Nineteen
Natalia
“We’re later than usual on this. I feel as though I’ve allowed my personal life to take over and make me useless at work.”
I rolled my eyes at my friend before hooking an ornament onto the branch of the Christmas tree we had in the main lodge.
It was Monday evening, after normal work hours, and as she’d promised me weeks ago, Danielle had saved this part of her holiday decorating until after work, so that I’d be able to join in with her.
Of course, based on what she’d just said, it was clear she wouldn’t have been able to get it done any sooner than now. Evidently, she’d been swamped here at work, but I was more concerned about something else she’d said.
“What’s going on in your personal life? Is this about Stephen?”
My dear friend sighed as she riffled through the container with all the Christmas tree decorations. “I feel bad.”
My brows pulled together. “I thought you two worked it out. You told me you explained your position on moving in with him, and he understood where you were coming from. Accepted it, too.”
She nodded. “He did. He’s been wonderful.”
“So, what’s the problem?” I reached for another ornament. “If he’s cool with it, why are you worried?”
“Because he’s the best, Nat. I mean, I won’t lie and say he wasn’t disappointed when I told him I wasn’t going to move in with him until things got more serious between us and went to that next level.
” She was lost in a tangle of tinsel. Was it the chaos in her mind making her so unfocused?
“But despite that, he was understanding. And ever since, Stephen’s been so good to me that I just wonder if I made a mistake. ”
I moved toward her and crouched to free her from the mess of glittery décor.
“You didn’t make a mistake, Danielle. He loves you, and I think he’s just doing what he can to show you how serious he is about you.
Give it some time for the both of you to adjust. And don’t go back on your decision. You did what was right for you.”
She studied me for a moment. “I know. I don’t want to give in and go back on what I said. He’s just been so wonderful. That’s all.”
Reaching for her hand, I curled my fingers around hers and squeezed. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“I am.” I released her hand. “And don’t worry about being a little bit behind schedule on the decorating this year. We’ll get it done this week. I can help you every day after work, if necessary.”
“I feel awful about that, too.”
Waving my hand in the air dismissively, I insisted, “Don’t. I really don’t mind helping. You know that. Plus, on the bright side, there are two outdoor locations that won’t need decorations.”
As quickly as I could snap my fingers, Danielle’s mood lifted. “I was wondering when you were going to tell me about it.”
“Well, I needed you to quit complaining about the good stuff going on in your life long enough to be able to share anything,” I teased her.
It was her turn to roll her eyes at me. “So, how’d it go?”
I looked around to make sure that nobody was close enough to hear a word. There wasn’t, but I still didn’t want to take any chances, so I leaned in and spoke quietly. “How wrong is it that I spent a good chunk of my Saturday night sitting in my boss’s lap while making out with him?”
A squeal of utter delight escaped from her. “Oooh, I’m so excited for you! This is the best news I’ve heard in ages.”
“I’m serious, Danielle. Am I crazy for crossing that line?”
Shaking her head, she swept her hand out, palm up, and countered, “Why would you be? It’s not like he’s going to be your boss forever. This is temporary.”
My eyes widened as I sent her a knowing look. “Precisely. He’s not only my acting boss at the moment, but he’s also only going to be here for a few more months. Even if I can get past the boss situation, is it possible I’m setting myself up for disaster?”
“No.”
“No?”
“No. You’re having a good time. You’re enjoying yourself. And nobody deserves this more than you.”
I couldn’t say she was wrong. I was having a great time, and there was no question I was enjoying myself. “But what happens when Barrett returns and Reid leaves?”
She shrugged. “He’s not going that far away. If things get serious between the two of you, I’m sure you can work it out. What has he said about it?”
I shook my head. “Nothing yet. It’s only been two days.”
Danielle grinned at me. “Exactly. Just take it a day at a time. Have some fun. When it gets serious for you, talk to him.”
“Fun? I haven’t kissed a man in years. I haven’t been interested in kissing a man in years. Isn’t the fact that I’m kissing him enough of an indication that it’s already serious for me?”
The smile was still playing on her lips as she tipped her head slightly to one side. “Not necessarily. Maybe he’s just a really great kisser.”
My head dropped back, my eyes on the ceiling, and I let out a moan of frustration. “That’s not the point, Danielle.”
“Isn’t it?” she teased.
I glared at her.
