The Boss Project(69)

I did.

“I like you. A lot. Do I see potential pitfalls because you work at my company and we both have enough baggage to fill JFK?” He nodded. “Of course. I don’t even know if I’m capable of a normal relationship anymore, it’s been so long. But what I am sure of is that last night was not a one-night stand for me.”

My heart felt hopeful, which scared me more than a little. But I took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. But could we talk about the office?”

“I’d rather celebrate our new understanding that last night was not a one-night-only thing with my head between your legs.” He shrugged. “But sure, let’s talk about the office.”

I laughed. “I’m being serious.”

“So am I, sweetheart.”

“Well, hold that thought then.” I turned over on my side to face him. “Having a relationship with the boss is fraught with risks under normal circumstances, but our circumstances make it even messier. For me to do my job, people need to confide in me and trust that nothing they say is going to make it back to the boss.”

“Well, you don’t work for me anymore.”

“While I think having me report to Joan is a good idea—though it should have been implemented at a more reasonable hour of the day, obviously—it doesn’t change the fact that you are the company. It’s already a steep hill for people to accept that the guy who signs all of our paychecks isn’t my boss. It becomes a mountain if I’m also sleeping with that boss.”

“So what do you propose?”

I shook my head. “No one can know about us. At least not at the office.”

Merrick frowned. “How am I supposed to fuck you in my office if people can’t know?”

My eyes widened.

Merrick cracked a smile. “I’m kidding.”

“Oh, thank God.”

He shrugged. “I’ll need to get rid of the glass walls before we can do that.” When he saw the look on my face, he laughed. “I get it. You don’t have to worry. I learned my lesson about people in the office knowing my personal business after Amelia. I don’t even bring dates to work functions anymore. My private life doesn’t need to be on display.”

Hearing him say that made me feel slightly less anxious. I nodded. “Okay, great.”

“One exception though.”

“What?”

“Will. He was my closest friend long before I started Crawford Investments. Besides, he loves to fuck with me. So if he doesn’t know, he’s going to continue to flirt with you relentlessly to piss me off.”

I smiled. “Okay. Hopefully Will can keep it quiet.”

“Thank you.” He reached out and rubbed my bottom lip with his thumb. “How come you haven’t worn that red lipstick you had on during your first interview again?”

My nose wrinkled. “What lipstick was I wearing?”

“It was a bright red.”

I covered my mouth and cracked up. “That wasn’t just lipstick. I’d stained my mouth bright red by eating cherries while I was on my way to the appointment. I did the best I could to even it out, but that lipstick was mostly cherry stains.”

“I liked it. I might’ve fantasized about you with just those red-painted lips and nothing but a pair of high heels on more than one occasion.”

I laughed. “I knew you were a perv. If you’re good, maybe one day I’ll make that fantasy come true.”

“Promise?”

I pressed my lips to his. “Sure, boss.”

He brushed a lock of my hair behind my ear. “Anything else you want to talk about?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”

“Good.” Merrick abruptly rolled us so I was on my back, making me squeal. He leaned down and kissed my lips softly. “Heads or tails?”

“You don’t even have a coin in your hand.”

“Pretend I do. What would you pick?”

I shrugged. “Heads, I guess.”

“Good choice. I couldn’t decide.”

“Decide between what?”

“Going down on you or taking you from behind while you’re up on all fours.” He slid down my body. “Head it is.”





CHAPTER 23


Evie


A week and a half went by before Merrick returned Thursday morning. I was a mix of anxious and excited. I knew it might be awkward to pretend nothing had changed between us, but I missed seeing him every day.

Kitty had needed to stay in the hospital a few days longer than originally expected. Her slight fever had turned into a pretty elevated white blood count, and they’d started her on IV antibiotics. She’d finally come home on Wednesday morning, so Merrick had the nurse he’d hired start that day. Late that afternoon he ran out to the grocery store, and when he came back the nurse was gone. Kitty had fired her the first opportunity she had alone with the woman. So Merrick had stayed another week, until he felt comfortable Kitty was recovered enough from her surgery to be left alone with only Marvin’s help. He’d taken a flight this morning.

I was talking to Joan in the break room when he walked in. The sight of him stopped me in my tracks.

“Hey.” A smile spread across my face, but I realized it was a bit overzealous and reined it in. “You’re back.”