I laughed. “And here I thought maybe it meant he wanted to kiss me.”
“Nah. Women think about kissing. Men think about blowjobs.”
I sighed.
Greer walked to the refrigerator and pulled out the orange juice. “Who was fantasizing about your mouth?”
“I don’t know if he was fantasizing about anything, but I caught Merrick’s eyes lingering a few times.”
“As in your jerk, hot boss, Merrick? The one I met for two minutes and noticed looking at you in that sort of way that’s more than a look?”
I nodded.
“Oh boy. I know I teased you about how hot he is, but do you think it’s a good idea to go there?”
I shook my head. “Definitely not. He’s my boss. Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. But I am undeniably attracted to him. He’s softened a lot since we first met. I don’t know what it is—aside from the obvious, he’s very handsome—but I’m drawn to him. He’s kind of hard and stern on the outside, but then every once in a while, you get a glimpse of a soft inside. Being around him kind of awakens something in me. It’s made me realize just how dead my relationship with Christian was, long before he buried us.”
“What’s bossman’s deal? Does he have a girlfriend?”
“Not that I’m aware of—he’s said he isn’t dating anyone seriously. Though he’s pretty private about his personal life. I know he was engaged to a woman he started his firm with. She apparently died, but Will once mentioned that she’d annihilated him—whatever that means. I’m not sure what happened there.”
“Well, I want you to get back out there and enjoy yourself. You deserve to be happy. But maybe you should tread lightly with that one. The only thing more wrought with issues than dating your boss is dating a guy who’s carrying a ghost around with him.”
CHAPTER 13
Merrick
Nine years ago
“Hey, wait up!” I jogged to catch up to Amelia. I’d been looking for her all over campus for a week.
Her stride never broke as I fell in step. “You?” she said. “Are you back to invite me for another card game or just to watch my ass as I walk?”
I shrugged. “Both?”
She snickered. “Now why would you want to play cards with me when you know I’ll kick your ass and take all your money again?”
“Will you go out with me instead?”
She shook her head.
“Welp, then cards it is for now.”
“For now, huh?” She rolled her eyes, but there was an unmistakable twinkle in them. “When’s the game?”
“Tonight. Seven o’clock.”
“Where?”
“My apartment.”
She stopped short. “If I show up at your apartment and you’re the only one there and there isn’t really a card game…” She shook her head. “I carry a Taser in my purse. I’ll have it ready.”
“There’ll be a card game.”
“Fine.” She started walking again. “Where do you live?”
I rattled off my address. When I was done, she again stopped, this time holding up her hand. “This is where my next class is. You stay here and enjoy the view.”
My forehead wrinkled. But I quickly figured out what she meant as I watched her ass sway from side to side climbing the stairs to the Lincoln Building. I waited until she disappeared inside to take out my cell and text my buddies: