“I happen to like it here, and I really don’t want to jeopardize my job. You’re my boss. Is working this closely going to be awkward?”
My chest tightens as the sadness laced around her words seeps into my soul. I realize how much pain I’ve caused her. How much of an arse I’ve been.
“I know you do,” I say. “We can do this. We won’t be provoked again.”
I’m sorry about the kiss. Sorry about the way I made her moan at my touch. Sorry about every stolen kiss, every moment touching her beautiful skin.
Bloody liar.
“Let’s call it a night. We’ve covered a lot today.” I sigh, standing from the chair.
She nods. “I think that’s for the best.”
She keeps herself busy by rounding up her stuff while I remove her flash drive from my computer.
“I’ll work on the finishing touches and get with the creative team to finalize the scripts to send to Holly, Spencer, and Catelyn early next week,” she says. Her tone is back to professional, and I loathe it.
It might be what’s best, but it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want things to be this formal with Raven. I want her to feel comfortable around me. To act herself.
Too late for that, prick.
“We’ll need to get their approval quickly so we can book travel,” I say, going along with her choice of topic.
“Agree. I’ll make sure the documents ask for approval within forty-eight hours. Holly will have to be okay with that since it’s her schedule forcing us to move quickly.”
Her take-charge attitude at the moment is beyond attractive. Instead of running out of here like a blubbering mess, she’s pushed down the awkwardness and has managed to act like a true professional.
Despite your actions.
I groan, and she eyes me warily, thankfully not voicing her thoughts.
“Thank you, Raven. I think we have a solid plan. I’m almost certain all three of them will give their approval.”
“Me, too,” she says, moving toward the door.
The shift from making out in my office to discussing Diosa is jarring, but she handles it like a pro.
Good.
Hopefully, we’ll be able to move past this.
“Good night, then,” she says, glancing my way one more time.
“Good night, Raven.”
I watch as she slips out the door, leaving me alone in the quiet office to replay what had occurred here earlier.
Pouring myself a tumbler of whiskey, I throw it back, the liquid burning all the way down. I quickly pour another, hoping to chase away these errant thoughts.
I have to forget about the way she feels.
The way her body molds to mine perfectly.
The taste of cinnamon on her breath.
Trying to forget about Raven Bennett isn’t going to be difficult. It’s going to be impossible.
I’m a selfish motherfucker.