Page 14 of Only Forever

“It’s rude to ignore your boss.”

“I wasn’t ignoring you. It’s impossible to ignore someone if you don’t realize they’re trying to reach you.”

I grunt. “You don’t have to interpret everything someone says literally all the time.”

“Why not? What other interpretation should I have made?”

“I assumed you were avoiding my calls since you’ve done so on numerous occasions in the past and it’s not appropriate.”

“I thought we settled this matter.” Her nose wrinkles as she considers my words. “Wait. Is this why you came to the job site today? You weren’t observing my interactions with the crew. You were checking up on me, because you don’t trust me.”

“I trust you.”

She cocks an eyebrow. “You do? Your trust is why you attempt to contact me at all times of the day and night to discuss my work?”

“It’s not all times of the day and night.”

“I don’t understand what I’ve done to make you think I’m not competent to handle my job. I finish my projects on time and often under budget. I’m the first one in the office every day and often the last one to leave. Perhaps we need to have a sit down with HR and discuss how to address this situation.” She nods as if coming to a conclusion. “I’ll make an appointment when I’m back in the office.”

She starts to leave, but I grab her bicep to stop her. She stares down at my hand on her bicep.

Shit. I shouldn’t have touched her. It’s inappropriate but damned if I want to release her. She’s wearing a thin blouse and I can feel the heat of her body through the material. My thumb moves without my meaning it to and rubs circles in her underarm. Goosebumps break out on her skin before she yanks her arm away.

“I will see you back at the office,” she gasps out, proving she’s as affected by me as I am by her.

“Drive safe.”

“I’m an excellent driver,” she says before whirling on her heel and stomping away.

If I were a better man, I’d say I didn’t watch her ass bounce as she leaves. Apparently, I’m not a better man as my eyes are glued to her backside. My hands itch to mold those perfect cheeks in my hands.

I pull at my collar as my neck warms. Talk about inappropriate.

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