The Boss Crush

Standing up, I walk to her side, and give her a hug. “I missed you. How’s my baby doing today?” I reach out to touch her stomach, my fingertips barely grazing her.

Except, she doesn’t hug back. Her arms dangle at her sides, stiff as branches. “Good I guess. I don’t feel much of anything right now.” She brushes my hand away, trying to make it unnoticeable as she wraps her hands around her sides.

But I notice. I notice the distance. I notice the reserve. I noticed it the second she walked in here.

Taking a step back, I put some sapce between us so I can really study her face. I flick my eyes between hers, trying to read her mind. Something isn’t right.

“Are you okay?” I ask. “You don’t seem happy to see me. You don’t seem happy at all.”

Jerking her body away, she wraps her arms even tighter around her ribs, and hugs herself nervously. “I’m fine, why?”

Shaking my head, my jaw cocks to the side. “I don’t know, I guess I just expected to see the same look in your eye today as yesterday. You were so happy, especially after. . .” Grinning, I rock my head on my shoulders. “I fucked you on my desk.”

“I’m sorry I’m not what you expected, but I don’t really know what else to say.”

What is going on with her? This isn’t who she was when she told me about our baby, and she saw how excited I was about it.

Taking a step back, I give her the space she seems to want. This is probably a lot more for her to comprehend, it’s her body. My voice is flat, emotionless. I don’t want her to think I’m mad or sad, I don’t want to give her anything.

I want everything from her.

Her thoughts. Her feelings. Her fucking heart in my hands.

Everything I thought I already had.

“Are you not feeling good today? Any morning sickness?”

She shrugs a shoulder, not letting her eyes directly hit mine. “Maybe a little, but I’m fine, really. Don’t worry, I won’t throw up in your office.”

“That’s good.” I walk to the window, and look outside briefly, then walk back to her. “Do you know why I called you in here?”

“You haven’t told me yet, so no.”

What the hell is going on with her? Why is she being this way?

“Because I wanted to see you. Didn’t you want to see me? I tried to call you last night, you didn’t answer. I sent you messages and they went unanswered. I don’t understand why. I figured you’d want to discuss the baby and what we’re going to do.”

“What we’re going to do?” she asks, her brows dropping.

“Yeah, you know, where we’re going to live, maybe names for the baby, how we’re going to tell everyone. That type of stuff.”

“We’re still co-workers, Lyle. Don’t you think we should maybe keep it low key for now? What will everyone else think?” she asks, her head angling down as she looks up at me under hooded eyes.

Dalia nibbles on her lip, and fuck if that little movement doesn’t make me just want to tear off all her clothes and fuck her right here.

Something’s wrong, and I need to know what it is.

I take a wide step and start circling her like a shark. “Is there another reason?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking. Are you ashamed? Having regrets?”

“Why would you ask me that?” I’m standing behind her, and she glances back at me over her shoulder. “Do I look ashamed?”

“That question’s for you, not for me, so don’t turn it around.” Stepping up close, I wrap my hands around her waist, and nuzzle my face into her back. “You smell amazing,” I say, closing my eyes as I inhale deeply.

Dalia holds her breath, I feel her chest freeze, and her skin go cold. Taking a long step forward, she twists around quickly. “What do you want me to say, Lyle? I’m still trying to process all this, just like you. This isn’t easy for either of us, it’s a lot to take in.”

“No, not for me. I know what I want, I don’t need to think a second more about it.”

Boxing her in, I trap her between the desk and myself. She has nowhere to go. My arms are out, creating a wall I’ll never let her pass.

I want answers. These half answers aren’t working for me.

Dalia takes another step back, stretching her arms behind her. She doesn’t look scared of me, and she shouldn’t be, but I do want something from her. And I’m not letting her go until I get it.

I want to see her smile; I want to see her excited just like I am for this baby she’s carrying. I want to know she wants me just as badly as I want her.