Page 34 of Grace

And so, with every step I get closer to my desk, my heart beats just a little faster, my belly tightens further.

“Oh, thank God you’re still here,” Melissa’s voice halts me, and I turn to face her, mustering a smile even though I’m sure my cheeks are a fiery red.

“He went all out, didn’t he?” she asks as she brushes her fingers over my shoulder gently.

“No, no, it was okay.”

“Okay?” her brows pinch together. “You were in there for so, so long, the blinds were closed, and then you looked all… well… like you do now.”

I press the back of my hand on my hot skin, hoping to cool down the heat that crawls through me.

“It was fine,” I say, not wanting her to pry any further. “It was just… a little intense.” I try to be honest without giving us away. I hope something stops her line of questioning before I can get in trouble.

“Are you sure? He never closes the blinds. Well, he did… That doesn’t matter. That was different.” She waves her hand slightly, dismissing her words, but I can’t stop mine from falling out.

“What do you mean?”

She chuckles softly as she inches closer. “Well, our dear boss had a certain woman working here, and he and her… You can fill in the blanks, can’t you?”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” I mumble as my fast beating heart stammers almost painfully.

Am I really just convenient? A replacement for some other woman because he’s bored? I shake my head, trying not to let the words get to me.

“I’m glad you’re still here,” Melissa says with a smile before she heads to her cubicle.

I fall in the leather chair, rolling closer to my desk as I start my computer, not wanting to let my gaze wander to Daniel. The blinds are open as he paces his office with his phone clutched in his hand, pressed tightly against his ear.

My idea to throw myself into work as Melissa’s words slither within me fails. I feel like I’m pretending to work because nothing is sticking in my mind.

“Grace,” Daniel calls out, and I sigh, looking up to see him gesturing for me to come in.

Slow and carefully, I scan around as I stand up. No one notices a thing, but they shouldn’t even be surprised, right? There’s nothing wrong with me going into his office. I’m his assistant. This is normal, totally normal… for everyone other than me.

“Close the door,” Daniel quickly says as I step inside.

My heart hasn’t slowed a bit as I close the door. The sound of the blinds closing follows, and a tremble makes its way through my body.

Is it one of anticipation or nerves?

I almost make no sound as I walk to Daniel’s desk while he takes his seat. My hand reaches for the chair, and he clears his throat. My eyes snap up, watching him as he shakes his head and rolls back slightly, patting his lap.

My throat closes, and there’s a slight pause in my movements, but I wanted to do this, try this. And even though I know I already messed up by catching feelings, a simple crush, I shouldn’t let Melissa’s words get to me.

But somehow, they do. I’m not the first one in this position, and I won’t be the last. I don’t know if that makes it better or worse, but…

I hold onto that thought as I walk around his desk and linger by him, not sure whether to take my seat on his lap or—

A squeal escapes as his big hand grabs my waist, tugging me sharply closer until I’m propped on his legs.

“Good morning,” Daniel whispers as he turns his chair back. “You look beautiful, Grace.”

I smile quietly as my fingers intertwine.

“Is this okay?” he asks, his fingers grazing over my lower back as he tilts his head closer. The phone falls on his desk, and the sound of someone speaking on the other side resonates from it just briefly as Daniel hangs up without a word.

“Yes,” I breathe, and he gently presses his lips to my forehead.

“I want to kiss you. Can I?” he asks.

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