by Gina Drayer
“Great, yes, one last signature right here …” Liam took back the folder and handed Kira her paycheck. “Okay, I think we’re all set here. Although before I forget, I actually need you to do one last thing for me.” Liam glanced at the clock on the wall. “Can you come with me a second, Kira?”
Kira frowned, but she followed him into the hallway. He walked her past the suite of executive offices—past her old office. Her name was still on the door, and the sight of the little brass plate was like a kick in the gut. She hurried her pace back to the conference room, the only door left in the hallway. As Kira was about to ask what was going on, he opened the door. Inside was the entire team. Even the owners.
And of course, Jason.
“Liam?”
Kira looked around the room, but her gaze ultimately landed on Jason. He smiled, but it didn’t have that mischievous spark she so loved. “Jason—what is this?”
Kim pulled out a chair. “Kira, you weren’t here for the Monday meeting, so we moved it to today so you could be here. This won’t take long.”
Mostly because her mind had locked up and she couldn’t think of anything else to do, she sat. Her heart pounding, she watched as Jason turned on his laptop, like he was about to give a presentation.
“Thank you for coming, Kira,” he said, as if she were some high-powered CEO here for a pitch.
She looked at everyone else in the room—the entire team—as she tried to figure out what was going on. But they were all watching Jason as if they were happy to be in a meeting after hours on a Thursday.
“Okay then, let’s get started. First of all, I wanted to thank Kira for all her hard work here at Millennial.” Jason pulled up a PowerPoint, which listed a number of accomplishments she’d achieved over the past few years. Things she had done without asking for credit or accolades. “As you all know, we recently signed a huge, multi-million-dollar deal with PowerSport. We couldn’t have made that deal without Kira.”
Kira’s could feel herself flushing. Even though she had wanted them to acknowledge her contributions, the sudden, and very public praise made her uncomfortable. It was like a surreal episode of “This Is Your Life.” And she didn’t understand why they were doing it now, after she’d been gone for almost two weeks. She kept her mouth shut, despite the questions brimming inside of her, and waited to see where Jason was going with this.
“For the past few months, Kira essentially ran this office while I sat back and tried not to screw everything up.” Jason smiled, the left corner of his mouth lifting slightly, and Kira couldn’t help her heart from pounding harder. She’d missed that smile so much.
“It goes without saying that losing Kira was a terrible blow for Millennial.” His gaze landed on her, and he said in a voice that made her tremble, “That’s why effective immediately, I’m stepping down as managing partner.” He handed her a typed letter. “Here’s my letter of resignation.”
“I don’t understand,” she said. “Do you think this is what I wanted?”
Simon shook his head. “We should have offered you the position to start with. You’ve earned it one hundred times over.”
“I don’t … what are you saying?” Kira’s brain seemed to have stopped completely. She couldn’t figure out what was happening. Was Jason quitting?
She glanced down at the letter, trying to make out the words, but her stupid tears were blurring her vision.
“They need you, Kira,” Jason said simply, his gaze pleading. “This entire office needs you. I was never the best choice for this position. You were. I know you’ve already started at Pink Moon, but we’re more than willing to beat their offer if you will come back to work.”
Kira sat back, stunned. She looked at everyone in the room, everyone who seemed to be waiting expectantly for her answer. Kim was nodding her head as if that would get her to say yes. Even her bosses looked like they were holding their breath for her answer.
Although her heart wanted her to shout yes, I’ll take the job! she couldn’t say it. She couldn’t come back this way. So instead, she stood up and cleared her throat. “Jason, can I speak to you in private?”
Jason seemed to understand the seriousness of her tone and didn’t argue. “Of course. Let’s go to my office. Everyone, thank you for staying tonight. Go ahead and leave, we’ll meet again in the morning.”
As Kira and Jason exited the conference room, she heard muffled discussions and even a bit of applause. It was strange. Dazed, she found herself back inside Jason’s office, sitting in the same chair that she’d sat in a couple of weeks ago before she’d up and quit her job in a moment of panic.