“Okay. Okay. Listen, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
I don’t want to bring up anything that’s upsetting, but you didn’t see him the way I did after Tim did what he did to you.
I tried to get him to leave, assuring him I’d stay with you, and the man was having none of it.
I don’t think this is just some random fling, Nat.
But it’s only been a few weeks that you’ve known one another.
Give it some time, see how you feel, and talk to him about it. ”
She had a point.
Reid had done a lot to prove that this wasn’t just about him wanting an easy score. He’d gone beyond the call of duty to look after me when I needed help, and he’d clearly listened when I spoke, considering he’d planned so many things based on what I’d said I liked.
“Maybe you’re right.”
“I am.” She handed me the pile of tinsel. “Now, help me finish this tree while you tell me all about your Saturday night.”
One half of my mouth quirked with a smile. “It wasn’t just Saturday night.”
“What?”
Laughter spilled out of me as I stood. “We might have spent some time together on Sunday.”
Danielle abandoned the container, stood, and demanded, “Tell me everything.”
So, I did.
When I pushed open Reid’s office door late Tuesday morning, I realized I’d given myself permission to enjoy what was happening.
Because Reid had insisted that I didn’t need to knock before coming in, that he’d be thrilled for me to visit with him.
And considering the way he was looking at me now as I made my way over to where he was sitting behind his desk, it was safe to assume he’d meant every word.
I came to a stop on the opposite side of his desk, set the folder down, and slid it across the surface toward him. Then I lowered myself into the seat behind me, crossed my legs, and said, “I’ve got a few items I need signatures on, if you wouldn’t mind.”
Reid’s eyes had dropped to my legs briefly before he returned them to my face. He reached for the folder and flipped it open, all while keeping his eyes on me. I wasn’t quite sure anyone had ever made me feel so powerful. Like when I was in the room, nothing else existed.
“Is that all I can do for you, Natalia?”
There was such seduction in his voice and in the way he said my name. I recrossed my legs, his eyes dropping to them. My mouth curved into a smile. “There is one more thing.”
Lifting his gaze to meet mine, he promised, “Anything.”
I licked my lips, saw the way his eyes darkened, and revealed, “There’s another farewell dinner at the end of this week.”
That intensity in his stare was gone. “What?”
It took everything I had in me not to burst into a fit of laughter. “I’m sure you recall the last farewell dinner. I told you I’d give you advance notice of the next one. This is me giving you that warning. The dinner is on Friday.”
I couldn’t miss the hint of frustration that washed over his expression. “Am I expected to speak at this one?”
“That’s entirely up to you. I wouldn’t say you need to prepare a formal speech. Unless, of course, you struggle to perform under pressure.”
He cocked a brow at the innuendo, and I pressed my lips together.
Without a word, he pushed his chair back, stood, and rounded his desk. Then, he leaned his hips against the front edge of the desk right in front of me.
I swallowed roughly, diverting my eyes from what was practically staring me in the face. And when I took in Reid’s expression, it was clear he enjoyed the shift in power.
“Tell me, Natalia.” His voice was a deep rumble that had me squeezing my legs tighter together. “How am I supposed to concentrate on a speech when I keep thinking about all the things you do?”
My belly flipped. “Me? What things?”
He leaned forward, bracing his arms on either side of my chair. The scent of him wrapped around me, and it took every ounce of strength and willpower for me not to react.
“Things like the way you lower your body into this chair,” he began.
Reid waited for a beat before moving closer and dropping one hand to my thigh.
“Or the way you cross these legs in front of me.” I took another deep swallow.
“Or the way your ass will look, beckoning me, as you walk out of here once I sign your papers.” He brushed his cheek against mine, his mouth dangerously close to my ear.
Giving my thigh a squeeze, he whispered, “Mostly, though, it’s the way you kiss that I can’t seem to shake. ”
My body betrayed me, and I visibly shivered.
Reid’s responding chuckle held a hint of relief. “It’s good to know I’m not the only one who’s struggling.”
After pressing a soft kiss to my cheek, Reid pushed off the chair and stood. His eyes roamed over my face, assessing me.
“What?” I asked.
Amused, he shook his head. “Nothing. I was just wondering if you were going to join me at this dinner.”
He knew I would be there, regardless of whether he’d asked or not. “Well, I guess that depends.”
“On what?”