Falling for You: A Forbidden Office Romance (Annapolis Harbor Book 5)

by Lea Coll

  “Yeah.” Her smile widened. “I’d like that.”

  The last thing I wanted to do was hurt this woman or treat her like she was just a one-time fuck, because she wasn’t. I enjoyed spending time with her.

  She stood, holding her hand out to me. “Shower first?”

  I took her hand, following her into her small bathroom. The shower was small, but we’d fit. She turned on the water while I pushed off my jeans. Grabbing a condom, I placed it on a ledge inside the shower. I wasn’t sure how long I’d have with her, but I’d make every moment count. I’d make her feel good.

  I came up behind her while she held her hand under the stream of water, testing the temperature. I kissed her neck, placing a hand under her shirt on her stomach, pulling her back against me so she could feel me. She tipped her head, giving me better access. Gripping the end of her shirt, I pulled it slowly over her head.

  I kissed her neck, cupping her breasts, flicking her nipples. She arched back against me, her ass nestled against my cock. Her pants were a thin barrier between us. One I wanted gone. She squirmed in my arms, throwing her head back against my shoulder. I wanted her with an intensity I’d never felt before.

  I placed kisses down her spine, pulling her pants with me as I kneeled behind her, kissing one ass cheek then the other.

  “Get in.”

  She glanced at me over her shoulder before stepping into the shower. I stood, following her. My cock was hard and aching for her.

  Grabbing the body wash, I soaped my hands, then her shoulders and breasts, and lower until my fingers were between her folds. Turning to rinse her off, I moved until I was in front of her, kneeling at her feet. Looking up at her, her skin flush with desire, her eyes begging for more, I gripped her thighs, encouraging her to widen her legs.

  “I want to taste you.”

  This was different than last night. That felt like an escape. This felt like an intentional coming together. It was intimate.

  Her hands gripped my shoulders tightly. I nudged her back against the tile, throwing one leg over my shoulder. My hand on her ass, I angled her pussy to my mouth.

  I licked her; her lips parted when I sucked her clit into my mouth, her head falling back. Her fingers were in my hair, holding me tight to her. An overwhelming feeling of rightness, of belonging, swept through me.

  How had I never felt this with anyone before? Was it her? Was I just desperate for any distraction from my injury? Was I reading more into it than it was?

  I redoubled my efforts to make her come. I wanted her desperate for more, writhing against me, urging me on.

  “Jonah.” My name echoed in the small space, the room filling with warm steam.

  With the scent of her sweet pussy on my tongue, I added one finger, then two. Her hips arched into me. I sucked hard, curling my fingers inside of her to find that elusive bundle of nerves. She moaned, her hips moving in tune with my tongue, chasing me. Her fingers tightened almost painfully before she jerked, tumbling over the precipice, chanting my name.

  Her walls tightened around my fingers, spasming. She rode my fingers through her release, sagging against the wall. I kissed my way up her body, hovering over her lips. If I could love anyone, it would be her.

  Water beaded on her lip. Before her tongue could dart out to clear it, I kissed her. I poured everything I was feeling into it. Lifting her, she wrapped her legs around me. Grabbing the condom, I ripped it open with my teeth, smoothing it down my cock before sliding into her. I resisted the urge to pump hard to claim her as mine. I wanted to go slow, to watch her crest again, to enjoy every second with her.

  “You’re so beautiful.” I’d described other women I’d been with as hot and sexy, but Callie was so much more. She had a softer, more innocent look. I was the only one who got to see her ruffled from sleep, her eyes bright with desire. I was the only one who got to see her come undone.

  Her arms tightened around my shoulders. I wanted her to hold on tight and never let go.

  Pressure built in my chest, making me hope for more. More than I had a right to. More than I’d ever get.

  I wasn’t sure where these emotions were coming from. Was this why I never stayed overnight or brought anyone back to my condo? The extra moments were intimate.

