Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53462 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
I let out an unwitting sigh, wishing I could take it back the second the sound escapes my lips.
He meets my gaze, eyeing me warily. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I say, and despite my reservations, I reach for the waistband of his pants, wanting to give him the same pleasure he bestowed on me.
He grabs my wrist, gently pulling away, my hand grazing his hard erection, which strains against the taut fabric.
“Fuck,” he mutters, his voice sounding like rough gravel, his need obvious.
“Why are you stopping me?” I ask.
“Because it’s clear I lost you.”
I nod because I can’t deny the truth. “All the reasons this is a bad idea are shooting through my brain.” I reach down and close my jeans, feeling totally awkward, especially since I just came and he… didn’t.
“I get it,” he says in an understanding tone. “I came on pretty strong when you walked in the door, and I didn’t give you time to think.”
I sink my teeth into my lower lip and shake my head. “I can make my own decisions, and I own what happened between us. It wasn’t you pushing me into anything. I just think since I work for you, we shouldn’t get involved.” I settle on the easiest explanation even though it hurts me to say it.
No reason for him to be privy to the fact that the future I envision for myself—a family and a man who loves me—are the things that will fill the emptiness I grew up with inside me. I always sugarcoat my time in foster care because I had it better than most, but deep inside me, I yearn for more. I don’t do casual relationships well, and Austin is the whole package.
He could break my heart.
“I should go.” I pick up my shirt, put it on, then turn and head for my room, feeling his hot gaze on my back as I walk away.
* * *
Austin
I watch Mia leave before shutting the lights and heading upstairs to my room.
Alone.
I have to admit this wasn’t the outcome I envisioned when I had my hand down her pants, my fingers spreading her slick need over her clit as I made her come.
Her sigh was my first clue something was wrong, and though she was willing to give me my turn, I didn’t want her that way. I want her breathless and eager, no hesitation between us. Besides, I have the feeling she isn’t giving me the full reason for her reservations. Yes, she is my employee. Yes, it could be awkward and bothers me, too, but I’ve come to realize we have no one to answer to but ourselves, and she wants me as much as I desire her. Something more is at play behind those expressive eyes of hers.
But unless I want something more than easy sex, I have no right to ask. So instead of her sexy lips wrapped around my dick or taking her upstairs to my bedroom, I am suffering from a painful case of blue balls I am going to have to deal with in the shower. And as I wrap my soap-slickened hand around my cock, water streaming over me, it is Mia’s mouth sucking me dry that takes me over the edge and to completion.
I wake up the next morning and drive to pick up Bailey, bringing her home and going about my business as if the night didn’t occur.
* * *
Austin
I drive into work, pulling into the parking lot, early for the normal weekly meeting. A week passed since that night I felt Mia’s slick sex beneath my fingers and brought her to climax, my name on her lips, and I find the trip to the office a welcome reprieve from being alone in the house with Mia and pretending I don’t desire her with every breath I take.
I pause in the kitchen area and pour myself a cup of coffee when Jared Wilson joins me, leaning against the doorframe.
“Hey, man. How’s it going?” Jared asks.
“Good. Keeping busy.” I take a sip of the coffee, made in the Keurig machine that Dan splurged on for the team. “What about you?” I ask my friend.
“Same. Busy.” He shrugs. “We miss you around the office, though I don’t blame you for wanting more time at home with your daughter.”
“It was the right choice.”
“You don’t miss the field work?” Jared asks.
I shake my head. “Surprisingly, no.” My new work-from-home situation suits me fine.
“Austin?” Lara, the longtime receptionist at Alpha Security, looks past Jared, who moves aside to let her into the room. “You have a visitor,” she says.
I narrow my gaze. “I’m not expecting anyone. Who is it? An old client?”
She shakes her head, concern etching her features. “She says she’s your wife.”
I flinch and cringe at the same time. Everyone here knows I am single and had problems with my ex, so Kayla’s attempted power play with Lara holds no sway.