than her butshe’s nimble andslight,andmoretothepoint,asinglebrushofherlipsmeltsmybrain.I’mhelplesstodoanythingexceptstaggertothe pool’sedge,leaningbackagainstthetileswhileHazelclawsatme,kissingandnipping,yankingonmysoddenclothes.
“This,”Hazelsays,panting betweenkisses,“iswhy Ican’tstay. This is whatIwant,it’s whatI’vewanted fromyou for years,andit’skillingme.Ineedtoleave.Can’tyouseethat?”
“You’re staying,” I tell her, trailing kisses down her neck and sucking a mark onto her delicate skin. She whimpers, clutching closer tomy shoulders,her hips stillriding my length ofher own accord.“Notas my assistant,though I’d like thattoo.Godknowsmydaysareemptywithoutyou.No,Hazel.You’restayingwith me. ” Herbreathcatches.“Leo.”
Now I’mrunning outofwords,running outofbraincells,butthankfully Hazelmoans and kisses meagain,hard.My heartflareshot,searingmyinsides,meltingthelastoftheiceinsideme,andthankgod.Thankgod. Asmallhandtravelsdownmyfrontandtugsatmybelt.
“Doyoustillfindmeannoying?”Iaskasmybosspeelsdowntheleftcupofmybra,suckingthehardbeadofmynipple intohismouth.Hegrunts,tongueswirling,andthatcoilofheattravelsallthewaydownmybodytotwistbetweenmylegs. Leo pulls back long enough to nuzzle my small boob. “Obviously not. Wait, no I never found you annoying. Why wouldyouthinkthat?”
Ohgod,Iwill,won’tI?Mybodymoveseasilyunderhistouch,legsfloppingopen,completelycompliant,becauseIama giantweenie wholoves her boss’s secretcaveman side He could touch me with a fingertipand I’d move He could tear everyscrapofclothingoffmeandI’dstillassumetheposition:facedown,assup,quiveringwitheagerness
“This,” Leosays atlast,grating outthe words.Fingertips coastalong my slit,spreading my slickness and tickling me untilIsquirm.“This.Thisismine.You’remine,Hazel.”
“Okay.”
Mywobblyagreementbringsoutashark’ssmile.
Then he’s leaning down,shifting around,shouldering his way between my legs;pausing tokiss my hip,my stomach, my belly button, my thigh. Leo peppers my whole body with kisses, including my awkward angles and every dimpled, squishybit,beforehisbreathfinallymistsacrossmymostsensitivearea
Hotbreaths puffagainstmy inner thighs, and my boss is licking, sucking, nibbling, spreading me wider on this sun loungerand devouringmelikeI’mhisownpersonalfeast.AndmaybeIdon’ttastelikeliteralsugar,butLeoCorbindoesnot seemtomind notifthosepleased,hungrygruntsareanythingtogoby. Wetheatswirlsovermyclit.
I’vebeenhisforfouryears AllthosecoffeesIbrought,allthosetimesIsmiled athiscranky faceashestepped offthe elevator,allthosephonecallsIfieldedandappointmentsIbooked Ididitallwithsomuchlove “Hazel.” The sun lounger rasps across the stone tiles as Leoforces us back an inch.My boss presses a very hot,very solid,very realkissonmyhip.“Myperfectgirl.Fuck,Ineedyou.Needyourightnow.Rollover.”
Giddy with desire,my limbs allloose and clumsy,I flopover and scramble tomy hands and knees. Yes. Wantthis so badly.
“Next time, we’ll do this in a bed.” A strong hand smooths down my spine, making my tense muscles go all melty. Archingmyback,Ismilelikeagoofballatthesilent,sparklingpool.Hesaid‘nexttime’,right?“It’llberomantic.I’lldothis properly,Hazel,Iswear,butrightnow…”
Hazelis trembling.Hermuscles shudderundermy palmas Istrokeherback,and herthighs twitch as shespreads her legswider.Steadybreathsfloatupfromthesunlounger she’scountinginhalesandexhales andI’dstop,I’dcallthis whole thing off, panicking that she’s stressed, if she weren’t so desperately slick and needy. The evidence glints in the starlight.
Because I’d neverhurther I’m going tolove this woman untilthe day I die,and there’s norush;we don’tneed todo thistonight IcoulddressHazelagain,takeherinside,bundleherintoahotshowerandordertakeouttostopherstomach fromrumbling Thatworksformetoo Itwouldstillbethebestnightofmylife
WhenIgrabherpeachyasswithonehand,whenIpressthefirstinchinsideher,HazelistighterandhotterthanIever dreamed. She’s a slick little furnace, strangling my shaft even as her body sucks it deeper, and the noises she makes, scrabblingatthesunlounger,testingmyholdonherhair… JesusChrist.
