Page 18 of The Unplanned Wedding

I push up to standing, then wince when my backside throbs.

“Does it hurt?” There’s a note of curiosity in his voice, matched by the gleam in his eyes. A shiver grips me. The fact that he cares enough to ask means so much, and I don’t question it.

“It does”—I nod— “but in a good way.”

Satisfaction laces his features. Then he slips my spectacles out of hispocket and slides them back on my face. He positions them just so, then looks me up and down. “You’ll remember me every time you sit down in your chair. You’ll remember that you’re not supposed to encourage men to look at you.”

“What the— What?” My jaw drops. “Are you saying it’s my fault he touched me?” And here, I’d been thinking he rushed to protect my honor by firing the executive.

He draws himself up to his full height, “What I’m saying is that this skirt”—he stares at the offending garment—“is too tight.”

“Are you calling me, fat?” I whisper.

He looks genuinely taken aback. “Are you trying to elicit compliments from me?”

It’s my turn to feel baffled. “But you said my clothes are too tight?—”

“Your figure is perfect, as you are well aware.”

I push my spectacles up my nose. “Uh, no, I’m not, actually.”

His brows draw down. “Surely, you jest. Your curves are exquisite.”

“Really?” I cry.

He goes on as if I haven’t spoken. “I’m sorry if I implied it was your fault that bastard came onto you. That wasn’t my intention at all. But I didn't like the way he stared at you, and how he seemed to be overly familiar with you.” He scowls. “Why didn’t you tell him off?”

“Uh, I’m an assistant and he’s an executive, and I didn’t want to lose my job.”Also, I didn’t want to mess up my boss’ meeting.But I don’t say that aloud.

A look of understanding flashes across his features. “You have my permission to tell off any asshole who dares behave inappropriately with you, except?—”

“You?” I ask timidly.

“Except me,” he says slowly. “Do you find it strange that I say that?”

I lower my gaze and shake my head. “I... I find it appropriate. When you take liberties with me... It feels...” I search for the correct word then settle for, “Right?”

“Hmm.”

I sneak a peek at his face to find him watching me with a strange look in his eyes.

“You didn't find it disconcerting when I?—”

“Spanked me?” My bottom pulses in response, and I resist the urge to shuffle my feet and find a more comfortable position. “I should have, but... It felt... Correct for you to do so. I made a mistake, and you punished me, so I’ll remember not to do it again.”

He grunts. “I’m not going to apologize for it,” he warns.

“I don’t expect you to.”

“This doesn’t mean anything.” He takes a step back. “I had an urge. I indulged it. But it doesn’t imply there’s something here.” He motions to the space between us before shoving his hand in his pocket. “Understand?”

“You mean, you’re not going to marry me?” I gaze at him wide-eyed. “But please. You touched me, so you should. Imagine how happy we’ll be?” I paste a goofy smile on my face. “In fact, we’ll make such pretty babies.

He blanches. I swear, the man goes completely white.

It’s so funny—and pathetic—that the thought of marrying me turned my very macho boss pale, I allow myself a chuckle. It’s either that or cry, and no way, am I going to do that.

“Relax.” With a panache I manage to drag from the depths of my being, I wave my hand in the air. “I was kidding. You spanked me. I enjoyed it. It was an interchange between consenting adults. It doesn’t mean anything.”

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