“You just did.”
“Only to prove a point. I can’t have you out there spreading rumors that I can’t get it up.”
I knew I should go. I wasn’t even sure why I’d gotten dressed for work at all, when all I’d meant to do was come in and quit.
“Go back to work,” he said. “I won’t bother you again.”
Back to work. For him. Right outside his office. Where he could call me in at any time. “So if I stay—you don’t expect me to…”
“No. But you’re a beautiful girl, Alexandra. I can’t promise I won’t fantasize about you. Sometimes,” he said, “when you’re right in front of me.”
His words delivered a sharp but warm tingle deep in my stomach. He licked his lips briefly. He was thinking of me now. How? Bent over his desk? In his fantasy, did it go further than that?
“If that doesn’t bother you, stay the rest of the week. If it does…” He paused, gesturing to the door. “I’ll still give you your money so you can get your dress.”
“I don’t need your money,” I said quickly, backing away.
“You’re smarter than that,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “Take the money. But this is the only time I’ll offer it. If you don’t leave now, then you have to finish out the week. Otherwise I won’t pay you a dime.”
I had more respect than that. Even though part of me wanted to stay, I wasn’t sure how I possibly could. “I’ll clear out my desk.”
A deep chuckle was all I heard as I turned my back. On the other side of the door, I sat and stared at nothing. There was no anger bubbling inside me even though I thought there should be. There was only confusion.
I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Dean. He’d always been intriguing. And yes—sexy. How hadn’t I seen it before?
But how could I stay? I put my head in my hands, and my elbow nudged the mouse. The computer screen came to life. Microsoft Outlook brimmed with unread e-mails. Checking over my shoulder once, I quickly opened the top one and responded before moving to the next one.
I didn’t stop until the door squeaked open behind me. “You’re still here.”
I squinted at the time. It’d been two hours since I’d declared I was leaving.
“It’s only for the week,” Dean said. I looked up at him. “And it’s already Wednesday. If you want to stay, stay. Don’t overthink it. Either way, Chinese for lunch. If you’re leaving, tell June on your way out.”
He shut the door, and I returned my eyes to the computer screen. I told myself I was going. I even packed up my purse and set it on the desk. But Dean’s hand slapping against my ass made something bloom between my legs. And his dick—it was nothing like Trey’s. I could still feel it, hard, thick, hot against my palm. He’d said he’d keep his hands to himself. Just a fantasy—me, as someone else’s fantasy. I put my purse back under my desk.
Trey’s face when he saw me in my gold dress would be worth everything. I’d never accept Dean’s money without doing the work, so I made the decision to stay. Things were already uncomfortable—how much worse could they get?
CHAPTER 5
It wasn’t until five o’clock on the dot that I heard anything from Dean again. That didn’t mean I hadn’t been thinking of him though, just inside that office, possibly thinking of me too. There was no ridding myself of him when he was that close. He was a force, radiating even from behind the closed door. He was taking hold of me, and it seemed to be growing stronger by the hour.
Mr. Brittany
I need you to stay late. Cancel your plans.
Admin
I had no plans.
Mr. Brittany
Even better. Open the door. I like to watch you work.
I hesitated. My chance to take a stand and leave had passed, though. I’d given him permission to fantasize about me. To watch me. My inner thighs sweat as I pressed them together unnaturally hard. To keep him out? To imagine him there when I thought of him? I wasn’t sure.
I opened the door, but he was so focused on his computer that he didn’t seem to notice. I took my seat again, brushing my long hair over my shoulders. My back was straighter than ever. I continued working, but with each tap of my fingers against the keyboard, my thoughts grew louder. I sensed his eyes on me. Or, I wanted them there. Watching. Imagining. Feeling me without touching. I swallowed dryly, warm in a way I wasn’t used to. I was glad for the distraction when he forwarded me instructions on an urgent project. After forty minutes, his name appeared on the screen.
Mr. Brittany
