Page 17 of Twisted Surrender

He needs me. And I don’t mean that to sound conceited. He has a high-profile job and needs an outlet. He has so much stress and nowhere to relieve it. He’s tied so tight and with his daughter growing up and having her own life, he’s left to fumble his alone.

I don’t want him to be alone. I’m sure to others, we look like an odd couple. But isn’t that the point? Finding someone opposite to bring out the best in each other?

The Casanovas include him as if he’s family. And I see the relationship between him and Cash, him and Tom, is strong. But he needs someone to call his own. A woman to be soft with.

I’m going to remind him I can be that one.

When Cash let me in after I knocked, then slowly closed the door behind him, I walked back to it and gently flipped the lock, then leaned my back against the door.

“Good morning, Chief.”

His nose flares as I address him, and I push off the door and walk closer.

Got him.

His breathing picks up as I come to a stop right in front of him, his hands on his hips. “Did you sleep well?” I ask.

He huffs a laugh. “Daisy.”

“Yes, boss?”

His eyes wander over my body as he scrubs his chin with his hand. “Fuck. You’re making this so hard.”

“I’m hoping to.”

His eyes flick back to mine. His want for me is on proud display.

“Boss, it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. You’re a man.” I run my hand up his arm, squeezing his bicep. “You’re a good man who deserves to let go once in a while.”

He takes a breath, his chest rising. “Daisy, I’m in a position of authority and I used it irresponsibly last night. It was inappropriate, and I apologize for what we did.”

“You didn’t enjoy it?”

Again, with the quick exhale, “I more than enjoyed it. But it can’t happen again. I’m your boss. And you’re,” he visibly swallows, “young and impressionable and I don’t want to take advantage being that I’m your boss-”

“You didn’t take advantage of me! I mean, if we’re being honest, I think I took advantage of you.”

“You do, do you? How so?”

I take his hand, holding it between us, and trace his fingers. Then I get closer still and trace my lips with his finger. He lets me direct his hand as I let it linger on my collarbone. “I seduced you.”

He stills his hand and smooths his fingertips over my skin. ”You seduced me? So, I was innocent in it all?”

I nod furiously. “You were! You have nothing to be worried about. It should be me apologizing to you.”

He’s quiet for a moment. I can see the battle waging war in his mind. Theshould Iorshouldn’t I? The Devil and the Angel each battling for their own win. “In that case, I’ll let you apologize tonight. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

“Okay.” He stills at my immediate response.

“Okay, what?”

“Okay, boss.”

He smiles a dirty little smile. I find he responds to me easier when we play this teasing game together. I’m showing him it’s okay to have fun. It’s okay to let your guard down at times. And with the right people? It makes it that much better.

“Get back to work, Miss O’Malley.”

“Yes, Chief Hunter.” I turn on my heel, but when I get to the door, he commands me to wait.