Looking at her more directly, he tried to gauge how she was feeling. Her cheeks were still flushed and her eyes were bright—but from embarrassment and anxiety or from the aftermath of the hot kiss? Or maybe a mixture of both?
Drew had always believed that she was a hot-blooded woman under her layers of self-control. If only she could give in to that passion he sensed inside her maybe they could get past their boss/assistant relationship and somehow get through this.
But being forced into a corner where she had to be intimate with him probably wasn’t the right way to go about it.
“I can’t believe this.” Genevieve was still sitting on the couch, staring at the list. “I can’t believe we’re expected to do…to do all this…this stuff.”
“Yeah, well doing the, uh, intimacy exercises doesn’t bother me half as much as knowing that Doctor Feel Good is gonna be critiquing our performance later.” Drew shook his head. “The guy’s got balls—I’ll give him that. He pretty much admitted to blackmail.”
Genevieve looked up, her eyes wild.
“This is just…we can’t do this. I lost my head, telling him everything was all right and that we would do his ridiculous exercises. I…I never should have said that. Drew, I’m so sorry.” She took a deep breath and lifted her chin. “I’ll go to Phillips right now and explain the situation—that I lied to save my job and coerced you into coming with me.” She started to get up. “I’ll—”
“No, you damn well won’t,” Drew growled, taking her arm and pulling her back down onto the loveseat.
Genevieve sank down beside him, a surprised look on her face.
“Then what do you suggest we do about this?”
“Exactly what we planned. Look Gen,” he said, putting down the list to take her trembling hands in his. “I know we’re in a tight spot but we have to keep our eyes on the prize here. We both have a lot to lose if we can’t pull this off so we need to stay focused and just get through it.”
What the hell is wrong with you, Drew? Here he was giving his cold, stand-offish boss a Little League-type pep talk about how they would be all right doing kinky things to each other’s bodies instead of agreeing to call it off. But for some reason, he didn’t want to call it off. And it wasn’t just so he could get his hands on Genevieve’s hot body, either.
Since they’d made this agreement he’d started to see another side of her—a vulnerable side which peeked out from time to time, showing a woman he actually wanted to get to know. And one he was damn attracted to, despite their age difference and their business relationship. So he held his ground and looked at her and, to his relief, his pep talk seemed to be working—Genevieve was looking a little less green around the gills.
“You’re right,” she said reluctantly. “We just…we have to do what we can. And…I’m sure we can fake a lot of it—right?”
That was the last thing Drew wanted to do but if it made her feel better…
“Sure,” he said nodding. “Maybe not the exercises so much but the, uh, sex—yeah, sure. We can fake that.”
“Good.”
Wow, she looks really relieved, Drew thought wryly.
Maybe he’d been completely misinterpreting what he felt when he kissed her. Maybe it was all wish fulfillment on his part, wanting his hot boss to want him as much as he wanted her. Wait—did he want her like that? Hell yes, he had to admit to himself. Even though he had disliked her in the past, he’d always admired and desired her. She was like an unattainable prize—the goddess on the mountain top who was suddenly within his reach.
But did she want him at all? She’d certainly been happy about the idea of them faking their encounters.
What he was feeling must have shown on his face because Genevieve suddenly looked mortified.
“That came out all wrong. It’s not that I wouldn’t want to…to really do those things with you if…if…I mean, it’s completely inappropriate but if it wasn’t I…” She pulled her hands out of his and put them to her face. “God, I’m saying this completely wrong. I mean, it’s probably the other way around. I’m sure you’re not looking forward to having to do whatever we wind up doing with me.”
To Drew’s surprise, he saw she was actually blushing. Her cheeks were glowing a sweet, innocent pink that made her look almost adorable—which was certainly not a word he would ever have used to describe his hard-hitting boss before.
He frowned. “Wait a minute—putting aside the creep-out factor of having the good doctor watch our every move, even in fast forward—are you thinking that I have a problem with this because I don’t want to do these exercises with you?”
