Page 60 of Abyss

How did I go from highlighting changes in project timelines one minute, to ending up with my panties sopping wet and my lips tangled with my boss’s the next?

One second I was walking away, feigning confidence and throwing barbs at him, and the next, my fingers were curled in his hair just to keep myself balanced.

The way he kissed, rough and self-assured—so much like himself—has me wondering if I’ve ever truly been kissed before. If so, they were mere pecks in comparison to the sheer devastation he left on my lips. Like a gentle breeze compared to a tempest.

I rush to the fridge, opening the door to grab a bottle of water. I lay the bottle on my neck, trying to cool off my heated skin. You’d think I’d have gotten my heart rate back in control by now, but you’d be wrong.

I pace the kitchen for a few moments, taking a few sips of the water.

I just kissed my boss. My very moody, and incredibly hot, boss.

Holy shit, I just kissed Madison’s dad!

My pacing speeds up as I consider the questions flying into my brain like a swarm of restless bees.

What does this mean? Where does one go from here?

How will I even face him again? Can anything ever go back to the way it was after this?

Setting the bottle on the center island, I lean down, propping my elbows beside it, and scrub my face with my palms. “What did you just do, Kavi?”

I’m living under the same fucking roof as the guy! I work for him, for heaven’s sake! What the hell was I thinking?

What the hell washethinking?

I mean, this was just as much him as it was me, wasn’t it? Sure, I was goading him, but he’s the one who slammed his mouth against mine.

God, I wish I had a girlfriend to talk to right now. Someone who could either tell me how stupid I was for making a move on my boss or squeal in excitement with me like a little girl.

Unfortunately, the only girlfriend I’d ever think of calling is Madison, and I can’t imagine that conversation going well.

“Oh, hey Madison! So guess what? I think I felt your dad’s boner today. Oh, and he kisses like a wild, hungry beast. Wanna discuss?”

She doesn’t even know about my change of address.

I’d brought it up to Hudson this week while we were eating dinner, and he casually said it wasn’t something she needed to know at this time. I gathered that meant he hadn’t told her, but I was too scared to ask why.

Maybe he knows telling his daughter will cause awkwardness between us. Maybe he thinks it will create unnecessary complications having to explain our unconventional living situation.

Or maybe he’s embarrassed by it?

Either way, I didn’t want to press the issue. We’d figured out a good routine and were coexisting quite nicely as of late, and given the man was as moody as a premenstrual teenager, I wanted to avoid anything that could cause a sudden outburst and disrupt our newfound harmony.

But now I feel even more guilty about everything. How will I ever face Madison again?

Taking my water with me, I traipse to my room, feeling like I’m watching myself in an unscripted movie, where every step I take feels unpredictable and unrehearsed.

I need to talk to Hudson; we need to discuss what just happened. And the best thing would be for it to not happen again.

I mean, as life-altering as that kiss was—for me, at least—it was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. Not only is this my first real job out of college where he happens to be my boss, but above it all, he’s my friend’s father.

And though the rules were never stated, they shouldn’t have to be. What I did feels traitorous and dishonest, selfish and deceitful.

After begging her to get me this job, I go and kiss her dad!? What would she think of me if she knew? Probably that I’m some depraved and conniving bitch out for his money or something.

God, this was all such a mistake.

So why didn’t my body feel like it was when he was ravishing my lips like he’d never been thirstier? Why did I practically weep when he stepped away to go back to his computer like he hadn’t just caused a flood inside my underwear?

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