Jason came in behind her and reached out as if he wanted to touch her but then thought better of it. He turned the gesture into one of politeness and sat down across from her, the consummate gentleman.
“Jason, what’s going on?” she asked.
“The job is yours. That is, if you still want it. I’ll be stepping down regardless. I hope you take over, because I can’t think of anyone better.” He leaned forward, his green eyes gleaming. “The office has struggled since you left. We’re like a ship without a captain. It’s been a disaster. No one even knows how to make coffee.”
Kira laughed, tears springing to her eyes. And then the tears were coming despite herself, and Jason was at her side, taking her hands.
“You don’t have to take the job,” he soothed, rubbing her fingers. “God, Kira, I didn’t want to make you cry. I just wanted to show you how much you were needed, and wanted.”
She shook her head. “I’m not upset. I’m just overwhelmed. I never expected any of this.”
“You deserve it. You deserve the world.” He paused, looking up at her expectantly. “Will you accept the position?”
She gazed at him—at his dear face that she loved to distraction—and she shook her head. “No.”
Jason stilled and repeated the word back as though he’d misheard it. “No? I don’t understand. I thought this was what you wanted.”
“Of course, I want the job, but I can’t do it without you,” she said, tears flowing freely now. “I told you that I needed a partner—someone who will have my back, no matter what. That’s all I ever wanted.”
“If you want me to stay—”
“I don’t want you to stay,” she interrupted, “I need you to stay. I won’t take the job unless you’re here.”
“Then I’ll stay,” he said, wiping the tears from her cheek. “So does that mean you’re taking the job?”
“Yes.”
“Thank God,” Jason said, slumping into the chair. “Because otherwise my brother was going to kick my ass for him making fly out to New York and come to a meeting on a Thursday night.”
She laughed, probably for the first time in weeks.
“I guess you’re safe then.” There was a long pause and she took a moment to just look at him, drinking in his presence. He looked tired. His hair was a little longer and he needed to shave. Her fingers itched to reach out and touch his cheek, to feel his stubble against their tips.
“Kira,” he said, leaning forward. “I haven’t been completely honest. I didn’t just invite you here to give you a job.”
Her heart stuttered. “You didn’t?” she asked, the words coming out more breathy than she’d intended.
“No. I’m a selfish bastard. I did all of this for me,” Jason said. He reached out and caught her hands in his. “I want you back. Not for Millennial. For me. These past weeks without you have been utter hell.” He searched her face. “I know I screwed things up. I realize I didn’t support you, I started taking you for granted like everyone else, and I pushed you to move too fast. Please give me another chance. I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll go as slow as you want. I’ll do anything.”
The tears were coming again. She didn’t know what to say.
“Kira,” he said softly, “I love you.”
She pulled her hand away and covered her face with both her hands. For some reason, she didn’t wan
t him to see her cry, to see her break down like this. But Jason wasn’t going to let her hide.
“You have to say something, otherwise I’m going to lose my mind.” He rubbed the back of her hands, coaxing her to open up. “Are you crying because you’re happy? Sad? You want me to leave you alone because you hate me?”
“I don’t hate you. Jason, I love you.” She sniffled, and then before he could react, she threw herself into his arms. “I love you so much, but I was sure I’d screwed it all up. I said such awful things. I’m so sorry, Jason.”
He hugged her tightly. “It doesn’t matter. We both did stupid shit. I shouldn’t have pushed you, and I should’ve given you more credit. I should have—”
She kissed him to shut him up—to stop all of the should-haves. When their lips met, it didn’t matter anyway. The kiss was filled with all of the hunger and love that had been stored up for so many weeks. Kira clutched at his shoulders, trying to hold on as he ravished her mouth. If they weren’t inside his office right now, she’d let him push her to the floor and have his way with her, damn the consequences.