  I kissed her, getting lost in the feel of her arms around me, the water pouring down my back. This time, when we went over the edge, we did it together. It was sweet. Slowly lowering her to her feet, I ripped off the condom, tying it, then throwing it into the trash.

  She soaped her hands, moving them across my shoulders, my chest, down my stomach, around to my ass, then down my legs. There was nothing more intimate than her washing me in the shower after sex, her caring for me. I liked it too much.

  I quickly rinsed off, washing my hair while she did hers. We dried off, getting dressed in silence before leaving for brunch. Walking down the sidewalk to my SUV, fingers interlaced, felt right. We drove to Fell’s Point, parking in a lot before walking around for the right place to eat. Settling on a small bar, we walked inside, sitting at a table by the window.

  We ordered, handing our menus to the waitress.

  “This is nice.” Callie looked from the people walking on the street to me.

  My throat tightened because she’d echoed my feelings. “It is.”

  “I didn’t think it could be like this with you.” Her gaze was steady on me.

  I shifted in my seat. “How’d you think it would be?”

  “You keep to yourself. Never bring any women around. I kind of assumed you didn’t do overnights or brunch.”

  Shame filled me even though it was the truth. “I don’t treat women badly. They know what to expect.”

  Yeah, I didn’t trust them in my space, but it was more than that.

  Her eyes gentled. “I know this is new, but I like this thing with you. I thought I could handle one night, but this feels good. I’m sorry if that’s crazy or out of line. I wasn’t expecting to feel like this.”

  “I don’t know what I’m doing.” For the first time, I wanted to try. I wanted to be the man worthy of this woman. “But I like you. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Seemingly satisfied with my answer, she nodded. “We have the summer before you go back to playing full time. Let’s make the most of it.”

  Her words were a challenge, one I wanted to meet. Something inside me bristled at the time limit, but if it made her feel better, I’d respect her wishes.

  “I want to try with you.” The wall I’d built around my heart since high school lowered, letting in the possibility of having this woman. It was an infinitesimal move for someone else, but monumental for me.

  She leaned over, kissing me softly on the lips. Warmth flowed through me; my skin tingled.

  The waitress placed our plates on the table.

  We ate in silence. I wondered if I’d feel differently now that I was in some sort of a relationship with Callie. Surprisingly, I felt lighter than I had in years.

  “Should we tell Reid?”

  If this was just for the summer, there was no need. “Can we keep it to ourselves?”

  Callie’s lips curled into a smile. “You’re afraid of Reid, aren’t you?”

  “What? No.” I laughed at the teasing expression on her face. “He’s probably going to give me shit, but that’s not the only reason.”

  “No?” Her head tilted as she considered me.

  “This is new for me. Give me a bit of time, yeah?” I leaned across the table, covering her hand with mine. I was known for never being seen with anyone. Going public meant commitment. I wasn’t ready for that.

  Something passed through her eyes I couldn’t quite catch. Maybe distrust? “Okay. Not for long though, okay?”

  I nodded. I wanted to say or do something to earn her trust, but only time could do that. I couldn’t tell her to trust me because I couldn’t trust myself. I wasn’t sure what the hell I was doing. I was literally riding the wave of feelings I had when I was with her. I’d sta
y with her as long as it felt good. It was that simple.

  Chapter Fifteen

  CALLIE

  Being with Jonah last night was impulsive. I’d felt more alive last night than I had in a long time. I hadn’t expected Jonah to stay the night, much less go to brunch the next morning. It was more than the one-night escape I was envisioning, but I wanted more.

  It was like waking after being in a coma, everything was brighter, more vivid. The food tasted better; the sunshine was warmer.

  We finished our food. Jonah picked up the tab. Walking out of the restaurant, I was reluctant for him to take me home. I wanted to spend more time with him.

  We walked through Fell’s Point in the general direction of his SUV. Jonah didn’t seem in a hurry to get anywhere.

  “Want to go to the movies?” Jonah nodded in the direction of the movie theater.

  “Yeah, I’d like that.” I had no idea what was playing. It didn’t matter.

