Her nose wrinkled in the most endearing way. “A protein shake? For breakfast?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Not a fan?”
“I’m more of a pancakes and bacon kind of girl.” She took a sip of her coffee. “But I appreciate the offer.”
“I have leftover Chinese food from two nights ago,” I offered. “It’s probably still good.”
“Leftover Chinese for breakfast?” She grinned. “Now that I can get behind.”
I pulled the containers from the fridge—fried rice, kung pao chicken, and some noodles I couldn’t remember the name of. Idivided everything between two plates and heated them in the microwave.
We settled at the kitchen island, sitting side by side with our coffee and reheated leftovers. It should have felt strange. Instead, it felt right. Natural.
“I should get home,” Ina said reluctantly. “Get changed, pretend I didn’t spend the night with my boss.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“Dane, if we show up together it’s going to cause problems.”
“I’ll take you home,” I said. “Then you can do your normal routine.”
We both dressed with her choosing to wear my sweats and a hoodie instead of trying to put the dress back on. I pulled to a stop at her building and grabbed her hand before she could get out.
“I’ll see you at the office?” she asked.
“Later. I have a few things to handle first.”
I leaned over and kissed her. It almost felt like I was breaking some rule by kissing her in the daylight. I supposed in a way I was.
“See you later,” she said and climbed out.
I watched her walk away and drove back to my place. I needed to shower, change, and get myself together before I went into the office.
I arrived a full hour after Ina, to make sure we weren’t seen arriving together. I felt almost normal by that time, like I could walk past her desk without everyone immediately knowing what had happened between us.
I stepped off the elevator to find the office in its usual Friday chaos. But there was Ina at her desk, looking professional and composed in a purple blouse and dark pants, and for a moment, I let myself just look at her.
Damn, she was captivating.
And mine.
Mine?
What the hell?
Where did that come from?
Your own head, asshole. As if there’s some other dude in there claiming her.
She glanced up, and our eyes met. Her lips curved in a small, private smile. That smile was meant just for me. I felt an answering smile tug at my own mouth.
I started to make my way toward her, already composing the discreet message I’d send once I was in my office, asking if she could stay late tonight. I wanted her alone. I wanted her on my desk.
I wanted her naked.
“Dane!”
Keith’s voice cut through my thoughts like a knife. I turned to find him striding across the office with that particular swagger that screamed “rich prick” and let everyone know he thought he was the shit. I used to always think it was cool. I liked his confidence.
