The next day at work, Boyd insists that Caroline trains me instead of him. He seems to be taking the “not seeing each other” vow very seriously. I appreciate him respecting my wishes but I find it hard not seeing him. I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t said anything.

Much to my torture, the days drag on like this. He seems to be going out of his way to keep his promise not to be with me again. He spends an unusual amount of time in his office and he rarely calls me in to see him anymore.

“This new program is something Ruby recently designed to cater to the firm’s needs,” Carolina says, looking over my shoulder as I type. Her idea of training is to hover near me and tell me every little thing. I appreciate the attention, but I can figure it out on my own. Plus, even though I had told Boyd to leave me alone, I can’t help wanting him to come see me, and he is less likely to do that if Carolina is right here by my side at all times.

At least Carolina isn’t like Brett and isn’t trying to sneak of a peak at my boobs every time she can, I tell myself, to get myself through my own self-imposed hell.

“You keep track of everyone’s schedules, their meetings and when projects are due. Everything you need is right here. You’re doing great, good job,” she says encouragingly. I perk up at the thought of her leaving.

“Thanks, I think I can take it from here,” I say, hoping my tone will stress the point that I no longer need her. She moves away from me and gathers up a few more folders.

“If you need anything else, I’ll be right over here,” She says and goes back over to a desk, which is mere feet away.

Great.

She gives me a smile and I force one in return. I have nothing against Carolina; she’s nice to talk to on breaks and she knows what she’s doing when it comes to this job. The training isn’t the problem. It’s the fact that I can’t get Boyd out of my head. I want nothing more than for him to call me into his office so I can see him face to face.

“Grace,” I hear my name and immediately look up. I see Boyd standing in his office doorway, looking directly at me. “Would you come here for a moment?”

Yes. Finally.

I nod my head and try and contain myself. I gather my things in what I hope looks like a calm and collected manner. Not in the manner in which I want to sprint over to him and jump into his arms, which is what I wish I could do.

He leaves the door open and I walk into his office. I turn to close the door but he puts a hand up to stop me.

“I wanted to talk to you about your progress so far,” he says, louder than would be necessary.

I get the feeling that he’s trying to let people know that I’ll be in his office for a while, but for professional reasons. The thought gets me all hot and bothered. He still wants me. I knew it.

“Sure, Mr. Ashdown,” I say, playing along. “I’d greatly appreciate knowing how you think I’m doing here.”

He gestures for me to close the door and I do so without hesitation.

As soon as the door’s closed, he’s immediately in front of me. He hesitates for a moment before kissing me, urgently and passionately.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for so long,” he says, once he pulls away. “I know I said I wouldn’t do this. But my desire for you overpowers any rational thought, Grace. I can’t stand being away from you for so long.”

He kisses me again and I grab onto his shirt, bunching it together in my hands. My breath comes heavily and I gasp, pulling away from him.

“I couldn’t stand it either,” I say, taking his hands in mine. “I’ve not been able to stop thinking about you. I can barely get any work done. Anytime Carolina tries to teach me something, it goes it one ear and out the other.”

“Well, that could be a problem,” Boyd says, smiling. “We’re going to have to do something about our work ethic. I can’t seem to get any work done either.”

“I know I said before that we couldn’t have sex and that it would be a sin, but I can’t stop thinking that I don’t care. I have this overpowering urge to be near you, Boyd,” I say, finally telling him—and myself—the truth. I had at first thought that I was only feeling lust for Boyd but this time apart from him has been torture. I want nothing more than to be with him as much as possible.

“I have that same overpowering urge to be near you too, Grace,” Boyd says, grabbing my waist and pulling me close to him. He kisses me deeply, sliding his tongue into my mouth. I suck on his tongue and the response is immediate. He pulls me even closer and begins tugging on my blouse. He pulls it over my head and tosses it to the floor.

“If what happened last time was any indication of our volume level, we’ll have to be careful,” I say, giggling. “It is the middle of the day.”

“I think we can manage,” Boyd says, unbuckling his belt and tossing it on top of my blouse. He looks at me with lust and with something else. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I file it away for later. I reach over towards him and start unbuttoning his shirt. Then I toss it to the side of the room.

I walk over to the couch, sliding out of my skirt as a do so. I can feel his eyes on me as I hear his pants drop to the floor. I can’t help but smile. I feel his hands on me in an instant and turn around to face him. I put my hands on his bare chest and marvel at the feeling of his hard pecks. He has an interesting assortment of tattoos. My bad boy, billionaire boss wants to take my virginity. This is going to be fun.