Page 24 of Frozen Flames

“Like blowing him whenever he wants.”

“No!” I laugh, smacking his arm.

“Oh, come on, Claire, don’t be a prude.”

“I’m not! Just stop.” I chuckle, shaking my head.

We’re done prepping the cookies, and I take a spoonful of dough to taste.

“So, no boyfriend?”

His question surprises me, and it takes me a second to recover. “I had a long-distance relationship with a guy in college. My focus was on my studies and my family. Eventually, we grew apart, and the distance got to us.”

“I see.” Then he surprises me by digging a finger into the dough and putting it in his mouth. His moan of appreciation warms me up inside.

The air feels hot all of a sudden.

“This is good.”

“The best cookies in the world?” I tilt my head.

His smile could brighten people’s days. He should do it more often.

“Nah, I wouldn’t push it.”

“Harvey!” We’re chuckling by the time he presses the green button on his iPhone when Gemma FaceTimes him.

I rein in my laughter when he captures my face on the phone, trying to disguise my happiness.

I know we’re not doing anything wrong, but a part of me knows we’re not doing everything right either. We’re not on the most professional track. I’m crossing lines with him. Yet not one bone in my body wants to leave. I’m enjoying his company too much.

“Can you turn down the music?” The tension is almost palpable. I can tell from Gemma’s face, and Harvey’s response to it, that our night is over.

I head to the kitchen island to shut off the music on the portable speaker. When I come back to my seat and watchHarvey lick his fingers, I can see Gemma’s furious stare on the screen.

If looks could kill…

I hope I’m not getting fired.

“I’m… There’s a happy hour event after work. I thought I’d check it out this time.”

She doesn’t sound like she’s doing okay. Harvey doesn’t say anything either.

I feel bad. We’ve clearly ruined her night, or maybe it has nothing to do with us, so the least she should do is go out with her new coworkers.

I don’t think before I speak. Instead, I say, “Go! It’ll be fun. I don’t mind staying longer.”

My voice echoes in the background as I stare at Harvey, who nods as he tells Gemma that he’ll see her later.

And just like that, as he hangs up, I can sense the shift in his mood, and I don’t want to be caught in the crossfire.

“Why did you say you’ll stay longer, Claire?” I can sense his irritation in every cell of my body. “I don’t need you to constantly watch over me.”

“I know.” I swallow. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way.”

“Either way,” he continues, “you shouldn’t even be staying late, and we both know it.”

“Is this because of Gemma?” I clear my throat. “Or because you think I’m staying after hours just for work?”

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