Page 50 of Unbossly Manners

“Is something bugging you?” he asked.

“I saw something the other night at the office,” I said.

“What?” His face was neutral but curious.

“I saw Isaac and Brody together.”

I didn’t like keeping a secret about his partner, which may not be a secret, but I needed it to be out in the open between us. I remembered what Jackson said about trust and vulnerability.

Derrick relaxed into the seat. The band tuned their instruments before playing a lilting Cole Porter song.

“Oh, that. Isaac told me. We had a big sit down with Isaac, Prathi, Brody, and me about a week ago. But don’t say anything. Brody and Isaac don’t want anyone to know. It doesn’t look good.”

“We’re dating,” I said. “How does that look?”

“You’re a paid employee. It’s different.” Derrick slid across the booth until he was next to me. “Why, are you worried about this?”

His arm grazed mine and my hair stood up. Warmth radiated from him and I had the urge to sink into his side.

“Brody messaged me. He seemed concerned like he didn’t want me to talk to Prathi.”

“Are you sure it was HR he was worried about? Was it something else? Memory’s a funny thing.”

“I’m pretty sure. Hold on.” I tapped the messenger app, but when I opened my chat with Brody, it was gone.

“That’s weird.”

“What?” Derrick leaned close. My stomach flipped, his face close to my cheek.

“It’s gone.” I turned to him, and his lips were an inch from me.

“Strange,” he whispered, his eyes on my mouth.

My belly clenched, heat ricocheting between us. He tilted forward and his lips pressed to mine, warm and soft.

“I’ve wanted to do that all night,” he said softly against my mouth.

I lowered my chin, blushing.

“Was that okay?” He sounded worried.

“Of course. I liked it.” I shyly met his eyes, a zing of excitement ripping through me.

His lips covered mine again, and his tongue grazed the seam. I couldn’t believe I was in a bar, making out with Derrick Jacques. My eyes fluttered shut, and I sank into the kiss. Our silky tongues slid together in a dance and my skin tingled. Derrick’s hands dug into my hair, and I was pulled out of my thoughts. The kiss wrapped around me like a warm blanket on a cold night.

It was nice to kiss Derrick who had no ulterior motives but to be with me. I took his hand and guided him under my top. I wasn’t wearing a bra, and he sucked in a sharp breath when his hand scooped over my breast.

It was a bold move and I wouldn’t have done it before my session with Jackson. I guess it was giving me confidence.

“Scandalous,” he whispered into my ear.

Desire skittered over my skin and landed in a pool between my legs. His mouth moved to my neck and I tilted my head back, urging him to continue. There wasn’t much we could do in a semi-public booth, but I wanted a taste of what was to come.

I moved my hand over his muscled thigh, feeling braver than I’d ever felt with a guy. I continued up the coarse denim of his pants, and in a daring move, I placed my palm directly on his crotch.

“Don’t.” He shot his hips back, my hand falling away.

“Sorry.” I shifted away from him, embarrassment chilling my desire. “I should’ve asked.”

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