Page 35 of Grace

“O–Okay,” I answer, unsure why he’s asking for permission to kiss me after what we did last time we were in here together. Was it just yesterday?

There’s this glint in his eyes, this excitement as I give in, consent to what he wants to do.

“Good,” he breathes, the warmth of his breath tickling over my lips as he edges closer.

His full lips brush over mine, a slight tease as he waits for me. He does it again, his hand tightening at my lower back as he draws me closer.

And I’m the one who closes the distance, claiming his lips with mine. The tension in my body slowly melts away, and my lips soften, following his lead as he kisses me, so gently, so soft and kind.

His tongue follows, gliding over mine as he deepens the kiss. A throaty groan vibrates around our tongues, and I melt against him.

I lean closer and closer until his chair cracks under our weight as he lies back. My body crawls over his as he doesn’t stop kissing me, doesn’t stop his hand from dropping to the curve of my ass and pulling me closer, even though there’s no space between us.

Our kiss slows, and I break my lips free, catching my breath as I’m pressed flush against him.

“Good girl,” he praises as my trembling hand glides over his shirt.

“I want you to stay here,” he says, his fingers trailing over my heated cheek. “With me.”

I gape at him as my heartbeat rings in my ears. “The entire day? I have some work that needs to be done. The reports… and I have to finish that PowerPoint presentation I started Friday,” I say haltingly.

All he does is stare at me, a slight curve on his lips. I notice how playful and approachable he looks like this, even though I know he’s plenty capable of being intimidating. I try to control my breathing and my reaction to him as he grazes his fingers over my lower back.

“You can do all that here with me,” he says so easily.

I blink, unsure whether it’s the right thing to do. “What would everyone think?”

My eyes drop to my hand, Melissa’s words ringing in my head as I wonder if I want to be that person, the one who sleeps with the boss. Or perhaps we already passed that point. Is there any coming back or am I just another girl in Daniel’s long line of women?

“There’s nothing for them to know. This is between you and me.”

“But they’ll know because…” I swallow my next words.

“Because?” There’s no impatience in his eyes, no annoyance, only kindness and patience, and I’m unsure what to make of it.

“Well, because of someone else you… had here.” I can’t muster the right words. I can’t say it bluntly.

His brows draw together as he sits a little straighter. “Had here?”

“It’s nothing, never mind,” I say, wanting to run and hide just because I brought this up. Because what does it matter? We’re nothing to each other. It’s just for fun, right?

“Grace, look at me.” Daniel’s voice is gentle as he guides my face back to him. “Just tell me.”

I swallow thickly. “It’s just something Melissa said, that you had a… fling with someone in the office before.”

There it is. The slight movement of his Adam’s apple, the blink and sigh of resignation. It’s the truth, then. I’m not his first in this situation, and I probably won’t be his last.

“Are you jealous?” he asks.

“No, no, of course not.” I sigh. It’s only a half-lie. I’m getting good at those. “I don’t know what I’m doing. Whatwe’redoing.”

A soft smile tugs on his lips. “I can’t answer that, but I can’t stop thinking about you. Your smile, your strength, your cooking.” He leans closer, his finger curling under the hem of my skirt. “And that pretty pussy between your legs, darling. You let me have a taste, and now you are all I can think about.”

“But… I’m just me?” I breathe.

“And justyouhave me entirely addicted,” he whispers.

seventeen

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