Colette stepped back, swallowing thickly.
“I’ve basically been working as your second in command, running the place; it’s not strange that they would ask me. Granted, I’m overseeing the finance side of things, I didn’t think you would mind.”
Tossing her dark waves behind her, Colette crossed her arms and quirked a brow in challenge. She pursed her lips, chewing on the inside of her lip to hide her nervousness. There was no way she was going to let him make a big deal out of this. They all needed a break sometimes.
“Why don’t you explain to me what you meant when you said you would handle me?” Placing his balled-up fists on his hips, he raised a brow in question.
Colette’s eyes flared at the heat coming off him, her mouth opening and closing as she composed a good answer.
Was it weird that she was getting turned on?
“I meant, I can handle you,” she needled. “Seems obvious to me.”
Nodding slowly, he crossed his arms, stepping toward her. Colette attempted to slow her breathing as he approached. Keeping her cool, she took a step back, gripping the desk as it hit the back of her thighs.
“I want to know exactlyhowyou were planning on handling me,” he said as he brushed the back of his fingertips along the curve of her cheek.
Colette shivered. He was jumbling her brain.
“Well, I meant, I would…you know, make sure you were cool with everything. It wasn’t a big deal. If you weren’t happy, I would make sure you were happy,” Colette stammered. “It sounds a little dirty when I say it out loud.” She ran her fingers through her dark curls, tossing them over to one side of her head.
“Okay, now I want a demonstration,” Marshall’s eyes narrowed as his gaze swept her body. “Leave out no details.”
Swallowing thickly, she dug her top teeth into her bottom lip. “What?”
“Handle me. Show me how you would handle me.”
Her eyes grew wide with alarm. “Here?”
“Yeah, I’ve had a long day and I’m not happy. How are you going to handle me?” He brushed his thumb along her lower lip.
Colette gave a small gasp, a shock of heat warming her core.
“Well, when the boss is feeling grumpy, you gotta help him get out of his mood.” She ran her palm along the planes of his chest, the steady beat of his heart making her own heart pick up its pace in her chest.
He stilled her hand, wrapping his own around her wrist.
“That’s right. You don’t want to upset the boss,” he threatened in a playful tone. His thumb traced a path on the inside of her wrist. “He won’t tolerate any form of insubordination.”
Goosebumps scattered over her skin.
“Really? I think he tolerates a little insubordination,” she ran her tongue along her upper lip and tilted her head. “You know what? Maybe I like you better grumpy.” Her eyes warmed as she spoke.
“What did you say?” His eyes narrowed as he gave his head a shake. “Unacceptable behavior.”
She shivered.
“I said, I like it when you’re angry. It’s hot.” Colette leaned back into the desk, gripping it with her hands, and boldly raked her gaze over his entire body. She licked her lips as her eyes came to meet his and raised an eyebrow. His eyes darkened to dark forest green.
Closing the distance between them, Marshall gripped her hips and gruffly pulled her to him.
“Am I making you hot right now?” he murmured, brushing his full lips against hers.
“Maybe you should check.” She raised a brow. Her tongue darted out of her mouth, sweeping across her lips.
“You have no idea what you’re asking for every damn time you get sassy with me,” Marshall said, whipping her around and bending her over the desk. He reached a hand up her skirt, exploring the heat between her legs. Growling, he pulled off her underwear and tights, tossing them carelessly over his shoulder. Colette gasped as the cool air of the room danced across her overheated skin.
“I have a way of dealing with difficult employees, and so far, you’ve been my most challenging,” Marshall whispered hotly in her ear.
