Small Town Girl (Pink Springs 1)

I’m in desperate need of space between Bastian and me for a moment. One second alone with him and I fell under his spell. When he’s close, I lose all control, and even now it’s taking all my control to not reach up and touch my lips. His kiss has left an imprint on me in a way I’ve never felt. I didn't know a kiss could be that powerful as it literally took my breath away.

“I’m sorry.” I hurry to get out of my chair and make my escape but trip over Bastian’s foot in my rush. Thankfully he catches me before I can face plant on the floor, but it’s still somehow just as embarrassing as getting caught kissing. Juno is going to get a good laugh about all this later when I call her.

“So it’s not only heels?” Bastian teases under his breath, but all I want to do is get out of this office. I just need him to stop being so damn charming while I’m trying to do it.

“Sorry,” I mutter again before trying to take my hand from his. His fingers tighten for a moment before he finally releases me, and though he’s let me go, I still feel his possessive hold like an invisible rope. I head straight for the door, and the beautiful dark-haired woman quickly steps out of my way. “Sorry,” I say to her too as I walk past her, because “sorry” is apparently the only word I know right now.

I close the door behind me and lean up against it, releasing a breath. What if she reports us? I can’t lose this job, and who knows what will happen to Bastian. I’m sure there are other temp agencies I can reach out to, but who knows how long that will take. Bastian hadn’t said a word after being caught kissing me. He only stood there while I was the one issuing the apologies. Frustration spikes because of course he didn’t say anything. I wasn’t kissing myself in there, so he could have at least taken some of the responsibility.

“You okay, dear?” Katie asks, giving me a confused look at my distress.

“I’m fine,” I respond too loudly.

Her eyebrows pull together, and she keeps assessing me. I have the worst poker face, and she doesn’t look like she believes a word of what I’m saying. I’ve always been terrible at hiding my emotions, and it’s why I hardly ever get anything past my brothers. I fold like a cheap chair.

Behind me, there’s shouting coming from Bastian’s office, and I cringe. I can’t tell what’s being said because even this close the words are muffled through the thick wooden doors.

“Don’t worry about them.” Katie waves her hand. “Ms. Starnes can get worked up rather easily.” My stomach drops.

“Ms. Starnes?” I repeat.

“Selma Starnes. It’s an old habit calling people by their last names, but Bastian doesn't like us being so formal when it’s just us around.

“Is there a bathroom?” I look around because I’m pretty sure I’m about to throw up.

Katie motions to a door across the way. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I just need a minute.” When I get to the bathroom I lean over the sink and put my hands under the cold water. I pat the back of my neck and forehead to try and cool down so I don’t lose the contents of my breakfast. When I look up in the mirror I see my cheeks are red, my lips are swollen, and my eyes are wide with fear.

He’s married. What the hell.

Shame hits me next, and I have no clue what to do now. Do I quit or just walk out? Or do I wait to be fired by him or his wife? I was about to take him up on his offer for dinner, and after that kiss I would have taken him up on just about anything.

I hate to admit that I was completely dazzled that he’d gone to those lengths to track me down. He wanted to see me again so badly that he did all of this and got me a job. After our long talk Friday he knew I wasn't into the bunny thing and was looking for an opportunity. Now I just see that whole conversation as manipulative, and it makes me mad at myself.

He’s probably one of those typical rich assholes that doesn't like not getting what he wants, and that’s what this is really about. He’s really no better than the other men that night. At least they were honest about what they wanted. I bought into the whole good guy vibe because I’m naïve. This is exactly what my brothers feared the most about me moving away.

At least his wife knows her husband is up to no good. If she even cares with the way Katie waved off their fight.