Page 46 of Grumpy Boss's Secret

I released him, stepping back so he could set the flowers and the wine down on the kitchen counter. He did so in one swift motion, and his arms were around me the next second. He pressed me against the edge of the counter, his lips on my neck.

“Vampire,” I whispered.

He sucked on my shoulder. Then he slid his hands down my arms, switching to my waist when he reached my elbows. The pressure of his hands was firm, as if he massaged me in long, powerful strokes. My body trembled under his touch. I couldn't believe he was in my apartment with me - touching me like this.

He slid his hands through the elastic waistband of my silk shorts and massaged the top of my butt, my hips, and the space between my legs. I leaned against the counter and bent my knees, allowing him more accessibility. His breath was hot on my neck as his fingers kneaded my skin, warming me up in more ways than one.

Heat rippled through me. I wanted to be close to, feel, and touch every inch of him. The feeling of his firm hands pressing against me sent shockwaves of desire pulsing through me. He picked me up, placing one hand firmly underneath my butt, and set me down on the counter. He kissed me, pushing me down onto my back simultaneously. His torso pressed against mine; his legs were tucked inside mine. I felt the fabric of his pants rubs against my thighs.

I inhaled as he smoothed his hands across the bare skin of my arms and stomach. His fingers grasped the edge of my shorts and pulled them down. They slid down my legs and slipped over my toes. I lay there with my eyes closed, not knowing what he would do.

His palms pressed against my inner thighs, pushing my legs wide apart. A shock of anticipation went through me as I felt the tip of his erection nudge the folds of my mound. He played with me, stroking me with his tip, going inside just a little and then pulling himself out again until I was frantic with desire. Heat entered my body from his. I could hear him breathing heavily. I was writhing on the counter, arching my hips upwards, my head tilted back.

“Do you want me?” he whispered, sounding breathless.

“Yes,” I gasped, and he gave me what I wanted.

He took hold of my thighs with his hands and braced himself against me as he pounded. His thrusting accelerated until I saw stars. I was a blur of colour, sensation, and ecstasy, and everything burst inside me like a supernova.

I cried out, trembling with an orgasm. I didn’t even know when Ian came, but I was soon aware of his torso lying on top of mine and the feeling of his chest rising and falling against my skin. We lay there, panting, and I wrapped my arms around him. I stroked his back with light, feathery touches. He was still inside me. I could feel every part of him pulsing with heat.

“Should I go?” he whispered.

“Stay,” I said.

He grunted and lifted his head to nuzzle my cheek with his nose. He lay back down on top of me for a while. Our breathing slowed. I started to fall asleep. Finally, he stood up and pulled himself out of me. We walked into the bathroom together and took a shower, kissing as we washed each other off. Not bothering with pyjamas, we climbed into my bed. We drank some wine and ate a few cookies. Then we cuddled in each other’s arms and fell asleep.

I woke to a scream. I felt like the earth had suddenly opened under me - as if my entire body was shaking. Wildly, I sat up, unsure where I was for a moment. Then I looked over and saw Ian, his head rolling to one side, one arm thrown up across his forehead. I switched on the bedside lamp, my heart pounding. I touched his shoulder gently.

“Hey, hey,” I said. “You’re okay. Wake up, Ian.”

He woke with a start, gasping as if coming up from underwater. His eyes had a glazed, wild appearance. He stared into my eyes, then closed his eyelids. He reached for me, pulling me close to his chest and wrapping his arms tightly around me. He tucked his head against my shoulder. I could feel his shaking inhales and exhales on my bare shoulder.

I stared straight ahead, aching. Did he have nightmares like this often? What would make a man scream like that while he slept? I rubbed my fingers up and down his forearm, trying to soothe him.

“Can you talk about it?” I whispered.

He kissed my shoulder. Somehow, I knew he’d opened his eyes, even though I couldn’t see his face.

“There was an accident,” he said.

I nodded, waiting for him to say more. He didn’t speak. I listened to him breathe; felt his chest move against my back.

“You can tell me,” I said.

Maybe he needed to talk about it.

“I was in love,” he said.

My heart ached when he said it. I wasn’t jealous. I knew he must have been to have written the books he did. But that was the first thing he said – the way he started this story –

I loved him. I loved that he had a heart like that.

“In college,” he said. “I had a girlfriend, and we weren’t careful. I got her pregnant. She kept the baby. We were planning on getting married. Then, just after our baby had been born –" He stopped, his voice breaking. “She was walking across campus, holding our son while walking to me. It was a Friday night. I’d been studying in the library, and she was coming to meet me. Just as she reached the middle of the sidewalk, a drunk driver came around the corner and hit them both. I watched it happen,” he said, starting to sob.

He didn’t need to say any more.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered, crying. I turned around so I could wrap my arms around him. I held him tightly, rubbing his back. Slowly, he stopped shaking. He nuzzled his nose against my shoulder. It was wet from his tears.

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