Page 24 of Inevitable

I rolled my eyes. “Would you stop being such a weirdo about this?”

“I’m sorry, but it is weird. I changed your diapers.”

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah. Right.”

“Well, I could’ve. I was there.”

I playfully slapped at his chest. “You’re being ridiculous.”

He caught my hand, holding it in his. “Don’t you think it’s odd, knowing the sexual habits of your clients?”

“It’s data.”

He chuckled, releasing my hand. “Right. Data.”

Jonathan’s phone buzzed on the desk, startling me. He glanced at the screen, and I saw the name “Alexis” there before he said, “Just a sec,” and answered it with a smile.

“Hey.” His tone was overly familiar, and I wondered if she was a friend? Lover? But why would he be jacking off so frequently if he had a lover? Maybe she’d been out of town? Maybe I shouldn’t care so much.

“Sure,” he said and then paused. I tried not to listen in. “That’s not a problem.” Another pause. “Yeah. I’ll see you later.”

He disconnected the call and then returned his attention to me like a spotlight. I felt the heat of it, the intensity. “Do you dissect the sexual habits of all your clients?” he asked, diving right back into the deep end.

“Just you.”

“Because I’m special, right?”

“Or maybe it’s because you’re my only client at the moment.”

“I’ve been thinking about that. You should talk to Isla on the third floor.” How could he switch gears so quickly? I was getting whiplash.

“Yeah.” I ran a hand through my hair, feeling his eyes on me. Did he have any idea how turned on I was? How keyed up? If he didn’t stop with the sweet compliments and smoldering gazes, I was going to have to add another “JJ” session to my calendar before the day ended.

“She runs a small business making wreaths and T-shirts and various things.”

“That doesn’t bother you?” I asked, surprised he not only knew about her side hustle but was okay with it.

He lifted a shoulder. “Who am I to say what she does in her spare time? Anyway, you should talk to her. If she’s interested, I’ll pay you to coach her.”

“Really?” I tilted my head to the side.

“I think it’d be good for both of you. And happy employees are more invested in their job.”

“Yeah, but…wow. That’s really very generous of you.”

“Why?” The corner of his lips curved into a smile. “How much do you cost?”

“I’m not sure you can afford me,” I teased.

“I know I can’t.” He leaned back, one leg crossed at the knee. He was so masculine. Sexy. Everything about him projecting an air of dominance. “You’re priceless.”

I smiled, warmth suffusing my veins. It was so nice to be valued, to be esteemed for my accomplishments. To have someone like Jonathan believe in me and my vision.

But there was more to it. There’d been a shift in our relationship these past few weeks, and I felt the potential of what could be. The easy banter, the friendship, the support, but also the heated way I’d catch him looking at me sometimes. Then he’d say things like that, and I’d melt.

His intercom buzzed, and it reminded me of his phone call with Alexis. Did he say things like that to her? To other women?

He pressed the button to indicate the speaker. “Yes?”