“Well, I mean…” Genevieve looked down at her fingers, all her usual calm gone. “I certainly couldn’t blame you, Drew. I mean, there’s the age difference to consider…”
“Let’s consider it for a minute then. Hmm.” He made a thoughtful face. “Ten years. So what?”
“So it’s more like eleven years which is a lot. And that’s not the only reason this is awkward—I’m your boss, Drew. This is all completely and utterly inappropriate.”
He nodded. “Yup, you’re right about that. It would be—in the office setting. But since we’re out of the office and I don’t see any H.R. people lurking behind the curtains, I think we should be okay.”
“But…but…this will change everything.” She gestured helplessly. “How can I possibly ask you to go make copies for me or arrange my calendar when all I can think about when I look at you is licking edible body paint off your…your…” She gestured at his chest. “Off you,” she finished lamely, her cheeks going from pink to bright red.
Drew laughed—he couldn’t help it. The whole situation was so surreal it was almost unbelievable. But he could see that the idea of what would happen afterward was really bothering her.
“Gen,” he said gently. “Remember our deal—after we get back home to sunny Florida you’re going to promote me, right?”
“Right.” She nodded. “Exactly—if we can get through this.”
“So just keep your promise.” He let his voice drop a little lower, to a more intimate tone and held her eyes with his. “Once I’m not working under you anymore the memory of you being under me won’t seem so bad.”
Genevieve blushed again and looked down at their linked hands. Hers were still trembling and when he brushed her wrist with his thumb, Drew could feel her pulse was going wild.
“I just…I just don’t know…” she stammered.
He couldn’t help thinking he’d never seen her so flustered—so open and real. So different from the cold, professional mask she showed to everyone at work. He liked this new Genevieve—liked her a lot.
“What is it?” he coaxed softly. “Was I too blunt? I was just trying to lighten things up. I’m sorry, Gen.”
“No, I just…” She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a heartbreaking vulnerability he’d never seen there before. “This is just…a lot to ask of you. I mean, look at you, Drew. You should be with some hard-bodied little nineteen or twenty-year-old. Not someone my age.”
Oh, so that was the problem—Genevieve didn’t think he wanted her. For a moment Drew wished she could see herself the way he saw her. With her curvy hourglass figure and silky, honey blonde hair, not to mention her incredibly sharp mind. She was his ideal in every way if only she’d thaw out a little.
“Genevieve,” he said gently, releasing one of her hands to cup her face. “I know we’re in a tight spot and this is awkward as hell but I’d be lying if I said a part of me wasn’t enjoying it just the tiniest bit. And that’s because I’m in this tight spot with you.”
“What do you mean?” She lifted her chin. “I thought you hated me like the rest of the men in the office.”
“Of course I don’t hate you—you’re not always easy to work with, I admit that. But you get the job done.” He sighed. “I respect the hell out of you, Gen and I want this promotion but if I’m being completely honest, that’s not the only reason I agreed to come
with you and pose as your husband. You’re also gorgeous.”
“That’s very sweet.” She smiled uncertainly.
“I’m not being sweet—I mean it,” Drew murmured.
“Oh, I…” She bit her lip and looked away. “I don’t…don’t know what to say.”
“Just accept the compliment,” Drew said softly.
Meeting his eyes, she smiled at him. “Thank you, Drew. And if I can return the compliment, I have to admit I find you very tall and muscular and…” Her cheeks got pink. “I mean, very attractive too.”
“Thanks,” he said simply, grinning at her. “See—was that so hard?”
“No, I guess not.” She gave a shaky little laugh. “You know, I’m glad you’re with me in this, Drew. Even if it is going to be hard to…to do what we have to do.”
“We’re in it together.” He stroked her cheek gently and was surprised when she didn’t pull away. “And I’m glad we are.”
She bit her lip, her eyes finding his.
“Thank you. That…means a lot to me.”