  We chose the action movie, grabbing sodas and a tub of buttered popcorn to share. It reminded me of dates I’d gone on in high school before everything changed. I’d dated the college-bound preppy guys, the ones that picked me up in their car, meeting my parents, taking me to whatever the popular movie was at the time, then dropping me off before curfew. Back then, wondering if the guy would kiss me on my porch was my biggest concern.

  We settled into the plush leather chairs in the back of the theater. Jonah lifted the armrest between us, placing his arm over my shoulder. With the tub in my lap, I rested my head on his shoulder. He kissed my temple before grabbing a handful of popcorn.

  I wanted to thank him for the perfect day. He’d taken my mind off of my grandfather, letting me lean on someone besides myself. It was priceless.

  The sound of the previews rumbled the walls, signaling the start of the movie. I settled in, enjoying Jonah’s arm around me, his thigh pressed against mine.

  At some point, he moved the mostly empty popcorn tub to the floor next to him, pulling me farther into his body. Listening to the steady beat of his heart, my eyes drifted shut. My head lifted and fell with each inhale and exhale. It was soothing.

  “Callie. It’s over.”

  I blinked, opening my eyes. The credits played on the screen; the lights came on.

  “Did I fall asleep?” I took a sip of my lukewarm soda, soothing my dry throat.

  Jonah’s expression was affectionate. “Yup.”

  “Sorry.” I yawned.

  He smiled. “I didn’t mind.”

  I wanted to ask if he meant the movie or holding me while I slept, but I didn’t. I hoped it was the latter.

  Jonah stood, holding out his hand. “You ready to go?”

  I wasn’t. I wanted to stay in this dark cocoon, not facing the outside world or reality, but most people were filing out.

  “Sure.” My voice was still raspy from sleep, my feet unsteady.

  I stepped in front of Jonah. He placed his hands on my shoulders as we followed the line of people to the lobby. The heat hit us when we stepped outside. A contrast to the cool theater. Jonah pulled me close, walking with his arm around my shoulder. For a few minutes, I let myself believe the delusion that we were like any other boyfriend and girlfriend. Not coworkers or forbidden partners. That he wasn’t a rich athlete, and I wasn’t his employee. That we had longer than a summer.

  I’d dated someone more seriously in college, but junior year, he’d transferred back to his home state to be closer to his family. I wasn’t someone people stayed with.

  “Are you going to see Frank today?”

  “I usually go on Sundays, so I was planning on it.”

  “Mind if I go with?” he asked tentatively.

  His wanting to be there for me filled my heart. It was close to bursting. No matter how many times I told myself to be careful, this one act of kindness had me wanting to throw caution to the wind, to be careless.

  The closer we got to the personal care home, the more my stomach churned. I wasn’t sure if it would be a good day or a bad one.

  “Hey. It’s going to be okay.” Jonah’s voice was warm and comforting. It wasn’t the tone he used with fans. It was the one I’d started associating with the real Jonah.

  I tried relaxing my muscles one limb at a time, taking deep breaths.

  When Jonah parked, my hand moved to the door handle.

  “Wait.”

  I turned to him. He leaned over, a hand on my neck pulling me closer, a tingle ran down my spine. Kissing me hard, it was a declaration that he was there for me no matter what we were walking into.

  Facing whatever was on the other side of my grandfather’s door was easier with Jonah here. It was nice having someone to talk to, someone who seemed to understand. This thing with Jonah felt too good to be true, even though I wanted it more with each passing minute.

  Walking in, Jonah’s hand landed on my lower back. It was comforting, and at the same time, it buoyed me, preparing me for whatever mood Grandpa would be in.

  I paused by the doorway. “Grandpa.”

  He sat with his back to us in the chair by the door.

  Turning, he said, “Callie.”

  Relief flooded my system as I lowered my shoulders. I went to him, hugging him. Tears flooded my eyes. I moved away, discreetly wiping the tears that fell.

  “Hey, Frank.” Jonah shook his hand. “What’re you watching?”

