Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 1 - Chapitre 10

GriffinFire her. The thought had never fully crossed my mind. I was going to threaten it tonight just to get a rise out of Cora, but she beat me to it.As she stands in front of me with a defiant tilt to her chin, I want to fire her just to prove a point.Cora tosses her raven hair over her shoulder, blue eyes narrowed. Even the freckles across her cheeks seem to blaze with life as she takes a step closer to me.She pokes a finger into my chest. “If you want me to leave your company, just fire me.”I grab her finger and pull her closer, heat radiating between us. “And what if I did fire you right now?”She smirks and snatches her hand back, though she doesn’t bother to move away. “I'd probably be better for it.”“If I got rid of you, I could hire someone capable of doing their job—maybe someone who actually liked me and the work.”Cora takes another step closer, and all I can focus on is the way her body is nearly pressed against mine. “Fire me or don’t, but I’m here to have a good t

“And what is that supposed to mean?” I keep my tone light and teasing, wanting her to relax around me. I don’t want the tension between us to continue.I want to get to know the woman I've written off for many years—the same woman who’s been charming her way around my office.She seems to draw me in without really meaning to. I hate to admit that I’ve started to think her smile is addictive, and the scent of sweet lemons and vanilla haunts me when I go home.What the hell is she doing to me?Whatever it is, I don’t know if I want it to end.Cora shrugs and makes her way to the bar. “You’re a lawyer—and a CEO. You've taken over Blake & Associates from your father and spend your days preparing for cases, reading contracts, or going to court. You have to show off for every other corporate lawyer in Maine because that’s how the industry works. A little hole in the wall like this doesn’t scream I’m a lawyer with status.”“Sometimes I prefer to be alone and have time to myself without worry

I have no business waking up in Griffin’s bed.In fact, I had no business dancing with Griffin last night, kissing him, or whatever we did for the rest of the night that I can’t remember.With trembling hands, I instinctively reach down to check for my underwear. The fabric, still snug and intact, brings a flood of relief washing over me.A sigh escapes my lips, and I feel a weight lift from my chest. Last night’s events have blurred, but this simple confirmation brings clarity and reassurance.That is the last time I ever go out drinking.But I did make out with my boss on the dance floor in a bar.I’m not better than Victor was. He cheated on me with someone at work, risking his job for a fling.And now, here I am doing the same thing.I groan and quietly head into the ensuite bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. This must be some bad nightmare that I will wake up from soon.Except, it isn’t.In the mirror is a woman I don’t recognize. Her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are

Jake keeps eating as I figure out what to say to Cora at work.This is not going to be pretty.When I walk into the office after breakfast with Jake, Cora is already sitting at the desk just outside my office. She looks up with a cool and professional smile as I walk by.“Morning.” She glances back down at the stack of papers in front of her. “I’ve been sorting through the contract for Garfield Homes and their acquisition of Lakeland Interiors. You might want to take a second look over some clauses.”I nod and open the glass door to my office. “Why don’t you come in for a moment? I have a couple of things that we need to clear up.”She sighs, tucking her hair behind one ear. “I’m sure there’s nothing we need to speak about.”My hand tightens on the gold handle. “Cora. Office. Now.”Her blue eyes flash with irritation as she stands. My gaze drops to how her matte faux leather pants hug her thighs. I throw up a mental wall to avoid the thought of having her bent over my desk in those pa

“Repeat yourself.” Sophie fills up her glass. “Because I know there’s no way that you kissed the man who made you miserable when we were kids. You slept with him?”“No, no, we didn’t sleep together—it was just a kiss. If you think that’s the biggest problem with kissing Griffin, then the situation might not be that bad.”“Might not be that bad?” Sophie slides off the counter and storms over, taking my face between her hands. “Cora, are you out of your mind? What in the world would possess you to kiss him?”“We were drunk. I had a drink or two, and so did he. And then we were dancing, and something clicked… and we kissed. It was just in-the-heat-of-the-moment kind of thing.” Groaning, I close my eyes and lean into her touch. “Ugh, I know I screwed up. I never should have gone to the bar with him, but I can’t bring myself to regret it. The kiss was good.”Sophie’s hands drop, and she takes a step back, shaking her head. “At least the kiss was good, but was it worth ruining your life? Wh