Page 63 of How to Marry the Boss

I’m half-awake when I turn on my other side and brush my hand over Jake’s side of the bed, thinking I’d touch hard muscle. Instead, my hand is met with soft, cool, sheets. He isn’t here beside me. He hasn’t been for a while.

I slowly open my eyes. A part of me wants to fall back asleep. To still think he’s here. As though what we shared mattered to him just as much as it did to me.

I close my eyes, only to be met with the memories of his mouth on every part of me. The pleasure he’d given is something I don’t think I’ll ever forget. His hands cupping my breasts as he sucked and teased my nipples. His talented tongue caressing my clit and sending me over the edge so many times. His deep, powerful thrusts were like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Just the thought of last night has me thinking I could go over the edge and into oblivion once again. The familiar ache from my girl parts comes back to life. I don’t think I could ever get enough of him. He was a taste of forbidden fruit while I was his goddess.

We didn’t use protection.

With the memories of such pleasure come reminders of reality. Crap, I forgot to grab a condom. Good thing my period ended yesterday.

I gave myself over to a man who was only temporary. He’s living with me because he has to, not because he wants to.A heated moment and nothing more.

Sex with Jake was nice while it lasted, and now it’s time to move on.

Slowly moving out of bed, I search all around the floor for some semblance of my clothes. How difficult can it be to find my underwear, let alone the rest of my clothes? A bra here, pants there, and who the hell knows where my panties went?

After long minutes of searching, I manage to find and don yesterday’s clothes.

I’m about to walk out of the room, when I see a piece of paper taped to the door. There’s writing on it.

Morning, baby girl.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be here to see you wake up. Jonathan called and asked me to pick him and Kiera up from the airport. I’ll explain everything when I get back.

I’ll be home soon,

Jake

The more I reread the note, the more my heart swells. The more memories come to the surface. He said he loved me. Maybe last night wasn’t just about sex.

Wait. Why is Jonathan at the airport?

They’re not supposed to be home yet. If Jonathan is coming home early, what does that mean about his and Jake’s “arrangement”? Does this mean Jake won’t be living with me anymore? I should be happy to soon be a free woman earlier than expected. But why do I feel overwhelming dread?

I quickly walk down the hall and into my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. I can’t borrow trouble. At least not yet. Not until I’ve talked to Jake.

After I shower, wash my face, and brush my teeth, I begin to feel more awake. Once I’m fully dressed into a clean, blue pajama top and sweats, I walk into the empty kitchen.

He said he’d come back.

I continue to self-soothe. God, I need to get a grip. I’m a strong independent woman, not a desperate damsel. But all I can think about is what happens now. Was this a fling and nothing more? The thought makes me sick to my stomach.

My first instinct is to run away. Run and hide. Bury myself under a figurative rock. But at the same time, my feelings for him are something just as powerful. Something that I know will never go away, even if I choose to run.

I need to gather the facts before I decide on a plan of action. Figure out where his head is. Once I know, I can prepare myself from there.

I grab my mug from the cabinet and watch absentmindedly as it fills with French vanilla coffee.After the pink mug is filled I dress it with cream and sugar. I then rest on the couch, scrolling through my phone. For now, I can keep my mind off the possible and terrible scenarios of how today might go.

A few minutes of sipping coffee and scrolling through video after video on my phone goes by when I hear the door unlock and open. I quickly turn my head, anticipating seeing his face. We lock eyes on each other.

What do I do?

I sit there frozen in place as I try to find my voice. “M-morning.”

“Morning,” he speaks softly before clearing his throat and speaking more clearly. “Did you see my note?”

I nod. “I did. Why were they at the airport?”

“Kiera got sick a little while back, so they decided to cut the vacation short.” I realize he’s holding a box of donuts as he walks into kitchen and places them on the counter.

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