Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
I blow out a long, slow breath.
Part of me is elated that Derek wants me to stay. But the other part that’s ready to move on? That part is hesitant. Because being so close to him every day and keeping it all surface-level might just kill me.
“Please don’t tell me it’s been miserable for you.”
“No, not at all,” I hurry to assure her. “Can I take the day to think about it?”
“Of course. I’m sure I caught you by surprise. Take the day and get back to me. I know this week is your last there, so if you could let me know by this evening, that would be great.”
“Thanks, Britney. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I hang up, and without overthinking it to death, head to the office. Sure, we’ve managed to keep things strictly professional for the past couple of weeks, but the truth is, every time I’m within even a few feet of Derek, I want to strip him down and have my way with him.
Which, to be fair, is completely unprofessional.
But he’s just so good at the sexy time. Who knew someone so rough around the edges could be so amazing at sex?
Not me.
And I don’t mind his moods. I think they’re kind of funny, actually. And when he gets all stern and tough, it’s hot as hell to me.
Maybe I’m weird, but the grumpy attorney does it for me.
Walking into Derek’s office, I notice that he’s already there—as usual. All the lights are on, and today, there’s a steaming cup of coffee, made just the way I like it, on my desk. A little thrill runs through me as I stow my things, pick up the mug, and walk to the doorway that connects my space to his.
He’s reading something, his dark head bowed, and those amazing hands tapping the desk. God, it’s no wonder I’m so attracted to him. He looks like…that.
“The coffee fairy visited this morning, I see.”
His head comes up from whatever he’s reading, and his eyes sweep down my body, leaving goose bumps and heat in their wake. When they land on my shoes, they narrow.
“Thanks for the coffee.”
“Wasn’t me,” he says, shaking his head as he raises his gaze back to my face. “Coffee fairy, remember?”
“Right.” I laugh and take another sip, eyeing him. Derek Langley fills out a suit like no one else I’ve ever seen. Today’s is gray, paired with a blue shirt and a dark-blue tie. It makes me sigh inside.
His eyes warm as he watches me, and then he finally says, “That color is beautiful on you.”
That’s the first personal comment he’s made to me in two weeks. It shouldn’t fill me with so much satisfaction, but it does. I’d hoped the jewel-toned dress, that I now realize matches his blue tie, would catch his interest, even though I know I shouldn’t feel that way.
We made a deal.
And yet, I always have Derek in mind when I dress in the morning.
“Thank you.” I look down into the mug and frown.
“I’m allowed to compliment you,” he says gruffly.
“I know, and I appreciate it. I’m trying out some new shoes.” I turn to the side and lift my heel. “They’re pretty, but you need to have the balance of an acrobat to walk in them. Here’s hoping I don’t kill myself by lunchtime.”
Derek clears his throat. “They’re very nice.”
I blink at him and can’t help but smile. “Nice?”
His jaw clenches, and that only makes my smile widen. “I’m a polite professional behaving in such a manner. So, yes, they’re nice.”
I don’t have to take the extension on this contract. I can decline and maybe see if there’s anything here with this man because I can’t seem to get him out of my system, no matter how hard I’ve tried over the past few weeks. Catching my lip between my teeth, I step farther into the room.
“And if you weren’t being professional? What might you say then?”
“Maya.” He doesn’t look away from me, but I can see the yearning in his eyes. “You’re the one who set the fucking boundaries here. Don’t forget that.”
Now I feel like a shit. He’s right, I did. But damn it, I am so freaking attracted to him. He’s like a magnet, and I can’t stay away from him.
“It’s just a question.” I look down into my mug again and then back up at him. “I’m not trying to play games with you or send mixed signals.”
He seems to struggle with a decision and then says, in a hard, firm voice, “I’d tell you that those shoes make me hard and I’d like you to wear them and nothing else as I sling your legs over my shoulders and fuck you seven ways to Sunday.”
Overcome with lust, I swallow hard and lick my lips.
“Okay, then.”
Chapter Seven