“Nope! Not happening. I have been waiting for this for way too long now.” He almost growled the last sentence.
She looked at him with a serious expression. “I..I didn’t realize you want…I mean, that you wanted me.”
In response, Neil simply flexed his hips, showing how much he wanted her. “You have been driving me crazy with your curves and your sexy shoes.”
Tanya gasped as heat flooded her cheeks. Suddenly, she looked harassed. “I’m sorry! I know it looks like I used you.” She swallowed before continuing, “I swear, that wasn’t my intention at all. I honestly thought I wanted Ritwik. I…I didn’t realize, didn’t realize what it is to want someone sexually. Not until you.” She tried to move away, afraid she’d spoken more than she’d intended to.
Neil caught her fast and sighed. “I know, sweetheart. You don’t have a malicious bone in your body. You’re just clueless and you’ve led me through a merry chase.”
Relieved, she continued to look at him in wonder, “What now?”
“You tell me.” Neil was silent, waiting, his face etched and tense.
“I…I have never done this before.” Tanya shook her head as she tried to convey her lack of experience. She looked down, her thick tresses partially hiding her face.
Neil put a hand under her chin. “You mean a serious relationship? You’ve never had a long-term boyfriend?”
She squirmed a little as his dark eyes searched hers. “I me…mean everything. I haven’t. Ever.” Tanya bit her lip, mentally cursing her quest for her Mr. Right all these years.
When her words sunk in, he looked shocked. He’d gauged she was inexperienced, but never? Neil moved her away slightly, making her sit by his side.
“Is it, is that a problem?” Tanya didn’t understand his coldness, his sudden need for distance.
“Damn, no.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I didn’t think I’d be your first” He cleared his throat and continued, “Perhaps, we should get to know each other better first?”
Tanya looked at him as if he’d grown two horns.Why is he moving away? Have I become a responsibility with my virginity? Maybe he thinks I will cling if we…Tanya flushed at her thoughts. She didn’t know how she could reassure him without appearing wanton.
Neil got up at that moment, pulling her along. “I’m leaving for Mumbai tomorrow.” He hurriedly continued when Tanya stiffened against him, “No, it isn’t what you think. I have a few loose ends to tie up. Give me a few days to come back and work here for the next few months.”
Tanya smiled and nodded. “I think I can live with that.”
“You look so beautiful when you smile. Like sunshine.” Neil kissed the tip of her nose, touching her dimple lightly.
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Grover.” She gave him a cheeky grin.
“Look who’s flirting. So, you’ve learnt something, after all.” He laughed when Tanya punched his shoulder. He pulled her into his embrace. “Miss me?”
“Very much. Just like the last few months.” Tanya swallowed against the tears brimming in her round eyes.
“Hey! It’s over. We’re here; let’s move forward, yeah?” Neil caressed her cheek and dipped in to kiss her lightly. Immediately, she caught his t-shirt and deepened the kiss. Neil groaned at her uninhibited response. His hands skimmed through her hair, landing at her waist. Neil took control of the kiss, moving his lips over hers with expertise. She whimpered against his body. She wanted to touch his skin, was hot for him. Fumbling in her need, she moved her hands over his chest. Neil hissed with uncontrollable need. He caught her hands and moved his head. “Unless you want your first time to happen against the wall, I suggest you stop tempting me.”
She sighed and moved her head to his shoulder. “Come back soon.”
“I will.” Neil kissed her forehead and quickly stepped back before he was overtaken by lust again.
Chapter 13
Tanya kept her phone aside; she’d barely worked since morning. She had been texting Neil for the last two days, unable to help herself. Every time the phone pinged with an incoming message, her heart raced. They had shared their mutual interests, humor, books, everything. Tanya was delighted and scared when she realized he was perfect. Too much so! But, when things started getting hot, Tanya subtly backtracked. She didn’t understand why he’d pulled back the other day. She wanted him to be sure before they moved forward. Taking a deep breath, she purposefully ignored the phone and concentrated on her work.
Several hours later, Tanya closed her laptop and got her phone out to see several messages from Neil. The last one made her eyes pop out. She read the message again, her mouth going dry.I will be in tomorrow morning. Wear that pink dress you wore for your dinner with me. Don’t forget the shoes and the lacy bits of nothing.Tanya’s face burned. She quickly put away the phone, as if Neil would jump out of the phone.
Next morning came all too soon. Tanya was staring at the closet. Could she do it? She swallowed as her phone pinged yet again. She noticed it was a new text from Neil.Reached office. Waiting for you. Did you follow what I said? No? You might be punished.Neil had sent a smirk after the message. Fascinated with this new side of Neil, she ignored reasoning and pulled out the pink dress from her closet before she lost her nerve. Tanya hurriedly got ready, picking her car keys and rushing out.
As soon as she got out of the elevator, she noticed Neil at his doorway, a smirk gracing his lips. He crooked a finger at her. Before either of them could speak or move, the Marketing Director rushed towards Neil. Tanya was impressed when she noticed the blank mask immediately slip on Neil’s face.
She sat down to check her emails when she received a text.Glad to see you followed my orders ;-).
Didn’t know you’re into kink, Mr. Grover.Knowing he was probably in a call, Tanya sent a sassy reply. The minute she saw Neil come back as promised, some of her reserve had melted.
