Excerpt
“Shhhhhhhh,” Amelia found herself once more shushing her companion once more as they quietly stumbled through the halls of Jones & Co. If they were going to pull this off, they’d need to make sure none of their coworkers noticed them. Especially not Chance. It was bad enough the company had such a strict no fraternization policy. Getting caught and outed would only worsen the frequent microaggressions they experienced as two of the few women and only women “of color”. Getting caught openly disrespecting it would ensure the end of her budding career. And further tense the relationship with a family who already resented Dite’s existence as a permanent reminder of her parents’ love.
She had to stop getting herself in these situations. But it was easier said than done. Aphrodite, like her namesake, had a way of bewitching everyone in a room. A single glance in her eyes was enough to fall in love. Maybe not so much as with her, but the idea of what could be. After a single conversation, you’d be planning your wedding or willing to risk it all.
“Hellooooooo? Is anybody home? Earth to Amelia. Uh-oh, Houston we just might have a problem,” a strong, but honeyed voice drawled near her ear. Not even bothering to hide her shiver, she blinked fast before shaking her head.
“You play too much,” Amelia spouted as a usually hidden dimple exposed itself and her cheeks warmed. Thank God for the dark and her melanated skin. “Yeah, I’m good. I just got lost in my thoughts for a second. Are you sure we’re going the right way? Maybe we should’ve just gone back to my place.” Now that she’d had a little more time to consider it, she wasn’t sure she wanted to take this risk. It wasn’t worth her job. Sure, she enjoyed this. Matter of fact, she more than enjoyed it. But was this really how she wanted everyone to find out such a closely guarded secret of hers?
“Of course, we are! I know this place like the back of my hand. Don’t tell me you’re getting scared? If you want, we can head to one of our places, but it might take longer. We’d both have to head back to the party and wait for an opportunity to leave,” concerned eyebrows furrowed before a soft hand caressed her exposed back, “I’m fine with that, baby. You’re the one who didn’t want to wait.”
Damn. It had been her idea to sneak off to one of their offices. Then again, part of the blame could be placed on the bubbly champagne they’d both consumed that night. It sure as hell wasn’t doing her any favors. As they picked up their speed, she became more and more conscious of the damp silk caressing her inner thighs. Of the erotic caresses of the breeze from the ever-present AC. Earlier that evening, she’d had to step away to the restroom after one too many moments of eye contact with Dite. Had to make sure Aunt Flo wasn’t making a surprise visit or her equally annoying sister, Discharge Diana. We all know how relatives can be.
