Page 24 of Beyond Perfect

“What about wine?” Maisy asked.

“I’m taking care of that. You got my list, right Todd?”

“I did. I ordered everything and it came in today.”

Maisy’s face was passive. She hadn’t objected to him paying.

“And you chose no cake. Cupcakes instead.”

Maisy said, “That’s what the bride and groom want.”

They talked about seating—one big table or smaller ones—confirmed the time frame and then they finished up. “Thanks,” Maisy said, standing.

“Thank you.” He walked out the door.

Before she left, Maisy turned to Jackson. “Did you find Frankie?”

“Not yet. I called in the same team that located Annie and they’re looking for him.”

She nodded.

“Listen sweetheart, can we talk?”

“No!” Maisy turned fast and hurried to the door and away from Jackson.

Fuck, he wasn’t letting this go. He strode after her. She got behind the wheel right as he slid in the passenger side.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Suddenly, the longing, the wanting, the need were too much to bear. “Just this.”

He drew her close and pressed his mouth against hers. Surprisingly, she didn’t resist; she leaned in instead. She tasted like he thought she would. The kiss started out slow then got wild very fast. He devoured her mouth. She devoured his.

When he couldn’t get close enough, he pulled her across the gear shift. Still kissing him, she straddled his lap. The feel of her body against his spiked his arousal. She grasped his neck then dug her hands into his hair, clutched at his shoulders. His hands slipped down to her breast; they were full and supple. When he went for the buttons on her blouse, she accommodated him by moving back. He had it open in seconds. Undid the front bra clasp. She spilled into his palms.

How long the kiss went on neither of them knew. But at one point she drew back. “Oh, my God. What are we doing?”

He murmured against her mouth, “What we’ve wanted to be doing almost since Pathways opened.”

“No. We can’t. I’m your employee. Besides, I’m mad at you.”

He nuzzled her breasts. “Come to my house. Stay with me tonight.”

“No.”

He stopped immediately. Sucked in a breath. “Give me a minute.”

She didn’t move.

Then he kissed her head, said, “All right,” and released her. She climbed back over the gear shift, but didn’t say anything, staring straight ahead. He shoved open the door, slammed it shut and walked away.

Maisy waited. She heard his car start and then tear out of the parking lot, but she couldn’t drive yet. She was too shaken by everything that happened today. No, she had to be honest. The kiss had done this to her. And because all she wanted was to jump into bed with him, she sent him away.

When did you become such a coward?

She knew, deep in her heart that she wanted Jackson. Craved him. She’d spent a lot of time denying that. He was her boss after all.

You’re making excuses.

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