Page 5 of Drop Shot
It’s not that I think Elias is entirely helpless without me … no, that’s exactly what I think. I basically run his day-to-day life. Since I’m not going to be allowed to continue to work for him, I’m not quite sure he’ll be able to function. But frankly, the money that was offered was more than I stand to see in a lifetime in any other circumstance and Ineedit.
Medication and treatment for lupus are expensive.
Not that Elias knows anything about my illness. He’s my boss, not my confidant, so it’s not like I share that kind of information with him.
I smooth my hair back into a bun while Craig swooshes in and out between my legs meowing. She wants her treats.
When my hair is the way I want it, I spritz myself with a bit of perfume. I definitely have more bottles to choose from than is necessary, but I have a weakness for perfumes. And shoes. And designer bags.
Sue me.
Or don’t, I’d prefer to keep my money in my bank account not in the court system.
Scooping Craig into my arms, I scurry into the kitchen and set her down on the counter. Perhaps not the most sanitary spot but this is her home too.
She meows, rubbing herself against me as I work to open the zipper pouch. I feed her two of the little treats and scratch behind her ears. She purrs as she leans into my touch.
I wish I could bring her with me, but it’s impossible between all the various countries and hotels. We’ll be back on the road soon, but luckily the upcoming tournament is in Miami so I get to be home for a longer stretch of time.
There’s a slight knock on the door and I sigh. “That’ll be him.”
Craig gives a meow in response.
I pad across the floor, swinging the door open.
Elias Johnson is too sexy for his own good and I look him over in a way I definitely shouldn’t. Sneakers. Athletic shorts. Loose sweatshirt. All very simple apparel, but on him it’s mouth-watering.
He holds up the bag from one of my favorite Chinese take-out places. “Are you going to invite me in or…?”
I shake my head and step aside so he can enter.
“Damn,” he whistles. “This place is small. Next time you can come to my place.”
I roll my eyes as I shut the door. I know he means nothing with the comment but it stings nonetheless.
I like my place. Sure, it’s silly of me to even pay the rent when I’m not home that much time out of the year, but I prefer having my own place to come back to.
“Sometimes I think I like you better when you don’t open your mouth.”
He turns around, eyeing me in surprise. I never talk back to him or anything of the sort. I keep my mouth shut and do as I’m told because I love my job and he pays me well. But since I’m technically not working for him anymore, I don’t have to watch my mouth like I used to.
“I bet I could find things I could do with my mouth that you would like.”
My cheeks instantly warm. Does he mean what I think he means?
Unbidden, thoughts of Elias knelt on the floor between my legs fill my mind.
No, no, no.I push the thoughts away with a hard shove.
“Sorry,” he apologizes with a shake of his head. “That was inappropriate.” His entire body sags with a sigh. “I’m … I’m not sure how to navigate this whole thing. This is weird, right?”
I slide my hands into the back pockets of my jeans. His eyes go straight to the swell of my boobs pressing against my tee.
“Very,” I agree. “But we’ll figure it out.”
I pad over to the small island and grab cutlery and some paper towels to use for napkins.
“This is Craig.” I point to my fluffy cat flicking her tail lazily on the counter. “She doesn’t usually like new people so if she hisses at you don’t take it personally.”
