Sleeping with My Boss (and his son?)

Chapter 16

We arrive at the restaurant without another spoken word on the drive. And as soon as our name is given to the maître d', who tells us the rest of the party is seated, I excuse myself to the restroom.

Once there, I dampen a hand towel from the basket on the counter and go into a stall. Wiping myself somewhat clean, i place the cloth in the dirty bin and I go to the sink to wash my hands. Taking my time. I don't want to face Donovan. Or Rafe and Dominic, if I'm being honest. I reapply my lipstick and check my hair, and then head back to the hostess stand where Dimitri is waiting.

The maître d' shows up to our table, where Donovan's eyes find us first. "Get lost?"

Dimitri has an easy smile, "no, Madelyn's never been to the area so I stopped to show her some of the views. It was my pleasure to show her around." We take our seats and I end up seated by Dominic with Dimitri at the head of the table. Unfortunately, Donovan is directly across from me, at his fathers other side, and Rafe is beside him. The tension is palpable to me, but the twins don't seem to notice.

We carry on with talk of work, stories of growing up in big families, I'm one of five, and general small talk. Glass after glass of wine and draft beers are consumed. Steaks are ordered across the board, ranging from rare to medium rare. Delicious sides are paired with our selections. And by the end, everyone seems to be in a really great mood. I'm relieved. I keep glancing at both of the men causing my head to spin catching them stealing glances at me at times. Women are giving me envious glances, some looking at me as though they disapprove. And I'm aware of it all.

After we finish the meal, we all opt to get dessert to go. A variety of lava cakes, crème brûlée, and my favorite pecan carrot cake, are boxed up and we are on our way. On the way out, Rafe asks Dimitri if he can ride with him, stating he has something important to talk to him about. Reluctantly, Dimitri doesn't fight it, just says sure and then, "you boys get her back safely. I don't have time to find another assistant before tomorrow."

As he turns to leave with Rafe, Dominic pipes up, I'm actually gonna catch up with Logan. I'll get an Uber later. See y'all!" With a wave he's off.

Everyone misses the flash of annoyance in Dimitris eyes. Nothing he can say now. He leaves with Rafe and Donovan and I make our way to his vehicle. He's carrying our desserts and puts them in the trunk before opening my door for me. Taking my hand, he guides me in to my seat. "You are stunning, Maddie." He leans in and kisses my cheek before shutting the door.

Once he joins me in the car, a chill overtakes me. It was an exceptionally warm November day, or I would have never gotten away with this dress. But now, it's well after dark and the temperature has dropped. Without a word, he shrugs out of his jacket and hands it to me, turning on the seat warmers and the heat as I put it on. "Thank you," I laugh, "I didn't really account for the temperature drop."

He fights a grin. "Well, as the man gifted the seat across from you tonight, I won't complain." He backs us out of our parking space and then says, "Why were you really late?"

I feel my shoulders drop and my throat tighten. "Please don't ask me to tell you that."

He tightens his hold on the steering wheel, and then he nods. "I had hoped I was wrong, but I'm not surprised." He looks over at me. "What do you see in him, Maddie?"

I don't know how to answer him. What do I see in him? "Donovan, do you really want to hear this?," I ask softly.

"No. But I need to know."

I nod and swallow. "Okay." I pause. "I honestly have never considered stepping outside my marriage. I've never fantasized about other men. And I promise you, I've never chased your Dad."

He seems to have questions, but only says, "something changed."

Taking a deep breath, I continue. "When I was invited on this trip by your dad, I was excited. I've never been out of town without my husband and my kids. I wanted to enjoy it. So, I went out and bought new clothes. A good bit sexier than I typically wear, as you've noticed. Then, Dimit... your dad, asked me to ride with him. And I thought about being seen out with a distinguished, good looking, confident man. I was excited." I clear my throat. "On the ride up here, I dressed to impress. And he noticed. Gentle touches, sweet comments. It made me feel good. Jason doesn't compliment me anymore. When we got in Saturday night, I heard something and went to the kitchen. I found your dad in there. He was not quite appropriate, and I was wearing some less than modest lingerie."

I pause and turn in my seat, "Donovan, I promise I didn't intend for anything to happen. He began giving orders and I just... I just complied. And I know it was a choice, but it just happened."

He nods, he doesn't look angry, but he doesn't look pleased either. "Okay. So you slept with him Saturday night. What's about the past two days? Why are you continuing?"

I sink back in my seat. "I don't know. It's exciting? I feel desired? He's doing things to me I've never experienced before?" I pause again. "And, while I won't say I haven't been turned on and excited, I don't know that rejection would be accepted by him."

At that, fury fills the air. "Did you tell him no, Maddie?"

I shake my head no. Then nod yes. Then I say, "I've said no, or implied it, but at his next command, I've given in. He didn't force me, Donovan."

Nodding his head and swallowing, he reaches for my hand. "I understand, Maddie. I don't really like it, but I get it."

I look over at him. "Why do you call me Maddie? I've noticed it slip out on occasion around the office."

We are about to turn to the long drive leading to the house, "can we detour so we can talk?"

I nod quickly, "that would be great."

He speeds back up passing the driveway, "I don't know. Maddie just feels right. Madelyn seems so formal."

I laugh, "it is. But the only other people to call me Maddie were my grandparents." He immediately apologizes, and I cut him off. "No. Don't apologize. I miss them. And it makes me feel safe when I hear you say it."

He links our fingers and brings my hand to his lips. "You are safe with me, sweetheart."