Page 92 of My Boss

“Wait.” He frowns as if he’s thinking deeply about something. “You came into my den and asked me what I was doing so early,” he recalls. “I replied that that is what I usually do, and asked you to postpone our conversation until later. Instead, you started asking more questions, which I answered with the conviction that we were talking the whole time about what I usually do during the day. I wasn’t referring specifically to today. I was talking in general, about the order of any other day.” He looks at me so sincerely that I want to believe him. “Perhaps I actually did not give you my full attention. I was busy, as I informed you at the very beginning of our conversation. Ihave my ways; I follow my habits and I respect the order of the day and I need time to adjust to a new reality. Next time I would prefer you to ask questions directly, express yourself precisely and tell me openly about your needs so that I can understand you well. I will also try to give you more attention whenever you report a deficit. I apologize if I have offended you.”

I analyze his words, tone of voice, facial expressions and, damn it, I don’t know what to think. Maybe I actually didn’t make myself clear enough this morning and thus misunderstood him? At work, our communication is based on certain rules: a specific question—a specific answer. Perhaps I too hastily decided that since we slept together, we would suddenly be on the same wavelength, understand each other without unnecessary words, talk about specific issues, not like a subordinate and a boss, but like a man and a woman who are connected by something more than a professional relationship. What I didn’t take into account, however, is that Jan, regardless of whether he is in the office or in his home, is still himself—he is aloof, orderly, focused on one specific activity at a time, well organized, and makes rational and logical decisions based on facts without getting carried away by his emotions.

Well, I guess I naively thought that since he so unexpectedly pulled out all the stops in the sexual sphere, he would immediately open up to me emotionally. Perhaps it’s too soon? Perhaps he needs more time?

“I also want to apologize to you,” I declare, looking into his eyes. “ It’s possible that I may have jumped to conclusions too quickly from our conversation. So I’ll ask directly: what are your plans for the next few days?”

Jan’s face lights up. Woah, I think there will be a smile. Three, two, one…

And here it is. Captivating and exceptional. I stare at him as if he were a rare wonder of nature. Wrinkles appear on his cheeksand at the corners of his eyes, adding to his charm and making him appealing as fuck without losing any of his masculinity.

“The plan is to shower, pack up and hit the road.”

I feel a surge of excitement.

“Great. And where are we going?” I enter the room.

“To where I wanted to take you the last time we were standing here.”

I glance at him, surprised. He can’t be serious, can he?

“Jan, please tell me this is not about any business trip right after Christmas.”

“Maria.” There is a hint of amusement on his face.

“What ‘Maria’? Please, kindly explain.”

“What exactly should I explain to you?” He leans against the door frame and crosses his arms. He looks like a million bucks in that gray turtleneck that clings like a second skin to his arms and chest. “Should I start with the fact that when you came out in that skimpy bikini the other day, I barely restrained myself from tearing it off you? Or with the fact that I felt like ripping off the skimpy shorts clinging to your sexy ass, putting you over my knee and spanking you for being so stubborn?” He comes close to me and leans over my ear. “How about my deepest desire to pin you to the wall and lick your pussy until you start begging me to take you to that damn Szczyrk?”

A shiver runs through me, and goosebumps cover me all over. Our faces are so close to each other that if I just stand on my toes, I could easily kiss him. My heart is pounding like crazy, but I try to think logically.

“But it still does not explain why we are going to Szczyrk.”

“Because I have a house there.”

“House? Where we were supposed to go on a business trip?” I narrow my eyes.

“I was planning that trip for a long time.”

“Planning?” I open my eyes wide. “You said it was an unexpected banquet at a client’s house.”

He doesn’t answer. He stares at my mouth, which doesn’t help me concentrate at all.

“Jan? What about that banquet at the client’s house? Was it planned or unexpected?”

Silence.

“Jan?”

He shifts his gaze and looks into my eyes.

“There was no banquet,” he replies.

“I don’t understand.”

“I wanted you to spend that weekend with me, so I thought a business trip would be a good excuse.”

My jaw drops to the floor. Oh, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, he made it up. The Mr. Bean of male-female relations. I am at a loss for words. I don’t know whether to laugh or be outraged. Or should I be happy that he was thinking of making a pass at me?

---