Who was I kidding? Maybe he was serious when he said he'd never touch me like that again. Never lose control.
I handed him the fresh copy with his afternoon coffee, and he didn't so much as look at me. My heart clenched in my chest, but I kept my chin high, and my eyes impassive as I backed out and took my spot at my desk.
It was like he'd already forgotten that anything had happened.
And maybe you should, too, Isa. Don't get involved. It was a terrible idea from the start, messing around with the boss.
I sighed and lay my head down on the wood, hoping against hope that the clock would speed up and the day would end. And that maybe, I could forget what happened too.
"Isa…"
I awoke to a gentle hand on my shoulder. For a moment, I didn't know where I was.
The room was dim, the lights out, and only the rays of the street light cast a glow through the window. I realized my head was on something hard, and raised up, moaning softly as my back popped. I had a crick in my neck and rubbed it, still groggy and disoriented.
"You fell asleep at your desk."
My eyes widened at the familiar, low voice. Chase Drake was kneeling down next to me, his cufflink gleaming in the beam of light, his face cast in shadow. I knew he was watching me carefully, even though I couldn't see his expression.
"I... I'm sorry…. I must be a mess."
My hand flew to my hair, trying desperately to smooth down flyaways, but it was hopeless. My bun had come undone, my curls spilling down over my shoulder on one side.
He grabbed my wrist, stopping me.
"Isabeau. Stop."
His touch made me shiver, and a feeling of dread welled up inside of me. I couldn't believe I'd fallen asleep here and let him find me like this. This was beyond making a crappy copy or forgetting cream in his coffee. This was inexcusable. I hung my head.
"Look at me."
His voice was almost a whisper, but sounded everything like a command. I raised my eyes as he moved closer, into the light. Instead of the anger I'd expected, his eyes held an unexpected tenderness.
"You look beautiful," he said, smoothing the hair out of my eyes.
I sucked in a breath, unsure how to react. Was I in trouble? Or not?
His hand lingered in my hair, teasing my curls around his fingers. My heart was thumping so loudly, I wondered if he could hear the effect he had on me.
"Mr. Drake?"
He stood abruptly, pulling me up with him.
"It's late. Let me drive you."
"But, I... It's so much trouble."
He eyed me in a strange way. "I know you take the bus, Isa. Surely, they've stopped running by now."
I looked away again. He was just trying to be a good guy, but the fact that I was now his burden because of my slip up was too much.
"You don't have to do that, Mr. Drake. I can get myself home just fine. It's my fault for falling asleep like that. I.…. I didn't know you'd be working so late."
"Ms. Willcox," he said, his tone harsh, but mocking. "If I have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you to my car, I'll do it. I want you home safe, not walking home in the dark to save on cab fare."
My cheeks were burning, shame welling up inside of me. He was worth more than I'd ever see in my lifetime, hell, more than I could imagine, and here I was, poor and alone, without enough money for cab fare.
How did he know? And more importantly, what must he think of me?
"So, I was right." He stared down at me frowning, a crease growing on his brow.
I ran a hand over my face and sighed before pulling out of his grip. "I'm fine, Mr. Drake. Really."
I grabbed my purse and made for the elevator, but as soon as I pushed the button, there he was. I felt his presence like a force of nature, larger than life behind me. I didn't turn around, daring myself to stand tall, despite the embarrassment I felt like a sock to the gut.
The doors slid open, and we stepped through together. There was silence on the ride down to the lobby, but I could feel his eyes on me, assessing me coolly like I was a puzzle he was trying to figure out.
When the bell chimed and the doors slid open again, I yelped as I found myself lifted off my feet. Mr. Drake slung me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and I held on for dear life.
"I warned you what would happen if you tried to walk home, Isabeau. I was very clear. You're coming with me, and I won't take 'no' for an answer."
I hung there in shock as he began walking toward the parking lot, bobbing with each step, wondering whether I should laugh or cry. Was my gorgeous boss really carrying me away like a cave man? What the hell?
"I'm fine! Really!" I squeaked, trying not to stare at his sculpted ass, which was conveniently at eye level.
A hard swat came down on my rear, and I gasped.
"That's just about enough of that, Isa. Don't ever lie to me."
"But…"
He spanked me again, despite the furious blush on my face and the twinge of anger coursing through me at being treated this way. I was a grown woman! I can take care of myself, even if it did mean walking the four miles to my place… in the dark. in heels. It was my business, and mine alone.
"Enough. One more word out of you before we're in the car, and I'll spank you raw right here in public. Is that what you want?"
I opened my mouth to protest, then shut it, sensing the trap.
"Very good," he said, chuckling.
He carried me as if I weighed nothing, moving steadily to the executive lot where his Bentley sat, gleaming black beneath the lonely street lamp. I heard the chirp of his locks springing open, and the rumble of his engine as he remote started it.
Then, the world shifted, and I was being held tightly against him as I regained my feet. His body was hard and warm, and, in that moment, I wanted nothing better than to press myself up against him and let him hold me all night. I pushed away, steadying myself.
"Hop in," he said.
He held the door open for me and grinned, his twin dimples making my insides melt.
I nodded and slid into the supple leather seat, letting him close the door behind me. I repressed a giggle. You never hear about a caveman opening doors for a lady. Mr. Drake slid behind the wheel, unbuttoning his Armani suit jacket as he did. I couldn't help but stare for a moment at this man, my boss, who cared so much about me making it home safe.
The door clicked shut, and we were off.
We sat in silence for a while as he merged onto the freeway, the lights of the city flickering by like fire flies on a hot summer night. I sat back in the seat, loving the feel of the leather on my skin, before my stomach rumbled loudly, making me wish I could sink into it and disappear.
~ ~ ~