“But we are consenting adults,” he whispers close to my mouth, right before he kisses me again. I melt into the softness of the kiss, trying to remember if any man has ever kissed me like that. It makes me think of Sunday mornings in bed, and pain au chocolat pastries. “You are free to say no. It doesn’t change your position as my assistant. But you’re also welcome to say yes.”
Holy shit. Is it crazy that I kind of want to say yes? I don’t want a relationship. I have Emma. And I’m not ready to commit to any man.
But the idea of his skin against mine, of feeling passion again… I groan softly as he dips down again, giving my mouth a long, slow press that coaxes me deeper into his embrace.
An ache is throbbing between my legs, my arousal already scenting the air.
I guess I have a thing for men who are unavailable and a little dangerous. Because a few little presses of this man’s mouth and I’m ready to completely submit to him. I’ve always liked a man who takes charge and I just know that being with Rush?—
“Mama?”
I cry into Rush’s mouth a second before his head jerks back. For a moment we just stare at each other—and then he takes a definite step back.
Cool air rushes against all the places that had been warmed by his skin.
And then his lip curls in distaste as he rumbles, “You’re a mother.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Rush
I’ve donesome filthy things in my life. I’m not exactly a moral compass, but propositioning a single mother, who also happens to be my assistant, might be a new low.
She looked so fucking delectable in those yoga pants and tight little cropped T-shirt. Her face scrubbed free of make-up, Gigi is absolutely stunning, even more so than when she’s in the office.
There are some women who look great in makeup, but honestly, she looks better without it.
And then there is the fact that she’s so smart and competent, immediately seeing problems, searching for solutions.
And maybe my no-sex plan was a bad idea. Much as a female entanglement would be a distraction, I’m turning into an ogre in the office, yelling at everyone all the time, and now…
I look over my shoulder, a little girl in footed pajamas stares back at me, hugging a bear to her chest.
She’s the picture of Gigi. Big brown eyes, cute little button nose, and a mane of dark brown hair that’s pulled up in a ponytail.
She’s adorable. If kids were my thing. They’re not.
Gigi brushes past me, and crosses the room to the little girl, scooping her into her arms. “What are you doing out of bed, M&M?”
“I’m thirsty,” the little girl wraps her arms around her mother’s neck, her fingers disappearing in Gigi’s hair.
Fine. It’s cute the way her chubby little fingers massage her mother’s scalp.
“I should go,” I rumble, running my fingers through my hair again. This day has been a disaster. Vigo is winning, my brothers are circling, and I’m turning into my brother Killian. A human resource nightmare.
“Emma,” Gigi turns back to me, “This is my boss, Mr. Smith.”
“Rush,” I correct, automatically.
“That’s a funny name,” Emma’s brow furrows.
I smile, despite myself. “It is. You’re right. My real name is Rushton. Old family name, but my brothers call me Rush because, when I was young, I was always in a hurry.”
Emma’s head cocks to the side even as Gigi’s brows shoot up.
I don’t go soft and gooey for women with children. In fact, it’s always been a definite dealbreaker for me. But Gigi and Emma are beautiful together.
My eyes scan down them, my gaze landing on the swell of Gigi’s ass. She was made for yoga pants, or maybe all clothes look amazing on her.
