Make Me Yours(21)

“She’s a lot like you. She’s adorable.” The words are out before I realize what I’ve just said.

“Is that so?” His smile changes from panty melting to flat out want.

His hand twitches, and I can imagine going to him, putting my hand on his shoulder and pulling our mouths together. I imagine straddling his lap, him lifting my shirt over my head, pulling on my nipple with his lips… Oh, hell, I’m already wet.

I want to bone my boss.

Bone my boss…

Yes, please.

“Don’t you think she’s like you?” My breath is shallow, and he returns to where I’m standing.

“I hope she’s not.”

“Why? What’s wrong with you?”

His chin drops, and it’s like he’s baring his soul. “You’re a therapist… tell me what you think—unless that’s not allowed… Can you treat your boss?”

“Of course, I can.” Can I? “What’s bothering you?”

We’re so close, and today his scent is less earthy and more soap and sexy man-scent. It’s delicious.

“Is it inevitable… Do we all eventually turn into our parents?” He looks up at me from under his brow, and Oh, sweet Jesus, those eyes.

“Lord I hope not.” I gently tease. “My mom is a piece of work… and my dad, well…” I don’t want to get into that.

“Dads.” He exhales deeply. “I can’t be that man… Absent, distant, always distracted by my work, missing Lillie’s childhood. Showing up only to criticize.”

The tone in his voice pulls at my chest, and his eyes are so earnest. They capture my heart.

I swallow the tightness in my throat. “Well, I know a little something about distant fathers. You are not like that.”

“I try not to be.” The muscle in his jaw moves, and he looks over my shoulder. “Eleanor says I work too much. She says I’m missing my daughter’s most important years… Sometimes I think she says it to get under my skin. I mean, I have to work, or I’ll fall behind. Other investors will get ahead of me.”

Reaching out, I touch his arm. It feels so good, warm and strong. “Everyone has to work, Remi. You can’t feel guilty for providing for your family.”

He puts a hand on top of mine. “I’m too close to judge my own behavior. If I start neglecting her or putting my work first again—”

“Lillie loves you. She’s so excited every time she sees you, which means you’re doing something right.” Our hands lower. He’s still holding mine, and instinctively our fingers thread. “I’ve been here less than a day, but you seem to have a great relationship with her. You seem to be there for her… as much as she needs you to be. I think it would be okay if she turns out like you…”

“Will you let me know if I let her down?” His voice is lower.

“I will.” His eyes drop to my mouth, and my tongue slips out to touch my bottom lip.

His gaze stays there, and his lips part. God, I want to kiss him. Tightness fills my stomach, and I sway forward, lifting my chin. Warm breath skates over my cheek…

It’s happening.

We’re going to kiss.

My heart beats so fast. He leans closer. My chest aches from the pressure. Perhaps we’ll meet in the middle.

His eyes move across my cheek like a caress, up to my eyes. “I don’t mean to offend you. I hope you don’t mind me saying this…”

“What?” The word floats out on an exhale.

“You’re so beautiful.”

“So are you…”

Because, yes. Yes, he is.

He leans a little closer, and the heat between us is right there. It’s fire, a burning ring of fire, like the song. Our hands are still joined, an electric connection, sparks in our fingertips. I exhale a whimper, a plea for more. I’m slippery and wet, vibrating and magnetic.

He inhales again, placing his hand on my shoulder. “You smell like roses.”

My shirt is so thin, I’m sure my nipples will rip through the fabric. I want to reach forward and slide my hand along the front of his pants, feel the erection I know he has.

One step forward, my chin lifts. My eyes slide close, and my breath stills…

“Ruby!” Eleanor shouts my name so loud, we both jump apart.

“Oh my god,” I whisper.

“If you’re late to pick up Lillian, they fine us a dollar a minute.”

She’s coming up the stairs. She’s almost to the landing, and I go to the door. Remi turns his back and steps out the open French doors onto the small balcony.

He didn’t even touch me, but I smooth my hair and straighten my blouse. I’m hot and bothered and breathing fast. “What’s that?” My voice is wobbly.

“Here you are.” Eleanor pauses at the door, and her eyes narrow suspiciously.

I pass her, going out to the landing, without a backwards glance at my boss.

My boss.

Remi is my boss.

“I must’ve lost track of time.” My voice is light, not breathless.

Eleanor pivots and follows me down the stairs. “You might set your watch—”

“That’s a good idea.” I lift my wrist and tap on my Apple watch.