I swallow hard and remind myself to breathe.
This is work.
He’s my boss.
Get it together, Willow.
Easier said than done.
Everything about him screams capable in a way that makes me feel both safe and undone.
He hands me the credit card and keys.
His dark eyes meet mine, steady and intent.
“Anything else you need?” he asks, voice dropping lower.
My brain supplies an answer my mouth absolutely should not.
Yes. You.
Distance. Control.
“Uh—nope! I’m good!” I chirp far too brightly.
And then I flee.
I’m halfway down the hall when I hear it.
His chuckle.
Low. Warm. Amused.
I press a hand to my chest, heart racing, and I scold myself.
This is silly.
I can’t keep daydreaming about my boss, for Pete’s sake!
I’m doing okay on my own.
I got away from Dan. I’m beyond his reach.
And I’m surviving.
More than that.
I’m gonna figure out my life.
Build something new.
Something of my own.
I just have to not think about my boss.
Sure.
No problem at all.
