around myself.
His chuckle rumble runs through me, teasing me, taunting me with the same seduction he worked on me Friday night.
Hell no. Not this time, mister.
He’s not going to charm his way out of this.
He raises his eyebrows and motions behind me. “Can I come in, Blaire?”
I should say no. I should slam the door in his face, but he is my boss, and if I want to continue working at Warren Enterprises, we need to figure out a way to play nice. With a sigh, I step back from the door and motion him into my space.
He shoves off the jamb and walks past, his scent wafting straight over me.
So help me, God.
I take a deep inhale, and every nerve ending flares in response.
I hate being so weak where he is concerned, but he smells too damn good.
Archie takes a seat on my couch as if he’s entitled. “First, I want to say thank you for letting me come in. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak with you. I’m sorry if not discussing what happened between us on Friday caused you any stress.”
I hate to admit he looks good sitting on my couch—like he belongs there.
Damn him.
It’s like I can’t even stay mad at him. One disarming look is all it takes.
I clear my throat and cross my arms over my chest. “I appreciate your apology. But I believe this could’ve waited until tomorrow. It’s not like that kiss meant anything.”
To him, that is; and I was a fool for thinking otherwise.
“You’re wrong, Blaire.” He leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “It did mean something to me. It meant a lot to me. It actually meant more than I was willing to recognize at the time.”
Huh. Well, I certainly didn’t expect that admission.
“In fact,” he rubs the back of his neck and sighs, “it’s all I’ve been able to think about since the moment my lips touched yours. All I wanted to do was kiss you a hundred times a day, every day, all day.”
What?
“Archie, is this some kind of joke?
It’s not funny if it is. I’ve already settled what transpired between us. I don’t want to process another round.
“Blaire, it is definitely not a joke.” He stands and slowly stalks toward me.
The air in the room suddenly feels thicker, like it’s harder to draw into my lungs.
Archie stops in front of me and holds his hands out. “If things could be different, if things were different, I would have taken you home with me that night.” He reaches out and brushes my hand with his, then pulls it free to entwine our fingers. “Because that’s what I really wanted to do. I would have my way with you every day at work.” He flashes a roguish smile that sends chills over my skin. “I would have had you in my bed every available moment. And I would’ve made love to you every spare second of every single day since that kiss last Friday.”
I crane my neck back to look him in the eyes but can’t manage to form any words in response.
He brushes his free hand across my cheek. “You just don’t get it, do you, Blaire? That kiss with you meant more than I could ever hope to imagine. And if it’s okay with you, I’d like to do it again. Right now. So, tell me, Blaire, do you want me to kiss you?”
Holy shit.
“Y-y-yes,” I manage to stammer out the word on a relieved sigh, and a second later, his mouth is on mine.
Claiming me.
Dominating me.
Consuming me.
This kiss is a thousand times better than the one we shared last Friday—because other than sheer desire, there’s no reason for it. There’s no mistletoe overhead tonight. No group of people egging us on. No Grinches interfering with our senses.
There’s just…us.
His fingers glide into the hair at the nape of my neck, and he shifts my head, moving me just where he wants me… and where I want to be.
“Blaire,” he whispers against my lips. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.” I press my mouth back against his.
God, can you shut up already? Just kiss me.
His hands leave my hair to slowly glide down my back to cup my ass. He groans and pushes his hardness against me, and I can’t help but moan my appreciation into his mouth.
“Fuck, Blair. Fuck.”
He lifts me easily, and I wrap both my legs around his waist, pinning his hard-on right where I want it the most.
“Bedroom. Bedroom.”