Page 11 of Dad Bod Undercover Boss

"No. I have a degree in business and hospitality."

My eyes widen. "And you're working as a sales assistant?"

"Things changed when my dad died. I had to re-evaluate. I needed to tie up loose ends and put dad's affairs in order, so certain things had to go on hold," he says as if he's choosing his words carefully. "Losing a parent suddenly is tough. So many things are left unsaid. You think you have all the time in the world, but you don't. I didn't follow the career path my dad wanted for me, but I hope he'd be proud of me now."

The vulnerability in Max's dark eyes brings a tear to mine. I scoot closer, placing my hand over his. "How could he not be proud of you, Max? You're an amazing person. Caring, considerate, protective."Hot as hell."What about your mum? Are you close?"

"Mom and I have always been close, but she's lost without Dad. They did everything together."

"Any brothers or sisters?"

Max shakes his head. "Just me."

"So, we've both lost a parent, and we're both only children. I always wanted a brother or a sister. I think I'd like having a sibling to share stuff with now Mum's gone."

"Mum and Dad couldn't have any more kids after me, so I knew it was never a possibility. But I've often wondered if things would be different if I'd had a brother or sister." He sounds almost wistful.

"So, what do you like to do in your spare time?" I ask, wanting to distract him from whatever sadness he's lost in.

"Would you believe my true passion lies in creating pastries? I love creating new recipes, although my waistline doesn't thank me." He chuckles wryly and pats his stomach.

"You look great. You're tall and carry it well. Women love men with a little extra padding."

His mouth twitches as his eyes burn into mine. "And what about you, Eva? Do you like men with a little extra ... padding?"

My heart thunders at the heat in his gaze.Holy hell, he's devastating when he's flirting. "I, uh, prefer to focus on what's inside, not on external appearances. The best-looking people in the world become ugly fuckers if they have shitty personalities."

Max tips his head back and laughs, and my ovaries almost explode at the rich, throaty sound. "I love your honesty, Eva. You're like a breath of fresh air. Opening up to others doesn't come easy to me, but it feels natural with you. I don't think I realised how long it's been since I laughed until I met you."

My heart batters my ribcage. What is this man doing to me? Every word he says pulls me closer like the universe has tethered us together somehow.

I'm saved from replying as the waitress returns with our order. My mouth drops open as she places a pot of tea and a huge chocolate eclair with fresh cream in front of me. Max has ordered a large almond croissant and a coffee for himself.

"Am I supposed to eat this or climb it?" I ask, lifting wide eyes to Max. "That has to be the biggest one I've ever seen."

Max smirks, and I blush.

"Eclair. The biggest eclair, you perve!"

He bursts out laughing, and I can't help joining in. He looks younger and more carefree. Max said he'd laughed more with me than with anyone for a long time, and I suddenly realise that's true for me too.

Plus, I'd be lying if I said I didn't secretly love the attention he pays me and how his warm smile makes my chest ache with some emotion I'm not entirely sure how to classify. He looks at me in a way that causes my heart to beat faster and turns my insides to mush. It’s like heseesme. After being passed over and ignored by so many in my life, it's wonderful to have someone look at me the way he does.

And it makes me question why I'm so determined to keep him at arm's length. Am I using the co-worker situation as an excuse because of what happened with Mum? I've never met my father, but something tells me without a doubt that Max is nothing like him. Is it worth taking a risk on him? Worth risking my heart and my independence?

Yes,a voice whispers.

Max watches as I wrap my mouth around the eclair, and the heat in his gaze has moisture pooling between my thighs. I'm suddenly assaulted with a vision of taking something else long and thick into my mouth.

"Oh. My. God. This is amazing," I moan as the chocolate, cream, and pastry all dissolve into an explosion of sweetness on my tastebuds.

When some of the cream oozes out and sticks to the corner of my lips, Max reaches out as if he can’t help himself. He catches my chin and swipes away the cream with his thumb, and I watch as he brings it to his mouth and licks it clean.

Holy shit.

My desire for him kicks up strong and hard and so swiftly that if I wasn't already seated, I'd melt to the ground in a puddle of hormones.Why the hell can't I have this? Why am I denying myself a chance at happiness?

I don't remember moving. It's as if I'm pulled towards him by a cosmic thread, a particle floating aimlessly until this very moment. And then my mouth is on his in a searing hot kiss. I grip his forearms, and a small moan of pleasure escapes me as my tongue teases the seam of his mouth.

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