A Foolish Work Flirtation (Adventures in Love Book 2) by Susie Warren

Author:Susie Warren [Warren, Susie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781956339031
Published: 2023-07-19T23:00:00+00:00

12

Craving Oblivion (Alex)

As I step onto the dock in the late afternoon sun, the boat of newly fledged divers makes its way in. Imogen had asked for space to focus on this course. Given her fear of the ocean, I expected to help her navigate the process.

But I’ve been encouraged by the updates from Sam. Apparently, Immy has proven to be a natural in the water and has passed the certification requirements.

Another diver gets off first and securely ties the boat to a mooring. When Imogen steps onto the dock with her equipment, I move forward and kiss her briefly on the mouth. “Hey, stranger.”

She smiles. “Hey, yourself.”

I tamp down the adrenaline rush vibrating through my limbs. Her cheeks and nose are slightly pink, and the wet suit clings to her feminine curves.

Sam shuts off the boat engine. After a few minutes of securing everything, he says, “Stop in the office to collect your certificates. You all did amazing today.”

I shake Sam’s hand as he passes by.

He says, “You have a good one here.” He winks at Imogen.

I let the other divers go ahead of us.

“You’re quiet. You should be excited and proud.”

She holds up her hands. “I’m not sure how to feel. I don’t know what you expect.”

I lean closer to her and say, “I don’t expect anything. I’ve missed you.”

Holding her gaze, I hear her breath catch.

“Have I done something to upset you?”

She shakes her head. “This diving course was a stretch for me. I’m uncomfortable in the water and didn’t know anything about the equipment.”

I touch her shoulder. “Sam said you did brilliantly.”

She lifts her chin. “You were keeping tabs on me?”

I run my fingers along her collarbone. “Yes, most certainly. I wanted to make sure that you were okay.”

Her eyes darken. “Won’t Sam think it’s odd that you’re hooking up with one of your employees?”

My chest tightens, and I make an effort to relax my muscles. “I don’t care what others think.”

“Maybe I do,” she whispers.

I rub my chest. “I’m sorry. It never occurred to me that you’d want to keep whatever happens between us private.”

Imogen looks downward and then back at me. “It’s not that I want to keep it private, exactly. I told Kate. But you own the company, and I want the people I deal with to take me seriously. And not just think that I’m your . . . whatever.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I don’t know why this matters so much. “Point taken.”

“I’ve missed you. But I want to do the right thing.”

I reach out and take her air tank. “Give me your gear, and get your paperwork from Sam. I’ll meet you by the Jeep.”

I push away a feeling of emptiness, reminding myself Immy is not distancing herself from me, just protecting herself from what others think.

When I see her approach, I keep my expression neutral and open the car door for her. It’s probably better if we set clear boundaries for our association. Like it or not, there is a power dynamic at play.

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