Page 6 of My Forbidden Boss

Mr. Simmons had let me in on all his business dealings, and I knew that the Grand Fountains was a fantastic investment opportunity. »I don’t quite understand why?« I asked.

»The numbers from recent years are not valid.« He leaned slightly towards me, immediately his scent, his warmth, his heat engulfed me, and slowly I was beginning to hate this feeling that he evoked in me despite his behaviour towards me. »See here.« He pointed with his long, slender fingers to a sheet in my hands. »And here.«

Our eyes met as he looked up. We were incredibly close, so close that I could see his long lashes over his bright blue eyes. Desire instantly ignited within me, rising like a wave that threatened to crash over me. His leg pressed against mine, his hand still hovered over the sheet I held. My body melted with feverish lust and breathing became increasingly difficult. It was just like back then. Just like the moment in our kitchen before he had kissed me.

But everything was different. I managed to break the spell that had built between us first. Coughing slightly, I averted my gaze and put the sheet back on the table. This time, he was the one to slide back a bit. For a fleeting moment, he dropped his mask, ran his fingers through his hair, and took a deep breath before pulling back up the wall of coldness and rejection and standing up.

»You will accompany me there,« he said, walking back to his desk. »I will have to take a look at the hotel on site.«

It wasn’t the first time I had taken a business trip with my boss. But it was the first time I would spend more than the office hours with Wesley. Was it a good idea? I had no clue.

6

Brianna

With every step towards my parents‹ house, I felt more relaxed. I was looking forward to the meal in the circle of my family and yes, even to my brother Elliot. We had annoyed each other a lot during our teenage years, but who didn’t with their siblings? Nowadays, we got along splendidly and so, I was suffering along with him due to his current situation. Sure, he had not been an innocent party. Drinking too much, wanting to drive, and misbehaving in front of his team coach to the point of being sent on leave was hardly the best decision of his life. The breakup with his girlfriend Lara shortly thereafter had delivered the figurative death blow straight to his heart. Currently, he was living again in his old childhood room in the basement, and I hoped he would soon get his life back on track. Hopefully, by the time his football team’s new season started and he got a chance to prove himself again. It wasn’t the lack of money that made him live at home, at our parents‹ place, one could lick one’s wounds exceedingly well. Therefore, I was looking forward to this evening with great anticipation.

Good food, maybe a glass of wine, a dessert from my mom, and a tight hug.

I unlocked the front door with my key. »I’m here!« I called into the hallway, already hearing my parents‹ laughing voices in the kitchen. They had both found their passion in cooking, and I had admired it as a child, how they pursued this hobby together with full happiness. And yes, perhaps that’s also where my penchant for good, wholesome food came from. Pasta, in particular, had captured my heart.

»We’re here, darling!« my mom called out. I took off my sneakers and followed the music and their voices. After Wesley had indeed left today before me at six, I had also set off, changed into comfortable jeans and a loose, thin sweater at home and had driven straight to my parents‹. The food already smelled delicious, and I inhaled the intensifying aroma until I arrived in the kitchen.

»Hey,« I said, spotting my parents. My dad was cutting tomatoes for his popular Caesar salad and my mom was draining the hot pasta. I went over to them and greeted them with a kiss on the cheek, snatching a tomato slice in the process.

»Hey, wait until everything’s on the table!« my dad admonished me gently. I noticed his temples were getting grayer, and his dark, thick hair was taking over.

»Where’s Elliot? Doesn’t he even help when he gets to live here again?« I asked, intending to grab a stack of plates from the cupboard.

»Don’t be like that to your brother, he’s going through a tough time,« said my mom, who always had only kind words for us kids. I rolled my eyes.

»And besides, he set the table,« my father finished. I stopped.

»Did he? Wow, I’m impressed! Where is he, so I can congratulate him?«

Dad laughed. »In the dining room. Take the salad.« He handed me the large bowl. »By the way, we have a guest, tone it down a little.«

»Me? I am the epitome of kindness!«

He patted my head, and my grin widened. Finally, I didn’t have to hold back and could be myself without fear of losing my job because of a new, grumpy, icy-cold boss. »Yes, exactly, and sarcasm personified. Go, behave yourself, Anna,« said my dad. After blowing a kiss in his direction and crossing the kitchen with the enormous salad bowl in my arm, I entered the adjacent dining room.

I abruptly came to a halt. He was not serious!

»Hi, pest!« my brother said, grinning and squeezing Wesley’s shoulder. »Look who’s wandered back to New York.«

Oh, as if I wasn’t already well aware.

7

Wesley

Icouldn’t resist. My grin broadened as Brianna appeared in the doorway, staring at me in disbelief. Perhaps it had been a bit unfair not to tell her that her brother had invited me for dinner, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. And yes, I had to admit, I wanted to get closer to her. But that was something I most certainly couldn’t do as her boss. Only as an old friend of her brother’s.

It felt like we were living two lives that were irreconcilable. As my assistant, she did an excellent job, Simmons hadn’t exaggerated. She was quick, smart, proactive, and dedicated. As her boss, I was satisfied, but as Wesley, who was instantly drawn to her whenever she came near, I was growing increasingly frustrated. I had to find a way to channel this frustration without hurting her or getting both of us into trouble. I couldn’t give in to her, it would complicate everything, but I could meet her on neutral ground, a place where she felt comfortable and could be herself.

Elliot had no clue, and as my friend, I should’ve told him. But how would he react knowing I was Brianna’s new boss? Perhaps it was better to avoid this topic entirely tonight, discuss innocuous things and not make it more than necessary.

»Isn’t this a surprise?« He said, and Brianna snapped out of her trance. She placed the salad bowl on the table and alternately looked at me and her brother. No doubt wondering what Elliot knew about us.

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