CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

On Monday morning, I sit at the table in the conference room once more.

Bash is at the head of the table with my coworkers all around me.

I shuffle the papers in my hands and try to concentrate on what the CAO is saying.

Except my gaze keeps flitting over to Bash, and the butterflies flutter around inside my stomach.

My whole world has been turned upside down—but in a good way.

Hell, even the fluorescent glare from the overhead lights seems less harsh.

I stifle a gasp. It's been a while since I've viewed life through rose-tinted glasses.

And the last time was because I swore I was in love.

"Any questions before we wrap up?"

Bash addresses the room, but it feels like he's only talking to me.

Part of me wants to ask how he could make me fall for him so quickly, but now's not the time.

Funny how a month ago, I despised his very presence—craved him, but still despised him.

Or maybe I never really disliked the man, and I was only using my animosity as a shield to protect myself.

Because I thought someone like Bash would never want someone like me.

And boy, has he proven me wrong.

Never in all my life has anyone shown up for me like Bash does.

For once, I don't look in the mirror and question my worth.

My monster lover continues to show me that I'm someone of value and treasures me above all else.

When Bash meets my gaze, his is full of heat and promise.

I want to respond with a passionate stare of my own, but too many people are around.

Instead, I shoot him a small smile since I know how much he covets them.

Before Bash, all my happiness was reserved for Jake—he was the only thing that brought me true contentment.

But all that's changed.

Smiling's become easier, as natural as breathing, even here at work.

Bash's expression falters as he looks at me before he speaks to everyone.

"Erm, great work today, team. Sounds like we're all going to have a phenomenal week."

My colleagues all get up and filter out, but I purposefully gather my things slowly.

"Wyn, a moment, please."

No one stops when Bash voices his request, and I'm surprised they don't hear the husky intonation.

Or maybe it's just my imagination adding what isn't there from my memories of the other night.

"Sure thing, Mr. Ettin."

My boss's pink gaze flares at my proper address, but it would be strange for me to call him anything else.

When it's just the two of us, Bash comes over to take my hand.

"Mr. Ettin, is it?"

"You know I can't call you anything else—everyone would suspect something is up."

"Mmm, you're right."

"I know," I tease.

"But I'm still going to spank you."

"Hey!"

Bash chuckles. "Come on. I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?"

"Follow me."

He takes my hand, dragging me out of the conference room.

"What about my papers?"

"You can get them afterward. This won't take long."

I smooth a hand down my pin-striped skirt as excitement spirals through me.

Bash opens the conference room door, and I follow him out.

We move to the stairwell, descending a flight, and my heart drums in my chest.

But to my disappointment, he leads me to the break room floor.

My lips curl down since I pictured us kissing—touching—in the secluded cement stairwell like we did before.

Which is ridiculous since everyone is here at work.

When two coworkers stroll by, Bash's facial expression morphs into one of professionalism.

They smile and wave, clearly enamored of our mutual boss, and a flare of jealousy spikes through me.

Bash cocks his head. "You taste…covetous, Wyn."

Uh oh, I forgot emotions all have a flavor for him.

"I think you're mistaken.

He smirks. "The green monster, as you humans call it, has a very distinct taste."

A grumble passes through my lips, widening Bash's grin.

"Could you be a little less friendly with everyone?"

"Ah, deoring, you are jealous—don't you know you're the only one my heart speeds up for?"

Damned sweet monster, no wonder I feel head over heels for him—oh no!

Bash stops walking. We're heading toward the back part of the break room floor.

It's sectioned off by a hallway and around a corner where some secluded, unused offices sit.

He places a hand on my shoulder, his expression pinched.

"I'm sorry if my words upset you."

An incredulous laugh bubbles up inside of me.

"Bash, your words didn't upset me."

"But I tasted your distress—"

"Yes, but it's because of what I was thinking. I just realized that…"

"That what?"

"I'll tell you later. Where's this surprise you promised me?"

"This way."

He leads me down the hall, but when I round the corner, the familiar row of offices is gone.

They've been replaced with a wall and a single ornate wooden door.

"For you," Bash whispers as he opens the door and gestures for me to enter.

I step inside and gasp. Inside is one of the most beautiful bathrooms I've ever seen.

Cream-colored tiles cover the bottom half of the walls, gleaming in the soft overhead light.

A giant mirror decorates another wall, complete with a dainty vanity.

In the corner is a singular toilet, and if I'm not mistaken, there's a bidet attached to it.

The entire room is lavishly painted a deep teal, complemented with antique bronze fixtures.

"Bash, is this..."

I trail off, my brain short-circuiting as my heart does a flip.

"It's the first gender neutral bathroom in this building."

"You did this for me, even after I lost?"

"Firstly, I would do anything—anything—for you, deoring. Secondly, you made me realize I should've put one in a long time ago. You have no idea how grateful I am that you asked. I don't know everyone's story, but I do want to be respectful of them."

There's a chance I'm making a mess of the shiny, new floor as I turn into an emotional puddle of goo.

"This is amazing. Thank you, not only for the bathroom, but for listening to me."

"Isn't that what people in a relationship do?"

"They should, but it's not been my experience."

"I'd say I'm sorry—and I am because you always deserve respect—but if they had listened, you might still be with them and not me."

"And you want me with you?"

His expression grows serious as he takes my hand.

"Forever and ever."

I try to swallow past the lump in my throat. All of this is moving so fast, I'm not sure how to react.

The last time I followed love blindly, I ended up divorced and a single parent.

But I'm also mature enough to acknowledge Bash is nothing like my ex.

"I…I'm not sure what to say."

"You don't have to say anything until you're ready. Until then, feel free to use this restroom. I'll be doing a grand reveal on Friday, so it'll be yours for the week."

"Thank you, again, for…everything."

Bash leans down to press a soft kiss against my lips.

"I know we said not at work, but I couldn't help myself."

"Well, I suppose we can bypass the rules just this once."

"Only just this once?"

My laughter echoes around us. "Maybe more than once."

"Good. Did I mention I had this room made sound-proof?"

"So no one would hear anyone else's bodily functions?"

"No, so I could fuck you at work where no one would know."

With this, he kisses me again and saunters away while I stand there with my jaw on the pristine floor.

"Oh, and don't forget to get your papers in the conference room!"

I roll my eyes at the insufferable man getting me all hot and bothered at work.

Of course he would make this room the perfect little haven for a secret moment for us to share.

I do a slow circle, drinking in all the beautiful features of the space.

Wrapping my arms around me, I squeeze my sides to tamp back the incredulous squeal.

Bash Ettin did this for me!

Perhaps not just for me, but because of me, and this kindles something deep inside my heart.

An ember I thought long burnt out but has sparked to life since Bash entered it.

I've felt it for weeks now, too scared to give it a name, but I know—I know.

I'm in love with my boss.