Page 59 of Unleashed

“You’re dehydrated.” He gestured toward the nightstand. “Drink the juice I left for you.”

I glanced over, noticing the glass of fresh orange juice and the aspirin he’d left the night before. Gratefully, I grabbed the pills and tossed them into my mouth, chasing them down with the juice.

“Thank you,” I murmured, setting the glass down.

Michael shifted, his eyes never leaving mine. “Would you like to talk?” he asked, his voice softer than I’d expected.

I hesitated. “I think we’ve said everything that needs to be said.”

His lips tightened slightly. “Not everything.”

“There’s more?” I asked, a nervous laugh escaping me as I bit down on my bottom lip.

He leaned forward and gently freed my lip from between my teeth, his thumb brushing my skin. “Yes,” he said softly, “there is. But maybe we should save the vodka this time.”

I smirked, despite myself. “No more vodka,” I agreed. “So, what is it?”

Michael straightened, his expression becoming serious. “I want a relationship with you.”

I blinked, unsure if I’d heard him correctly. “We already have a relationship. You’re my boss, I’m your employee.”

“Not that kind of relationship,” he said, his voice steady. “I want more.”

God, what was he saying? I’d gone so long without a steady relationship, concentrating on my work life and trying to prepare for financial stability. Now, I had two men who were interested in a relationship with me.

“More?” I repeated, my heart pounding now for a completely different reason. “And what if I can’t give you more?”

He shrugged, a hint of vulnerability slipping through his usual cool exterior. “Then I’ll wait... until you’re ready.”

I sighed, pulling the duvet tighter around me as I sat up against the headboard. “You might be waiting a while, Michael. I’ve got things going on. Complicated things.”

His gaze hardened slightly. “Is there someone else?”

I hesitated but quickly shook my head. “No. But that doesn’t mean I’m ready for... this.”

“Then what are you ready for?” he asked quietly.

“Maybe... something casual,” I offered. “No strings attached. Nothing too serious.”

Michael’s eyes searched mine for a moment before he gave a slow nod. “Casual dating, then?”

“And... casual sex?” I added, raising an eyebrow.

He smirked. “Only if you want it to be.”

I smiled weakly. “I’ll think about it.”

“Take all the time you need,” he said softly. “I’ll be here.”

“I should go home. I need to visit my parents today.” I glanced at the sunlight creeping through the curtains, the reminder of my obligations gnawing at the back of my mind.

Michael raised an eyebrow, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “I could take you. Or have Winston drive you.” His tone was casual, but his eyes never left mine.

I snorted softly. “Why would you want to waste your day going to an old folks’ home with me?”

He leaned in slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting into a small, amused smile. “Do I have to say it? I like spending time with you.” His fingers brushed lightly against my arm, sending an unexpected thrill through me.

I narrowed my eyes, skeptical but trying not to grin. “Do you know where I live?”

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