Page 52 of One Pucking Life

“Okay, yeah, but that’s because I was leaving the ball in your court. I made the first move by going into your room and sticking my face between your legs to begin with.” Her cheeks turn a rosy pink at that comment. “I kinda needed you to dictate what happened next.”

“Well, I was waiting for you, and you didn’t say anything all week.”

“And you became frustrated?” I ask.

“Yeah, I was frustrated and horny as hell, and I guess my emotions got the best of me last night… and, well, you know how we resolved that.”

“So you wanted to have sex all week?”

She nods.

“When it didn’t happen, you became annoyed?” I seek clarification.

She nods again.

“Okay…” I bite my lip. “Let’s get this straight. You wanted sex, but you didn’t want to ask for it—even though I had made it very clear that I was all about it?”

She throws her hand up with a smile. “Yes, okay. I didn’t want to ask, but I wanted you to offer. Last night, my need came to a boiling point, and I couldn’t take it anymore. Are you always this talkative before banging some chick?”

The last question throws me, and I furrow my brows. “That’s the thing, Laney. You aren’t just some chick.”

“You know what I mean,” she says.

I shake my head. “No, I don’t. See, that’s where I’m confused. Obviously, we have insane chemistry—and while I felt like my desire wasn’t one-sided, I couldn’t risk it. It needed to come from you. I hope you know how very important you are to me, to us—me and Caroline. I would never do anything to jeopardize that.”

She sighs. “I don’t want a relationship, Max.”

I wasn’t necessarily alluding to a relationship, but now that she says it, I’m wondering why. “You don’t?”

“No. You’re my boss. I’m your employee. And I suppose we’re a family of sorts. I adore it here with you and Caroline. We have such an easy chemistry, and I don’t want to jeopardize that, either. But I’m not looking for a relationship.”

I wasn’t expecting those words to sting the way they do. I wasn’t looking for anything serious either, yet when I really stop to think about it, Delaney is perfect for me. I didn’t see myself settling down for years—but as of two months ago, I didn’t think parenthood was part of my near future either. Life changes.

“What are you looking for?” I ask.

“Well, it’s clear that we have this chemistry. And… I don’t know.” She shrugs. “People have needs, right? So we can just keep going as we have been during the day, and at night, we can have fun.”

“So friends with benefits.”

“Exactly.”

“That could get complicated.”

Her tongue peeks out, licking her lips. “It doesn’t have to be. Sex can just be sex.”

Her words ring true—at least, that’s how it’s always been for me. I’ve been with a lot of women, but I’ve never had anything serious. I suppose Delaney doesn’t have to be serious, either.

“You don’t think there’s a weird power dynamic with me being your boss and all? I just don’t want to mess anything up.”

She huffs out a laugh. “No. I was the one so feral for you last night I couldn’t see straight or act normal. If we’re talking about power dynamics, I’d say I’m calling the shots—which lets you completely off the hook. We just have to be honest with one another. If this stops working for either of us, we voice it, and it’s over. No harm done.”

“You’re saying you want to be my nanny… with benefits?” I raise a brow.

She smiles. “Whatever you want to call it.”

“Have you ever done this before?”

“You mean, sleep with the dad of the kids I watch? No. You’re my first.”

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