Chapter 18
MYA
Idon’t stop moving until I’m back at my desk. My lips are tingling, my whole body thrumming like I just stepped off a rollercoaster.
What the hell just happened?
One second I was furious with Worth, ready to unleash every ounce of anger for making me feel unwanted again, and the next… his mouth was on mine. His hands on me. His body pressed against me so tight I could feel how much he wanted me.
And I wanted him back. God, I wanted him back.
The kiss was nothing like I expected it to be. It was rough, unyielding, all of the tension and fury spilling out at once.
For one reckless moment, I didn’t give a damn that he’s my boss.
His lips moved against mine as if he’d been starving for it, and the hunger was contagious.
I press trembling fingers to my lips, heat rushing through me.
Shame battles against the ache between my thighs. I’m an idiot.
Every warning bell in my head was screaming, but my heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was trying to crawl out of my chest just to get closer to him.
I shove the thoughts down and focus on breathing. On keeping my head above water. If I’m not careful, I’ll drown in him.
I straighten my posture, force my hands to still, and plaster my best “everything’s fine” face on. Because if anyone even suspects what just happened behind that locked door, I’m finished.
So I’m done with him.
But as much as I tell myself that last part… I don’t believe it.
Instead of stopping at my desk, I push through the bathroom door and brace my hands on the cool edge of the sink.
My reflection is a dead giveaway: flushed cheeks, swollen lips, wide eyes, as if I’ve seen a ghost. Except it was Worth-fucking-Miller with his hands all over me, kissing me like he wanted to eat me alive.
I splash cold water on my face, trying to calm down, but it only makes my hands shake harder. My phone is already in my grip before I register unlocking it.
SOS.
I don’t bother with context. Tiana will know it’s bad.
I sink onto the little bench near the stalls, my head in my hands. I need to get it together.
My phone buzzes a second later.
TJ:
What happened???
I have to quit my job.
A beat later:
TJ:
…
Take a breath, drama queen, and start from the beginning.
I groan, sinking lower on the bench, but force myself to tell her.
I kissed Worth.
Well, Worth kissed me.
There’s a three-dot bubble. Then another.
TJ:
STFU! Tell me everything!!!
Of course this is her reaction.
No, TJ. Don’t enable this behavior. He’s my BOSS.
TJ:
Your really hot boss who wants you.
He hates me.
TJ:
Hate sex is the best!!!
OMG. This is some forbidden workplace romance shit.
I bite back a hysterical laugh. My sister thinks this is hot and exciting. Meanwhile, my chest is growing tighter and my hands are still shaking.
TJ:
How did it happen???
Did he shove you on the desk? Press you against the wall? Tell me.
I squeeze my eyes shut. She’s not far off.
He kissed me like he hated that he wanted me.
And I kissed him back.
TJ:
AHHHHHHH. THIS IS MY ROMANCE NOVEL DREAM.
So??? How was it??
I chew on my lip, staring at the words. My fingers fly before I can stop them.
Like I couldn’t breathe but didn’t want to stop.
And it was a mistake. A HUGE mistake.
If anyone finds out, I’m done.
TJ:
Orrrrrrr you’re about to be the main character in the sexiest office romance of all time.
I let my head fall back against the wall, torn between laughing and crying. Trust Tiana to make a potential scandal feel like entertainment.
TJ:
But still, I agree that you need to be careful. I don’t want you risking everything because some billionaire with perfect hair decided he’s into you.
I know. I’ll handle it.
TJ:
Promise?
Promise.
TJ:
Okay. Now text me back the exact way he kissed you before my imagination kills me.
Stop it! I’m serious, TJ. This can never happen again.
TJ:
Mhm. Keep telling yourself that.
I shove my phone back into my pocket, take one last steadying breath, and leave the bathroom. All I need to do is sit down at my desk, bury myself in work, and pretend like nothing happened.
“Hey, Mya.”
I glance up to find Ethan heading my way, a stack of folders in one arm and a coffee in the other.
“Hi,” I say, managing a smile.
He stops right in front of me, his easy grin in place. “I heard you’re coming to Singapore with us.”
I nod. “Just found out today.”
“That’s great. You’ll love it. First time traveling for work?”
“First time traveling anywhere. So this feels big.”
His laugh is warm. “Trust me, you’ll kill it.
I’ll make sure you get the best crash course on international site visits.
The locals are going to love you. They always appreciate a new face,” he says with a wink.
“I’m originally from there, so if you need someone to show you the ropes—or, you know, the best hawker stalls in Singapore…
” He shrugs, the corner of his mouth quirking. “I’m your guy.”
I open my mouth to reply, but then I feel a burning sensation on the side of my face.
I glance past Ethan and catch sight of Worth down the hall, just outside his office. He’s standing still, his eyes locked on us, watching.
My stomach flips.
Ethan doesn’t notice. He just gives me a final smile before heading off, leaving me standing in the middle of the hall like my pulse isn’t going haywire.
When I look back, Worth is still there, and the intensity in his stare makes me almost trip over myself to get to my desk.
Only when I sit down and pretend to be busy with my computer does he finally turn and disappear into his office.
Singapore is going to be… interesting.
And I don’t believe for a second that Worth Miller is going to leave me alone.