Page 11 of Love Unexpected

“Oh yeah? Why don’t you ask me then? I know this company like the back of my hand." He leans against my desk, waiting for a response.

“Oh, umm, thanks, but I’ll just wait until he’s finished," I reply, trying my best to sound nonchalant.

“Yep, that’s exactly what I thought! Just make sure you wipe the drool off your desk. I’d hate for him to catch you!” Marcus whisper-yells, a cheeky grin plastered across his face as he strolls away, whistling.

“Ha-ha-ha!” I shoot back sarcastically, a smile spreading over my face.

Since returning from Japan, Marcus and I have really hit it off. He’s the unserious brother—the complete opposite of Noah. Marcus is younger, funny, and really easy to talk to. I can always count on him for a laugh. Every morning for the past two weeks, we've been meeting up in the break room to chat and catch up while we brew our coffees. It’s exactly how my friendship with Lucas started off.

Beneath the laughter, I sense that Marcus is digging deeper. He knows something happened between his brother and I, but I deny every accusation he throws my way. I can’t let him know the truth. Noah hadn’t sworn me to secrecy, but I know he would prefer if I kept our little secret under wraps. As I stand by the coffee maker, I can't help but wonder how much longer I'll be able to keep it in, especially from someone as perceptive and nosey as Marcus.

Another busy work day comes to an end and I’m beyond exhausted and ready to go home. But the unresolved tension between Noah and I has been weighing on me heavier and heavier each day. I've had enough, it's time to confront him. No more avoiding the inevitable.

Without a second thought, I push open the door to his office, not bothering to knock this time. Storming inside, I slam the door shut behind me. The abrupt sound causes his head to snap up in surprise, his eyebrows frowning.

“Ms. Sterling? What's wrong?” Concern laces his voice. His normally composed demeanor breaks, showing genuine worry.

“What's wrong? That’s what I sure as hell would like to know!" My voice rises, frustration pouring out. "I understand you regret what happened in Japan, but what I don’t understand is why you're punishing me for it. You came to my room that night! We were two consenting adults, caught up in the moment. So why are you taking this out on me now?" I fight back the urge to cry.

Sighing in defeat, he stands from the desk and skeptically walks toward me, his hands in his pockets. There's a flicker of conflict in his eyes as he approaches me.

“I'm sorry," he murmurs, his voice low and tired. "You're absolutely right."

I stand there unmoving with my arms crossed, waiting for an explanation. A simple "I'm sorry" is not good enough.

"This has been hard for me," he continues. "I crossed a line with you and I wish I could take it back. This is all new for me—I’ve never slept with someone who works for me and I always swore I would never." He reaches out, his hand brushing my arm. The touch makes goosebumps appear on my skin. "I didn’t know how to handle the situation other than to pretend it never happened and put some space between us. I’m truly sorry for making you feel like you did something wrong. Emma please don’t cry.” I don’t even realize my eyes are burning until he says it.

He tugs me closer and wraps his arms around me. I find myself sniffling against his chest, overwhelmed by the warm embrace mixed with his woodsy scent that I’ve missed. It's bothsoothing and heartbreaking. Pulling myself together, I break the embrace first and step back to regain my composure.

“Thank you, Noah. I accept your apology and I understand why you’ve been distant. Now we can move on from this like grown adults,” I smile, not believing my own words that are tumbling out.

He cups my cheek, tipping my head up, forcing me to look into his eyes. His thumb brushes away a rogue tear that slips down my face. I can see his inner turmoil with the way his eyebrows remain drawn together. "What if I don’t want to move on, Em?” he whispers. The vulnerability in his voice makes my chest ache. “What if I’ve been struggling to stay away from you for the past few weeks?”

That single confession is all it takes. Next thing I know, our mouths are crashing together in a frenzied, passionate kiss. He hesitates to unbutton my top as if he’s silently asking for permission. I do it for him and toss my shirt on the floor. We strip the rest of our clothes off in record breaking time.

Suddenly, I’m being laid backwards on his cold desk. The chill of the wood contrasts sharply with the heat building between us. Noah stands before me, his eyes dark with desire, and his cock already waiting at my entrance. He grabs my ankles, lifting them up to rest on his shoulders. I grip the sides of the desk as he enters me slowly. We both moan and I close my eyes, focusing on the feeling of him stretching me. He buries himself all the way to the hilt, then pauses.

“You feel so good, baby,” he rasps, his voice thick with need. He turns his head, planting seductive kisses on the inside of my ankle. The movement is sweet before it turns frantic and he begins thrusting—slowly at first. But as the heat builds, he quickens his pace. I knock a few things off the desk as I try to regain my grip on the edge to help steady myself. Noah leans over me, my ankles still wrapped around his strong neck, and he grabs my shoulders, pushing me down against him harder.

“God I’ve missed this so much,” he grunts.

“Yes, Noah, right there!” I cry out. With the obvious sound of my orgasm crashing over me, Noah releases his own. He groans as he finds his own release. He quickly pulls out just in time, stroking himself over my stomach, heat spilling out onto my skin. His strokes get lazier and a satisfied smile ghosts his lips as he watches me lying there.

“Let me get something to clean you up.” He walks backwards towards his private bathroom, not taking his eyes off of me until he reaches the door. I can't help but admire him; his legs are so long and muscular, they lead up to a lean torso sculpted with impressive abs and firm pecs.

I hear the water running before he returns with a warm, damp towel. His touch is gentle as he carefully cleans up the mess he made.

“So, what were you saying about moving on from this?” he smirks, challenging me as he continues to clean me up.

I sit up, pretending to be annoyed, and playfully smack his chest. “Once again, this was ALL your doing. I’m not taking the blame for this one either!” I laugh. I wander around his office, gathering my clothes off the floor.

Once I'm fully dressed, he walks over, cupping my cheek with his warm hand. In that moment, he leans in and plants the most tender kiss to my lips.

“I’ll see you tomorrow," he murmurs dismissively.

“Yes sir, see you tomorrow," I reply, biting my lip as I back away from him.

Chapter 10

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