Page 12 of Reputation (Tempt)

My dad wasn’t happy that I wanted to retire. And it was impacting my relationship with Papa J and Astrid. It was affecting everything from my day-to-day life to my holiday plans.

Holiday plans that now included spending Christmas with my boss.What have I gotten myself into now?

CHAPTERFOUR

Emerson strode into the kitchen, her hips swaying to the beat of the music streaming through her headphones. It had been a week since our conversation—our “truce,” if you could call it that. And I was trying to be more…accommodating. More friendly.

Brooklyn was still at school, and Emerson must have just finished a workout. She headed for the fridge without noticing me. It was a good distraction. A dangerous distraction.

A necessary one, especially after my latest conversation with Pierce. Not only was Annalise Windsor’s tell-all still moving forward, but Trinity’s lawyers had been in touch. My ex-wife was contemplating filing for a change in our custody agreement.

It was bullshit. But I had faith that it would blow over; it always did.

With Emerson’s back turned to me, she moved her ass, sinking low to the floor in a move that had my blood thumping and my cock standing up to take notice.

Holy…

I felt bad for watching, but what the hell was I supposed to do now? I couldn’t look away. Didn’t want her to stop.

Her body was beautiful. Powerful. But she was also lithe. Graceful.

She yanked out her earbuds and grabbed some protein powder from the pantry.

“How was your workout?” I asked, knowing I shouldn’t let this go on any longer than I already had.

She jolted, her back still to me. She seemed frozen for a minute then asked, “How long have you been standing there?” in a tight voice.

“Long enough,” I said.

Long enough to get a hard-on.

Long enough that I should’ve said something sooner.

Walked away sooner.

She took a deep breath, straightening before she faced me. “My workout was…fine.” Her smile was forced. Her voice too bright.

I coughed into my fist to stifle a laugh.

She tilted her head.

“What?” I asked.

“You’ve never once asked me about my workout before. Are you feeling okay?” she teased.

I rolled my eyes and shut the door to the fridge. I was trying this new thing called talking to her. Because even now, nearly a week later, Emerson’s words still rang in my head.

You don’t want me here.

I’m not valued.

If I didn’t adore Brooklyn, I would’ve already left.

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

And I hadn’t realized how close I’d been to losing her.

I was still worried she’d decide to leave. And while I’d been determined to keep her at arm’s length in the past, that strategy wasn’t going to work anymore. I respected her for speaking her mind. Even more so for sticking it out for Brooklyn when she was clearly miserable.

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