Page 20 of Enticing the Fixer

Me: Too good. It was phenomenal. I could see spending the rest of my life with him. Having babies and….

I erase everything but the too good and start again.

Me: Too good. But it was a mistake. Not a mistake in that it was bad, but as in, you were right. I shouldn’t have done it. It’s not my kind of thing.

The phone rings in my hand. “Hey.”

“Are you seeing him again?”

“No.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Why? Did he turn you down?”

“No. It was a one-night stand. I left when he was asleep and without telling him my name.”

“Wow. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

You have no idea how many times he had it in me.Heat floods my face, and I spin away from the mirror. I don’t need to see my reflection to know I look…. Ashamed? No. I didn’t do anything I’m ashamed of. Smitten. I sigh. Yes, that’s me. I’ve been smitten with him since the second I saw him, but it can’t go anywhere.

“It was a mistake. I was not myself. But today, I’m sober and in control of my emotions. I won’t let Jeffrey and his perfect family get to me again.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve been through a lot over the last several years.”

Tears sting my eyes again. I’m not a crier.Get a grip. You’ve got this. You can handle anything.Maybe one of these days, I’ll believe what I spout off as positive affirmations, but so far, I’m not buying what I’m selling.

“Thank you.”

After we say goodbye, I straighten my red blouse and spin in a circle to ensure the skirt is covering everything it’s supposed to and walk to the door.

When I push it open, I come face to face with my one-night stand.Leo. Holy fuck.

I struggle to keep from swallowing my tongue. The only difference from Friday night is that he’s across the hall talking to my personnel manager and not screwing me blind.

My heart jumps into my throat. He’s wearing his black-rimmed glasses, a white button-down dress shirt, and black pants that hug his thighs. I grip the door with all the strength I can muster to keep from falling on my ass. I feel like a ragdoll that’s been washed ashore after a hurricane.

Arlene glances up from the clipboard she’s carrying and smiles when she sees me. “Ms. Monroe, come over and meet our newest employee. Leonardo Peng.”

When he sees me, his mouth drops open. However, just as fast as the shock came, it goes. He rolls his neck and straightens his shoulders. “Ms. Monroe.” He nods. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

A shiver skates along my spine, making my shoulders quake. I clear my throat, “Hello, Mr. Peng. It’s wonderful to have you aboard.”

Oh, my God. I’m still standing in the bathroom with the door open.I jump out of the way, letting the door shut behind me.

“Leo is a new member of our accounting department. Today is his first day.”

“That’s nice.” I walk toward him like I’m supposed to. Not running to jump into his arms. Or sprinting the other way to forget I had the hottest, most amazing night of debauchery with one of my employees.

And…. Snuck out when he went to sleep.

He raises his hand toward me, and every second of those fingers touching me floods into my brain. When I don’t come any closer, he arches an eyebrow. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh.” I blink and rush forward. “No. Nothing is wrong. I was thinking about a meeting I have later this morning. I’m sorry I was preoccupied.”

“No worries.” His fingers curl over mine, and every bone in my body melts. “Is everything okay?”

“No.” I sink into the dark chocolate of his eyes.What did I say? No? What’s wrong with me?I slap on a smile and release his handshake before clasping my hands together in front of me.

“Do you have a board meeting this morning?” Arlene grabs my upper arm as worry fills her face. She worked for my father for years and has been staunchly in my corner since his death.

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