Page 28 of Open for Negotiation
It’s not signed, but it doesn’t need to be. I know exactly who they are from. I place the notecard aside and tear into the butcher paper to find six, beautiful, large, fluffy chocolate chip cookies.
I can’t resist. I take a bite out of one and nearly moan out loud when the sweet chocolate bursts on my tongue, followed by the slight salty taste from the dough itself. If this company didn’t already have a name, I’d suggest Orgasmic Cookie Company right now.
After I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every morsel of said cookie, I snatch my phone from the coffee table and fire off a text to Max.
Me: Cookies were definitely the answer. Thank you.
He doesn’t answer for a while, which I wish didn’t cause that stupid pit in my stomach, but I feel like that’s something most girls can’t shut off. We overthink everything, so after waiting for fifteen minutes, I toss my phone back to the coffee table and finish up my cleaning for the day.
My mind stays on him and our situation the entire time, of course.
By the time I collapse on to my sofa two hours later, completely exhausted, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that no matter what I do, I will not stop wanting to pursue this with him.
Even if I stop things now, I’ll be haunted by the what-ifs. This isn’t college. This isn’t a forbidden tryst.
This is two grown-ups who want to spend consensual time together, and one just so happens to be the other’s boss.
It’s not wrong, it’s just not something you advertise around town, which I wouldn’t anyway.
I’m allowed to want this.
I’m allowed to enjoy this.
I’m allowed because I’m a fucking grown woman.
I open up my texts once again and see that I have missed one from Max.
Max: You’re welcome, baby. Sorry about the delay in response. I’m helping Jackson house hunt.
I feel stupid for even being anxious earlier.
Me: That’s okay. You’re a busy man. Tell Jackson I say hello. ;P
Max: I absolutely will not. :)
Me: LOL. Seriously though, the cookies were sweet.
Max: Are they as sweet as you? I hope to find out soon enough.
My entire body shivers at the mere thought of that.
Maxwell Duke is actually going to kill me.
