Arrogant Boss

“But I was attracted to you from the first second.”

Julian’s eyes darkened again, gaze heavy. “Something we have in common, it seems.”

“So it would seem.”

“I choose truth,” he said, voice low now.

“Have you ever had sex in a hotel room?”

His eyebrows shot to the ceiling, and I could swear that he leaned in closer. “I have,” he replied. “Have you?”

I shook my head and took a sip of my drink. “No, I never have.”

He laughed, a low and husky sound that sent goosebumps down my spine. “I think we’re starting to mix up our games.”

“We can create new ones.” I scooted closer to him on the bed. “Do whatever we like.”

His hand found my ankle, bare skin below the hem of my pants. His thumb smoothed over my skin, sending shivers up my body. Such a small, innocent touch, and yet…

He suddenly glanced down and then back up at me. Very carefully, he leaned closer and took a deep breath.

“Julian, what are you doing?”

“Ace, did you shower before coming over here? I smell soap. And your leg is… very smooth. Did you shave too?”

“Maybe. Yes.”

Julian’s hand paused on my leg and he closed his eyes with a groan. “Oh, Emily. I need you to know that I didn’t ask you to accompany us because of… I had no expectations. I genuinely thought it would be a good learning experience, that you’d enjoy it.”

His thick hair, usually wavy and pushed back, curled around his temples. On impulse, I reached out and ran my fingers through it.

“I know that. I still want you.”

With a sigh, he reached up and gently removed my hand. “This is not how I wanted it to happen.”

His rejection was soft, but it was rejection nonetheless.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

It hit me like a freight train-how I must look to him, dressed up and showered and delivered to his hotel room. My stupid, silly seductress persona. I moved away from him.

But I moved too fast.

My glass tipped slightly in my hand and the bright red drink sloshed over the edge. It spilled down my thumb and along my wrist, staining the edge of my shirt.

“Shit.”

“Are you okay?”

“Mhm.” I was up and off the bed in a heartbeat, heading to the bathroom like an Olympic sprinter. My cheeks were flaming-I could feel the heat rushing up to my face, my eyes tearing up. Step 2, proposition him was complete.

Too bad it was a complete failure.

I turned on the faucet and tried to wash away the sticky, sugary liquid. I didn’t look in the mirror. I knew I’d see someone with blotchy skin and hurt eyes and I might do something stupid, like cry, because of my own foolishness. He was completely within his rights to turn me down. Nothing to be upset about.

I heard footsteps, and then silence, the only sound that of the rushing water.

“Emily, are you alright?”

I looked over to see him leaning against the bathroom door, with his strong jawline and handsome face all concerned.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.”

“Emily, I need you to know that-”

“It’s alright, Julian.” I didn’t look at him as I toweled off.

“The only reason I don’t think-”

“Honestly. I understand that you’re not the one to-”

He crossed the space between us in two quick strides and spun me around, trapped me within the circle of his arms. “Damn it, Ace, will you listen to me?”

I was lost to the green of his eyes, filled with emotions I couldn’t name. All I did was nod.

“I planned on doing everything by the book with you. I want to date you. I want to make sure you feel good, feel secure. I’m not in a rush, Ace.” His fingers on my waist moved, stroked along my ribs, and I found myself rising up on my toes to get closer to him. “Seducing you on a work trip wasn’t a part of my plan.”

“And you object to a change of plan?” I asked. Julian’s hands tightened around me, his lips only inches away now. I knew how they felt and I knew how he tasted. It was all I could think of.

“I’m afraid of the consequences.”

“Because we work together?”

His smile was tight. “No. I’m afraid you might bolt after.”

“What if I promise I won’t?” My hands found their way up along his chest, traced his shoulders.

“I’d want to believe you,” he murmured. “Not sure I can.”

I fit myself against him, my breasts against his chest and my hips aligned with his, and touched my lips to the corner of his. “Believe me.”

Julian groaned in defeat against my mouth. “You’re lethal,” he murmured.

And then he kissed me.

It wasn’t like the race track or even that night at the club-there was nothing sweet or reverent about these touches. Both of us too eager and too heated. We had wanted this for too long.

Julian’s lips traced my jaw and my neck. I burned everywhere he touched, as if fire trailed his hand and his lips. A strong hand pulled the neckline of my sweater to the side and I had to grasp his shoulders as he followed the length of my collarbone with kisses.

More. I needed more.