Page 43 of Seductive Swimmer
“We were together for a while, and when I finished college, he offered me a job at his company. I thought it was a sign that we were meant to be. A power couple, taking our small town by storm.” A painful chuckle escapes me as I remember how idiotic and naïve I was back then. “I was quickly proven wrong. I didn’t get to do any true accounting. I was his glorified secretary, and he only spoke to me when he needed coffee or photocopies made. I foolishly thought that he was trying to be professional and keep our relationship out of the office, until my third day there, when he sent me an email calling me into his office. When I went in, he was seated behind his desk. He asked me to come closer. When I went around to his side, I saw that his pants were open, and his limp dick was hanging out. He pushed me down to my knees and told me I should thank him for my job.”
An angry growl erupts from Alex, and my eyes dart up to his. They’re burning with an intensity I haven’t seen before.
“Savannah, I didn’t—“
“I know you didn’t,” I interrupt him. Now that I’ve started my story, I need to finish. He needs to know I’m stronger than that. “Needless to say, I turned around and walked out. I emailed my resignation, went home, and told my parents I was moving. A month later I was in New York, working for Forever Grey.”
I look at Alex again, and his eyes have softened. Feeling centered again, I hop off his desk and take the single step that brings me back to him. He doesn’t move, and I know he’s waiting for me to take the lead. That respect means more to me than I could ever say to him. I sit down sideways on his lap again, and his arms automatically wrap around my waist, anchoring me to him.
“I know you didn’t mean anything by it, Alex. You were trying to be fun and sexy.” I wince. “And I kinda ruined that. Sorry.”
His hand comes up to cup my face. “Don’t apologize, love. I’m so sorry. Not only for what I did today, but for what that arsehole did to you before. I wish I could go to Nebraska and beat him senseless for being such a fucker.”
I smile at the thought of Alex punching Maxwell. “I wouldn’t mind seeing that, actually.” The emotional weight of what just transpired hits me then, and I sag against his shoulder with exhaustion.
“Go home for the day,” he says softly. “Run a hot bath, relax, and know I am so very sorry for bringing up such terrible memories. I’ll come over as soon as I’m done here and take care of you properly.”
“Thank you,” I murmur. I wouldn’t normally cut out of work early, but I’m so drained, I know I won’t be much use for the rest of the afternoon.
“Will you be alright?” he asks.
I nod. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s in the past.”
“And will we be alright?” His eyebrows draw together. I reach up to smooth the wrinkle there, and give him a small smile.
“Yes.”
Alex gives me a chaste kiss before setting me on my feet.
“Good. Now, go home. Relax. I’ll see you later.”
I walk over to his office door before pausing and turning back to him.
“Thank you for understanding, Alex.”
He doesn’t say anything, just gives me a half smile in return. But it’s enough. He is enough.
