Page 63 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

“When did you meet?”

“Online.” She laughs sweetly, making me smile instantly. I love that look on her. “When I moved in here, I was searching for nice second-hand things to decorate. By chance, I found her ad—she was selling plant cuttings. I thought: Hey, cool idea. So, I messaged her. We chatted for hours until she suggested moving to the phone. We hit it off right away. Then she came over.” London points to her plants. “That was over three years ago. Every one of these pretty babies started tiny. Haven’t lost a single one.” She looks proud. “Just like our friendship. She hasn’t always had it easy either. I think that’s why we click.”

I take a bite of salad, then she starts eating too. It feels good, sitting here with her. But I also want to be honest. “I know you’re not drunk.”

London stares at me, shocked.

“Did I pass your little tests? If so, great—I’ll stay. But if you’re going to keep pretending, I’ll leave after coffee.” She’s speechless and doesn’t even swallow her salad. “You’re way too easy to read,” I laugh, eating more while she sits there, face red, unable to respond. Finally, she swallows and pokes at her salad, as if shemight find the answer she so desperately needs hidden among the leaves.

She sneaks a glance at me, then takes a breath. “I wanted to know if you’d take advantage.”

“I wouldn’t.” I set down my bowl, take hers too, and place them both on the table. With my thumb, I wipe dressing from her lips, then lick it clean. “I want you to enjoy every second when we sleep together. I want you to remember it.”

Her cheeks flush again, making me grin. Her face is like a mirror for her emotions.

“Do you sleep with all your PAs?” she asks.

“Only the ones who can keep up with me in sports.”

I manage to make her laugh.

“What kind of women are those?”

“Strong, independent women with an indomitable will.” I kiss her cheek and lean in. A sweet sigh escapes her warm mouth, which I kiss shortly after. Mm. She’s delicious.

“Won’t this affect our work relationship?” she asks, even as I’m already thinking about carrying her to bed.

“Only positively.”

I want more…

“Do you think I’m doing this just because…” I know where she’s headed, so I silence her with another kiss. I don’t want to hear anything about ambition or sleeping her way up. I just want her. Naked under me. To explore her body with my tongue and hear how eagerly she moans when I fuck her in the wildest positions. "It's just that I... will this be a one-time thing?"

“If that’s what you want,” I answer simply.

“You’re my boss,” she reminds me.

“Starting Monday. Right now, you don’t have one. Not for three more days.”

I kiss her neck, tasting her soft skin.

Oh yeah, not bad at all. I really like this.

Her little whimpers drive me wild. Her voice alone turns me on. I slip a hand onto her thigh immediately. I’ve been imagining this whole time—now it’s finally happening.

“So this is legitimate. You won’t treat me differently when we start working together on Monday?”

“Promise.” My hand slides under her dress just as the coffee maker beeps. Who wants coffee when I could be slipping this gorgeous woman’s panties off?

“And you’re not just saying that to get me into bed?” she asks, pressing her hands lightly against my chest to half-heartedly push me back a few inches. Her gaze is serious, full of concern.

“I’m a gentleman. No one will know and it won’t affect our working relationship. If you mess up, I’ll fire you. If you’re good, you’ll stay on.”

“Okay.” She seems satisfied.

So, can I continue?

Perfect.