The tension stretched between them like a sweet thread of honey and Drew wished again that he could tell her exactly how much he wanted her. Wished he could explain some of the fantasies he’d had when he watched her walk around the office in her sexy six-inch heels.
Part of him even wanted to show her—wanted to pull her into his lap and kiss her again just as he had earlier. But he wasn’t sure how Genevieve would react to that and he didn’t want to make her feel more uncomfortable than she already was. However, sitting there, looking into her eyes and wanting to kiss her so much he could almost taste her soft, pink lips was driving him crazy.
Can’t just sit here—have to do something.
Jumping up from the couch he grabbed the key and keycard and went over to the recording booth, as Phillips had called it. It took a moment to get the combination of key and keycard right but then there was a muted click and the door to a small, dimly lit room opened.
“What are you doing?” Genevieve asked from right behind him.
“Checking out this ‘state of the art’ equipment Phillips was bragging on. Here.” Drew examined the equipment—three different recorders that were clearly labeled, “viewing area,” “bedroom,” and “bathroom.” Picking the viewing area one he started to rewind.
“Drew?” the strange note in Genevieve’s voice pulled his attention away from the equipment momentarily.
“Yeah? You okay?”
“Fine.” She sounded slightly strangled. “It’s just that…I think I found the, uh, paraphernalia that goes with some of the exercises.”
“What?” Drew looked over to where she was standing. In the far corner of the tiny room was a shelf filled with items but he’d been so focused on the recording equipment he hadn’t noticed. Taking a step forward he looked over Genevieve’s shoulder and gave a long, low whistle. “Wow—looks like we’re all stocked up.”
“Uh-huh.” Genevieve’s voice was flat, as though she was trying to process what she was seeing. Drew didn’t blame her—it was a fairly impressive display, as though someone had decided to set up a mini sex shop right there. There were fur lined handcuffs, black satin sleeping masks, vibrators in all shapes and sizes, and various flavored body oils and lubricants—not to mention the edible body paints which appeared to come in milk and dark chocolate and had two separate brushes attached.
“Wow,” he murmured, looking over the sex stash. He supposed it might be great for a couple who was looking to put the spark back in their relationship but he didn’t need any of it. All he wanted was Genevieve, willing and ready to be with him—everything else was extra.
“Look at those.” Genevieve pointed to a lower shelf where a few larger items were wrapped in plastic.
Drew frowned. “Are they costumes?”
“I think so.” She sounded fascinated despite herself. “I, uh, I’m guessing the cowboy costume is for you and I get to be the naughty school girl.”
“Okay, see—there’s where you’re wrong.”
Drew picked up the plastic bag with a picture of a well endowed blonde wearing an obscenely tight uniform. The short plaid skirt showed the tops of her thigh-high hose and her full breasts were spilling out of the low cut top.
“Wrong? What do you mean?” She frowned.
“I mean I have always wanted to be the naughty school girl,” he said, shaking the bag at her. “I mean, even as a kid. But my mom would never let me—she always dressed me up as a policeman or a fireman or something boring like that for Halloween. So this is like…a dream come true for me.”
As he’d hoped, Genevieve was beginning to smile. “Drew, you’re always such a smartass. So I guess that leaves me with the cowboy get-up?”
“Uh-huh.” He grinned. “And could you please make sure you do it right? I mean, with the hat and chaps and everything? ‘Cause it’s always been a fantasy of mine to be ravished by a real cowboy while I was wearing a school girl uniform.”
Genevieve was giggling now—something he’d never seen her do in all the years he’d worked under her. Her laugh was a soft, bubbly sound he found he liked a lot.
“Sorry, Drew. I just don’t see myself as the cowboy type,” she said, smiling.
“Sure you are. You just have to try.” Drew winked at her. “How are you at cowboy language? Try this—say ‘Howdy, partner, I want to be makin’ sweet love to you tonight ‘til the cows come home and I’ll be wearin’ nothin’ but my ten gallon hat while I do it.’ Go on,” he urged with a straight face when Genevieve laughed even harder. “Say it. Oh, and call me ‘you naughty girl’ and threaten to spank me while you’re at it. Okay?”
