“So, I’m not a friends-with-benefits type of person, but I’m also not sure about the whole boss/employee thing. Who am I kidding? It’s been so long since I’ve had a relationship, I don’t know what the hell to do, but we’ve built a strong friendship, and we work well together. That means a lot to me. I don’t want to lose that relationship, but I’m incredibly attracted to you. Obviously.”
He smirks at my last comment as only a man can.
“I’m incredibly attracted to you, too, Jos. If that kiss didn’t make it clear, I’m more than willing to try again,” he teases, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
Oh, this man.
His smile brightens like he can see right through me as he continues.
“While I may have been a friends-with-benefits kind of guy back in my playing days, I’m definitely not one now. There was nothing casual about what happened at my apartment or in the gym. It may have surprised me, but it meant a great deal to me. You’re very important to me, Jos. Yes, I love that we’re friends and work well together, but I want more.”
I bite my lower lip as I shift in my seat. I have so many feelings rolling around inside my head right now. A part of me is relieved that he wants more, but then a part of me is also terrified by it. And me? I don’t want a one-night stand, but do I want a relationship? Lord, I’m so bad at this.
“As for the ethical side of things, you didn’t take advantage of me in any way. What happened between us was mutual and consensual. There isn’t a valid reason for any ethical concerns since we are both clearly adults.”
He stands and reaches his hand out for mine. I take it, and he gently pulls me to my feet, my face inches from his hard chest. His other hand comes up to gently cup my face.
“You’re not getting away from me that easily, Joslyn Robertson. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time, beautiful, and I’m a man who goes after what he wants.”
He bends his head, his lips trailing lightly along my cheek.
“And I want you.”
He brings his lips back to mine for a gentle kiss before pulling away, looking down at me with eyes filled with desire.
“We don’t have to define this if you’re not comfortable, but you need to know that this is much more to me than casual sex. This means something, and I’d like to see where it goes. Is that something you want too?” Damon replies, his deep voice soothing my nerves.
Sincerity radiates off him, and I know he’s right. This is more than something casual, and I genuinely want to explore it. Lainy’s voice echoes through my head, “It’s okay to let someone in.”
So, I let him in.
“Yes, I would like to see where this goes. I’m scared to death, and I have zero experience with normal, healthy relationships, but I’m willing to give it a try.”
I take a deep breath and step forward into his arms. I can be brave, right? Because I really want to be brave for this man.
He pulls me into the biggest, warmest hug, and it feels so right. I tighten my arms around him, pouring all my angsty feelings into our embrace. I can’t help but lay my head against his muscular chest and simply enjoy the contact with his body. I’m probably overthinking this whole relationship thing. Perhaps we don’t need to define it; maybe we just need to live it.
Of course, my perfect moment is short-lived because there’s another knock at the door. We only manage to separate a few feet before Mel opens the door, profusely apologizing as she swings it wider.
“Sorry! I’m so sorry. The police detective is here and said he needed to talk to you immediately. It seems pretty urgent. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have interrupted your lunch.” She’s panicking, her eyes wide, as she wrings her hands in front of her.
I rush to reassure her.
“It’s okay, Mel. We’re helping them with a fraud investigation. Why don’t you go ahead and show him in?”
I can feel Damon’s eyes on me, full of questions. That’s right, we haven’t had much of a chance to talk about the “Bill” fallout.
“Are we good, Damon? We can discuss this further later this afternoon. I’ll stop by your office.”
He hesitates before saying, “Would you mind if I stay? I’d like to hear how the case is going.”
I look at him in surprise, but he shrugs. I always feel safer when he’s around, so I’m not about to argue.
“Sure. Go ahead.”
Mel ushers Dave Marcos in, a detective with the Denver Police Department. He’s the lead investigator and our point of contact. He’s been wonderful about keeping us in the loop with everything that’s happening. He’s a brawny guy, broad and muscular. He’s good-looking, but he doesn’t hold a candle to Damon.
“Good morning, Dave,” I say, extending my hand. His big, beefy hand engulfs mine in greeting. His grip is firm but gentle. I’ve always liked analyzing handshakes. They can tell you so much about a person—sometimes more than they want to reveal and Dave has a good one.
