Page 75 of My Sexy Boss
“That’s what makes it harder when you lose a friend,” Sofie said.
“When we were younger, finding a guy and getting married didn’t seem all that important. Kelsey dated a ton in college and after, but once she got it into her head that she needed to settle down and have a man support her, we started growing apart. I couldn’t pinpoint what was going on and I thought it was me being too focused on work. But when I think of it, Kelsey used to try and undermine my confidence a lot.”
“Sounds like it was time for you to move away from the friendship. Things always work out the way they’re supposed to.” Sofie ran her fingers up and down the stem of her glass.
“I just knew you’d say that at some point today. You’re the eternal optimist.” I chuckled.
“It’s better than being a pessimist. Life’s too short and wonderful to walk around with a black cloud over your head.”
For the next couple of hours, we drank, ate, talked, and laughed, and I realized how different my friendship with Sofie was compared to what it was with Kelsey. Sofie was non-judgmental, witty, and sincere in wanting the best for me as much as I wanted for her.
After we paid the bill, we walked over to the small parking lot.
“Have a good time at the Renaissance Festival,” I said as I opened the car door then tossed my purse on the passenger seat.
“I will. Colin’s looking forward to it and so am I. I’m jealous that you’re going to Carmel. You’ll have to tell me all about it. If it’s as fabulous as I think it’s going to be, I’ll have to go there with Colin.”
“I’ll let you know some of the details.” I smiled broadly. “What’re you going to do with your week off?”
“Laundry, shopping, cleaning my apartment, all the stuff that gets shoved to the back burner because of work. Colin said that we may sneak away early and leave on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Maybe we can grab a quick dinner on Tuesday?”
“I’m too swamped with the Besher account. But we’ll definitely go out for dinner the following week. I want to hear all about your trip too.”
“If we don’t talk before you leave have a great and sexy time with our boss.” She laughed.
It still felt funny going out with the boss of the company. When we were outside of work, I never thought about it, but when I was at Velocity, it still seemed strange. Some of the people disapproved of our relationship, but most of them were cool and didn’t treat me any differently than they did before Trace and I got together.
“You have fun too. Later.” I slipped into the car and drove away.
The rush ofair swirled around as we made our way down Highway 1 to Carmel. The early fall wind had a nip to it, and I tugged the scarf tighter against my neck. Driving down the coast was spectacular with views of the rugged coastline sprinkled with rocky outcroppings and ghostly cypress trees. As the road hugged the coast, foaming waves crashed against the white sands of the steep beaches below.
I glanced over at Trace, who was focused on the winding road, and tilted forward and kissed his cheek. He turned to me and stroked my cheek, smiling, and then fixed his eyes back on the road. As I watched him, a warm, funny sensation went through me. I loved him more than I ever thought it was possible to love a man. I leaned over and rested my head on his shoulder. He kissed the side of my head softly, and I sighed contentedly, knowing that he was mine and I was his.
Only a two and a half hour drive from San Francisco, we arrived in Carmel well before evening. We pulled up in front of a Mediterranean-style boutique inn that was tucked into the heart of Carmel Plaza. Its white-washed adobe walls, arched doorways, and twinkling white lights decorating the trees that surrounded it, made it seem magical.
“You like it?” Trace asked as he took the baggage from the trunk.
“It’s beautiful,” I gushed as I gave him a quick kiss.
After checking in, Trace opened the door to our suite and the sparkling waters of the Pacific greeted us from the opened French doors that led out to a large balcony. Camellias, wildflowers, cut grass, and the ocean blended together to give the breeze its unique scent—salty, with a hint of fruity freshness.
The bellman showed us around the enormous room, and when he pointed out the large marble bathroom, I laughed when I saw the Jacuzzi tub. Trace wound his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing, really. It’s just that I was hoping there’d be a Jacuzzi tub.” I leaned back into him.
“I can’t wait to get you in it,” he breathed into my ear.
“Is there anything I can get for you?” the bellman asked.
“We’re good,” Trace replied as he handed him a twenty.
When he left, I went out to the balcony and inhaled the fresh ocean air. The view was spectacular: ocean in front and quaint storefronts on either side. Hearing his footsteps, I looked over my shoulder and smiled when I saw Trace come out on the balcony with two glasses of champagne.
“You don’t waste any time, do you? Are you trying to get me sloshed?” I asked before taking a sip.
“Yeah so I can have my way with you.” He put the bottle down on the glass table top.
“You can have your way with me anytime.” I reached for his hand and tugged him over. When I kissed him, he tasted like champagne and spearmint and his tongue was cool inside my mouth. He ran his hands down my back, and then rested them on my hips. “Thanks for all of this. I mean the getaway and being so sweet.”
