Connell (Carolina Reapers 3)

And I liked it.

It had been one of the single most freeing moments of my life…

And it was just a kiss. I couldn’t imagine what he’d do to me if I gave in.

Oh, wait, yes, I could.

I’d wait until after dark, long after I’d locked up City Hall. Then I’d wait until Connell finished up his work. Of course, he’d stop by my desk. He always did. And he’d ask me if he could walk me to my car, like usual, but I’d shake my head, my entire body trembling with nerves. I’d bite my lip, gather some courage, and motion for him with a sexy, come-hither look, like in the movies. Then I’d arch against my desk as he stalked to me…no prowled to me. And he wouldn’t hesitate to snake his arms around my waist and haul me against him. He wouldn’t think twice about kissing my neck, teasing the spots I had there, and going lower. So low he’d drop to his knees, run his hands up my thighs and under my skirt. He’d smirk up at me, his eyes sparking with wicked delight to find I hadn’t worn panties today. And then he’d gently, tenderly plant kisses on my thighs and up and up until he reached the very center of me. The feel of his mouth on me, so slick and hot, I’d have to grip his blond hair to keep from falling over. To keep from screaming, as he tongued me—

“Falling asleep on the job, boss?” Connell’s voice clanged through my daydream, and I jolted so hard I bumped my knee against my desk.

I rubbed my bare knee while spinning in my chair, glaring up at the man. “Remember that bell we spoke about?” I said through clenched teeth.

He pursed his lips but crouched to examine my knee.

A stuttered breath escaped my lips at the sight.

Damn this man straight to hell.

“It doesn’t look so bad,” he said, daring enough to slide his hand over the red spot.

I trembled from his touch, from the confident look in those stunning blue eyes.

“You all right?” He asked, still smoothing his fingers over the affected area. “You look flushed.”

I parted my lips, then shook my head.

“What were ye thinking about?” He flashed me that wicked grin of his, that playful smirk that promised trouble and laughter and ecstasy. And apparently, the one I couldn’t resist because there I was, smiling back at him.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” I said, a bit childish, but I couldn’t very well tell him where my head had just been now could I? Or rather, where his head had just been. Lord save me, I could still feel the heat between my thighs from the fantasy.

“Aye,” he said, his hand pausing his inspection of my knee and now simply resting there.

I swallowed hard, forcing away the electric sparks buzzing across my skin from his touch. I cleared my throat and scooted back in my chair, his hand falling off my knee and onto his own.

“Did you need something?” I asked, my tone breathless.

He cocked a brow at me. “You know what I need,” he said, and the words sizzled down my spine.

I lifted my chin slightly. “You need me to say thank you again for using your amazing social media status to announce the reserve? Or do you need me to explain the organization process again?”

He shook his head, some of the blond strands falling across his forehead as he stood up. I followed his gaze but remained seated. “Not exactly what I had in mind.”

“That can’t happen again,” I said in a hushed tone, thankful Lacy had already left for the day. “I’m your boss, as you so fondly call me. It isn’t ethical.” There, I’d regained some of my common sense. “What happened…it was a mistake.”

He grinned again, leaning down closer to me. “A mistake, eh? Is that why you’ve been showing up to work wearing all these mouthwatering pencil skirts and silk blouses?” His eyes trailed the length of my body, my bare legs peeking out of the red skirt I’d selected for today, over the white v-neck blouse that showed a dignified amount of my cleavage.

I wet my lips, my mouth suddenly dry from the heat in his gaze. “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, flustered. I hadn’t thought he’d noticed my change in work attire, but I couldn’t help it. If the man was going to saunter around my place of business looking like a snack, then by God, so was I.

“Oh, I think you know exactly what I’m talking about, Annabelle.”

A warm shiver skittered across my skin at the way his tongue shaped my name.

“I think you know more than you let on,” he said. “And I think you know this thing between us…” He motioned from me to him. “Is impossible to deny.”