Page 9 of Curvy Girl for the Boss

With trembling fingers, I open the gift to reveal a stunning silver bracelet, the delicate links glinting in the fluorescent light of my office. A note flutters out, Zander's bold script searing into my mind.

"A token of my appreciation for all your hard work. Wear it and think of me. - Z"

My heart races as I clasp the bracelet around my wrist, the cool metal a constant reminder of his presence. I shouldn't accept it, shouldn't encourage whatever this is between us. But I can't bring myself to take it off.

As I lose myself once more in the monotony of spreadsheets and emails, Zander's face swims before my eyes, his heated gaze promising things I dare not even imagine. Each keystroke becomes a battle, a desperate attempt to maintain the professional distance I know we need.

But with every passing day, every stolen glance and secret gift, I feel my resolve crumbling. Zander Shaw is a force to be reckoned with, and I fear I may be powerless to resist his charms much longer.

***

The glittering lights of the ballroom dance across my skin as I weave through the crowd, my heart beating in time with the soft jazz that fills the air. This is a company affair, a charity gala, that Zander demanded we all attend.

I’m no idiot. I know why. He wasn’t going to give me a chance to get away from him.

I can feel Zander's presence like a physical touch, his eyes tracking my every move from across the room.

I take a steadying breath, smoothing my hands over the rich fabric of my gown. It clings to my curves like a second skin, the deep crimson hue a stark contrast to my usual conservative attire. A daring choice, but one that makes me feel powerful, desirable.

As if drawn by an invisible force, Zander materializes at my side, his hand grazing the small of my back. Electricity crackles between us, the heat of his touch searing through the thin silk.

"You look stunning," he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear. "I can't take my eyes off you."

I flush, my skin tingling with awareness. "Zander, we can't..."

But he's already leading me onto the dance floor, his arm sliding around my waist as he pulls me close. The scent of his cologne envelops me, rich and intoxicating, as we begin to move in perfect sync.

"Just one dance," he whispers, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. "Let me have this moment with you."

I close my eyes, letting the music wash over me as Zander guides me across the floor. His touch is electric, his body molding to mine as if we were made for each other. The world falls away until there's nothing but the two of us, lost in the rhythm of our own private melody.

As the song draws to a close, Zander's hand lingers on my hip, his thumb tracing slow circles that send shivers down my spine. I know I should pull away, put some distance between us before someone notices. But I can't seem to make myself move, caught in the web of his intense gaze.

"Meet me on the balcony in five minutes," he breathes, his voice low and urgent. "I need to talk to you alone."

Then he's gone, melting into the crowd like a phantom. I stand frozen, my heart racing as I try to gather my scatteredthoughts. The rational part of me knows I should ignore his request, maintain the professional boundaries I've fought so hard to establish.

But the ache in my chest, the yearning that's been building with every stolen moment and secret touch, propels me forward. Before I can second-guess myself, I'm slipping through the French doors, the cool night air a balm against my flushed skin.

Zander's already waiting, his silhouette outlined against the twinkling city lights. He turns as I approach, his eyes darkening with an emotion I can't quite name.

"Chrissy," he says softly, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind my ear. His fingers linger, tracing the delicate line of my jaw. "I can't keep pretending that I don't feel this...this connection between us."

I swallow hard, my pulse thundering in my ears. "Zander, we can't do this. You're my boss, and I've worked too hard to jeopardize my career."

"I know," he sighs, his forehead resting against mine. "But I can't ignore what's happening here. Can you honestly tell me you don't feel it too?"

His words hang in the air between us, heavy with unspoken desire. I know I should deny it, push him away and retreat to the safety of my carefully constructed walls.

But as Zander's lips hover a mere breath from mine, his hand curving possessively around my hip, I realize I'm tired of fighting this irresistible pull. Consequences be damned, I want to surrender to the fire that's been smoldering between us for far too long.

My eyes flutter closed, my body swaying instinctively toward his. "Zander," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart. "Please..."

With that single word, all pretense of restraint shatters. Zander's mouth crushes against mine, his kiss hungry,consuming, as if he has been waiting for this moment as long as I have. His tongue traces my lower lip, seeking entry, and I can't help but part my lips for him.

The taste of him is intoxicating, his touch igniting a fire that burns hotter than any November flame. I'm lost in the storm of sensations as he deepens the kiss, his hands roaming my curves with a possessiveness that should terrify me.

But instead, I'm consumed by a need I've never before experienced, my body melting into his as if we were always meant to be together. The tension that has been simmering between us for days finally boils over, and I find myself clinging to him, desperate for more.

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