And I’d worry about that, worry that Hazel doesn’t really want this, except she’s moaning and whimpering like a champ, squirming on my cock, and she’s so slick that I glide forward easily enough Another reason for her tightness presentsitselfinmybrain,thelogicalconclusion,andmynewlyawakenedheartstuttersinmychest “Haveyoudonethisbefore,sweetheart?”
And as if I could fucking stop. A helicopter could appear above this rooftop, a whole SWAT team could parachute down,guns drawn and blazing,and I’d be helpless todoanything exceptkeepthrusting,pulling her hair,squeezing her ass.Workingmyassistantintoaquiveringpuddle.
She won’tshake me thateasily.Notuntil she comes for me, pretty and flushed, and shows me all the noises she can make.
Itdoesn’ttakelong.Afewdeepthrusts,hipsangledtohitallthesensitivespotsinsideher,withafewfirmcirclesofher clit.Justlike that,Hazelthrows back her head and cries out,loud and fractured,as her channelclamps down,fluttering aroundmycock.
We’vedonethisahundredtimesbefore.Myperky,alwayshelpfulwifesimply loves abandoningherowndesktocrawl under mine and helpme relax,and whoam I tostopher?Only the luckiestbastard on earth, that’s who.I know a small miraclewhenIseeit,andIhavenever,everstoppedmywifefromgoingundertherebefore.I’mnotcrazy.
Butit’sdifferentnowthatshe’spregnant.Hazel’snottoofaralong;herbumpisbarelyvisible,butshe’salreadymoving alittleawkwardly,andshit,whatifherbackacheswhileshe’sdownthere?Whatifherkneeshurt?Whatif “Up” Throwing my chair back, I scoop my wife beneath her armpits and lift her out from under my desk “Up you come You’renotgoingundertheretoday”
And yethere I am,smiling sohard my cheeks ache,and there’s my usually-bubbly wife pouting because I won’tlet hergetsoreknees.It’satopsy-turvyday,butIloveit.
Lunging forward,Icatch my wifewith adeep,searing kiss,my heartthundering againstmy ribs.Shekissesmeback justasdesperately,clingingtomyshoulders,asIreachbeneathherskirtandpullherpantiesaside.
“You’rejealous,”I pant,tearing my mouth away and pressing afingerinsideher.Hazelarches and groans,already so wetforme.“You’reactually jealous.That’s mostridiculous thing I’veeverheard.Hazel,Idon’t see otherwomen.Notlike that.Honestly,Ineverdid.Ionlyseeyou,Ifuckingorbitaroundyou,andeverydaythatwe’reapartI’llbecountingdown
“It’s done.” Problem solved, and I don’t care if it’s a reasonable demand or not. My wife can demand the moon on a platter.“You’llpickmyassistant,andyou’llburstinherewheneveryoulike,andI’llrushhometoyouattheendoftheday. AndI’llshow youhowridiculousitisforyoutoworry HowgoneIamforyou”
We crash together in a blur ofhalf-shed clothes and fevered kisses The curve ofHazel’s stomach presses againstmy front,andmyheartpangsinmychest
She is mine Hazel’smine,andI’mhers,andthisbabywillswellourfamilytothreemembers Ican’twait “Letmeshowyouwhatyoudotome,”Isay,notchingatherentrance “Letmeproveit” Andmyperfectwifetakesmeinsidewithasigh
FormoreHEAsattheoffice,checkouttheGrumpsUnleashed series,startingwithGrumpGoneWild. I’m fake-dating the man of my dreams. But these feelings? They’re all too real.
Andforabonusinstalovestory,grabyourcopyofRideorDie.She’s sweet and innocent and that’s like catnip in this strip club. It’s okay, though. I won’t let the pretty bartender out of my sight.
Happyreading!
Cassiexxx
Teaser: Grump Gone Wild
MybosspopsthequestiononarainyThursdayafterlunch.
Not the question, obviously. That would be too perfect, too dreamlike and pretty weird, since for all the years I’ve workedforhim,despitemyginormouscrush,SebastianBamfordhasonlyeverseenmeashiszanyassistant.