“Drew!” By now she was laughing so hard she could hardly stand up. Drew grinned and looped a supporting arm around her waist.
He loved that he could loosen her up like this. He’d been able to make her smile occasionally at the office with his snarky sense of humor—which was something no one else had dared to try. But now he found himself wishing she could open up to him without the comedy routine… He’d thought she was opening a little when he kissed her earlier but had he been wrong?
Suddenly it occurred to him that he could watch the kiss again, from the outside this time and objectively.
“Go sit on the couch.” He gave her a gentle push toward the door. “Let’s see if this equipment is as good as Phillips claimed.”
“Fine.” Still laughing she went back out into the viewing room and sat down. Drew hit the rewind control on the viewing room recorder and then punched play before going to join her. He just hoped he was working the equipment right…Picking up the complicated looking remote that was resting on a ledge by the huge TV, he pointed and clicked…and was rewarded by the image of himself and Genevieve kissing passionately.
“Oh, my.” She shifted nervously beside him as they watched themselves. “Wow, look at us go.”
“We do appear to be having a good time,” Drew agreed neutrally.
Genevieve seemed to be looking for words. “That was…um, a good save. The way you grabbed me when I was about to get into it with Phillips.”
“Yeah, I figured you would either have to kiss me or punch him.” Drew smiled at her. “I hope you didn’t mind.”
“No, I…of course not.”
“Good. Because, Gen… I didn’t mind either,” he told her in a low voice.
Her cheeks were pink again, he noticed and she was pressing her thighs tightly together under her conservative black skirt.
Suddenly he had an image of himself sliding his hand under that skirt. He would feel her silky inner thighs and then she would part for him and his seeking fingers would find her wet sex, hidden only by the thin lace of her panties. He imagined pushing the panties aside and thrusting into her, sliding his fingers deep into her hot, wet pussy. Watching her moan and gasp as he finger-fucked her, as he brought her closer and closer to the edge…
“I said that was quite a performance on your part.” Genevieve’s ton
e indicated that she’d said the same thing more than once and Drew forced himself to snap out of the illicit fantasy.
“Uh, yeah. Put me up for best actor,” he said absently, his eyes glued to the screen where the kiss continued.
It was clear, at least to Drew, that neither one of them was faking. In fact, he could feel himself get hard all over again as he watched the image of Genevieve threading her fingers through his hair and pulling him closer. It was even better the way their mouths meshed and their bodies pressed together, as though they were desperate to leave not a single molecule of air between them. God, she was hot! Could he possibly be misinterpreting this because he wanted her so badly?
“What were you thinking while we were doing that?” he asked her in a low voice as the kiss went on and on.
“I…I guess I wasn’t thinking. Not really.” She shifted on the couch again, crossing her legs tightly and biting her full bottom lip in a way that was distractingly sexy. “I was just, uh, acting along with you.”
“Well, I have a confession—I wasn’t thinking much either. And I wasn’t really acting a whole lot.”
“Really?” Her eyes flew to his face and then back down to her hands. “That’s, uh, sweet of you to say.”
I’m not just saying it. I want you—I’ve always wanted you.
But he knew it wouldn’t be wise to say that out loud. Instead he clicked the TV off and turned to cup her cheek.
“Gen, I have an idea. How about if while we’re here we forget about everything standing between us? Age and rank and all that stuff. You can pretend I’m forty if you want—and I’ll forget you’re my boss. Let’s just be Drew and Gen for once. Do you think we can do that?”
“I don’t know.” She nibbled her full lower lip, making him want to kiss her all over again. But he held himself back. There would be time for that later—he hoped.
“Will you at least try?” he asked. “Forget about our jobs and what age we are—forget about everything but just getting through this together.”