Page 45 of Tempting All The Way

“World’s best, huh?” he says, wiping at my cheeks. “I don’t like seeing you cry.” His voice is solemn.

“I’m sorry. It’s just… you’re too damn perfect.” I laugh.

“Well, let’s keep that between the two of us. I have a reputation of being the world’s biggest asshole to uphold.” He smiles as he kisses my forehead.

I melt. I’mmelting. I want to tell him how much I’m in this, how much I’ve fallen for him in such a short time. I’ve always had a huge crush on him, but this is way beyond that. I think I’m in love with him.

I know I’m in love with him.

“Come on, let’s get to work. Unless you want to stay home.”

“No, I’m fine. I’m coming to work,” I tell him.

I should have stayed home. I’ve tried to pick myself up with sugar. I bought a heap of cookies when I went to Starbucks this morning to get Xavier’s coffee. Nothing is working though. I feel like complete and utter crap.

Xavier’s hovering isn’t helping. He’s constantly coming out to check on me—although he attempts to disguise it, acting like he’s just getting something from the copier room or kitchen. Or there was one time he said he was going to get coffee, when I had just placed a fresh cup on his desk five minutes prior.

It’s cute, in the most annoying way. I do love that he cares, but I also don’t want to appear weak. Or hinder his usual day-to day-business, which I know I have. He cancelled all of his meetings.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear. “How are you feeling?” he asks, briefcase in one hand, his phone in the other.

“I’m good, but you won’t be if you don’t hurry up and make it to the courthouse,” I remind him. He’s meant to be there in fifteen minutes. It’s at least a ten-minute drive.

“All right, I’m going. I’ll be back as soon as I can. If you need anything, call me,” he says, pausing like he’s waiting for something.

“I’ll be fine, Xavier. Go. Don’t worry about me.” I offer him a smile. As much as I want to stand and kiss him goodbye, I force myself to stay seated.

Xavier leans down over my desk. “I hate leaving and not being able to kiss you goodbye,” he whispers, as if reading my mind.

“Me too,” I whisper back.

“I’ll see you soon. Make sure you eat something for lunch,” he says as he walks away. And my heart smiles. He really does care about me. My phone vibrates on my desk with an incoming text message.

The devil boss/boyfriend:

Call me if you need anything. xx

Me:

Focus on your client, Xavier, your job. I’ll be fine.

The devil boss/boyfriend:

I’d much rather focus on you.

I don’t respond again. He needs to get to the courthouse, not sit in his car texting me. I place my phone down and focus on sorting through emails.

Ten minutes later, my stomach starts rumbling. Maybe I do need to eat something. I shut my computer down, stand, and make my way to the kitchen to find a salad bowl. My steps are slow as I focus on the path in front of me.

My head is spinning, and my vision blurs.

“Are you okay? Shar?”

I look to my left. It’s Nathan.

“I’m fine,” I say, right as the floor gives out under me.

Chapter Twenty-Two

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