“I know that, but from the way everyone is going on, it might as well be me.”
Elena wished she knew what to say, but the words stuck in her throat. Jason looked beaten down, the stress getting to him. She couldn’t begin to imagine how he felt right now.
She stepped towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Jason stiffened.
“What are you doing?”
“I thought you needed a hug.” Elena rested her head against his chest. “I don’t want to push it, but you looked like you needed one.”
She had only meant to make it a quick gesture, one to say that she was on his side, but Jason’s arms suddenly went around her. His hold tightened, and he buried his face into her hair, cradling her against his chest. Elena didn’t know what to do with that. She should be easing away and moving out of reach, but she also didn’t want to let go.
Anything to make him feel better.
His hands moved across her back, and Elena got enough space to look up. His face was inches from hers, his eyes darkening as he stared at her. There was no mistaking the desire in his eyes, and it started the throbbing between her legs again. This seemed to be her state every time she was in close proximity to him.
And Elena didn’t want to excuse herself this time.
So when Jason lowered his head and kissed her, Elena didn’t push him away. For a moment, she relished the kiss and allowed him to savor her mouth, his hands shifting across her back. She could feel the heat from his touch leaving a trail behind. It spread through her body, and her legs felt weak.
Part of her wanted to push him away and remind him of what they were to each other. But the other part wanted more. She was so close to begging for more.
She shouldn’t. Absolutely not.
Just a little longer…
She came back to reality when Jason’s hand slid lower and cupped her backside, nudging her onto her tiptoes. Elena broke the kiss and managed to break free.
“I…I think we should stop.”
“Elena…”
“No, Jason, we can’t.” She held up her hands and backed away. “You and I…this shouldn’t happen. We can’t do anything. You’re my boss!”
Jason blinked. He looked dazed, like he was only just coming down to earth.
“I…we…” He shook himself. “I’m sorry, I…I forgot myself for a moment.”
“I think we both did.” Elena’s hands trembled as she adjusted her T-shirt. Was it suddenly warmer in here? “Look, you and I…we can’t. It’s not appropriate. We need to not even contemplate doing that again.”
Jason looked a little downcast. He looked at the floor. “You’re right,” he muttered. “Although I wish you weren’t.”
Part of Elena wished that she wasn’t, either. But it had to be done. Swallowing, she moved away.
“Can I be left alone now?” she said. “I’ve got some paperwork to finish off and send over to Carl. I would like to get it done before I go home.”
“Of course.” Jason hesitated. “You’re not going anywhere, are you? Please?”
There was something about the way he said the last word that made Elena pause. She looked back at him, and saw him watching her. God, why did that look make her want to run back into his arms?
She managed a smile. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
Relief washed over Jason’s face. He looked as if he was going to say something more, but then decided against it. Turning abruptly, he left the room, and Elena felt like she could breathe properly again. She slumped against the desk, still feeling the heat for his hands on her body.
It was going to take a while before she forgot the sizzling kiss she just shared with her boss.
CHAPTER13
JASON