Arrogant Boss

The plane took off, the familiar feeling of weightlessness overcoming me. Our eyes met.

“You okay?”Her gaze softened. “Yes,” she murmured. “I’m great.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

I leaned closer, just enough so that I could speak without the risk of anyone hearing us. “Cross your legs.”

Her eyes glittered with amusement, but she did as I said. I angled her open laptop slightly so that her crossed legs and screen shielded us from view.

I took her hand, held it out of sight from the others. Her skin was warm and smooth against mine. “Let’s debrief in a bit,” I said, leaning back and closing my eyes. “I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night.”

I heard Emily’s soft laughter, felt the squeeze of her fingers.

“Funny. Neither did I.”

I waited for the best possible moment before I shared the news with Denise. All other subjects were covered first-my business trip, her recent dinner with Michael’s mother and sister, the latest episode of the reality show we both watched. I was lulling her into a false sense of security.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“The conference sounds terrible,” she commented and popped another macaron into her mouth. “But I’m glad you had fun.”

I reached for a pink, strawberry flavored one. “Sure, the industry isn’t exactly my scene but I love the press work. Where did Michael get these?”

“He has a baker friend downtown who he hires occasionally for events and stuff. These are great, right?”

“The best. I wonder why I’ve never seen that place.”

“It’s kinda hidden behind a laundromat. A shame, really.”

I watched her take a bite of a lemon macaron, her face shifting into pleasure, and decided to drop the bomb. “There’s actually something I need to tell you about the conference.”

“Mhgmn?”

“I slept with Julian.” I closed the box of macarons. “And I think we’ve both had enough of these for today.”

Denise’s eyes turned into saucers. “Em! You’ve been here for nearly an hour and you tell me now?”

“Whoops?”

“No. No, no, no. This is exactly like that time you waited two full days to tell me you’d kissed Sam Feller in middle school, and how did I react then?”

“Not well.”

“Tell me everything.” She grabbed the box of macarons and clutched it tight to her chest. “And I’m going to have the rest of these and share none with you as punishment.”

I leaned back against her fluffy couch and grinned. “Well, what do you want to know?”

“You’re wearing that huge grin, so I already know it was good. Who initiated it?”

“It was mutual. It happened in his hotel room, though.”

“Classic business trip hook-up. That’s so hot,” Denise whispered with a dreamy look-I knew she was picturing an array of steamy TV scenes. .

I laughed. “There were no long angsty stares or desks dramatically swept clean.” And there hadn’t been… just heated dinner conversation and marble sinks.

“How was it?”

“I don’t know how to describe it. It was great.” The fire between us had burned so hotly, and there had been none of that first time fumbling or nerves. How did you explain something like that?

Denise sighed. “Come on, Em. I’ve told you nearly everything about Michael. And how many of my sexual exploits have I shared over the years? You owe me one good story.”

“Hey now, you’ve shared far more details than I have ever asked for.”

“I considered it my civic duty to educate you.” She waved a dismissive hand. “Now tell me.”

Heat crept up my cheeks at the memory of the feelings he had elicited. “It was the best sex of my life.”

Denise clapped her hands in excitement. “Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you! That’s exactly what you deserve. Thank God you decided to actually go for it!”

“And the best part is that I think he wants to do it again. That we’ll have an actual affair.”

“I’m not sure it’s called an affair when both people are single?”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. A sexual relationship? Hooking up?”

“Nothing more? You don’t want to get serious with him?”

The thought had crossed my mind.

But the idea of Julian Hunt as a boyfriend… it was daunting. I couldn’t see us going to the movies, settling down with him on the couch, bringing him into the house I share with my brother… it felt odd.

There was no way he’d fit into my life-he was too big and I was too anonymous. And he would undoubtedly want someone who could share his spotlight.

“No. Julian Hunt isn’t the kind of man you have a serious relationship with. Besides, he propositioned me in the office canteen that first time, Denise. What kind of man does that if he wants a truly serious relationship?”

“An infatuated one.”

I laughed. “No, this is just casual, trust me. But I don’t mind. I’m going to ride this wave as far as it’ll take me.”

Denise moved over and settled next to me on the couch. “Okay, but I want more details.”

“I’ve already told you loads!”

“No, you said it was the best sex of your life. That is entirely devoid of detail.”

I sighed. “What do you want to know?”