Our food arrives, a slow procession of the most delectable appetizers and entrees. Each one even more delicious than the previous. And then the best part – dessert. We share a chocolate éclair with creamy vanilla custard topped with chocolate glaze.
“This has been wonderful, Alex,” savoring the last bite of chocolate éclair. “The restaurant, the champagne, the food……….you.” Our eyes lock upon each other, and in that instant the world slowly falls away.
“Come home with me tonight.” He voice is gruff, full of need and desire.
“I want to. I do. It’s just…,” I trail off, my voice soft.
“It’s just what, Katherine. Tell me,” he whispers. There is an urgency to his voice. He strokes my cheek, moving his hand to the back on my neck, pulling me closer to him, our foreheads touching.
“It’s wrong for us to be together. You are my boss. I’m your employee, your assistant. It’s a boundary we shouldn’t cross. I shouldn’t cross.” I close my eyes, inhale the intoxicating scent of his masculinity, fighting to maintain control.
He pulls back from me, his hand still lightly caressing the back of my neck. His eyes search mine, searching for a way in, for a way past my guard.
“The only boundaries that exist are the ones we impose upon ourselves. I won’t live my life with boundaries. That’s not a way to live.”
“I’m scared, Alex. I don’t want to get hurt.”
“This is new for me, too. Let me open up a new world for you. Let’s see where it takes us.”
He kisses me tenderly, and I can feel his passion simmering just under the surface, waiting to erupt in full force. The fight between the rational, logical part of my brain is quickly losing to my overwhelming desire for him. An internal battle of which I know what the outcome will be. I’ve known it the moment I laid eyes on Alex.
“Yes,” I respond, my voice shaking. He draws me to him, arms wrapped around each other.
We leave the restaurant, hand in hand, excitement coursing through my veins in anticipation of what the night will bring.
Chapter 10
We step off the elevator into Alex’s inner sanctum. His penthouse suite is absolutely stunning. An array of paintings and original artwork line the hallway leading into the living room. Hardwood floors throughout. A beautiful crystal chandelier hangs in the living room. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Thames River. The view takes my breath away.
He guides me into the main living room area. “Here, let me help you,” he says, taking my coat and scarf. His fingers lightly brush the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
“Please, sit down. Would you like a drink?”
“Just water. With ice, please.”
Alex goes to the kitchen. I walk over to the windows, looking out over the city and river. I couldn’t imagine living in a place like this.
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“You have an amazing view,” I say appreciatively.
“Yes, it’s one of the perks of penthouse living,” he says, grinning. He hands me the water. I take a long drink, grateful for the cool, refreshing liquid.
“One of many, I’m sure.”
“Mmm…..you could say that.” We look at each and start laughing. I notice the sparkle in his eyes, the way his skin crinkles around his eyes when he laughs.
“I haven’t laughed like that with a woman in a very long time,” he says. “It’s nice.”
“You don’t usually laugh with the women you date?” I ask.
“No, I don’t. Not since meeting you.”
“Is that what we’re doing? Dating?”
“Is that what you’d like to do, Katherine?” Alex asks.
I don’t answer his question. Instead, I turn back to the view, taking it all in. I feel surprisingly calm and at ease.