Page 38 of Forever Mine

Harper: Your secret is safe with me. But seriously, why aren’t you sleeping with your boss? Em told me he blatantly told you he wants you.

Me: He did. But I honestly think I could fall for him, and that scares the shit out of me.

Harper: You still messing around with Marcus?

Me: I told him this week that I’m done with him, but he’s been texting me nonstop.

Harper: You should block his number.

Me: I know. I need to get my apartment key back from him and ask the super to change the locks.

Harper: You gave him a key?

Me: No, he made a copy without telling me.

Harper: That’s fucked up, Mon. I’m glad you decided the dick ain’t worth it.

Me: Not from him it’s not. He was really pushing for a committed relationship, and I had this gut feeling that I shouldn’t do it.

Harper: None of us like him.

Me: I know. Y’all aren’t subtle.

Harper: (wink emoji) Yet you still put up with us.

Me: And sometimes I don’t know why.

I put my phone down as I take the last gulp of my orange juice and grab my bag. The morning session is a full group session, and I’ve already decided I will hide out in the restroom until after it starts, then slip in to find a seat. I chuckle to myself when I think about how I’m trying all these evasive maneuvers to avoid my hot boss. Never in a million years would I think this is how I’d be trying to avoid a good dicking. Because I know, with Gabriel, it would be amazing. Life changing. Best of my life. And that scares the shit out of me.

By the end of the day, I’m exhausted. Gabriel texted that he was going out to eat with a couple of people he knew from his time in the Army, so I’m taking the opportunity to order room service and watch some Netflix. I really need some time to relax. We have one more full day of sessions and then a morning breakfast before heading home.

I’m glad I came to this conference. Well, I’m glad Chase was sick. I’ve learned a lot of strategies and techniques I can apply, as well as new real estate laws for the state that I need to understand. But I’m tired. Not only are constant sessions and networking mentally exhausting, but the emotional turmoil I’m going through because of the proximity to Gabriel has just about done me in.

When the hotel says my dinner will take about an hour to complete, I jump in the shower. I brought a conditioning mask from home and want to allow that some time to soak in. I use up all the hot water before I prune and wash out the mask, then wrap myself in multiple towels. Putting on my pajamas, I’m just getting ready to open Netflix when the room door opens. Gabriel struts in and comes to a complete stop as he stares at me. He makes no effort to mask the lust in his eyes as he takes in my tank and booty shorts.

“I thought you’d be gone all evening,” I stammer.

“I changed my mind. I didn’t think you’d be here,” he replies huskily.

We stare at each other momentarily before Gabriel takes a step toward me.

“What are you doing?” I whisper.

“I-“he begins to reply, but there’s a knock at the door. “Expecting someone?”

“Room service.”

I slide past him and catch a whiff of his cologne, making my eyes close in bliss. I find my hands shaking when I open the door to accept the room service. As the attendant moves the tray into the room, I’m acutely aware of the tension between Gabriel and me. I try to avert my eyes from him, but as soon as his eyes catch mine, I’m captivated by the emotion I see swirling in the depths. Passion. Lust. Comfort. It’s all there. Gabriel is slowly, day by day, pulling me in. And I don’t know how much longer I can avoid it.

After the attendant leaves, neither of us moves.

“I want you so fucking bad,querida,” Gabriel says quietly.

“It’s not a good idea,” I murmur.

“Why?”

“Because we work together. You’re my boss.”

---