Removing my fist from my mouth, I shoot back a quick “morning” as I continue to watch her prepare her coffee the way I know she likes: a splash of creamer and one spoonful of sugar.
She turns and heads towards me stirring her coffee, the occasional ring of the spoon hitting the mug breaking the silence.
“You doin’ okay, Bear? You seem a little flustered.” Her tone is playful as she sits next to me, one foot on the seat of her chair, knee jutted up to her chest.
Fuck me.
She’s not wearing any underwear and the way she’s sitting has her whole thigh exposed. The angle of her body is the only thing keeping me from seeing all of her. Mel normally sits like this when she’s relaxed, except right now she’s trying to kill me.
Pinching the bridge of my nose, eyes squeezed shut, I exhale, trying to rally what resolve I have left. “I think we need to talk about last night.”
She sips her coffee, head tilting, as she waits for me to continue.Why is this so hard?“I’m not sure that we should continue doing what we did last night.” God, if those words didn’t form a ball in the middle of my gut the minute I spoke the words aloud.
She purses her lips in thought. Leaning forward, she places her mug gently on the table before turning her attention to me. “Gabe, what are you thinking? I told you how I felt about it last night, and if I recall correctly, you made fun of me for admitting what I did.”
“…probably the best I’ve ever had…” Fuck, this is going to be hard.She’s the best I’ve ever had too. No one compares. But it doesn’t change anything.
I don’t want to ruin us.
Running my hands down my face, I sigh. “I know. I know I did. I just… I don’t want to ruin our friendship. You mean too much to me.”
“So, what exactly are you saying? That you don’t want to have sex with me? I don’t know about you, but last night was mind-blowing.”
She’s not making this easy.“It was,” I admit.Dammit, it was.
Mel leans back, crossing her arms over her knee. “Then I don’t see the problem. I honestly don’t think this will ruin our friendship. If anything, I think it makes our friendship stronger. We’re closer than we’ve ever been.”
I can’t do this. How can I push her away when I want her so badly?
She breathes deeply before she continues. “I think we can move our friendship forward into a friends-with-benefits type situation.”
Speechless, I have no words, shocked at what she just suggested.Friends with benefits? Can I handle that?
“Listen, Bear. I don’t want to force you into doing anything you don’t want, but I know you. I can see how much you want me too. Don’t think I didn’t see you eyeing my tits when I walked in here.” She gives me a pointed look. “I just know that I still want you as badly as I wanted you last night. I want to see where this thing goes with you.” She pauses, her brown eyes piercing mine. “Think about it.”
But I don’t have to think about it. I already know my answer.
Chapter 9
Melissa
Ever since Gabe left on Saturday morning, I haven’t been able to focus on anything.
He didn’t give me an answer, following my request for him to think about it, but I’m dying to know his decision. I understand his hesitation—I’m scared of ruining things too— but I also can’t deny the attraction that’s been ignited in me for him.
There’s no fucking way I can look at him andnothave a reaction. Even just thinking about him is making me all hot and bothered.
Today has been a shit show. Ever since I walked into work five minutes late because of the damn traffic, I’ve been doing damage control. Vance is in a mood, prowling through the office, muttering as he goes.
Better put on a good face.
I’ve worked for Vance for several years now and I’ve gotten to know his moods pretty well. He’s a good boss, always treating me professionally and with respect, but he can be kind of a wild card. Especially when things aren’t going his way.
And today is one of those days.
Work typically consists of answering phone calls, scheduling meetings— reminding Vance of these meetings—and includes the usual coffee or food runs. My goal today is to placate my boss and hopefully ease the growing tension in the office. I don’t know why he’s in this mood, but I will do my best to pull him out of it.
Just having delivered coffee to Vance, I settle back in my chair and open my emails. Scrolling through the long list, Vance’s voice startles me as it projects through the speaker
