Page 74 of Don't Fall For Your Best Friend

I set down my soda, glancing at my computer. “Give me an hour?”

He nods. “Okay. See you two later.”

Paxton waves at Phillip, then smiles at me. “I should get out of your hair. I need to get over to Moore’s. I’ll see you tonight, right?”

I nod, knowing I can’t tell him how I feel about him right now. “Yes, tonight. I’ll be home around six.”

He gives me a kiss on the cheek and leaves my office. After he’s gone, I slump in my seat.

How am I going to tell him I want so much more than what we’ve been doing? Will he feel the same? I swear there were times last night that I thought he was telling me the truth. That he meant the words coming out of his mouth.

Have I been tempting him for all these years?

I’m just too afraid to ask for fear of the unknown.

After my lunch, I finish the article, and around five, I pack up my things for the evening. As I’m leaving, Mr. Charleston calls me into his office.

It’s bittersweet. The article’s done. Now what?

“I’m reading the first few lines of this article, and I love it.”

I smile. “I’m happy you’re pleased with it. I had a great time learning about BDSM.” And that’s not a lie.

Women should embrace their sexuality and not be afraid to go after what they want in the bedroom. Even if it’s being controlled by the man.

I have to say, it’s so hot seeing Paxton be controlling, even though he’s nearly losing all of his willpower to not ravage me like a wild beast.

It makes me feel sexy, and every woman should feel like that.

I included it all in my article.

As I stand in his office, I get a phone call. I glance at the phone and back at Mr. Charleston. “It’s my Aunt Nora,” I tell him.

A broad smile sweeps across his face, and his cheeks redden. “Answer it. Tell her I said hi,” he says, a little too excited.

I swipe the accept button and my aunt’s voice fills my ear. “Hey, sweetie.”

“Hey, Aunt Nora. What’s up?” I glance at Mr. Charleston. “Mr. Charleston says hi. I’m standing in his office.”

“Oh my.” I can hear the flustered tone in my aunt’s voice. “Tell Robert I say hi back.” If you could hear a woman blush, it would be right now. I swear she’s getting all hot and bothered, and it nearly makes me giggle.

I relay the message to a pleased Mr. Charleston, and then say my goodbyes to him, leaving his office.

“The house is all fixed,” Aunt Nora says. “You can stay there anytime you like. The fire restoration technicians were able to repair everything, and viola, it’s all perfect now.”

My heart sinks, and I feel ill at the thought that staying with Paxton is over. I fake excitement in my voice. “Oh, that’s great.”

We chat for a few more minutes, but as I walk to my Volkswagen in the lot, sadness washes over me at the thought of leaving Paxton.

I don’t want to tell him.

I drive around town, going the long way to Paxton’s apartment, wondering if I can stall time. My article is finished. My house is livable again. There’s no reason to continue doing what I’m doing with Paxton, other than the mere fact I want him.

When I arrive at his apartment, the lights are low when I step inside.

“Paxton,” I call out.

“In here. I got you something.” His voice is coming from the kitchen, so I drop my purse on the entryway table and head in that direction.

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