Mid Life Love (Mid Life Love #1)(27)

He took a white cloth from over the sink and ran warm water over it for several seconds. He pulled me over into a corner and slid my dress up past my hips.

“Spread your legs,” he whispered.

I slid my legs apart and looked into his eyes as he gently wiped the inside of my thighs. He moved his way up in a slow sensuous motion that nearly sent me over the edge again.

I tried coming down from the intense high I was feeling, but the look he was giving me was preventing that from happening. He grabbed another cloth—a dry cloth, and caressed me with it until I was completely dry.

We kept looking into each other’s eyes and I thought he was going to say something—or kiss me, but he simply smiled and reached for my hand.

“Are you ready to rejoin your friends now?”

I nodded.

He gave my hand a slight squeeze and walked me back upstairs to our table. As soon as we arrived, he offered to take another drink order for Helen and Sandra.

“So?” Sandra smiled. “Is your boss a good dancer?”

“He’s very good...” I picked up my mojito and chugged it.

She raised her eyebrow but she didn’t say anything further. She and Helen filled me in on two men they’d met during the midnight dance, but I was only halfway listening.

I was still hypnotized by Jonathan’s touch and honestly wished that it hadn’t ended so soon.

When he finally returned to the table, he talked to us as if we’d all known each other for a long time. Much to my surprise—and disappointment, he didn’t touch me again.

Jonathan put his jacket over my shoulders. “Where’d you park? I’ll walk you to your car.”

“The east lot.”

“Okay.” He clasped my hand and we walked over in silence. He helped me into my car and before I could drive off, he tapped the window.

“You never told me where you wanted to meet me tomorrow.” He smiled. “Did you forget already?”

“Oh no, I just...Um, how about doing an early run with a great view of the city? Around eight?”

“That sounds great. Where?”

“Corona Heights Park?”

“I’ll see you there.” He pulled a small box from his back pocket and handed it to me. “Happy Birthday again, Claire.”

“Thank you.” I tried not to blush as I rolled my window up.

As soon as I pulled in front of my house, I opened the box and peeled the thin layer of tissue paper away. There was a note: “To the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met: Give me a chance to show you how great we could be together—Jonathan.”

I rolled my eyes and pulled out what was underneath: a diamond lattice bracelet that looked like it cost more than my house.

I latched it onto my wrist and watched it sparkle against the darkness, wondering when I would ever wear something like this out in public.

I wasn’t sure whether I should keep it or not, but I knew I would give it back if I chose not to date him for the long term.

I looked down at the box again and noticed that there was a tightly folded piece of paper at the very bottom. I used my nails to pry it out and unfolded it: a page from the Statham Industries’ employee handbook.

Highlighted in yellow were the words, “Revised as of January 2013: The no fraternization clause is hereby terminated. Interpersonal relationships between employees are no longer a violation of company policy.”

I woke up at six in the morning, practically dragging Ashley and Caroline from their beds. No matter how many times I suggested that they go to bed early on nights that they had work in the morning, they never listened.

“Do you have your ID badges? You know I’m not driving out there to bring them if you don’t.”

“Yeah, yeah.” They both groaned as they zombie-walked down the steps.

I watched them take their time getting ready for work—ironing their white polo shirts and khakis, re-shining their leather flats, and arguing about whose turn it was to drive.

“Ashley, I’m pretty sure it’s your turn.” I sighed after watching them conduct yet another coin toss. “Please drive safely and—”

“Stay together.” Caroline groaned. “We’re sixteen, not six, mom. See you later.”

“Have a great day at work.” I shooed them out of the house and waited until their car coasted down the hill.

I rushed upstairs to my bathroom and changed into my most flattering workout outfit—a black and pink cotton pantsuit that clung to my curves, and matching black tennis shoes.

“Claire Gracen, this is not a date. It’s just an outing. A regular outing.” I looked at myself in the mirror. “Do not show any signs of attraction. Do not agree to any dates past today. This is only because he made you cum on the dance floor last night and you lost control...That’s the only reason you’re going to this thing. After today, this goes back to being a strictly professional relationship.”

I headed outside and revved up my car, cutting through the city streets to make it to the edge of the park. I drove through the lot and spotted a beautiful silver Jaguar that I assumed was Jonathan’s.

How many ridiculously expensive cars does he own?

“Good morning.” He stepped out of the car and smiled at me. “How are you feeling today?”

“Great. You?”