Page 35 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

“Do you even have time to read non-law-related books? You told me you couldn’t finishRain Soldier.”

“I could make the time if I cared to. I prefer the classics;Rain Soldierisn’t high on my taste list.”

“Yet, you’re representing the author,” I teased.

“His publisher is paying good money.” His eyes twinkled, and a pause ensued between us.

I walked further into the library, relishing the sunshine and the open space. Looking through the glass window, I couldn’t see Central Park, but I knew it was somewhere behind the building across from me.

“How’s your dad?” I finally asked the question that had been on my mind.

His lips thinned. “Stable. His first attempt at physical therapy is this morning. We’ll see how that goes.”

“That’s good. A step forward.”

I turned and went to one of the shelves, smiling over my shoulder at him.

He followed me. “It is. By the way, I liked that you came to the house. Thanks for being there, Celia.”

It wasn’t what he said buthowhe said it that made my heart leap. He was closer than I had expected when I turned around. He slowly leaned in, resting his arm against the bookshelf behind me. The air became tense and thick. He was close, so very close. But I didn’t back away, even though my mind screamed at me to do so.

My eyes flickered to his mouth; I wanted to kiss Anton, here, now. With fear of what that could mean pushing at the door of my reasonable mind, I tried to steady my raging heart. But the next thing I knew, I moved and pressed my lips against his. It was a brief kiss, but heavenly, nonetheless. A second later, Anton pulled back, the shock plain on his face.

Had I misread his intention? There was no way I could ever look him in the face again.

I started to move out of his space, but he said a single word. “Celia.”

That stopped me.

My name sounded so sweet on his lips, the type of sweetness I’d never known I could taste with my mouth closed. Thisdouceurwas deep within; I didn’t understand what it was all about. I could only describe it the best I could.

His eyes searched mine. Their moss-green hue had shifted; I couldn’t tell what color they were now. But I knew he was going to kiss me. The distance between his face and mine decreased gradually, and when his lips touched mine, the swirling in my chest descended deep into my hips. I readily responded to the unhurried, exploratory kiss.

He brought his hands from the shelf above me to my lower back and held me close. I reveled in the press of his body against mine. My hands automatically rose to his shoulders as the kiss grew deeper. It was as if he was thirsty and was drinking out of a refreshing jar of water.

After a while, we broke the kiss, both breathless.

He gave my lips soft pecks. My heart pounded, and my cheeks heated with a flush. I smoothed a strand of hair behind my ear.

His eyes met mine. “I've wanted to do that for a while,” Anton murmured.

His hands cupped my face as he looked deep into my eyes.

The doorbell rang, and we stiffened—a reminder of our position as employer and employee.

I pulled away, but he steadied me and kissed my forehead. “Don’t say anything,” he instructed, his voice husky. “We’ll figure it out,” he stressed before leaving to open the door.

I straightened the imaginary creases on my clothes. My heart was racing, and the kiss lingered on my lips, sparking awhirlwind of emotions. The warmth that had spread from my core and radiating out to my limbs, now changed to a cold stark of reality.

He said we would figure this out…. What did this mean for my career?

The unknown battled in my mind with the hope for something more.

Chapter twelve

Anton

Celia stepped out of her apartment building; her hair twisted in a bun. Her eyes drifted to where I’d parked on the street, locking with mine through the windshield. A wide grin formed on her face.

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