The people around us slap our shoulders and jostle us in enthusiasm. Damian smile shines down at me, pulling me tight to him witha hug. The camera’s moved on to other couples, but my heart is still thumping wildly in my chest.
It isn’t just the kiss. Or the way he makes me feel all tingly, even after the weeks we’ve spent together. Or the way he commands my body to do as he pleases.
It’s the care and attention he provides. It’s the smiles that light up his face when we’re together and the small, kind gestures that he does without hesitation. It’s the protein smoothies he makes me drink because he knows I would eat all carbs and sugars if left to my own devices. It’s the way that he shares his time, his home… his heart… with me. Being with him here, in public instead of in hiding like we have been is a totally different experience.
I haven’t put much thought into hiding our relationship. It was something that came with the territory of dating my boss. It was what I asked for from the beginning. What I wanted.
Or what I thought I wanted, anyway.
But this version of us… this makes me want something more. Something I hope Damian is willing to give.
The Hawks manage to hold on to their lead through the end of the game, only letting one run in the entire time. We make our way out, the crowd dispersing faster than I would have thought possible, like some weird twilight zone situation.
On the drive home, I connect Damian’s phone to the Bluetooth and put on the playlist that he’s made of songs I like. Anytime he catches me singing along or vibing with the beat, he adds it.
Really, I can’t be surprised that I’m falling for him.
Chapter 32
Brielle
Myfeetfeellikethey’re floating above the ground as I glide through the office on cloud nine.
Damian and I had the best weekend. After the ball game on Saturday, we went out for a few drinks at a local bar and called it an early night. I was so exhausted from the excitement and sun that I passed out in the car on the way home. He helped me out of my clothes and tucked me into bed with a kiss to my forehead.
I woke him up the next morning, wanting to show him my true appreciation… twice.
We spent the rest of the day each working on some things for CreativEdge, even though it was Sunday. It felt so easy, being with him, each getting our work done, stopping to eat or kiss whenever we wanted.
Holly called me yesterday, checking for proof of life since I haven’t even been to my apartment since last Thursday. Damian and I have really gotten into a groove. One that feels a lot more relationshippy than I think either of us was expecting. We even made plans for later this year.
As crazy as it sounds, this secret fling with my boss is the best relationship I’ve ever been in. Everything is really coming together for me, whether it’s at work or in my relationship. The common denominator being Damian. He makes my life better. He makes me better.
The door to the conference room opens as I make my way back to my office from the pod lounge. Devin steps out, and my hackles are immediately raised.
Unsurprisingly, our relationship hasn’t improved since our encounter in the breakroom. We’ve managed to work together with civility, but the undercurrent of hostility persists.
Behind him stands one of the board of directors. She’s been in the office before, but I don’t know her name. I pick up my pace so I can get past them as quickly as possible, catching Devin’s arrogant eyes on the way by. He gives the board member a meaningful look that I choose to ignore. Just put my head down and keep walking.
“Excuse me. It’s Brielle, isn’t it? Brielle Collins?” the board member asks. Her blonde bob and trendy glasses should make her look chic, but there’s a calculating glint in her eyes that I don’t like.
“Yes. Can I help you?”
“If I could have a minute of your time, please.” She holds the door to the conference room open in invitation. “Thank you, Devin. I appreciate you reaching out to me.”
“Of course.” He smiles a Cheshire cat grin.
She shuts the door behind her and gestures for me to take a seat.
“What’s this about?” I smile.
Whatever Devin has said about me is utter bullshit. I have teams of people who have worked with me that can attest to my work ethic and can-do attitude. If he wants to make some erroneous complaint about me because he’s butt-hurt that I came in and superseded him on the marketing position, then he’s more than welcome to try.
“I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced. I’m Rachel Perriman. I sit on Mr. Edgerton’s board of directors.”
“Nice to meet you, Rachel.”
I wait for her to tell me why she’s brought me in here as she takes a seat right next to me.
