Page 74 of A is for Aftercare

“So no more pretending,” I say. “And no more emotionless blow jobs or quick fucks after work.”

Archie’s eyes narrow a fraction, and his lips part in a questioning expression.

“I’m still making a mess of this, aren’t I?”

“A little,” Archie admits.

“Be mine,” I say. “My sub, my partner, my lover, my boyfriend, whatever the fuck you want to call it. If we want to kiss while we’re working, we can. Hell, if we want to take a long lunch break and make love, we can.”

His expression brightens. “I’ll get all my work done, I promise. No matter how much you distract me,” he adds with an impish grin.

“I’ll be the one distracting you, will I?”

“Of course.”

He’s probably right, although his very presence distractsme. Of course, his presence also inspires me, which is why I wrote more last week than I had in the month running up to it.

“You’ll still need to keep me on track to meet my writing deadlines,” I inform him.

“I can do that.”

I nod. “Right, now that’s settled, let’s get to work.”

“No good-morning kiss?” He looks at me with puppy dog eyes.

I pull him to me, forcing him to kneel more upright, and put my arms around his back so I can kiss him. He melts into the kiss, his lips soft and pliant against mine. His chest presses against mine, and he holds me, one hand tugging my T-shirt free and slipping beneath it.

“We’ll never get any work done if we carry on like this,” I grumble.

“You’re ahead on words,” he whispers before pecking my lips. “You can afford to start a little late today.”

“How do you know that off the top of your head?”

He chuckles. “I’m your PA. I know everything. You do have a check-in phone meeting with Kevin at three, though.”

“That’s hours away.”

“I know, but I know how much youlovetalking to your editor.”

“Like getting a hole in my head.”

“Which is why you made me call him to get your deadline extended.”

“My smart, organised nerd.”

Archie’s eyes sparkle as he laughs. “That’s what makes me the best PA you’ve ever had, Sir.”

I shiver at the salacious way he says ‘Sir’. “So what you’re saying is I’ve got time to take you upstairs?”

“Plenty of time.”

I take his hand and help him stand.

“What about your coffee?” he asks as I lead him towards the door.

“You’re the only stimulation I need this morning.”

“I think that’s the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.”