Page 12 of The Boss Situation

“Reading in Central Park is on my to-do list while I’m here.”

“What do you do?” I ask.

“Guess,” she says.

I create space between us. My eyes slide over her clothing and her style.

“You’re an artist. A photographer.”

“Close.” She laughs. “I’m a tattoo artist.”

“You’re a tattoo artist? That’s cool,” I say. “Do you have ink?”

“Yes. But I’d have to privately show you,” she says, giving me a wink.

We continue making small talk, never discussing anything too deep.

Too many shots later, and we’re drunk.

She leans in. “Take me home with you.”

“Really?” I ask, not remembering the last time I had a one-night stand.

We stumble the two blocks to my place, laughing and kissing on our way inside. She pushes me back on the couch. Her lips are on mine, and she straddles me. I’m lost in her touch, in her mouth, growing hard beneath her.

“Who’s Billie?” she asks between kisses.

“Excuse me?” I blink up at her, knowing I’m too intoxicated for this. Am I being pranked?

“You called me Billie,” she whispers against my lips.

My eyes bolt open, and I pull away from her. “I did?”

“It’s okay. Call me whatever you want. I don’t care.” She shakes her head, unbuttoning my shirt. Her eyes light up as she sees thetattoos splashed across my chest. Seconds later, her mouth returns to mine.

I try to get lost in her taste, in her touch, but I can’t.

“I’m sorry. I can’t. I can’t do this,” I say with a sigh.

She sits back on the cushions. “It’s fine. So you’ve got a thing for this guy—no big deal.”

I chuckle. “Not a guy.”

“Okay,” she says. “If you want to have fun later, call me. I’ll be in the city for a few more weeks. I’ll rock your world, Asher.”

“Mel, I’m so sorry.” I sigh, frustrated with myself.

“Nah, don’t worry about it. I get it. I know what it’s like to be in love with someone, but trying to forget them.”

“That’s not what this is,” I try to explain as I follow her to the door.

“You’re so damn cute,” she says, gently kissing me on the cheek.

“Please let me call you a car,” I offer.

She shakes her head. “Nah. I’m just around the corner.”

“Okay.” I give her a nod.

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