Page 35 of Final Chance At Love (Chance At Love Duet 2)

“He needs you more than you need him. Don’t let him scare you.”

I was not sure what to say to that so I just nodded and left to join Kristoff who had already gone back to his “executive” floor.

When I exited the elevator, I ran into Kimberly who was getting ready to leave.

“Are you leaving for the day?” I asked her.

“Yep,” she answered. “He’s been stewing all afternoon, and I’ve had enough of him for today. I tried to call you but you left your cell phone behind.”

“I’m sorry, Kimberly.” I really didn’t know what else to say.

“Don’t be sorry, Gemma. I don’t let him bother me.” She didn’t seem bothered by him at all! “But he is yours for the rest of the day.”

She entered the elevator, and as she pushed the button, added as if she couldn’t help herself, “Take care of him so he is in a better mood tomorrow.” She winked before the door closed and she was gone.

Does everyone know I’m sleeping with Kristoff?I thought to myself as I walked over to my desk to put my laptop down. I grabbed my cell phone and saw I had two missed calls from Kristoff, before setting it back down and walking to his office door.

Unsure if I was welcome, I knocked on the door hesitantly.

“Enter.” His voice was strong and commanding.

I poked my head in and said, “It’s me. Is it safe to come in?”

He looked up from his computer and agitation was still evident on his face.

“Yes, Gemma…” his voice sounded tired. “It’s always safe for you to come in.”

He cracked his neck back and forth trying to loosen his tension, rubbing his neck as I walked over to him slowly. I wasn’t quite sure what to say or do. I could see him flinch from a pain in his neck, so I walked behind him.

“Here, let me,” I offered as I placed my hands on his neck and started massaging. As I was trying to loosen the knots in his neck, neither one of us spoke. Silence regularly doesn’t bother me at all, but this time I felt like there were so many unsaid words that needed to be spoken.

“Kristoff,” I started. “Do you want to talk about it?”

I could feel him still under my fingers. For a second I thought he wouldn't answer. But then he exhaled and said, “Do you?”

“I think we should talk about whatever is bothering you.” My voice was quiet. “I have to admit I am not sure that I understand what is going on. I promised you I wouldn’t sleep with anyone else. I tend to keep my promises.”

“Samuel Sr. sent over the analysis you did,” he answered instead. “You are right, your approach is the right one.”

I felt like he was dodging the bullet, but I was also happy for his praise. Although, I had a strange sense that not talking about what’s bothering him will be our doom.

I leaned closer to him and kissed him on the cheek. “Kristoff,” I whispered gently. “We should really…” A gasp escaped my lips as he pulled me onto his lap.

His kiss was hard, almost desperate. I kissed him back, my arms tangled around his neck, almost holding on. His mouth crushed mine, his tongue pushing through into my mouth. I traced my tongue across the bottom of his lip, and bit it gently. Our heavy breathing and panting echoed in the room. His arms were around my waist, his hands grabbing my butt, pulling me closer to him. I moaned into his mouth, wanting more of him, needing more of him.

His kiss stopped just as abruptly as it started, leaving me disoriented. His breathing was hard, and I could see the desire in his eyes.

“Why did you stop?” I asked in a husky voice. He leaned his forehead against mine, and for a moment, it was just us in the world.

“I was furious seeing him so close to you, Gemma,” he finally said. “I don’t want him anywhere near you.”

I brushed my finger gently over his cheek, feeling his stubbly five o’clock shadow under my fingertips. He was leaning into my touch, and my heart hurt for this strong man. It was ironic really. I didn’t notice anyone but him and nobody compared to him in my eyes. God, I had it bad for this man. I loved him with every fiber of my being. But I couldn’t afford to be in another relationship, or whatever this was between us, with another jealous man.

I looked at him pensively, trying to understand. I never gave him any reason not to trust me around other men. But I was starting to believe he did not trust me. He thought I was going to cheat eventually.

“Kristoff, why would you think I’d ever consider him anything but a work colleague?”

“He likes you,” he answered simply. “Both men do.”

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