Page 52 of Dirty Desires
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ashton
Monday came, leaving the weekend behind in a blur of sheets, showers, and a few intense meals that I would never forget. Eating cheeses and meats off Nina’s tummy was better than any cheeseboard I’d ever been served.
But the work week interrupted our little party for two, separating us for the duration of the long day. Separating us for small amounts of time, anyway.
Popping into her office, I found her finishing up with the social media work she did for Lila. “Hey.”
Her green eyes fluttered away from the computer screen to look at me. “Hey, you.”
Closing the door behind me, I went straight to her, picking her up, then setting her on the small desk. I couldn’t hold back; I had to kiss her.
After a good long kiss, I pulled my mouth away then rested my forehead against hers. “I’ve never been happier that we work together. At least I get a little taste of you now and then, since we’re in the same building.”
Her fingers traced circles on my back. “Me too.” She moved in for another kiss and I obliged her.
When our lips parted, I sighed. “Baby, I’ve got it bad for you.”
She laughed, a light sound that echoed in my heart. “Me too, babe. It’s coffee time in Lila’s office. I’ll bring you back a big mug of it. I’m so excited to tell them our big news.”
I couldn’t have wiped the smile off my face if I’d tried. Slapping her ass as she walked away from me, I said, “Don’t tell them all the details. We have to keep a few secrets.”
She turned to me, her finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. “Not to worry. No one will ever know how much I like it when you …”
I stopped her. “Hush, now. The walls have ears, you know.”
Opening the door, she laughed as she walked out of her office. I followed her out, going up to see Artimus. We shared the elevator ride up. Her hand took mine as we moved back to let more people in. I loved the way her hand felt in mine.
It was insane how my heart swelled with love for her at her every touch. I knew it was a short amount of time, in some people’s eyes. But our love had been quietly growing for the past two years, whether we’d realized it or not. It made perfect sense to me.
We were alone as we rode up the last few floors, and I took the chance to get in one last kiss before we had to part ways. “Miss me,” I told her before the elevator doors opened and we were in the penthouse lobby.
Blowing me a kiss, she headed down the hallway as I went to Artimus’ office. All the while, Brady and Veronica gave us blank stares.
I looked at them over my shoulder, “Yeah, we’re a thing now.”
Brady cleared his throat. “Us too.”
I stopped and turned to look at them. “Really?” I was just kidding. Everyone knew about their custodial closet escapades.
Veronica nodded. “We moved in together last week.”
“Well, you guys are more serious than anyone realized.” I jerked my head toward what was known as their closet. “We all thought it was just a casual work affair you guys were having. Congratulations, then. I wish you both all the best.”
Veronica was staring at the closet and didn’t say a word. But Brady was quick to accept my congratulations, “Thanks, Ashton. Congrats to you and Nina too.”
“Thanks.” I knocked on Artimus’ door. “It’s me. Ashton.”
When the door opened, I saw Duke was also visiting our boss. “There he is.”
I went to take a seat on the sofa opposite them. “Here I am. And have I got some news for you guys.”
Artimus smiled at me. “The date went well, then?”
“Better than well.” I crossed my legs, holding one ankle as I thought back on the flurry of passion that had been my weekend.
Duke broke into deep laughter. “Sounds like someone got laid.”
