Page 75 of Wild Love
The sentence hangs in the quiet office between us. We both know the meaning, but neither of us elaborates. We both know what happened last night, but neither of us says anything about it. I did apologize to him, but not for kissing her.
“When does he leave?” I ask.
Her tongue darts out over her lips, and she glances away before sitting up. She takes her foot with her as she retreats, and I find myself missing the contact.
“Today.”
All I can offer is a nod. I don’t know what to say. Knowing about him didn’t stop me from kissing her last night. And knowing that they’re over doesn’t lessen my disdain for the guy.
There are a few good reasons I shouldn’t have kissed Rosie Belmont last night.
But Ryan isn’t one of them.
And I refuse to regret kissing Rosie.
Which doesn’t mean I don’t recognize that it can’t happen again. One boss with wandering hands in her young career is probably more than enough.
She sighs as she twists her legs, feet landing flat on the floor as she rolls her shoulders out. “Ugh. Crashing on couches isn’t as cool as it used to be.”
“You could have slept at my house,” I reply.
She responds with an unimpressed look. “Yeah, sure. That would have been great for the optics you’re so concerned about.”
I flinch and gaze away through the windows, watching the fog drifting over the lake. I think about West, but Willa is right—that could be managed. Most of all, I think about the fact she is officially my employee. I’m the one who drew up all the formal paperwork and now there’s a power dynamic even though I wish there wasn’t. And on the heels of the mess at her last job, I don’t want to be another Stan in her life.
“I’m sorry about last night.”
Rosie barks out a laugh and punches me in the shoulder. “I’m not, you dick.” She stands from the couch and bends close, her hand on my shoulder as she whispers in my ear, “And I know you’re lying.”
When I turn to face her, our lips come close. Too fucking close. I drop my gaze to her mouth and watch her tongue slide out in a slow but subtle motion. I almost stumble, rushing to stand up too. Rushing to back away from her.
Rushing to keep myself from doing something I won’t be even a little bit sorry for all over again.
“We can’t do that again,” I say.
“Oh, no?” She crosses her arms and tilts her head, twisting her lips like she’s confused. The expression is totally fake. Her hair is messy from sleep, but leave it to Rosie to not give a fuck. She could wear a paper bag and still walk around like the princess who owns the place.
“No.”
“You’re telling me you’re never going to kiss me again?” I wince as if West might have an ear pressed against the door, then I mirror her position and cross my arms as we face off. “That’s what I’m telling you.”
Her eyes narrow. “What if I ask you to?”
“No.”
“What if I beg you to?”
I can feel the flush on my cheeks and judging by the way Rosie’s gaze flies to the side, she can see it too.
“No.”
She nods, pressing her lips together as though she’s impressed by my restraint. “All right. Whatever you say, boss.”
As she slides her feet into the leather sandals, I start to panic. Because I know her all too well. She’s determined and messy. And she doesn’t back down. From her perspective, I just waved a red flag in front of her.
I didn’t warn her off. Ichallengedher.
“Rosie. It’s not safe.”
