Handcuffed Boss

6. What have you done?

Mia
I came awake to lips pressed up against mine. I didn't make any sudden movements. It lasted for about ten seconds, which was quite long. When he pulled away I stared at him. This could go one of two ways. I could rebel, which would be the most obvious reaction, or I could accept that there might be something between us and act on it. Of course I chose the difficult path.

"Your lips were touching mine."

"They were. You're in my bed."

"I am."

For a long while neither of us said anything.

"He's gone."

Those two words were like an ice cold bucket of water being thrown on me. I sat up immediately.

"I need to go."

He grabbed my arm before I could take two complete steps.

"Stay."

"I can't stay here! I need to disappear."

"I am asking you to stay."

"Have you not heard a word I've been saying? I can't stay here. It's dangerous."

"Mia, I am asking you to stay. Not Marc Paxton, CEO, not Marc Paxton, father, not Marc Paxton, boss. Marc Paxton the man is asking you to stay."

"Oh."

What do I say to that?

He pulled me down to sit beside him.

"This might sound crazy but I think we might be good for each other."

"You're right. It does sound crazy."

"You bring order to my chaotic life."

"That's my job."

"It doesn't have to be."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying I'd like to get the chance to know you."

I laughed.

"Have you been drinking?"

"No. I'm quite sober."

"You sound drunk."

"I assure you, I'm not."

He wasn't being unreasonable. It's not like he's asking me to marry him.

"Okay. A big part of knowing someone is sharing their secrets. I've asked you repeatedly about the circled date on your calendar. You get defensive or dismissive every time, just like you're doing right now."

"It's complicated."

"Make it simple."

"Will you tell me the truth about that guy?"

"What are you talking about."

"He said you were together."

"And?"

"Were you in a relationship with him?"

"He's a stalker. That's all you need to know."

"I will take that as a yes then. Who ended it?"

For a long while I didn't say anything.

"Who ended it, Mia?"

"I did."

"Goddammit!"

I was startled by his reaction. Maybe I shouldn't have told him.

"Okay, fine, you were in a relationship. When did the stalking start? Was it before or after the break up?"