Page 14 of Royal Bosshole

But when it came and I tasted it again, I knew there was no chance of that. And I knew that there were many other things I wanted to taste instead to find that secret.

Or rather, just one thing. Make that one person.

Shit, I was fucked.

CHAPTER6

LILY

I had been feeling better,but throughout the day, I started to feel flushed, like my cold was coming back. The office was temperature controlled, but this thin layer of sweat lay over my skin, and I felt constantly aware of something. Like I was being watched. It made me want to slide my hands over my body, like touching myself could get rid of this tingle.

That look.

That look from James in his office had gotten to me. It seeped down into my core, and for the rest of the day, I remembered it and the dream. I was mixing the two people together, dream James and real James, making them one and the same. Could they be?

The longer I sat at my desk, the less work I got done, so I was up and about, talking to new coworkers, answering questions, and asking questions about how things were going at Coffee on the Go. But I still felt off, and I only felt less tingly when James left hurriedly during the lunch hour. I could breathe again, and I took the time to join the others for a relaxed lunch.

He came back an hour later, and I hunkered down at my desk, trying my best to tick off tasks as I did so. It felt so good to start feeling accomplished after such a long time. I hardly ever saw the rewards of my hard work at the coffeeshop, and pursuit of my music dream was not quite where I wanted it to be, that was for sure.

I’d gotten so into a mode by the end of the day, that when I looked at my phone, I gasped.

It was past five, and everyone else had gone home. I jumped up and grabbed my things, and then I saw James at the door of his glass office. The glass castle, I had started to call it.

“Ms. Jones, can you come in here?” he asked, waving to me.

I nodded and breathed out. Tingly feeling officially back. Sweaty layer returned. I put my things down and walked toward him, feeling like I was in some sort of a haze. We kept eye contact as I walked into his office. I had never felt a pull like this to someone else before. Even with Parker, it had been just mere attraction, but nothing like something was being tugged from my insides toward him.

“Sorry,” I said when I got inside, and he shut the door. “I didn’t realize the time.”

“Never a problem for me,” he said, his voice sounding lower than it had before.

He sat on the edge of the desk with his arms crossed, and I noticed that his jacket was on the back of his chair, and his tie had been loosened. His sleeves had been rolled up too. His hair was still perfect, though, and I noticed a little graying at his temples. I had no idea how old this guy was. He could have been anywhere between thirty and fifty.

And he could get it.

He was watching me, his eyes that shocking emerald color that made me lose my breath. “I thought I’d ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind.”

“Sure,” I said, stepping closer.

“How was the first day?” he asked, his eyes looking over my face, and I thought they might have briefly flicked to my mouth.

“Good. Everyone was so nice. Very helpful, and I think we’re getting a good start on your new campaign.” Had I always sounded so shrilly?

“Good, good.” He nodded, and he uncrossed his arms, pressing his hands onto the desk behind him. “Feel like a sheep in a wolf’s den?” he asked with that half-smile again.

Big hands. Good forearms. Focus, Lily. He asked you a question.

Why did my boss/enemy have to look so hot all the time? And those looks. Those eyes were practically burning into me, cranking up the heat of my body. Super smolder skills. Sir Simon Smolder.

You’re an idiot.

“Sort of. But the advance is really helping me.”

He lifted a brow. “That’s good. And you’re helping us, I’m sure. With your expertise.”

He stood then, and I suddenly realized how small the room was. He filled it, looking taller than he had before, and he took a step closer. Sweat level increased.

“I’m glad.” What sort of conversation was this?

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