Page 13 of One Hot Moment

Yeah, I probably shouldn't have told him that. The words tumbled out of me before I had a chance to think about what I was saying. It's a bad habit of mine.

Spencer stares at me, unblinking. "How high is the turnover rate?"

I've already stepped in a pile of shit, so I might as well tell him the truth. "In the six years I've worked here, we've lost on average one person every six months."

"And you're talking about my job. Not all the employees the company has."

"That's right."

He shakes his head slowly. "Bugger me. That doesn't bode well for my longevity in this job."

Without considering what I'm doing, I lean over the desk to touch his hand. "Don't worry about the turnover rate. You're much smarter and nicer than your predecessors. I know you'll do great here."

Spencer rubs his neck, gazing down at the desktop. "I appreciate your confidence in me. I hope I won't disappoint you."

"That will never happen."

He seems less than convinced.

For reasons I can't explain, I need to make him feel better. So, I pat the top of his head. "Trust me, Spencer."

"I do trust you, but saying something doesn't make it true." He captures my hand, brushing his fingers over my skin. "I'm grateful for all you've done to make my first day successful, or at least not a bloody disaster."

"Oh, you would've been fine without me."

I shiver a touch, though I doubt he noticed that. The way he keeps skimming his fingers over the back of my hand makes me feel...something I shouldn't feel. He's my boss, but no matter how many times I try to convince myself that I'm not really attracted to him, the truth always outs. I want to crawl over his desk and straddle his lap, then undo his belt buckle and slip my hand inside his briefs.

For heaven's sake, woman, stop acting like a horny teenage virgin.

I take my own advice and back away. Spencer releases my hand without even trying to hold on to it. The look in his eyes tells me everything I need to know. He wants me as much as I want him. It's wrong. We'll both get fired. Probably get blacklisted too and never find another job in this industry.

"Goodbye, Spencer. I'll see you in the morning."

"Yes, of course. Good evening, Tabitha."

I need to marshal all my willpower to turn and walk out the door. Even after the latch clicks shut, I have to force myself to trudge over to my desk to grab my jacket and purse. My shoes literally drag across the carpeted floor. I shouldn't feel this way after spending one freaking day with Spencer.

Tomorrow, I'll be over my little crush on the boss. And then I'll go back to acting like an adult.

I arrive home just as the sun is setting, after taking a detour to visit my favorite takeout restaurant. Though I don't mind cooking, I have no energy left for messing around with that tonight. This day was exhausting---in a good way. I have a new boss who's a sweetheart and great at his job. I know that based on how he interacted with his team when he introduced himself and also by the way he treats me. I know from my own experience and the stories other administrative assistants have told me that most of our kind don't have a boss like Spencer.

My previous boss at Bramson Feigenbaum had been...less than amazing.

Yeah, I lucked out with Spencer Halfenaked.

I've just sat down on my sofa, and I'm opening up my takeout box, when my cell phone rings. Without thinking about it, I snatch up my phone and tap the button to take the call. "Hello?"

"Good evening, Tabitha. This is Spencer."

"I know. Your British accent clued me in."

"Yes, I should have guessed." He clears his throat, and I can hear him shuffling around on some type of furniture. "I apologize for bothering you after work, but I... Well, honestly, I don't know why I rang you. I suppose it's because you are the only person whose number I know."

"If you want to chat, that's fine with me. Must be hard moving so far away from home."

"You're very kind."

"Why don't we chat for a while? I was just about to eat my takeout dinner, but if you don't mind listening to me chew---"

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