Tempted by My Boss Book 2

HAILEY

Hailey wrapped up her remaining tasks and attended meetings that barely registered in her memory. She was eager for the day to end. Her thoughts were consumed by Valerian, making it impossible to concentrate on anything else.

She found herself repeatedly glancing at the slip of paper with his address, a parting gift from him. Eventually, she grabbed the paper, crumpled it, and tossed it into the trash.

That should do it. Now I can focus, she convinced herself.

But no matter how much she tried, her work couldn’t hold her attention. As night fell, she began to pack up her belongings.

“You’re heading out?” Alex was casually leaning against the door frame.

“How long have you been there?”

“Long enough to see your hurried packing.”

“I’m just exhausted. It’s been a long day. I plan to go home and unwind.”

“Mind if I join you?”

“Not tonight, Alex. Maybe tomorrow when I’m feeling better.”

“Alright.” He leaned in to plant a kiss on her cheek.

Once Alex had left, she finished packing and made a beeline for the parking lot. She slid into her car as soon as it arrived and drove off towards home.

She admired the city lights outside her window, letting the cool breeze brush against her face as she slightly lowered the window. The sensation was soothing, and she relished it.

Upon reaching home, she swapped her work attire for comfortable pajamas. She uncorked a bottle of wine and settled in front of the television.

She flicked through the channels, but nothing caught her interest. She finally settled on a channel she’d never watched before.

She poured herself another glass of wine and took a sip. Her head began to spin, and she poured herself another.

She recalled the disappointment in Alex’s eyes when she declined his company once again. She slipped into her slippers and called her driver.

As the car cruised down the night-lit streets, she felt dizzy but determined. She had to make things right.

She stepped out of the car and approached the front door. She rang the bell and waited. After a moment, the door swung open.

“Hailey?”

“Not happy to see me?”

“Are you drunk?”

“Yes, and clearly not thinking straight.”

“Why?”

“Because I was supposed to visit Alex, but I ended up here, Valerian.”

Valerian chuckled and crossed his arms.

“It’s not funny.”

“You do look adorable in your pajamas, though.”

“Oh.”

“Would you like to come in, Hailey?”

“I don’t know what I want. I don’t even know why I’m here. I don’t have anything to say now that I’m here. Good question—why am I here?”

“So—”

Before Valerian could finish, Hailey interrupted. “No, I didn’t say I wanted to leave. I don’t want to leave. So don’t ask me to leave, Valerian. Don’t you dare. Please, don’t make me leave.”

She saw Valerian’s lips moving but couldn’t make out his words. All she could focus on were his lips. When he tilted his head, she mirrored his action.

“Hailey?”

She couldn’t concentrate on anything else, her eyes widening—she couldn’t control herself. She forced herself to look away.

Just as she was about to make a hasty exit, she was pulled back, and his lips found hers.

***

HAILEY

Hailey felt his warmth and pressed herself closer to him. His lips were incredibly soft, and she melted into him.

Then the spell was broken.

Valerian pulled away, and she staggered slightly. She bit her lip, unsure of what to do next.

She turned and fled to her car; once home, she retreated to her bedroom and sat on her bed. A smile crept onto her face as she remembered the kiss.

Hailey glanced at the clock and realized it was late. She needed to get some sleep.

She tossed and turned in bed for what felt like hours. Sleep was elusive.

She continued to toss and turn until her body finally succumbed to exhaustion.

She woke up the next morning and got dressed. She felt a bit groggy, her mind cluttered with memories she wished to forget.

What was she thinking? She had shown up at his place—in her pajamas.

What’s wrong with me? she wondered.

Ever since Valerian reentered her life, everything had been topsy-turvy. She managed to drag herself out of bed and into the shower, which helped a little. Afterward, she grabbed a bite to eat and crawled back into bed.

She decided she wouldn’t be going to work today. Instead, she’d rest and eat.

She dialed Bethel, letting her know she wouldn’t be in—she was feeling under the weather and would catch up on work later.

Midday, her doorbell chimed. She dragged herself up to answer it.

“Alex, why are you here?”

“I thought I’d check on you since you’re not at work. Can I come in?”

“Of course.”

She swung the door open wider to let him in. She grabbed two sodas from the fridge and handed him one.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

“I figured you could use some company,” Alex offered.

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

She found it hard to meet his gaze, her mind still reeling from her encounter with Valerian the previous night.

They settled on watching a few movies. Eventually, she ordered takeout for dinner. When it arrived, they dug in.

“One more movie, then we call it a night.”

“Deal,” Alex agreed.

She chose a romantic comedy, and they shared a light blanket as they watched.

She glanced up to see if he was watching, and he looked down at her. He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

He pulled back after a moment, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her closer. She rested her head against his chest.

When she opened her eyes, sunlight was streaming in. She was still in Alex’s arms, both of them having fallen asleep.

She got up to shower and change into fresh clothes.

Eventually, Alex stirred. He blinked at her. “You’re up?”

“Yeah. I’ve already showered. You can go freshen up while I make breakfast.”

“Sounds good, Hailey.”

While Alex was in the shower, she whipped up some eggs, bacon, and waffles.

“Smells amazing.”

She looked up at Alex, his hair still damp—it suited him. He took a seat at the kitchen counter as she served him a plate.

“This is really good.”

“Thank you, sir.”

After they finished eating, he suggested, “Let’s go to the park.”

“Right now?”

“Yes, Hailey.”

“Alright.”

She quickly changed into a dress.

When her driver pulled up, they climbed in. “Can we swing by my place?” Alex asked. “I need to change.”

“Of course.”

Alex hopped out of the car. A few minutes later, he returned in fresh clothes.

She caught her breath. He looked incredible—his white shirt and tousled hair suited him perfectly.

He climbed back into the car and asked, “What?”

“Nothing.”

They arrived at the park and got out. It was a botanical garden, and it was beautiful. They strolled side by side, snapping a few pictures.

She was surprised when he took her hand. As their fingers intertwined, she couldn’t help but smile.