8. Sal
Chapter Eight
SAL
Heart heavy, I sat in my chair, swiveled to face the large windows and city scape beyond.
I felt so damn guilty.
I should have told Clay the moment I knew it was him. I had caught him completely off guard. Worse, I had made him feel like his intelligence had something to do with it, rather than the fact that he was a trusting person. He hadn't thought I was Sal because I hadn't told him that I was.
His embarrassment had been so strong that I'd both felt it and seen it. From his eyes, I saw his hand on his cock, the view from his side as he watched me on his phone. He didn't need to be embarrassed about last night though. We had both been there. The only difference of course, being that I knew who he was.
I was such a dick. One that probably didn't deserve the sweet yet sexy boyfriend that I was sure he would be.
Somehow, I'd fooled myself into thinking that he would laugh it all off as an “oopsie” and we could go out for drinks. Like it would be our funny love story that we would tell our grandkids or something.
I sighed heavily, wondering if that was it, or if I could possibly find a way to make this right.
The door creaked quietly open behind me, drawing my attention.
I glanced back to find Clay standing there, looking serious.
“Clay—”
“Let me talk first,” he interrupted.
I swallowed down whatever apologies were about to come spilling from my lips and stood there like a deer in headlights.
Clay took a deep breath and then stepped forward resolutely, not quite meeting my eyes.
“I really liked you,” he started. “Through text anyway... and even the other day when you were in the elevator. I was surprised you have such a relatable side. Guess I should have figured it out then, huh?”
“It wasn't your fault,” I argued. “I should have told you.”
“Yeah,” he agreed, finally looking at me. “You should have.”
I sank down, feeling like scum.
“Is there anything I can do to make this right with you?” I asked.
He seemed to consider.
“To be completely honest, I was kind of planning to be sitting on your dick by the end of the night,” he said, shrugging. “We could still see how it goes?”
I choked on air, trying to nod until I got it under control and got to my feet.
“Yes,” I said, still clearing my throat while he bit back a smile. “Please. Give me a chance. You won’t regret it.”
I stepped toward him, excitement racing through me and this time when I took his hands, he didn't pull them away, instead, tugging me down.
Clay wasn’t the type to waste any time and I wasn't about to complain when he tilted his head up and pressed a firm kiss to my lips.
When he pulled back, he looked at me for a long moment and then nodded.
“Yup. Let's go. What did you have planned? It better be something good to make up for this shit.”
I didn't know what he had just accepted, but a moment later, one of his loud thoughts whispered into my ear. This just might work...
If I had anything to do with it, it would work. Clay was—he was fun. He didn't overthink the way I did. He took life by the horns—so to speak. I liked that we were such opposites.
With that, he tucked his hand into my elbow and opened the door to allow me to lead the way.
Bill happened to be exiting his office which was next to mine, and our eyes caught as me and Clay were turning the corner. His brows shot up and I shrugged, knowing that I was grinning like a loon.
He hung back, clearly allowing us to take the elevator alone and I silently thanked him for that as I placed a hand over Clay's.
Our eyes caught, something flirty running between us and from that moment on, I was on cloud nine.
This was really happening. He was really giving me a chance.
I couldn't believe it as I led him a block over to one of the fanciest hotels in the city and took him up the elevator to the luxury lounge.
“First date at a hotel, huh? That kind of makes it seem like you're only after one thing, you know.”
I chuckled.
“Well, considering what you said in my office, I want to have a bed nearby, just in case we need it.”
His eyes glittered with amusement.
“I've never seen you look so happy,” he informed me as we settled into our seats.
I shook my head, considering. I didn't want to ruin the mood, but I was an over-thinker by nature. There was nothing I could do about that.
“I don't know if anyone that has actually known me has been interested,” I admitted. “Or should I say... I've rarely let people get to know the real me and the fact that even after messing up, you’re still here... it means a lot.”
His bright gaze darkened as he assessed me.
“I find that crazy,” he finally said. “You're attractive, smart, probably rich?”
He paused for me to shrug bashfully. I had done pretty well over the years. I had a gorgeous condo in the center of the city in a high-rise and I had more than enough money in the bank. He nodded as though he already knew all that without me muttering a word.
“It's not entirely about other people,” I admitted. “Yes, most people want the exotic alien on their arm but then they realize that I'm just... well, you didn't even like me. You know.”
He chuckled softly.
“To be fair, you're my boss. It's not like we met in a club or something. I think if you danced up next to me, I would probably have bent over backwards to get to know you.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised.
He nodded.
“Seeing you like this... Let's just say that anyone else who made you feel like you weren't enough messed up big time.”
There had been a few people. A couple romantic relationships, and friendships that had led to me feeling disheartened over and over again. But for the life of me, I couldn't remember a single one of them right now.
Our waiter approached then with the menus.
“Will you two be dining with us today?” he asked.
Clay shook his head before I could answer.
“Just the drink menus please,” he said.
When the waiter handed them to us and then departed, I tilted my head curiously.
“You're not hungry?” I asked.
He shrugged, his hand landing on my wrist and stroking softly.
“I'd rather take you up on that bed offer,” he admitted playfully. “We can order food after.”
My mouth went dry.
“Unless you have something else to do...”
I shook my head.
“Nope. Nothing. And if I did, I would cancel.”
Clay grinned and turned his attention to the menu to pick out a drink.