Chapter 39
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Harrison
Pacing in my office didn’t work. Staring out the picture window in my office at the gorgeous pine grove that is my view isn’t working.
Even my actual work isn’t enough of a distraction.
I cannot get the image of how ravishing Delaney looks today out of my head.
Her outfit alone is smoking hot—a silk blouse paired with a pencil skirt I’m sure was custom-made for her body and heels that have to be at least three inches high.
To top it off, she’s got her hair twisted up into some sexy updo that I imagine messing up while my hands run through her locks as I’m kissing her neck.
Christ, this celibacy thing is torture. Still, I think it’s working.
It’s been a couple of weeks since the tire incident, and Delaney and I have had dinner at home together several times, gone bowling once—she’s terrible at it—and have gone on a second bike ride in the park with another planned for tonight.
We’re making a lot of progress getting to know each other, and so far, I like everything I’m learning about her. Still, she’s holding something back. Something big, I think. But I’m trying not to push her too hard to share.
Screw it. I’m giving up on this, trying to get her out of my mind. I need to see her. I walk over to the couch in my office and sit, then take out my phone and tap out a text.
Ms. Larson, could you please come to my office when you have a moment?
Delaney
Sure, how high of a priority is it? I’m just finishing a report for Holden and have a few more minutes.
It’s definitely higher priority than anything Holden has, I’m sure…
Delaney
Did you just send me an eye roll emoji?
“Yes, I did,” Delaney says as she enters my office. “Because you and your brother act like you’re twelve sometimes.”
I ignore her comment. When she sees me on the couch, she takes a few steps toward me. “Would you please shut and lock the door before you sit?”
Delaney freezes, tilts her head to the side, and narrows her eyes at me. Then, a grin she’s clearly been fighting unfolds on her gorgeous face.
After she locks the door and walks over to me, she attempts to sit next to me, but I place my hands on her hips and pull her onto my lap.
Once she’s seated, I plant a soft kiss on her neck, just below her ear.
I’ve learned through a lot of make-out sessions on our dates that it’s a sensitive spot for her.
“Harrison.” There’s a warning in her voice, but also a hint of desire.
“I know the rules,” I whisper. I continue to pepper her silky skin with kisses. “But you’re killing me in this outfit today. You look ravishing every day, but today, you’re especially sexy.”
Soft moans escape her, and her head falls back, giving perfect access to her collarbone—another of her erogenous zones.
“Harrison.” Her voice is hushed, raspy.
“Yeah, babe?” I don’t stop my quest to cover every inch of her neck with kisses.
“Why did you call me in here?” She’s breathing faster, shallower.
“For this.”
A loud groan escapes her, and it’s not sexy like her moans. She rights herself, pulls away from me, and gives me a half-hearted glare. “You can’t pull me away from actual work that needs doing for this.”
“Agree to disagree.” I lean in to kiss her neck again, but she pulls away and scrambles off my lap. I immediately miss her. She takes a seat on the chair next to me, and I’m sure I’m scowling.
“You’re impossible.” She shakes her head and sighs. “I truly do have work to do, and I’m pretty sure canoodling with my boss during business hours isn’t on the job description.”
“Canoodling? That’s an interesting word for what I want to do with you.”
“Would you please be serious?” she asks. She’s frowning, and there’s no trace of amusement on her face.
Now I feel like a dickhead.
“Shit. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be dismissive of what you were saying and how you were feeling.”
Her features soften, and her frown dissolves. “It’s okay. I-I… never mind.”
I lean forward and put a hand on her knee as a show of support, nothing more.
“No, tell me. I want to know.”
She shakes her head and stands. “It’s nothing. I’ve just got a lot on my mind. Do you need anything before I get back to work?”
I stand and shake my head. “Let me walk you to the door.”
I get to the door before her and grab the doorknob. “Again, I’m sorry. Can I make it up to you by taking you to dinner tonight?”
Her jaw tightens. “I’m sorry, I can’t tonight.”
“Oh, okay.” I try to read her face and can’t. I’m left wondering if her declination is because she’s still peeved about a few minutes ago. “May I ask why?”
“I have other plans, and I can’t cancel on them.”