“No, thank you,” I replied crisply. Alex and alcohol don’t mix well for me.
He sits down on the small, cream colored sofa, loosening his tie. I sit in a chair across from him.
“What happened Saturday was wonderful……” I trail off, shifting in my seat. “But, Alex, it was inappropriate.”
I pause, waiting for his response. He leans back on the sofa, crosses his legs, a tumbler of whisky in hand. He takes a sip of his drink, gently shakes the glass. I hear the tinkling of ice.
“Don’t you think?” I ask expectantly.
Alex raises an eyebrow. “Don’t I think what, Katherine?”
“You know what, Alex. That our kiss was inappropriate.” Exasperated, I stand up, walk behind the chair, placing my hands on the back on it.
Alex looks at me, a sexy, knowing smile spreading across his face. “It’s only natural for two people who are attracted to each other to do something about it.”
“How do you know I’m attracted to you? Maybe, Alex, it was just the alcohol,” I say defensively. I know that’s bullshit. I’m attracted to him whether I want to admit it or not.
He knows its bullshit, too, because he laughs which only makes me furious. “Katherine. It wasn’t the alcohol and we both know that.” He then takes another swig of his whisky, staring directly at me. He’s acting as if this is no big deal. And for him, it probably isn’t.
“Look, I want to preserve my reputation. My career. You’re my boss, Alex. My boss.” I feel conflicted. Confused. Part of me wants to straddle him on that sofa right now, another part of me wants to tell him to go to hell.
“It was exciting, don’t you think? Maybe just a little?” He tilts his head to the side, slight smile playing on his lips. Those sexy lips.
I feel a hot flush creeping up my chest. I can still feel his lips on mine. It was exciting. It was exhilarating. It was everything. I am so hot right now I can barely speak.
“You’re exciting,” Alex says, leaning forward. “And I can’t stop thinking about you.”
He places his whisky down on the glass-covered coffee table and walks toward me. My heart is pounding, the adrenaline pumping through my body in anticipation of being close to him.
He takes me in his arms, wrapping me in his warmth. “I want you, Katherine. I wanted you the moment I laid eyes on you.” His strong hands travel up my back, pulling me closer to him.
My resolve crumbled in that instant. I could feel the burning sensation of my own need. He kisses me deeply, passionately, with an urgency I have never experienced before. I can barely hold myself up, dizzy with desire.
This man who makes me want to surrender myself to him with complete abandon.
Slowly, our lips part. I nuzzle my head in the crook of his shoulder, and he wraps his arms around me, strong arms holding me tightly. I close my eyes, trying to savor this moment.
I pull back from him, smiling ruefully, fully realizing I have no control over myself when I am around him.
“What is it?” he asks, a curious look on his face.
I shake my head. “Nothing. It’s getting late. I really should go home.” Not that I really wanted to leave, but knew I needed to before I lost control and devoured him.
“Are you hungry? We could go grab a bite to eat,” he asks, a hint of eagerness in his voice.
I shake my head. “Really, I have to go. But thanks anyway.” I give him light peck on his cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Alex.”
He opens his office door for me, a look of disappointment on his face. “Good night, Katherine,” he says softly.
I gather my things and head home for the night. I walk out of the building and inhale the refreshing cool air, hear the sounds of the city at night.
Suddenly, my skin prickles and a tingle runs through me. I can feel him watching me. Glancing over my shoulder, I look up at the building. I see Alex’s silhouette in the window.
Chapter 8
Alex gave Antonio the evening off. He decided to walk home tonight instead of being driven. He walks along the sidewalk, his thoughts o
n the Cosmo Hotel. He was not pleased about the delay in progress. However, he had built enough hotels to know things happened. A one week delay was manageable.