For what seemed like an eternity he just stood there, staring at her, fighting the urge to give in to his desire. He was her boss, he knew, but he was also a man…a man whose baser side wanted to take over right now, office protocol be damned.
His silence must have confused her because she took another breath then bit down on her lip. And all he could think was, so sexy. But the situation was impossible. He shook his head and gave a deep sigh. “I owe you an apology.”
That made her look even more confused. But, to her credit, she said nothing.
“My behavior might have been…inappropriate, but it’s hard to stay objective when…” He decided against finishing the sentence. He was being a fool, and he knew it.
She raised her eyebrows. “When what?”
He shook his head again. “Forget it. I’m not myself this evening.” Then he gave her a rueful smile. “I apologize for not complimenting you on your new look. I can see why Blake has a hard time staying away.”
She looked surprised at his comment. He knew it was wrong but he couldn’t resist expressing what he had on his mind. “A man would have to be made of stone not to-” He caught himself just in time. But then, when he saw the look of eager anticipation on her face, he decided to plunge in. To hell with it. “You know what I want to do right now?”
“What?” Her eyes wide, her voice breathless, she was hard to resist.
“I want to kiss you.”
With a look of challenge in her eyes she tilted her head up to stare him full in the face. “Why don’t you?”
That was all the permission Rock needed. Before he could change his mind he stepped around the desk, reached out and pulled Dana up and into his arms. Sliding his fingers through her silky hair, he cupped the back of her head then he tilted her mouth toward his. As his mouth descended she moaned as if in anticipation of his kiss. That only spurred him on further. His mouth captured hers and then he was kissing her, tasting her sweetness, feeling the softness of her lips against his.
And she was kissing back, opening to receive him, pressing her body against his so that the fullness of her br**sts pressed against his chest, sending the heat of passion coursing to his groin.
When Rock finally released Dana and lifted his head to stare down at her, her eyes were closed, her lips soft and swollen. God, she was beautiful. And he wanted more of her. But he knew it would not work. It couldn’t. She was his employee.
The thought was like a bucket of cold water in his face, jerking him back to his senses. He had to get a hold of himself.
Rock stepped back and away from Dana then cleared his throat. “Excuse me,” he said hoarsely. “I’d better leave you to your work.” And as he turned to walk away her eyes flew open and he saw the look on her face. It was a mixture of confusion and distress and he knew he was the one who had put it there. Feeling like a cad, he kept on walking.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“I can’t believe you did that. Dear, sweet Dana, a flirt?” Becky’s laughter echoed into the phone.
“And it’s all your fault.”
“Mine?” Becky’s voice was a squeak of incredulity. “What do I have to do with it?”
“Don’t you play innocent with me,” Dana growled. “It was you who made me into what I’m not.”
“What? An attractive woman who’s sensible enough to enhance her strong points? I’m sorry, but I’m not going to apologize for that. And besides,” Becky said, chuckling, “all I did was make you pretty. I didn’t tell you to go kiss the man.”
Dana could only sigh. “I know. You’re right. I don’t know what came over me.”
“I do,” Becky said enigmatically. “Your new look gave you greater confidence, made you bolder. It’s the new you. Daring Dana.”
Dana sighed again. “I wish you wouldn’t joke about it. And anyway, he was the one who made the first move. I told you that.”
“Now why don’t I believe that?” Becky scoffed. “A man like you described Rock to be, uber-professional and all, he wouldn’t-”
“Yes, he would.” Dana cut her off mid-sentence but then she bit her lip. She could only fool Becky for so long. “Okay, I admit it. I might have given him a wee bit of encouragement.”
“I knew it.” Becky laughed out loud. “You go, girl. I’m proud of you. Hey listen,” her voice fell to a conspiratorial whisper, “if you let me coach you I’ll have him eating out of your hands in no time. Next thing you know there’ll be wedding bells.”
“Becky.” Dana’s voice was sharp as she chided her friend. “Don’t even go there.”
“Come on, girl, be realistic,” Becky scolded. “How do you think you’ll ever get married if you don’t assert yourself?”
Dana rolled her eyes, no matter that Becky wasn’t there to see it. “This, from a woman who hasn’t snagged herself a husband yet.”
“Don’t you worry about me,” Becky said with a chuckle. “You’re the subject of conversation now.”
For a moment Dana was silent. Three hours had passed since ‘the kiss’ and she still felt the searing heat of Rock’s lips on hers. When she finally spoke her voice came out in a broken whisper. “Becky, I’m scared.”
“Oh, honey, of what?” The laughter in Becky’s voice was gone and in its place was a hint of concern. “Was it what I said?”
“No, it’s how I feel. I liked it just a bit…too much. How am I going to face him at work tomorrow?”
“Sorry, I can’t help you with that one,” Becky said with a smile in her voice. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to face the music on your own.”
Becky was right. She’d put herself in this situation and now she would have to deal with it. And the best way she could think of was to be tough and pretend that nothing ever happened.
Now if only her boss would follow her lead, life could go right back to normal.