Page 50 of Flirting with 40

But it was definitely long enough to become hyper-aware of the full, long length of him against my body.

Just as I feel it, just as I want to sink into him, he spins me out so that it’s me who is throwing my head back and laughing. It is me who is garnering attention and people are smiling at.

Before the laughter stops echoing around the concrete platform, Slade pulls me back in and kisses me soundly on the lips.

I freeze.

I mean, of course, it’s what I want, but at the same time, there is an audience of my coworkers watching, and the attention makes me uncomfortable.

Luckily for me, the song ends and the party moves on. I take a breather to go and refill my wine and then stand on the outskirts of the fire-pit area and take it all in.

“It would behoove you to act a little more professional if you have any hope of getting the promotion.”

Ah, Horrible Heather strikes again.

I know I’ve done nothing wrong. I know she’s just lashing out because she’s supposed to be the life of the party and my boyfriend just stole that away from her.

I also know I don’t trust her or what she might pull to have ammo to use against me with the board.

“I won’t apologize for having a good time and letting loose a little with my coworkers. Isn’t that what this whole retreat is supposed to be about? Becoming a family? That whole spiel from earlier?”

She just purses her lips and sneers as Slade laughs with Oversharing Olivia.

“Oh, that’s it,” I murmur. “You’re afraid someone else is going to steal your limelight. No worries there. But maybe if you quit trying so hard, everyone would relax like that around you, too.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Blakely

“She’s mad at you, you know.” There’s a chill to the air that would normally make me want to go inside, but that cabin is way too small for the two of us and the desire in me that’s been building all night long. I’m also buzzed enough from the liquid courage I’ve been drinking steadily all night to prepare myself for this moment.

For having to walk inside and sleep beside him while trying not to let my feelings grow for him.

“Do you think I care?” Slade leans his shoulder against the doorframe of the cabin as I drink the rest of my wine. “What sin should I not atone for?”

“You were stealing attention away from her.”

“Then she shouldn’t be so boring.” He’s completely unapologetic.

“You kissed me.” And there I am, completely accusatory.

“And?”

“According to her, I still have to act professionally.”

“I wasn’t aware that you weren’t.” He hooks his thumbs into the belt loops of his jeans and shifts to lean his entire back against the doorframe. Shadows from the moonlight above obscure his face as the trees overhead rustle.

“I am. I was. It’s just that you kissed me and acted like—”

“Like a man who’s very enamored with his woman and wanted to show it.” His tone is stoic, but there’s a look in his eye that owns parts of me I don’t want to admit to yet.

A look that tells me I’m being ridiculous for feeling like he meant it when I know better.

A look that tells me I’m off my rocker if my heart is going pitter-patter over a guy I barely know.

“Well, don’t be.” The words are out before I can stop them.

Slade takes a step toward me. “Did something happen tonight I’m not aware of?”