“I’m the one who’s sorry. And you thought grandma was bad post-sex talk?” I sit up and continue rubbing my head. We were having this amazing night, and I went ahead and ruined things.
Tate massages my shoulder and kisses along my neck. “Thank you for sharing that with me.”
“That was the last piece of the puzzle. Now you can move on knowing the whole story about your boss.”
He wraps me in a hug, his pale arms a sharp contrast to my dark chest hair. His touch lights up my soul, a hand pulling me out of the momentary darkness.
“I see how you are with Rowan. I see how you are with everyone. You are kind and thoughtful. You haven’t let the past destroy you. You are living the life your parents never got to.”
The words land deep in my heart, lifting the anvil. I hadn’t thought of it that way. My whole life, I feel like I’ve been trying to escape my past as if it were some unbeatable monster. But maybe I stood up to it and broke the cycle.
I couldn’t have been as successful in my CMO role without Tate by my side. He has an innate ability to help me bring out the best version of myself, and I’m realizing that doesn’t end at the office. My heart tugs at the thought of losing him in my life.
“You’re sure about leaving? Startups can be volatile,” I say.
Tate nods yes. As scary as it is, he’s being driven by a bigger purpose.
“I’m really going to miss you.” A flash of fear blanches in me. Except for my daughter, I’ve never admitted that to anyone. I stayed tough so that I didn’t need to miss anyone.
I glance at the floor, afraid of his reaction. Tate lifts my chin to face him and plants a tender kiss on my lips, one filled with years of history between us.
“The night isn’t over yet,” he says with a familiar smirk.
8
TATE
I have a glorious sleep. This is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in, far superior to the Ikea setup in my apartment. And of course, being wrapped in Bill’s arms doesn’t hurt. Neither does getting poked by his cock throughout the night. Even when it’s not fully hard, it still makes an impression, fitting itself against my crack. It takes all of my willpower, and the knowledge that we have to go into work today after our flight, to stop me from rubbing my ass against it and initiating another round of sex.
I’m already up when my phone alarm goes off at five. I’ve been up for an hour, laying in bed, savoring the feeling of cocooning in Bill.
And replaying the night over and over in my head. What was the most shocking part? Flat-out telling my boss I wanted to fuck him? Him actually saying yes? Engaging in the greatest sex of my life? Or was it after, when I embarrassingly spilled my guts to him about my grandmother?
I never get personal with guys I have sex with, but I was doing nothing but breaking rules when it came to Bill. This was supposed to be a one-time thing, a fantasy fulfilled, an improper sendoff before I leave the company. Sharing memories of pierogies wasn’t part of last night’s plan.
And then Bill had to share about his family and make me tumble completely in love with him. What he has overcome…how he could be so caring and generous and not chewed up with bitterness…he is even more beautiful than I realized.
Perhaps I’m still coming down from the high of last night, but I kinda sorta wanna spend the rest of my life with this guy. Not like that will ever happen. In two weeks, we’ll be out of each other’s lives, reduced to recommendation blurbs on each other’s LinkedIn accounts. I wanted a good fuck from my boss, and that’s what I got. It’s a fool’s errand to want anything more.
I hop out of bed and get the room coffee maker started. Some caffeine will jolt sense into me. I also find my underwear somewhere on the floor and tug it on.
“What are you doing?” Bill asks, his sleepy morning voice extra raspy.
“Making coffee for us. We have to leave for the airport in thirty minutes.” I check the clock on the wall. “I’m not sure if there’s enough time for us to have breakfast downstairs, but there’s a donut shop by the El. Also, Edwin sent over additional thoughts he had from the call last night. We can review on the train so we’re prepped when we get to the office today.” If I can force myself into EA mode, then I can ignore the personal feelings clogging my head.
I grab two full coffee cups and turn around. Bill has not moved from the bed. He wears an amused smile as he watches me. Then he pats my empty space in bed.
“Get back in here, smart guy.”
“We have a train and a plane to catch.”
“Then we’ll be quick. Technically, we’re still in fantasy mode until we leave the room.”
I appreciate Bill’s firm sense of logic. My cock stiffens.
“And take your underwear off,” he says.
I put the coffees down and climb back into the warm spot I left a few minutes ago. Bill caresses my cheek and gazes so intently into my eyes, it’s like he’s reaching into my soul. He cups my chin and his lips find mine in a delicate kiss. His tongue presses into my mouth and gently explores. Despite our time crunch, he’s taking his time. At least at first. Then he quickly turns ravenous, palming my cock as his kiss intensifies. My body fucking levitates from his touch. I thrust into his hand as my tongue thrusts into his mouth. My need for Bill has not subsided a bit since last night. I want him so badly I feel like I’m wasting away.
