Page 51 of Boss with Benefits

"So you screamed my name to mess with me?" She cocked her head, her face folded in uncertainty.

"Yep," I said, popping my "p" like she did earlier. I walked past her to the elevator bank.

"You're lying," she accused, her short legs hurrying to keep up with my long strides.

I smiled coyly. "You'll never know."

She swatted at my shoulder, and I caught her hand, holding it in my grip.

"Don't," I said, lowering my voice. "Let's try to do better at keeping that boundary from now on."

There was a pull in my chest that wanted to tug her close and press my lips to her mouth, but I ignored it. I may have jerked off in a supply closet while thinking of Rachel, but crossing that line was a totally different game.

I released her hand. "And I expect you here on Monday ready to work."

25

RACHEL

The rest of the weekend was awful.

I was so distracted during the bout on Saturday night that I caused my team to lose. My teammates were pissed. I'd been MIA all week, and then my distraction led to a loss.

My mind was wrapped around what happened with Derrick. My run-in with him felt like a disconcerting dream with Picasso edges that didn't make sense.

Monday morning, I woke up at the ass-crack from a weird dream. Only fragments remained—a tunnel, Derrick in the darkness calling out my name, erotic undertones, someone screaming at me. I woke up feeling odd and unsettled.

I couldn't go back to sleep after that, so I slipped on my skates and headed for the path along the East River to shake out the strange feelings that clung to me from that dream.

It was surreal being out so early. I didn't know Manhattan had another life before seven. The early morning risers either had no choice—bleary-eyed parents pushing strollers or dog owners waiting for their pets to do their business—or they were insane: the runners, power walkers, and cyclists.

And my favorite. The walk of shamers. Or, as I liked to think when I was one of them, the walk of slayed it, cause there ain't no shame in having sex.

There was a strange stirring in my gut that I couldn't shake, and I realized it was fear. I was scared to see Derrick today. His teasing Saturday night had put me on unsteady footing, the power dynamic shifting, and it unsettled me.

Derrick had basically said he'd fire me if I didn't show up today, so practicality won, and after a quick breakfast and shower, I headed over to the office, a knot of dread churning in my belly.

When I stepped off the elevator, I nearly collided with Lexi and Peyton.

"You're here," Lexi said, surprised. "I thought you quit. I left you a bazillion messages last week."

I flinched, guilt washing over me. "I'm so sorry," I said. It was uncomfortable being scolded by my colleague, but Lexi had every right. It was way uncool how I disappeared for a week.

"I had some family stuff and..." I scrambled for an explanation. "I handled it horribly."

Lexi sighed, tapping her fingernail on the coffee mug in her hand. "I get it. But you have to communicate and make arrangements if something comes up. Otherwise, the shit you're dealing with sprays on everyone else."

"Gross." Peyton pulled a disgusted face.

"Derrick basically said the same thing." I walked with them into the open office. "I swear, I won't do it again."

Lexi exhaled and exchanged a look with Peyton. "Look, I'm not your keeper. And I'm not your boss. But that wasn't cool." Her face softened. "I'm guessing you don't have a ton of corporate or office experience, correct?"

I nodded, tensing as she continued to gently scold.

"This isn't a come and go at your leisure kind of place," Peyton said. "It's relaxed for sure, but not when it comes to work ethics. I'm glad Derrick's giving you a second chance, but most places would've fired you."

"I know," I said, and I meant it. I felt like a child, but it was my fault. I acted sophomoric. "It was stupid."

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