Page 21 of Open for Negotiation
Chapter 4
Scarlett
As far as first dates go, this was the most adventurous one that I’ve ever been on.
It’s after 1 a.m. when we finally slip back into his car and head out onto the freeway toward my apartment.
Smooth, sexy music is piping in from the speakers and at some point on the drive, he has reached over and placed his hand on my thigh.
And my body reacts like I’m sixteen years old again.
I’m hot everywhere and my heart is racing. Every single tiny movement of his thumb across my skin feels like fire burning my flesh in the most delicious way.
“Scarlett…”
My name on his lips will never get old.
“Hmm?”
“I don’t want this to go away. I have to keep seeing you.”
I look down at his hand on my skin and place mine on top.
“It’s a really bad idea.” I lace my fingers through his. “But I feel the same way.”
“We can just take it easy and do what feels right. Everything is open for negotiation.” The moonlight is reflecting off his watch. He’s driving with one hand on top of the steering wheel and it makes him look like a dark, dirty, rich alpha male.
“No one can know. I don’t want anyone knowing anything until they have to.” This could be a passing thing, Scarlett. They may never need to know. “If they have to.”
“I won’t say a thing until and unless you make that decision.”
“You’re my boss. You’re the boss. And our age difference… I…” I stop when he gently squeezes my leg.
“You’re buying trouble that doesn’t exist. We’re adults who want this, right? That’s it. Nothing else matters.”
I look out the window, watching as the city lights pass by. The easy thing to do is dive in without care and do whatever I want with him.
But I’m not eighteen years old anymore. I know that my actions have and could have consequences if I’m not careful. A bad choice derailed my life once before and this time, it could affect my career that I’ve worked so hard to build for myself.
But everything about Max screams that he’s different, this is different.
He pulls into the parking spot just outside of my building and shuts the engine off.
“You don’t have to decide right now. Take some time and you tell me if this is something you want to keep doing.”
I lean my head back against the seat and glance his way. “How are you even real?”
To this, he smiles and it takes my breath away. “I’m just me, baby.” He reaches across and gently caresses my face before speaking again. “Let’s get you inside.”
It’s just begun to rain again when he opens my door, so he slips out of his suit coat and holds it over my head as we run up to the covered entry to my building.
Keys in hand, I look up to him. Should I invite him inside? Is he expecting it? I’m not sure how to do this, honestly.
Without being prompted, as if he can read my mind, he answers that question for me.
“It’s late, so I won’t keep you down here long.” He reaches out and cups my cheek. “Thank you for tonight, Scarlett. I can honestly say it’s been my favorite first date.”
“Mine too.” I push up on my toes and close the distance, allowing our lips to mesh into one.