Despitemynudging,he’sonlyevercalledmeFlisstwiceinourwholeacquaintance Onceatthecompanyholidayparty twoyearsago,whenhegreeted mesolemnly by thepopupbar Irememberitvividly,notjustbecauseofthenamething, butbecause he wore a black knitted sweater instead ofhis usualsuit,and his cheeks were pink from walking down the frostystreet Swoon
Not because I care so much about emails and appointments and refilling the water cooler cups, to be clear. But to willinglyloseadaywithSebastianBamford?Thesexy,bossynerdofmydreams?Areyoucrazy?
“Ihaveastrangerequest.”He’sstaring outofthehugewindows.Raindropspatteragainsttheglass,thenstreak down andblurthecityskyline.Downtownlookslikeonegiantsmudge.
“It’snotwork-related,”hesays I bite the inside ofmy cheek, suddenly laser-focused The air hums through the AC “I’m very discreet, sir You can trustme”
Trustme Confideinme Maybelovemebackoneday
Areyoulistening,universe?Justputtingitoutthere
“It’sdelicate,”Sebastiansays.
He’skillingmehere.“I’msureIcanhandleit.”
Becauseseriously,whateveritis,I’vegotthis.Picking uphisdry cleaning?Booking adoctor’sappointment?Lying to hisawfulfamilyforhim?I’mthere,nosweat,becauseI’vebeengoneformybosssincedayone.G-O-N-E.Headoverheels forthisbeautifulgrump,withhisneatbronzehairandhistortoiseshellglassesandhisperfectlypressedsuits.Ilovehimso much,itgivesmeindigestion.
When he rumbles orders at me in that deep voice it’s like he’s reading me a sonnet. When he ignores me in the elevator,Iswoon.
Grayeyesfindmine,andshiversracedownmyspine.Myfaceheats,despitethecoolairflowingthroughaventonthe wall.Thisbuildingshouldhaveawarningrightabovetheentrance Caution: Boss may cause dizziness.
“Ihavenorighttoask you this,Felicity”He’ssosolemn;sopained Therain-dulled daylightbarely reacheshisdesk, andhe’slitbythegoldenglowofatablelamp “Ifyousayno,itwon’taffectyourworkatall Isthatunderstood?”
Colormeintrigued thoughfortherecord,I’ddovirtuallyanythingforthisman,includingcommitpettycrimes For SebastianBamford,mymoralsarescantyashell
He’sjustsonoble Andhardworkingandsternanddelicious EverysecondI’mnearhim,myfingersitchtoyankonhis tie IwanttoclimbintohislapandkisshimsohardIknockhisglassesaskew “Understood.Whatisit,sir?”
A muscle leaps in his jaw.Sebastian frowns over my shoulder intospace,and the lamplightglints againsthis bronze hair.“Ihaveafamilyeventnextweekend,”hesaysslowly.“Animportantone,and…Ineedadate.” Ohmygod.Ohmygod.
Eeee!
I’m beaming wide, already floating up near the ceiling when he adds: “I’d like you to pretend to be my girlfriend. It wouldbefake,obviously.You’dgetovertime.”
Icrashbackdowntothefloor.
Overtime?Hewantstopaymeforthis?
…Fake?
“It’s purely business,” Sebastian says, still frowning over my shoulder. When he finally looks at me, concern darts through his gray eyes.Guess my dismay is splashed allover my face.“I can hire someone else,”he adds quickly.“I don’t wanttomakeyouuncomfortable,Felicity.ButIhaveneitherthetimenortheinclinationtofindarealdate,and…well,you knowmyfamily.”
“I’lldoit,” I say Never mind my bruised heart; I willrescue this buttoned-down grumpfrom his nefarious relatives “ButI’m youknow ”
Iwaveahand upand downmy body My boss’s mouth twists,and his gazerakes mefromhead totoe,cataloging my manyflaws
The crinkly, too-bright clothes, covered with a fine layer of cat hair; the bruise on my knee from roller derby. My messyhairthatalwaysescapesfromwhateverbunorbraidIputitin.Takeyourpick.
Ishegonnachangehismind?Myfingerspluckatmypurpleskirt,andIswallowhard.Maybehe’lltakeitbackandask someone more suitable. Because let’s be honest: if Sebastian wants to impress his snooty family, I’m the last girl in the worldheshouldchoose.
BecausetheBamfordsareoldmoney.Countryclubsandracehorsesandprivatevineyards that kindofmoney.AndI haveraspberrystreaksinmyhairandatattooofmyancientcatRustyonmywrist.Mybuspasshasseenmoreactionthan mycreditcard.
