“Oh my God. Are you admitting to having less than honorable feelings for him?”
“Jasmine.”
She laughs. “Ohhh hoo. You’re breaking out the full name.”
“This is a mess.”
“Is it effecting your ability to do your job?”
“No.”
“Then why not just enjoy it?”
“Because I’m training him as my replacement. I’m going to leave, and it’ll be awkward. Besides, he’s not here forever.”
“Are you husband shopping?”
“No.”
“Then enjoy the moment.”
I shake my head. “What we have going is too intense to be casual, Jas. That night we went out was like a dream date because being with him felt right. It was easy. He got me when my own family doesn’t. He’s funny, charming, and so sexy, my ovaries tremble when he talks in that baritone of his. He has an alpha vibe. I like it. God, I can’t believe I’m saying that.” I cover my face, embarrassed.
“Wait. You who likes to refer to alpha as alpha-holes. Why is Shayne different?”
“He doesn’t try. He just is, and I’m drawn to that strength and confidence. I’d even say I admire it. He does what he wants on his terms, and not in a ‘screw everyone else to get it done’ way. In a ‘take me as I am’ way. When he pushes, it’s a gentle nudge, an urge to stretch myself beyond the tight perimeters I’ve set into place.”
“And that’s everything you’ve longed to do for years. I think he’s good for you. There’s no coincidence that the universe gave you exactly what you need right now. You’re supposed to be changing things up, so go with the flow on this one.”
“Jas—”
“No, listen to me. What’s the worst that can happen? You’re not eloping.”
“I don’t do casual sex.”
“She tsks. Dirty girl. I never even mentioned sex.”
“Believe me, there’s no need to say it. It’s always there between us.” My body grows warm as I think of his heated stare, and that perfect mouth I want to taste.
“Oh, I bet it is.”
“Jas.”
She giggles. “Look, if it’s not going away, maybe there’s a reason for that.”
“Yeah, hormones and a tiny space.”
“Hmm.”
I growl. She’s not buying a word I say. With good reason. “I hate it when you make that noise.”
“What? You know I won’t lie to you.”
“You haven’t even seen us together.”
“Yeah, we should really fix that soon.”
“Please don’t embarrass me. I have to see this man every day.”