He's the Boss (Dance with Me #1): Boss-Employee Romance

Chapter 19: The Beginning of the End

Brooke

Waking up, I'm aware of two things. One, there's a soreness between my legs that wasn't there before I had sex, and two, there's an arm draped over me. I roll over carefully and see Linc sleeping peacefully next to me. I don't want to be a creeper, but this is the first time I've ever slept with a man—in more than one way—and his beauty in his sleep, and how relaxed he is... I love it.

He opens his eyes suddenly and I'm caught there in his gaze, watching him. For a moment, I wonder whether I'm dreaming, but then I remind myself that he came to me last night. I didn't ask him here. I didn't kiss him first. It was his choice to take things further. And he knows what's at risk.

"Morning," he says, his voice gravelly. He reaches out and strokes my hip, his touch immediately causing warmth to spread to every part of my body. "How are you feeling?"

The concern in his eyes makes me smile. "I feel good. A bit sore, but nothing a hot shower won't fix."

He looks pleased with the idea. "Want me to join you?"

I smile and shake my head. Belle is probably awake and I need to let her know I have a visitor, though I haven't exactly worked out what I'm supposed to say. Because what is this? We may be together right now, but he could marry someone else in a matter of months.

And I have to admit, that thought hits harder this morning than it did last night. Now that I've slept with him, and now that I know how he tastes and feels inside of me, it will be harder to let him go if I must.

"I'll be back," I tell him, not wanting the thoughts speeding through my head to show on my face.

Before I rethink it, I'm out of the bed, naked. It's the first time I've ever been completely naked in front of a man. The look of appreciation Linc gives me, though, makes me feel a little more confident. I've always looked decent enough because of Zumba classes, but with all the dancing I've been doing, I'm even more toned. Heat unspools in my stomach as Linc's eyes take on a hazy tone, and I wish I was back in the bed, underneath him. Already I feel the wet heat gathering between my legs and I'm beyond excited.

"Are you sure you don't want to come back to bed?" he asks, his voice even more gravelly than it was when he woke up.

If I get back into bed with him, I'm not sure I'll be out in time to take my sister to school. "I'd better not," I say.

He nods, looking slightly disappointed.

I don't run into Belle on the way to my shower, but she walks into the kitchen not long after I've showered and dressed, wearing her pyjamas and rubbing her eyes.

"Brooke, did Jemma come over last night? I thought I heard the two of you talking."

"Ah, no. It was Linc, not Jemma."

I swear Belle's eyes are bigger than I've ever seen them in my life. "Linc?" my sister repeats.

I nod.

"Is he still here?"

I nod.

"Did you... He spent the night?"

"Yes."

"But... What about Claudia?"

"Claudia and Linc are just friends."

Belle's look is full of disbelief. "Like you and Linc are just friends?"

I shake my head. "Not like us. They are just friends."

I really hope I never have to tell her that Linc is marrying Claudia. That would be worse than last night on a scale of awkwardness.

I can't think about that right now.