Page 16 of Invisible Scars
On my way to the aquatic facility, I pass through Effie’s office. Her door’s open, and I almost laugh at the sight inside—Effie, sitting in her chair, holding a deceased potted plant at eye level and staring at it with utter fury.
It never ceases to amaze me how someone so adorably cute can pull off a gazethatintimidating.
“What are you so pissed off about?” I ask.
“I killed the damn shrub,” she huffs and pouts. I swear she’s about to stomp her feet.
“Uh, okay?” My gaze bounces between her and the shrub, trying to think what Micah would say if he were here. “We’ll get you a new one?”
“Nona gave me this plant when I started working here. She always asks me about it at family dinners.” Effie slumps in her executive chair, tossing the plant into the trash and letting out an exasperated groan when it scatters dry earth everywhere.
“You could just tell her it’s all green and dandy.”
“I will not lie to your mother, Jonah.”
“Want me to tell her for you?” I offer, and she shakes her head.
“No, I’ll pull on my big girl panties.”
“What panties do you usually wear?” I narrowly avoid the stapler thrown at me.
“Get out of my office, Jonah!” Effie hollers, and I can’t help but laugh as I jog off. Further pissing her off wasn’t my intention, but God, I love it when it happens.
“You make it too easy, Doll,” I yell without looking back, catching Zee’s eye roll as he walks out of his neighboring office from the right. “What?”
“Nothing.” He blows past me without even slowing down. “I’m heading out. See you at Mom’s.”
“Give Levi a hug from me.” Zee can’t help but turn and smile with a brief salute.
“And a big kiss from me,” Effie pops out her office door to call after Zee, whose smile only broadens before he disappears around the corner.
“You know, if you’re lacking in the kissing department, I’m available.” I prop a shoulder against the wall, allowing my eyes a quick scan of her sexy physique from behind.
Effie swerves her head in my direction, her gaze spitting fire at me, but then her scowl turns into a smile. It’s the type of wicked grin that makes a guy nervous.
She walks up to me slowly, and I train my eyes at a spot behind her, knowing I pushed her buttons too hard and all bets are off. When Effie decides to play dirty, there arezerochances I’m coming out the other side in one piece.
As much as I try, the seductive sway of her hips under her wide-legged trousers draws my eyes down her body. A matching dark brown vest that amplifies the intensity of her sapphire stare hugs her slim waist. She doesn’t stop her approach until she’s standing so close, I can smell her perfume —Issey Miyake classic— and I will my body to cool down.
It works for a total of five seconds until I look down at her big eyes hooded by long, thin lashes painted black. And that haze shrouding those tantalizing gems?Fuuuuck. I can’t decide if I want the desire I’m seeing behind her stern black-rimmed glasses to be real or not.
“I bet you’re a great kisser, Joe,” she purrs in a low voice that makes me think of tangled sheets and sweaty bodies wrapped around each other. “I bet you’d rock my world with just one kiss, wouldn’t you?”
The tip of her finger trails lightly over my chest, and my mind fills with images of those eyes begging me to ruin her, my name breaking across those pouty lips as I do.
“I probably would.” I try to make my voice sound light and teasing, but it comes out gruff and low. And my body’s reaction? Lost battle. The pull is too strong, and I lean closer to her, thumb stroking over the dimple on her chin as I tilt her face up to mine.
“Jonah…” She trails my name off on a breathless murmur through her perpetually parted lips. The tremble of her fingers against my chest, paired with that undeniable want pulsing in her eyes, are all but my undoing.
Do not kiss her, Lieutenant. That’s a fucking order!
My body seems to have a mind of its own, my lips feathering over Effie’s, her shortened breath caressing my mouth.
Then Effie seems to regain her composure.
“Too bad we’ll never find out.” She sighs a dreamy sigh that strokes over my skin, making it difficult to comprehend what she’s saying. “Enjoy your workout, Cadet.”
She pats my chest before turning on her heels and walking away, causing me to tumble forward when my body follows hers. My gaze is glued to the movement of every tempting curve until she disappears behind her office door.