  Sports news played softly on the small TV.

  I was grateful Jonah was here to distract him. I didn’t want Grandpa to know how upset I was. That my moods went up and down based on whether he was having a good day or not. I couldn’t imagine how much worse I’d feel as he moved through each stage of the disease.

  I continued to relax as the evening went on. Grandpa was having a relatively good day, even though I knew these days would eventually stretch out longer between episodes where he didn’t remember me. This was a brief reprieve, one I desperately needed.

  We stayed for a couple of hours, playing cards and talking sports before saying good night.

  On the walk out, Jonah’s fingers twined with mine, his lips quirked up. “I’m pretty sure he was cheating.”

  I laughed, covering my mouth with my free hand. “Yeah. He totally took advantage of you.”

  He cocked a brow. “I’m a sucker, aren’t I?”

  I winked. “You kind of are, but it was for a good cause. Letting an old man win.”

  “I guess. I kind of feel like a schmuck though.” His smile told me he didn’t, not really. He’d enjoyed himself.

  I shook my head. “You shouldn’t. It was nice of you to come.”

  “I like spending time with you and him.”

  He wanted to be here with me. I let that sink in before I softly responded, “Thank you.”

  At my apartment, Jonah came inside to order takeout. He flicked on the TV, not saying anything about going back to his condo, which I was almost positive was more spacious and luxurious. Surprisingly, he seemed comfortable in my space. He fit here and, so far, in my life.

  Today we felt like a couple, one that had been together for years. Being with him was comfortable, like putting on my softest comfortable T-shirt. I wanted to burrow into that softness, never letting go. I had to remind myself there was only an us for the next few weeks.

  He flipped through channels, settling on a movie. “Is this okay?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  I didn’t ask if he was going to stay over, but I hoped he would.

  When the movie was over, he turned off the TV, gathering our dishes from dinner, putting them away.

  I stood at the counter, unsure how to ask him to stay.

  Closing the dishwasher, he turned to ask, “Want to head to bed?”

  I nodded, swallowing down my questions―what would happen on Monday, would we go back to coworkers, pretending this weekend didn’t happen? Was I a secret summer fling? I brushed my teeth, washed my face, then changed into a tank and lounge pants.

  Approaching my bed,
Jonah seemed to take up all the space.

  Jonah lifted the sheets for me so I could slide under the coolness. My hand immediately went to his bare chest. His skin was warm under my fingers. I slid a leg over his, the hair on his legs rough as I rested my head on his shoulder. His body was like a furnace; warmth enveloped me as his arm tightened around me. I closed my eyes, content to be here with him.

  I was exhausted from last night and the emotional ups and downs of worrying about Grandpa. I’d hold myself back from Jonah. We’d set an end date, and I couldn’t quite push out the idea that he’d forget about me when he was cleared to play. He’d refocus on what mattered, and I couldn’t blame him. Professional athletes were laser focused on their job. That’s why they dated women who only wanted a good time.

  Chapter Sixteen

  JONAH

  It was the weekend of the grand opening. The last couple of weeks were filled with getting ready for the opening, physical therapy, and visiting Frank.

  I offered to tour the nursing home options with Callie, but she kept putting me off. I wasn’t sure what was holding her back unless it was admitting that Frank had gotten to the point where he needed more specialized care. I let it go because it wasn’t something that needed to be done imminently, even though his condition could change at any moment.

  I set up the football field, complete with barrels of footballs wherever the task called for it. We’d set up the nets and field goals with signs for each activity so it was clear for the participants. Coolers of water and Gatorade sat by the front door. The walls were decorated with banners from the sponsoring businesses.

  “Everything looks great.” Callie’s voice carried as she crossed the room toward me.

  “It does.” My stomach rolled with nerves like how I felt before a big game. When had this become so important to me?

  “It’ll be fun.” Callie’s eyes were bright with excitement, her lips tipped into a permanent smile. She’d gotten more and more focused as the grand opening neared. It was as if she thrived on planning these kinds of events.