Page 25 of Possess

“I explained why it’s not a good idea. We have to keep things above board. The mere appearance of something improper can set someone off.”

“You also said it wasn’t your boss who was making you uncomfortable. I’ll stop sending you gifts to the office. What else is bothering you?” He wanted to get to the bottom of this.

“I’m not good dating material,” she muttered.

“What?” He stared at her. “Not good dating material?” He shook his head. Who’d made her feel this way? “You said we’re friends, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s be friends outside of work. Friends go to dinner and get to know each other.”

“But—”

He placed his finger over her soft lips. “I will be nothing but professional on the job, just like you are, but off the job, I want to get to know you. And if things progress from friendship to more, then we’ll deal with it.”

Her cheeks bloomed red, and she shifted from one foot to the other. There was indecision in her eyes. He dropped his hand.

“Allyson, I’ve been attracted to you for a long time now.”

“I know.”

“Until last week, you’ve always turned me down when I’ve asked you out.”

“True.”

“After the bookstore opening, I thought you were ready for us to at least be friends.”

“I am.” She lifted her chin. “When you asked me out last year, I was still involved with someone. That’s why I turned you down.”

“Are you saying you’re still involved with him? Or maybe it was her? I shouldn’t assume.”

Her laughter was music to his ears. “It’s a him, and he’s out of the picture.”

“I’m not seeing anyone either.” Before he asked Allyson out that second time, he’d broken off his relationship with Melanie, one of the club subs. She’d started to want more than he wanted to give her.

“I’m still not sure.”

“I am.” He didn’t want to crowd her, so he stepped back. His Dom side yelled at his withdrawal, but something told Zeke it was the right thing to do. “How about dinner Wednesday night?”

Her eyes brightened, and Zeke was elated he was on the right track with her. She wanted to go out with him. Friendship first, then he’d move on to a relationship.

“All right,” she whispered. “But not too late. I have an early meeting Thursday.”

“Done.” She looked at him. Her eyes softened. “Before we go back to work, I’m going to kiss you.” He placed his hands on her shoulders.

“Do friends kiss?” There was a saucy tone in her voice.

“I kiss my friends all the time.”

She nodded and went up on her toes, raising her lips to his.

Zeke groaned as his mouth closed over hers. Those soft lips tasted of cherries.

He slipped one hand to her neck to cradle her head as he teased her lips with his tongue and mouth. She was pliant in his hold until her hands fluttered to his chest. She didn’t push him away; instead, her palms ran over his shirt to his shoulders.

Don’t scare her, he warned himself. He drew his tongue over her lips before lifting his head. Her eyes were closed, her breathing not quite steady. Her lashes fluttered, and her eyes had a dream quality to them.

He fought back the overpowering need to pull her into his arms and kiss her until neither one of them could breathe. Zeke closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

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