Page 18 of The Frock Up
"Why the Cove?"
I laughed, rolling my eyes at myself. "Whimsy? No, in all seriousness it seemed like a good idea at the time. Between the expansion of the marina a few years ago, the two cities on either side and the number of millionaires living in what is a surprisingly affordable town—it just made sense. Also, Keiko's family is from around here."
"How'd you meet?"
"We both worked in LA for the same design firm. Fresh out of college, we kind of just fell in together. We hated it. The boss was a dick and any time a client loved our work, he took all the credit."
Ash flicked on the indicator, pulling onto a gravel road. "So, the move to being your own boss was easy?"
"Not easy. We wanted to stay in LA but couldn't swing it money-wise. But Keiko's brother, Hiro, mentioned that there was a little office building down the road from the fire department that had just come on the market. When we crunched the numbers, it made sense."
"And you live above the business?"
I nodded. "I bought the building. Keiko suggested we go halves but it just made more sense for one of us to take the financial risk. It also meant I could turn the rooms above into an actual apartment. It's not much, but it's home."
"What's next on the—"
Ash hit the brakes, twisting the car to one side of the road to avoid a deer as it leaped in front of the car, dashing across the road.
"Shit!" He twisted. "You okay?"
I nodded, forcing air into my lungs. "Damn. That was close. Good thing you weren't going faster."
"Yeah."
We both sat in silence for a moment, staring at each other.
"Would it be rude if I said I really wanna kiss you right now?" He asked, his expression shifting.
"Um, no?"
"Good."
He leaned across the console, one hand coming up to cup the back of my head, guiding me to him.
Our lips met, soft at first, a slow, tender kiss.
I made a sound in my throat, my heart—already frantic from the near-miss—pounded in my ears, need heating my blood.
Ash snapped. His mouth became greedy, his tongue licking at my lips until I opened for him—allowing him to taste me. He groaned, shifting closer.
A horn blared behind us, breaking our kiss.
For a moment we stared at each other, our breathing labored. I searched his face, reading surprised delight in his expression.
The horn blared again, breaking the spell.
We both sat back in our seats as Ash put the car in gear, resuming our journey to the lake.
I lifted a shaking hand, pressing fingertips to my overly sensitive lips.
I just kissed my new boss.
I glanced at the man in question, finding his gaze on me. A blush crept up my neck, heating my cheeks as a sinful smile stole across his lips.
"Remind me to try that again later," he said, his voice an actual caress. "I loved tasting you, Millie."
I opened my mouth to reply but words escaped me.
