Looking over the square slips of sod, I ask like an idiot, “It’s for the back of the building?”
“Hayes told me to bring the best sod I had and make sure it was safe for kids. Is there a problem?”
I gesture for him to go to work. As I walk inside, my heart clenches and I feel like I might fall over. Hayes ordered this grass for my kids. How long has he left the backyard a muddy ditch? Now he makes a change. For my kids. For me.
A man incapable of love wouldn’t have ordered the sod. Hayes isn’t a monster. My fears are stupid, and I need to be smart.
Without thinking, I rush into Hayes’s office where he stands next to his desk. He knows I’m here. I see the way his shoulders tense, but he doesn’t look at me. I’ve hurt his ego, yet he still ordered the sod.
“Hayes,” I say when he won’t look at me.
He turns, frowning ugly at me. I feel foolish under his gaze, and the right words are difficult to find.
I reach up to cup his face and then lift my lips, but Hayes doesn’t kiss me. Letting out a grunt, he turns away.
“That ship sailed, babe.”
A punch to the gut, his words nearly topple me over. Is he really so cold? Am I such a fool to believe otherwise?
“Have it your way,” I say, hiding my hurt.
I don’t reach the door before Hayes’s hands grab my waist. He turns me just enough for our lips to meet and I lose my breath.
His arms wrap around me, lifting me off the ground while he presses me against the wall. I’m a doll in his embrace. Fragile in ways I’ve never known.
Hayes lets me down and steps away. His gaze flashes to the door, and I suspect he remembers we’re not alone in the office.
“Tonight, we’re going out to dinner,” he demands.
“I don’t have anyone to watch the twins,” I mumble while trying to compose myself.
“Bring them. I’ll spend the night at your place.”
“My kids sleep down the hall,” I whisper as his nearly black gaze engulfs me.
“I’m not loud when I fuck.”
Something about that four-letter word breaks through my lustful haze. I want him so badly I am nodding at the thought of him coming to my house and fucking me in the room next to my children’s. My desire-mired brain approves of this plan until that one word awakens me.
“You’re the devil,” I whisper.
Hayes smiles, thinking I’m complimenting him.
“I was wrong to come in here,” I say, backing away. “I should have given you a thank you note. Bought you a gift basket. Not this,” I mumble, hurrying out of the room.
Hayes follows me. “You’re certifiable. I better make sure the medical plan covers mental health.”
I stop at my desk and pretend to focus on paperwork. My mind is reeling, and my body aches for his touch, but I can’t give into my basest needs.
I feel his arm around my waist and begin to protest, but he’s already lifted me off the ground. Carrying me under his arm like a package to be delivered, he walks into the meeting room and shuts the door.
“What the fuck?” he demands, setting me down.
“I always thought I was so smart, but I'd just never been tempted before. Now I am tempted to be stupid, and I’m failing just like Honey did.”
“Because of me?” he barks. “I’m the fucking bad guy. The devil. You’re dumping this bullshit on me?”
“Don’t act so shocked. You’re a big, scary, rich guy who’s my boss. You have the power to ruin me. I mean, you get that right? Your dick hasn’t drained your brain power, has it? Fearing you is the sanest shit I’ve ever done.”
“Well fuck you,” he says, resting his hands on his hips. “Fuck your curse too.”
“Some people are naturally attracted to bad choices. You mock that kind of thinking all you want, but it killed my brother and wore down my mother. Look at fucking Honey.”
“You’re not any of those fucking people, you dipshit.”
“I was going to fuck you right next to where my kids sleep!” I cry, “I never would do that crap, but you make me weak and dumb as fuck.”
“Bullshit, idiot.”
“Eat shit, asshole.”
Hayes narrows his raging eyes. “Why did you kiss me?”
“You got that sod for the kids, right?”
“No, it’s for my dog,” he lies.
“You make me forget about everything besides you.”
“You don’t affect me at all.”
I smile slightly. “I wish things were different.”
“Why? Things are fucking fine. You’re the problem. Just change your crazy thinking and everything will be peachy fucking keen.”
“I should be turned off by your rude mouth, but you cloud my thinking.”
Hayes crosses his arms and stares at me. Then he uncrosses them and shakes his head.
“You’re not worth the effort.”
Nodding, I only watch him and wish my confidence might return. Rather than storming out, Hayes crosses his arms again.
“Here’s what’s going to happen. No arguments. No bitching or whatever bullshit you might think up. You understand?”