Page 106 of Beautiful Desire

“Uh, because who buys themselves flowers and has them delivered to their work before they get in?”

Damn it.

“I’m going now,” I reply, choosing once again to ignore her.

Ending the call, I decide to at least turn on my computer before going to thank Dom for the flowers in person. Once the screen comes to life, I log in and end up reading through a few emails that came in after I left yesterday.

Before I know it, I’m replying to the emails and making my way through my workday without seeing or speaking to Dom. Looking at the time on my computer screen, I see it’s almost ten a.m. It’s not like Dom to not show his face if he’s in his office. Maybe he isn’t in. At that thought, the door to his office opens, revealing the most devilishly handsome man. My eyes work their way up his body as I bite my lip to stop a low moan from slipping out.

“Good morning, Miss Parker. Can I see you in my office, please?” A hint of a smirk plays on his lips when he’s finished talking.

A rush of excitement runs through my body as he stands holding the door open.

Nodding my head rapidly, I reply, “Yes, sir,” before pushing my chair back from my desk and making my way into his office.

Once I’m inside, he closes the door and pins me against it; his hands are in my hair, and his tongue is in my mouth. Reaching up, I wrap my arms around his neck, returning his needy kiss. I’ve been so desperate for this since last night. The feeling of his soft, plump lips on mine and the tight grip of his hands in my hair, mixed with his delicious sent, has my panties soaking already.

“Fuck, I missed you,” he whispers as we pull apart, resting his forehead on mine as I look up into his eyes.

“Thank you for my flowers,” I tell him, as a bashful smile spreads across my face.

His lips lift up, and I see a smile matching mine on his face too.

“I’m glad you like them,” he replies.

“I was going to come thank you earlier, but I got sidetracked with work,” I tell him as we get lost in one another’s eyes.

“It’s okay. I’ve been on conference calls all morning,” Dom reassures me.

“I had the most amazing time with you last night. I didn’t want it to end.” I feel like a teenage girl whose crush is now standing in front of her.

A loud ringing from the phone on Dom’s desk interrupts our bubble. Turning his head, he stares at the phone but makes no move to answer it. After a couple more rings, it stops. Dom throws his head back, expelling a frustrated sigh. He seems fed up, but I suppose that’s the perk of running your own company.

“I wish we could have just stayed at my place last night. Just you, me, and the water. No phones ringing. No interruptions. Justus,” he says, returning his eyes to meet mine.

I need to tell him. I can’t let this go any further without telling him about Lily.

“Dom…I—”

I’m cut off once again when his office phone rings again. Moving away, he angrily stalks across the room to his desk.

Lifting the receiver off the handset, he bites out a frustrated, “Hello?”

I stand at the door watching him as his mouth sets in a scowl. He doesn’t speak, but I know he’s listening intently to whoever is on the other end of the line. I take it upon myself to leave him as I quickly and quietly exit the office. While I close the door gently behind me, the phone on my desk rings.

Jeez, can’t a girl catch a break today?

* * *

Today has been so busy, I’ve barely seen Dom since those few short minutes we had together this morning. I still haven’t told him about Lily, and the more time that passes, the more I know I need to. When I look at the time on the computer screen, it reads five p.m. Only thirty minutes left until I can finish for the day.

I’m in the middle of replying to an email when my desk phone rings.

“Good afternoon—” I start, but I’m cut off immediately.

Melinda’s frantic voice sounds through the receiver. “Elle, I’m so sorry. I tried, but I couldn't stop them.”

What? What is she talking about? Why is she sorry? Who did she try to stop?