Jonah's POV

After our drive the other night, Harley has been the only thing I can think about. Ironically enough, though, she's the reason I came up with my newest idea. I've set up a meeting with the Lukov board, but they're unable to travel, so I have to make arrangements for me and a few others to make the trip to Russia.

The past few days have been great. Harley and I are getting along well and have gotten to see each other more outside of work. It's the first time in a while that I've been genuinely happy.

"Hey, babe," a voice says from the doorway.

Speak of the devil.

"Hey, my beautiful fiore." I push my chair away from my desk and pat my lap. "C'mere."

She does as told and sits in my lap, wrapping her arms around my shoulders

I claim her lips in mine, relishing in the way she parts them for me as a little sigh escapes.

When she pulls back, she looks back at me through half-closed eyes. "How has your day been?"

"Good." I skim my hand over the curve of her waist. "But I know how to make it even better."

"Oh," she says, a grin pulling at her lips. "And how's that?"

I stand, picking her up with me and setting her ass on my desk. My mouth crashes into hers before she can breathe another word, and she melts into me. She shudders, and I smirk against her lips, gripping her waist and pulling her closer. Her legs wrap around me, drawing me in until my already-pulsing groin is flush against her.

Her fingers slide into my hair, tugging just enough to make me groan. Jasmine and tonka bean hit my nose. That damn perfume of hers. It's not just a scent - it's her scent. Sweet at first, but sinful beneath. Like a warning I have no intention of heeding.

Just then, a knock at the door, then a gasp has us both stiffening. Harley's face pales, and she stares at me, wide eyed.

"Charlotte, what is so important that you're entering my office unannounced?"

Charlotte's face mirrors Harley's. Her mouth opens and closes for a second as she looks from me to the back of Harley's head. "I-I'm sorry, sir. I just - You have a meeting with Mr. Catalano soon and I just received additional details about your upcoming trip. I was coming to inform you."

I run a hand through my hair. "Thank you, Charlotte. Next time, knock and wait for me to answer before coming in, if you can, please."

She nods, then turns and scurries out of the room without another word.

"Do you think she recognized me?" Harley whispers. "She wasn't at her desk when I came in, so I don't think she saw me enter."

"I doubt it. Don't worry." I plant a kiss on her forehead and tuck a stray strand of her ginger hair behind her ear. "Guess I should actually get some work done, huh?"

Harley huffs a laugh. I'm grateful that even such a small joke could erase the tension from her gorgeous face.

"Come by my penthouse later," I murmur, nipping at her lips. "I won't be so easily interrupted, then."

She kisses me one last time, before sliding off the desk and re-adjusting her clothes. She exaggeratedly pops her hips as she walks, and I chuckle. I hate to see her leave, but I love to watch her go.

____

The look on Marco's face is all I need to know that he heard about the incident in my office earlier. I'd hoped Charlotte wouldn't say anything, but I understand how word could have gotten out. I'll have to have a talk with her later.

"What the hell are you thinking?" Marco's voice is pure disbelief, pitched higher than usual, eyes narrowed in anger. "Here? Are you out of your damn mind?"

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. "I'm sorry, Marco. Charlotte was out on break and I got carried away."

"Do you have any idea what kind of mess you're making? Or were you too busy thinking with your -" He cuts off with a sharp exhale, shaking his head like he can't believe what he heard. "This isn't a game, Jonah. Do you even realize what you're risking? We are so close to getting the company back on track."

"I understand. But I'm not going to do anything that could affect the company. You know how much I care about it - about everyone that works here."

"One person in particular." He narrows his eyes again.

I stop filling out a form mid pen-stroke and stare at him.

"Yeah, I talked to your father." He sighs, pulling out the chair across from my desk and sitting in it. He leans forward. "Look, I care about you. And I'm sure you care about her. But think, Jonah. What's going to happen if something goes wrong? She could sue us for sexual harassment - sue you. And she'd win, because this is highly inappropriate."

"I understand your frustration Marco. And I'm grateful that you're looking out for me. But I wouldn't be with her if it didn't mean something." I hope he can see the sincerity in my eyes.

Whatever is going on between me and Harley, it's real. Or at least, as real as it can be right now. But my feelings? Those are unmistakable. I couldn't turn my back on her even if I tried. If anyone is going to end things, it has to be her.

"I believe you. I just want you to be careful. The company can't afford a scandal like this, and I can't afford to see you get hurt." He reaches forward and pats my shoulder. "If you need anything, you can come to me. I know I haven't been the best friend to you in the past, but I owe it to your dad to be there for you. Especially if he..."

He trails off, and I know exactly where he was going with it. If he dies like my mom did. I won't have anyone left. Because I can't guarantee I won't bury myself in work and push Harley away. As much as I'd like to let her support me.

"Thank you." I set the forms to the side. "Now, I heard we have some things to discuss regarding our upcoming trip to Russia. "