He frowns, perplexed. “Is what getting weird?”
“Us, working together, practically living together.” Fuck. Now he’s going to think I want to live with him. “I mean, we don’t really live together, but we’re together all the time.”
“Work isn’t weird for me. We only see each other a few times throughout the day.” He pushes away from the door and walks to me, leaning his hands on the vanity at my hips, bringing his eyes level with mine. “I want to be with you as much as possible outside of work. This is when we’re us, with no pretenses. Is it weird for you?”
“I don’t know,” I shrug and lower my gaze to his chest, but he captures my chin in his fingers and makes me meet his stare.
“Look at me, and be honest. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, Julianne. Not about us.”
“I’m not uncomfortable. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be. There are moments at work that are weird. I won’t deny that.” I run my hands up his strong arms and over his shoulders to rest them on his muscular chest. “You’re my boss. If you decide to end this, you could also end my career. It’s a sticky place to be for me.”
He frowns again, his eyes so serious. “I know you have to trust me, Julianne. I have to trust you too. It works both ways, you know.”
That hadn’t occurred to me. If I chose to end this, or if I was a bitter, scorned woman, I could ruin his career in a heartbeat. Not that I would ever do that. It’s not my style.
The trust is on both sides, equally.
I stroke his cheek with my fingertips and he closes his eyes briefly, then pins me again with those beautiful gray eyes.
Yes, I trust him.
“Don’t worry,” he whispers. “I wasn’t kidding when I said you’re mine. I will protect you with everything I have, baby.”
“Ditto,” I whisper and watch his eyes widen in surprise. He pulls me into him, wrapping his arms around me and pressing my head to his chest, and I feel so loved. This is not sexual at all, I feel cherished.
Finally, I pull back and smile up at him, wanting to lighten the mood. “I don’t want to burn the chicken. We’ve wasted enough food this week. You go work and I’ll finish up dinner.”
“Okay.” He kisses my nose and ushers me out ahead of him.
***
“I won’t be in the office this week.” Nate strides into the kitchen, his face taut with frustration.
“What’s up?” I ask and dish up our plates.
“I have to go to New York. Parker thinks I need to present this deal in person.” He joins me at the table and we dig in.
“He’s probably right,” I respond. Parker is a partner in our New York branch, and knows his stuff. The deal they’ve been working on for the past two weeks is a tricky one.
“Business trips don’t hold the same allure as they used to.” I look up at him and he’s frowning down at his plate.
“Hey,” I take his hand and squeeze his fingers. “This is part of the job. You couldn’t have a more understanding girlfriend in this area, Nate. I know this is part of who you are.”
“I can’t take you with me. I don’t need your help for the work, and it would raise eyebrows.”
“I know.” I shrug and keep eating, proud of myself for maintaining a calm expression on my face. “When will you be back?”
“By Thursday. I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”
“Okay. Need a lift to the airport?”
“Thank you.” God, he’s so serious today.
“Don’t worry,” I kick him playfully under the table. “I’ll be here when you get home.”
Chapter Fifteen
I’ve discovered that work is easier with Nate gone. I’m only half way through the work day, and I’m already more at ease. I don’t have to worry about anyone noticing anything different between us; a look or coy smile. I pray to God no one can read my mind because I’d be escorted to the sidewalk with all of my belongings in a box in the blink of an eye if they could.
Nate emailed me a list of things to do for him from this end to send back to him via email and fax for his presentation in New York tomorrow. He’ll be in the New York office preparing all day today.
He was really very cute this morning when I dropped him off at the airport. It makes me a little giddy that he didn’t want to leave me and will miss me.
I’m going to miss him too.
Sleeping alone for the next few nights doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest. I got lucky with Nate; he doesn’t snore or hog the bed, and he’s a really good cuddler.
Who would have thought?
But in the office, I feel more relaxed with him gone.
I finish typing a very dry, professional email to my handsome man with the completed requests he sent me this morning, expecting to receive an email back with more revisions and requests.
Meanwhile, I pick up my iPhone and send him a sexy, non-professional text.
Hey, handsome. Did you land safely? Would have loved to join the mile-high club with you today.
I turn my attention back to a report I’m working on when my phone chirps with a response.
Arrived safely, baby. Wish you were here. We will take a trip soon. I promise.
I like the sound of that.
It’s a date. Be safe, I’ll talk to you tonight. xo
His response is a simple xo.
When did I turn into such a sap? I miss him already.
There’s a knock on my door and Carly Lennox breezes into my office, leaving the door open behind her, thank goodness. She’s dressed in a black suit with the skirt too short and white shirt unbuttoned too low for my taste. This is an office, not a club.
“Hi, Jules,” she purrs.
“Carly. What can I do for you?” What the fuck does this bitch want?
“Well, I could use some help with an account today. I’m trying to get some work done early because I don’t want to work late. I have a date, and I figured, us girls have to stick together.” She smiles sweetly but her eyes are shrewd.