Page 144 of Full Mountie

“I know. It’s a steep learning curve, this poly thing. We’ll figure it out.”

He cups my cheek and leans in, brushing my mouth with his.

And because I have the worst luck in the world today, that’s when the door opens.

We freeze.

Someone clears their throat, and I just want to die. I can’t even hide behind Hugh because we’re standing sideways to the door. Whoever is right there just got an eyeful of an undeniable embrace.

“I was wondering if you had the Stats Can report,” Gavin says dryly.

This is isn’t happening.

“It’s copying.” I spin around, not making eye contact with the PM. “Or it will be when I hit this button.” I slam my hand down on the copier display and with an ugly whine, it comes to life.

Ch-chunk. Whirrr. Whoosh. Slide.

The noises of a photocopier make the most surreal soundtrack to one’s personal life being painfully revealed to one’s boss.

Gavin’s not going away, either. “Beth, can I talk to you for a minute?”

I close my eyes. This isn’t happening. “No.”

It comes out in a harsh snap. Oops. When I open my eyes again, Gavin’s giving me an incredulous look. “Excuse me?”

And I’ve officially had it with men. “No. You can’t speak to me.” I gesture away from the copier room. I’m not sure if I’m pointing to his office or not, but the shoo-ing is clear. “Unless you want to fire me for kissing my boyfriend, this is none of your business. With all due respect.”

He swings his head to Hugh, who’s had the very good sense to stay quiet. Then Gavin looks back at me. “Uh…”

On second thought, maybe we should do this in his office. Or not at all.

Yes, not at all would be my first choice.

“Your boyfriend?” The door closes, but Gavin’s still on the wrong side of it. This side. And the photocopier room is not big enough for the three of us. He gives Hugh a pointed look. “May I?”

Hugh, bless his heart, doesn’t move. “May you what? Sir?”

Gavin shakes his head. “I don’t even know. Have a moment alone with my assistant, maybe?”

Would this be less awkward if Hugh gave us some space? Yes, I think so. I nod at him and he ducks outside.

Gavin scrubs his hand over his face. “I can’t believe I’m asking this, but…what about Lachlan?”

“It’s complicated.”

“I’m getting that.”

“Today has been a weird confluence of events that dragged some personal stuff into work, but I swear we haven’t done anything here, ever, and—”

“Ever? How long have you…” He holds up his hand and shakes his head. “Never mind. I don’t want to know. Are you okay?”

I nod. “I’m fine.”

“You know we love you.”

“Yeah.” I give him a weak smile. “Thank you.”

“And…you know I understand a thing or two about love trumping propriety. Right?”

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