It didn’t matter that he was dead. He still held power over her. She couldn’t let down her guard, especially at night when there was no one else around. Reaching into her handbag, she pulled out her keys. Then she wrapped her hand around her pepper spray and held it tightly. She’d parked close to the entrance, under a large spotlight, but, even so, she kept her gaze peeled for any trouble. It paid to be vigilant.
“Lacey! Lacey, wait up.”
Shit. She should have moved faster. She pressed the unlock button and opened the driver’s side. Not quickly enough. Before she could climb in, he grabbed the open driver’s door and stood close. Too close.
She swallowed heavily.
“What?”
He gave her a stern look. “You should have waited for someone to walk you to your car.”
“I’m parked less than fifty feet from the door, and it’s early. I’m fine.” But she felt a lot better now that he was there.
“I hope you didn’t leave because of what that silly child said.”
“It’s not that. I’m not really into drinking and I have things to do.” Like her laundry. And re-watching old episodes of Friends. Would the excitement never end?
She pulled at the car door. But he held on tightly. “About what nearly happened inside.”
What? When she’d nearly kissed him? Did he really have to bring that up? Couldn’t she just slink away and try to forget that had ever happened?
“Nothing happened inside.”
He frowned with displeasure. “You can tell yourself that, but we both know differently. I feel something towards you, and now I know, despite the fact you avoid me, that you feel it too.”
She opened her mouth to tell him she had no idea what he was talking about when he swooped in and kissed her. He caught her totally by surprise, and she was unprepared for the onslaught of pleasure the feel of his lips against hers brought. He drew her against him, pressing her body close. Her nipples brushed his chest, and she gasped slightly. He slipped his tongue into her mouth, and she melted.
The kiss seemed to go on forever. Time slowed. Noise ceased. Everything around her faded. There was only Gray. Only the feel of his body against hers. The scent of his cologne. The taste of his lips. And the feelings. They bombarded her, set her alight in ways she’d never felt before.
So this was what all the movies and books talked about? This was passion? Desire? Christ, no wonder she’d never been interested in sex with Lyle, his kisses had been sloppy and gross. This kiss was heaven.
When he drew back, she was breathing heavily, her head spinning. She still clung to him, uncertain she was able to stand on her own. But as the outside world penetrated her haze of bliss, she realized what the hell she’d just done.
Shit!
She took a step back, letting go of him. “That shouldn’t have happened.”
“Deny it all you like, but there’s something there. Something we could explore together.”
“You’re my boss. I can’t explore anything with my boss. Plus, I don’t like handsome, perfect men. You don’t have enough flaws.”
“Well, that’s the strangest compliment I’ve ever had.”
She could feel herself blushing as she climbed into her car.
“It just wouldn’t work.”
She reached for the handle of the door and tugged again, but he didn’t let go. Instead, he leaned in.
“Honey, there’s no such thing as perfect. I have flaws, same as anyone else. And it will work. You’ll see.”
He shut the door on her surprised face. The automatic lock kicked in as she sat there, staring up at his smug face.
How was she supposed to sleep now after that little declaration?
Damn him.
Chapter Six