And I didn’t think Wick was a chaser.
While I also didn’t anticipate him being an asshole come morning, I could save us both the trouble of the awkwardness that would follow if I left right now and just took away the wholesorry I slept with you, can you forget this?mess of a conversation. I felt like a real heel as I slid out from underneath his arm. I should be braver, even though I knew what was coming would suck. He deserved to tell me to my face that he didn’t think we should do this again.
But that would hurt.
I didn’t want any part of it.
I tossed the blankets we’d been sleeping on over him because with the AC running, he would probably get chilly soon. After I had him tucked up like a Wick burrito, I turned off all the lights except the one in the bathroom so I could see to creep around and gather my things.
I set my feet down with the stealth of an assassin; I did not want to get caught.
I was so torn because I wanted to stay. I wanted to wake up with him in the morning. Every time I caught a glimpse of his handsome face my resolve wavered.
But this was a bad decision that would simply be compounded by sticking around.
When I had all my stuff together, I checked my phone—it was a little before five in the morning. I covered my face with my hands and rubbed my eyes. This would be a long, awful day. My heart wanted me to go curl up on the bed. What if I was wrong? No, I was being unrealistic if I thought he was going to blink his dazzling gray eyes open and be excited to see me when he wasn’t looking to blow his load.
Even worse, what if hewasexcited to see me? What about work?
Why didn’t I think about any of this shit before we slept together? Because it’s been five years since I was with a guy, and I couldn’t talk myself out of kissing someone I like, that’s why.
Despite what Wick had said and the fact that he’d kissed me in public last night, this would cause problems. We had a few conservative employees, and Wick didn’t advertise his sexuality at work, so they probably had no idea. He was a good boss, but some people would still leave. This would affect the company.
No, I couldn’t do this to him. I should’ve considered all these angles before I pulled my dick out last night, but I’d wanted it—needed to know what it felt like to touch him and have him treat me like I was his... what? Boyfriend? Lover? Well, treat me like I meant more to him than only being his assistant at work.
I took another few minutes to stare at him as he slept on, his face smooth and innocent.
Would the roads be open? I sighed and tugged my phone out of my pocket to look at it again, then went over and brushed my lips to his forehead. His skin was warm and I wanted to kiss him all over. I moved a few strands of his soft hair off his face and stared for a while longer, then left my key card and grabbed my duffel and laptop bag on the way out the door.
A man like Wick wouldn’t have any trouble meeting someone else who would want to be with him. Rich, handsome, and a flirt? Yeah, he would be fine. My heart was heavy as I walked along the hall and down the main staircase. Plus, we didn’t fit as a couple. People wouldn’t look at us and go, “Those two belong together, aren’t they cute?” They would wonder what the hell Wick was thinking. I wasn’t being down on myself, either. It was simply a fact.
I made it all the way outside into the dark and drizzling rain before I groaned. My car wasn’t here. I stared at Wick’s Maserati in the parking lot and felt stupid, then went back to the patio along the front of the building and dropped my bags on the wet cement. Defeat weighed heavily on me. I didn’t even care about the wet seat as I collapsed onto a white metal chair, and immediately my butt and back were damp. Warm, humid air clung to me and sweat broke out over my entire body within seconds. I slapped at a puddle on the table. This was my life—I couldn’t even escape an awkward situation without making things worse.
One of the glass doors opened, and Hyeon’s cousin came out with two mugs balanced precariously in one hand. He was cute, with bright brown eyes, dimples, and a wide smile. I forced myself to mumble “thank you” as he set one mug down in front of me. He used the bar towel he had over his shoulder to wipe down the chair next to mine, then plopped onto it. With a tired grin, he sipped his drink.
“Can’t sleep?” he asked.
I shrugged. “You?”
“Nope. Today is going to suck. I’m never able to sleep when strange things are happening. Hurricanes, storms.... I worry too much.” He didn’t seem upset, simply appeared to embrace that kernel of truth about himself.
I groaned. “Yeah.”
He glanced at my bags, then peeked at his watch. “You wouldn’t happen to be up to no good, would you? You seem like a guy who’s doing things he shouldn’t. Maybe escaping something... or someone? Do you need help?”
Nervous laughter bubbled out of my mouth and I couldn’t stem it. Fuck, was I that easy to read? “Don’t suppose I could talk you into giving me a lift to my office?”
The kid hummed and nodded. “Okay, I was right about you.” He stuck out his tongue for a second, and I could only give him a miserable smile. “I have to go out and try to find a grocery store that’s open anyway. Sure.”
Guilt twisted in my gut as I drank my coffee. I should’ve said something to Wick, but what? Last night was really good, but it would only lead to problems later. I would just go in to work and get as much done as possible. I wouldn’t ignore the situation if Wick brought it up, but maybe if I didn’t say anything it would work itself out. It was better to focus on work and write off last night as the result of stress and the storm. Wick would find someone like Indy Yves, who would make sense as his partner, and that would be the end of this.
The kid finished his coffee and grinned at me.
“Are you one of the Yoons? If I remember correctly, Hyeon said you’re his cousin.”
He nodded and ran a hand through his black hair. “I’m Cooper.”
“Thanks. I’ll come back when I have cash and—”