“God, I love you. You and Riley. I’ve missed you both so much that I can’t stand it.” He caressed her hair, kissed her cheek, eagerly as though he couldn’t get enough of her. “She’s been texting me, you know.”
Her brows rose. “Riley? That little sneak!” Shaking her head, she said, “I should’ve known. What did you tell her?”
“Just that I was an idiot. And she made me promise to do my best to get you back. Also, that I’d go to her concert.”
Kira burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“Riley was so upset when I told her I quit and that you and I were over. She didn’t speak to me for two whole days. And then all of a sudden, she started bugging me about getting back together with you. She said all I had to do to get you back was call.” She shook her head again. “Who would’ve known that a teenage girl was smarter than two supposedly mature adults?”
“Sometimes you need someone else to show you when you’re being an idiot.” Jason pressed his forehead to hers. “So you love me?”
Kira blushed a little. “Didn’t I already say as much?”
“I’m just double-checking. You were the same woman who told me there was no chance we could be together.”
She pinched him. “Don’t push your luck, buddy.” Tangling her fingers in his hair, she added, “I may have been mistaken.”
“Oh really? Kira, making a mistake?”
“It’s been known to happen more than once in a blue moon. Just don’t tell Riley.”
Grinning, Jason cupped her cheek. “I’m just glad this mistake worked out for both of us because I’d hate to think what would have happened to us otherwise.”
“You are definitely the best mistake I’ve ever made.”
She only got to laugh for a second before he was kissing her again, showing her just how big a mistake it would have been to let him go. But she’d learned her lesson. She was never going to let him go.
Epilogue
Have Fun
So there’s a lot of pitfalls to dating a co-worker, but let’s be honest, there’s something thrilling about dating someone considered off limits. Be mindful, but have fun. Make out in the elevator. Send flirty texts during the day.
* * *
Jason woke up to an unfamiliar ceiling, his head a little foggy. He squinted at the tin ceiling in confusion, trying to remember what had happened the night before. How did he end up here? Where was here, anyway?
He reached out to feel the other side of the bed, but it was empty. Groaning, he sat up and the room started to spin. How many drinks had he had last night? Clearly too many, given the state of his head this morning.
He remembered, then, that he was in a hotel with Kira. They’d had gone to Kim’s wedding last night. Kira suggested they stay at a nearby hotel, instead of going home, so they could have some alone time. Unlike at the last wedding they’d attended, they were both in a festive mood, happy for their friend’s nuptial. But the champagne was probably a mistake.
Jason got up and looked around. Clothes were scattered about, and a table had been knocked over, the lamp on top broken. He remembered bits and pieces of what had happened, mostly the frenzied sex they’d had utilizing every surface of the room. God, they were really hard on hotel rooms. He was going to have to leave another healthy tip for the maid.
He usually didn’t drink enough to forget the night before, but nerves had gotten the better of him. He’d planned to propose to Kira last night.
He spotted his jacket on the floor by the door and went over to check the pocket. He felt the soft velvet of the ring box still there. Clearly he hadn’t proposed. Which was good. He wanted to remember the look on her face when he got down on one knee.
With the problem of where he was and what happened last night solved, he got dressed and placed the ring box in his jeans pocket. He found his phone and checked the time. It wasn’t quite nine yet. There were several unread text messages so he swiped the screen. As expect, they were all from Riley.
Riley: How are things going?
Riley: Did you ask her yet?
Riley: Oh, God. Did she say no?!?!
Riley: You’re killing me!!!
Riley: I know she said yes. Remind her I’m 15. I won’t be a flower girl.
Riley: Man up and ask her already!!
He couldn’t hold back the laugh. Of course, he’d asked Riley for permission before proposing. He wasn’t just asking Kira to marry him; he was also asking to be part of their family. He was still a little sad that they couldn’t make it to Thanksgiving. His mother was going to love them both. At least Christmas was just around the corner—when he could introduce Kira to his family as his future wife.
