Page 41 of Secrets, Lies and Love

“I don’t think it’s right, but if that’s what you want...”

“That’s what I want. Now, I need you to understand that you can no longer make this kind of mistake, Cecily.”

She seems embarrassed, and I feel bad, but this is about taking care of my son.

“It won’t happen again. Excuse me. I’m going to change my clothes.”

“Never been to a beach?” I ask, still not wanting to let her go, no matter how much I know it’s the right thing to do.

“What?”

“You look like a Victorian-era lady, embarrassed to show a little skin.”

I see her temper emerge, and I am pleased. I don’t respect subservient people. I like to see the real person inside.

“I’ve never been on a beach with someone I worked for. It’s inappropriate to be half-naked in front of you, especially when...” She stops talking, her face as red as a ripe apple.

“Especially when what?”

She shakes her head, refusing to answer me.

“Tell me, Cecily.”

“Why are you trying to embarrass me?”

“I’m not, but I like honesty.”

“In our case, it’s dangerous. We are boss and employee.”

She’s right, but I want to hear what she didn’t tell me.

“Say it.”

“What if it costs me my job?”

“How could I do that to you when I’m the one demanding to know your thoughts?”

Cecily takes a deep breath. “Yesterday you told me that when I went to bed, I should remember what happened at the party, at Elina’s house. I . . . obeyed you.”

Fuck!

I fight an internal battle between reason and desire.

It would be too easy to close the distance between our bodies and give us what we both want, much more so now, with the sensual sight of Cecily in her bed at night, touching herself and thinking about me.

I can still feel the warmth and softness of her body. The small, curious fingers touching my flesh.

I desire her like I have never desired any woman. A primitive and dominant hunger, in a territory where logic gives way to lust.

I get closer but without touching her. “Did you come?”

“You can’t ask me that. You said you’ve never had a relationship with an employee.”

“And I haven’t. However, I’m not having a relationship with you right now, Cecily. I’m asking if you came nicely when you touched your pussy thinking about me.”

“So those are the rules? We can talk as long as we don’t touch?”

It would be reckless and also something I have never experienced.

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