His hand reaches out, fingers grazing my cheek so softly I almost think I imagined it. "And what about what we both want? What we both feel?"
For a moment, I let myself lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering close. I catch myself pulling away from his touch. "No, we can't," I say firmly, even as every fiber of my being screams for more. "This isn't right. You're my boss, and I need this job. I won't jeopardize my career for... for whatever this is."
Tanner's hand drops to his side, his expression hardening. "You're right," he says, his voice cold and professional once more. "I apologize for my inappropriate behavior, Miss Fox. It won't happen again."
The sudden shift in his demeanor leaves me reeling. I nod, trying to gather my composure. "Thank you, Mr. Thorne. I should get back to work on that project outline."
"Yes, you should," he replies curtly, turning away from me to face his desk. "And Miss Fox? I expect nothing but the best from my employees. Don't let our history affect your performance."
I nod stiffly, my throat tight. "Of course, Mr. Thorne."
As I turn to leave his office, I catch a glimpse of regret in his eyes before his professional mask slips back into place. Thedoor closes behind me with a soft click, and I lean against it for a moment, trying to steady my racing heart.
Back at my desk, I throw myself into work, determined to prove my worth beyond any doubt. The project outline consumes my focus, but I can't shake the lingering tension from my encounter with Tanner. Every time I glance towards his office, I remember the heat of his gaze, the electricity of his touch.
But there’s nothing that could ever come from it. He’s my boss, that’s the end of it now. I have to focus on my career and what I have set out for myself to achieve. My dreams mean the world to me and I’m determined to reach each and every single one of them.
CHAPTER 3
Tanner
She’s driving me crazy. I’ve wanted Bella since the moment I laid eyes on her. Hell, I thought the night we shared would have led to more—something I don’t do. Not ever. I never bring a woman to my home, but with Arabella, I made the exception, and she upped and left without leaving her number. Two weeks I’d been thinking about her, dreaming about her and to find out that she’s been under my nose all along. She's my damn assistant, the one that replies with snarky messages whenever I send her a message.
It’s near impossible to get any work done with her around. The lingering smell of her perfume is everywhere. I hear her sultry voice when she answers the phone, and I’m instantly reminded of her moans while I was deep inside of her.
I hear her laughter. My gaze moves to where she’s currently sitting at her desk while she looks up at James Howler, my best friend and business partner. Anger pulses through me as the two of them laugh and chat. Fuck no. This shit isn’t happening.
I can't take it anymore. I buzz her intercom.
"Miss Fox, my office. Now," I snap, unable to keep the irritation from my voice.
Her heels click against the hardwood floor as she approaches. My heart races, palms sweaty as I grip the edge of my desk. The door opens and there she is—professional, poised, infuriatingly beautiful.
"You wanted to see me, Mr. Thorne?" Her voice is cool, detached. I fucking hate it. I want to hear her moan, hear her groan, and cry out my name while I’m seated deep inside of her.
I stand, circling my desk slowly. "Is there a reason that you’re flirting with James?"
A flicker of surprise crosses her face before she schools her features. "I'm not sure what you mean, sir."
"Cut the act, Bella," I growl, closing the distance between us. "You think I haven’t heard and seen the laughter and flirting between the two of you."
Her cheeks flush, but her gaze remains steady. "I’m not flirting with him,” she hisses. “I’m friendly, that’s who I am, I’m always polite and friendly.”
“Except with me,” I snarl.
Her eyes narrow, a spark of defiance igniting in their depths. "What do you want from me, Mr. Thorne? I'm doing my job, nothing more, nothing less."
I'm so close to her now I can feel the heat radiating from her body. Her scent envelops me, clouding my judgment. "I want you to stop pretending," I say, my voice low and dangerous. "I want you to admit that there's something between us."
Bella takes a step back, her spine straightening. "There's nothing between us except a professional relationship. What happened that night was a mistake."
Her words are like a knife to my gut, but I refuse to let her see how much they affect me. Instead, I lean in, my lips barely grazing her ear. "We both know that's a lie, Bella. I can see it in your eyes, feel it in the way you look at me.” It’s no doubt thesame want that I look at her with. Never have I wanted anyone the way I want Arabella.
Her eyes flash with defiance. "You're my boss, Mr. Thorne. I maintain a professional demeanor with you, as is appropriate."
"Professional?" I scoff, taking another step closer. "Is that what you call those snarky messages you send me?"
She tilts her chin up, meeting my gaze. "I respond efficiently and effectively to your requests. If you find my tone objectionable, perhaps you should reconsider your own communication style."
