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His knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. “I can’t have this conversation when I’m driving; I need to see you.”
Pulling into an empty parking lot, we stop in front of a random office building that’s closed for the day. Shadows are beginning to gather as the sun sets for the evening. Somehow, the truck feels more intimate than it should. Not thirty minutes ago, I was surrounded by people, lamenting how alone I felt. Now, I’m in an empty parking lot with only one other person, and it almost feels crowded.
“Tess.” He turns in his seat so he’s facing me as he takes my hand. “I wanted to be there for you. But I also didn’t want to overstep. I thought you and your mom might need time to grieve together.” He squeezes my hands. “Hell, I don’t know what I’m doing, fighter. This is completely new to me.”
“What’s new to you?” I nod, accepting his explanation but still curious about his statement. It's true that he isn't his best in social settings. In fact, he's always been awkward—too demanding, too forward. Propriety and gentility definitely aren't his forte.
He seems disconcerted at my question, thrusting his hands through his hair. “This! Me, you, us. I think about you all the time. I want to protect you when you’re hurting. But I’m completely ignorant of how to do that in this situation.”
He didn’t mean to ghost me. He stayed away because he cares. Which is the same reason he got me a job at his company. And the reason he introduced me to his head architect. And the reason he showed up the funeral and made a huge donation to cancer research in my stepfather’s name. He doesn’t just care. He cares a lot. With that realization, all my fear disappears and another emotion takes its place.
“You don’t know what to do right now?” I ask.
He pauses, staring into my eyes, hearing something in my tone. I have no idea what he sees on my face, but all I can think about is how good he looks in a suit… and how much better he’ll look out of it.
The energy in the car transforms in an instant. There’s the man I fell in love with, the one I missed all week, this controlling beast of a man. His brown eyes light with an internal fire as he looks me over, gaze pausing on my lips, breasts, and legs. His voice is barely audible when he replies. “Oh, I know exactly what to do right now, fighter.”
“What are you going to do, boss?” I whisper, watching as his pupils widen in response to my challenge. Yes, I love him. And, dear god, do I want him. Like, right now.
“Come here,” he orders.
Yes, sir. I unbuckle my seat belt and scoot over the seat until only inches separate us.
“Good girl.” He wraps one large hand around the back of my neck while the other cups my cheek. Gently, he brings my mouth to his, nibbling on my lips and pressing soft kisses to my cheeks. “Tess. God, Tess. I missed you this week.”
A wave of relief washes over me, followed by an even stronger wave of desire. He does want me. This sexy, ambitious man who could have anyone he wanted is whispering words of adoration as he kisses down my neck.
“How much did you miss me?” I groan, as he bites my shoulder in response.
“Why don’t we go to my house and I’ll show you?” He growls and an answering purr starts in my throat.
Still, I like to get him riled up. “Are you sure we won’t get in trouble?”
“Don’t worry. The only trouble I want to get into, is you.”
“Then I suggest you drive faster, boss.”
