Page 56 of Executive Decision

“Considered it could have felt likemoreto you. I assume you’re a perpetual bachelor without judgement.”

“I haven’t been. Kristy and I were together for six years. I loved her.”

Cal showed vulnerability and sweetness not seen since the library.

“Itdidfeel like more. I didn’t expect that. I expected to fuck you and move on. Instead, it was some of the best sex I’d ever had. I don’t fuck people I have no interest in. I guess it takes some connection to… go there, Daph.”

I was confused, “So, why’d you do it? Because doing it would have gotten you in major trouble with my father?—”

“Probably,” Cal said. “I didn’t think it through.”

“Because you were thinking with your dick. And… I didn’t think?—”

“I wasn’t. I mean, partially. I am ashamed to admit how much I’d enjoyed working with you and how badly I’d wanted to wipe that serious look off your face all summer.”

I suddenly forgot I was nervous or wasn’t supposed to feel like this. It had been years since a man talked to me like that.

“You’re gorgeous, Daphne. Tempting. But you were taken—and off-limits. I don’t know why I gave in. It seemed like we had a moratorium as long as we were in Hawaii. After that night at the office, I’d sworn it off. Then, we were in paradise and everything felt different.”

My face flushed, surprised by his forward statements. “I know what… I know what you mean.”

“It was the wickedly funny, chaotic side of you that drew me in, honestly. You were a mess—and I couldn’t help but want to make youmoreof a mess. It was a wild time. I dunno.”

“Blame my mother for that—always. Well, we’re working on it right now. She encouraged me to leave town because she is trying to put some space between Davey and I. Chaotic is a good word.”

“I like chaotic Daphne Delphine,” Cal’s voice was deep and hungry. “She’s great.”

Cal’s eyes lingered too long. My palms grew sweaty as I dropped his gaze.

“You really thought it was that good?”

“Was it not good enough for you?” Cal said.

“It was…” I looked for words.

“You can be honest, Daphne.”

I’ve never had so many orgasms in one weekend.I nervously laughed, afraid to tell the truth.

Cal focused on his food, unsure how to read me. I wanted to tell him everything.

“Be honest,” Cal repeated, “but don’t leave me hanging.”

“It was more than satisfactory,” I played coy. “I should have taken you up on it at least once more.”

21BAD CHOICES

Cal

I lowered my fork,trying to read Daphne. She was the most confounding woman. I hadn’t come here to seduce her but as she bit her lip, it was over. She could ask for whatever her heart desired and I would have given it.

“Satisfactory? You think it was satisfactory?” I asked.

“More than. It’s a limited sample size, Cal,” Daphne said. “You must admit, it could have been a flash-in-the-pan.”

I set my fork down.

“You done?” Daphne asked. “I need to run the dishwasher.”

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