Page 63 of The Stranger

“I have a good mind to lay you across my lap and spank that sweet arse of yours into submission.”

Oh, dear God, why does that sound so hot?

My eyes widen and my mouth gapes open. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He leans forward in his seat and cocks a brow. “Try me, sweetheart.”

I swear if I had the strength to lift that bouquet of gazillion flowers, I’d shove them right up his deliciously round backside. “Why are you sorry?”

“For taking advantage of you last night … you were in a vulnerable state. I should never have kissed you.”

“Yet you did.”

“I know, and for that, I apologise. My actions were inexcusable.”

“I kissed you back, and while we’re on the subject, I’m pretty sure you didn’t force me to grind against your dick either, Spencer.”

“Fuck, Delilah,” he groans, repositioning himself in his seat.

“It’s the truth.”

“It should never have happened. I am way too old for you and it was wrong of me to let things go as far as they did. I hope you can forgive me, so we can put it behind us.”

And there it is.

“There’s nothing to forgive,” I fib, lifting my chin a little higher. “It was a mistake … I’m glad we are on the same page.”

“You think what we did was a mistake?”

“Yes, and I can assure you it won’t happen again. Like you said, you are far too old for me, Mr Prescott.”

“I’m only ten years older than you,” he grumbles.

“That’s like seventy in dog years.”

Despite his obvious annoyance, he barks out a laugh. I, however, find no humour in this situation. “That may be true, but we are not animals, Miss St. James.”

We certainly acted like we were last night.

“Now that this is settled, can I go?”

“No. There’s something else I need to discuss with you.”

“What?” I snap, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Friday will be your last day as my receptionist.”

My heart sinks. This is far worse than I ever expected. “You’re firing me?”

“Of course not. Laura’s maternity leave is ending. She’ll be starting back on Monday, so I’m moving you to a different floor.”

“Oh.”

“It’s nothing personal. You’ve done a great job since you’ve been here, but Laura has been with me for six years … she holds seniority.”

“I understand,” I say, hoping my words don’t let on how I truly feel.

“Your salary and job description will remain the same. The only difference is, you’ll be working for someone other than me.”