He heard the shower shut off, and he pocketed the phone. Riley would just have to wait. A few minutes later, Kira emerged, her hair wrapped up in a towel and her cheeks rosy from the heat of the shower.
She smiled when she saw him. “Feeling okay this morning?” She leaned down for a kiss, which he gave readily. “You were pretty sloshed last night.”
He grimaced. “Did I really do shots with the drummer from the band, or was that just a bad flashback from my college days?”
“You did. I told you it was a bad idea, but you were determined.” She brushed his hair from his forehead in a tender gesture. “I have some Advil, if you need it.”
He nodded, marveling once again how lucky he was to be there with Kira. They were in love. And while the past few months had been a rollercoaster of emotions, he fell more in love with her every passing day. Jason never realized he could love someone as much as he loved Kira.
Sometimes, when Jason woke up in the morning with Kira sleeping beside him, he couldn’t wrap his head around how lucky he was. How had he ended up with someone as caring, smart, and funny as Kira? He couldn’t believe it. Usually during those moments he’d lie back down and gaze at her until she woke up. She’d smile, her lashes would flutter, and he would kiss her until the kiss transformed into something deeper.
“Here, take these.” Kira handed him two pills and a glass of water. “And drink all of the water. I’m sure you’re dehydrated.”
His head did hurt, but he’d had way worse hangovers. But he took the pills and drank the water like Kira advised, not particularly interested in getting on her bad side.
After setting the glass down, he pulled her into his lap, inhaling the scent of her shampoo.
“If I didn’t tell you last night, you were beautiful,” he said, kissing her neck.
She smiled. “You were pretty handsome yourself. I don’t think I’ve ever danced that much. My feet hurt.”
“I would have danced a million more dances just to keep you in my arms.” He bent down and kissed her neck. “You’re the perfect partner. Your body melts under my touch, follows my lead, effortlessly.”
“Always.” She sighed when he kept kissing her ne
ck, tonguing her soft skin, making her languid against him.
His hands made trails down her body, and he was infinitely grateful that she wore nothing but a thin silk robe. With a tug of the tie, he exposed all of that creamy skin that he’d memorized, making note of every freckle, every mole, and every mark. Now, he touched her thigh, moving up her exposed leg until he could brush the skin of her hipbone.
“I thought we were going to go get food,” she said, breathless.
“I’m not that hungry. At least not for food.” His fingers danced across her abdomen, and he felt her draw in a breath when he touched the curls covering the apex of her thighs. He couldn’t think of anything better than a warm, sexy woman in his arms. Except one he loved with all of his heart.
Laying her down on the bed, he continued trailing kisses down her body. She was still warm and pink from her shower, and he licked a path from her collarbone to between her breasts. Kira made a noise in the back of her throat when he took a nipple into his mouth, sucking it the way he knew she liked it.
It didn’t take long for things to progress from there. After he made her moan and writhe beneath him, Jason spread her legs and feasted on her glistening pussy. He tongued her folds and lapped at her until she moaned his name over and over again. Instead of pushing her over the edge, he eased the pressure, keeping her right there. Her legs trembled and she tried to press against him, but he wasn’t ready to let her come. He wanted to be buried deep inside her when she lost control.
“Jason, please,” she begged, rocking her hips against the pressure. “Please. I need to come.”
“Greedy woman.” He couldn’t help but laugh. When they first started dating, she would have never asked to come, let alone beg.
Unable to wait any longer, he unbuttoned his jeans and moved up her body again. Kissing her hard, he thrust inside of her willing warmth. They both moaned at the contact. Soon, her nails were scratching down his back as he moved inside of her, thrusting harder and harder as they both chased their climaxes. As they kissed one last time, Kira contracted around his cock as she moaned long and low, just as she always did when she came for him. His body finally gave in, and he shuddered as he slipped over the edge.