Our First Embrace. Judy Hubbard Lynn

over a suitcase on the floor and wound up flying toward Alexander. He caught her effortlessly, strong arms automatically encircling her off-balance body. He held her tight against his unyielding strength.

      All air left Nicole’s lungs, more from the close proximity to Alexander than from the impact of landing against his hard chest. Both appeared frozen in their unplanned yet potent embrace. Her palms rested flat against his broad chest cushioned by solid muscles. His hands rested on her waist. Their eyes locked, and each was aware that their mouths were only inches apart. A fact that became crystal clear when Alexander’s eyes darted to her slightly parted lips and stayed focused there as if mesmerized.

      She held her breath while she waited to see what would happen next. She didn’t have to wait long. Unable to help himself, Alex lowered his mouth to hers. Their lips touched lightly several times before they both sought out much longer contact, and when they achieved it, time froze.

      Their lips flirted, pressed lightly, pulled away. Alex’s teeth nibbled softly at her lower lip before sending his tongue to investigate the same territory. Nicole shuddered. Her arms snaked up his chest to rest into his hard shoulders as she moved and was pulled closer to his unbending length. She sighed and parted her lips invitingly, and her eyes fluttered close in anticipation of a deeper, more satisfying kiss.

      “Nicole!” Victor shouted, splintering the intimate moment. “Monique is here.”

      “I...I’ll be right out,” Nicole breathlessly replied, moving guiltily out of Alexander’s arms, placing fingers to her tingling lips. “Excuse me.”

      “Of course.” Alex managed a slight smile as she skirted around him and out the bedroom door.

      Oh, Lord, what had she done? She let out her breath on a noisy sigh. The chaste kisses they had shared didn’t begin to quench her disturbing desire for her boss, only managed to inflame it further. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed with Victor’s interruption, but she was certainly unfulfilled.

      * * *

      “Hi, roomie,” Monique greeted Nicole as she entered the room. “I see we have help.”

      “Yes.” Nicole prayed she didn’t look as flustered as she felt. “Alexander is here, too. He’s in the bedroom.”

      Monique grinned. “Is that where you’re coming from?”

      “Yes.” Nicole pushed her bangs out of her eyes with somewhat shaky fingers.

      “Why do you look so flushed?” Monique’s knowing grin caused Nicole to shift uncomfortably. “What was going on in there?”

      “I... We...” Nicole floundered but thankfully Alexander entered, arms laden with luggage, and ushered Victor out the door. Nicole envied his composure.

      “Hi, Monique.” Alex nodded as he passed by her.

      “Hi, boss,” Monique greeted before refocusing on Nicole. “Is your lipstick smudged?”

      “I...um...” Nicole absently touched her lips. “Must have happened as I packed.”

      “Mmm-hmm.” Monique’s wide grin informed Nicole she wasn’t buying her lame explanation.

      To avoid any further inquisition, Nicole grabbed a bag and hurried after the two men. Monique laughed, picked up a suitcase herself and followed her fellow movers out.

      * * *

      When they reached her new home a short while later, Nicole was pleased to realize Monique hadn’t exaggerated; the apartment was lovely and spacious. It was located in a picturesque part of the 6th Arrondisement and had shining hardwood floors and a myriad of windows and was decorated in brightly colored, comfortable furniture with lots of cushions. Nicole’s bedroom and bathroom was next to Monique’s. The living area was huge, and the kitchen was perfect. Nicole knew she would be very happy here.

      It was about 5:15 p.m. when they finished moving Nicole in. Though she and Alexander didn’t mention their kiss, the remembrance of it hung between them like thick fog. Nicole was a nervous wreck every time he glanced at her and touched her—by mistake or on purpose, she wasn’t sure.

      “Hey, is anyone else hungry?” Victor asked as they all lounged in the living room after the last bags had been unloaded.

      “I am,” Monique answered from her perch on the arm of a chair.

      “What about you two?” Victor smiled at Nicole and Alex, who purposefully sat a good distance apart on the sofa.

      “I could eat,” Nicole slowly admitted and inwardly groaned at the prospect of having to spend more tension-filled time in Alexander’s maddening presence.

      “Well, bro?” Victor stood and nudged Alex’s shoulder. “Are you with us?”

      All eyes fixated on him, and his locked with Nicole’s uneasy ones.

      “Sure.” Alex finally sighed. “But nothing fancy.”

      “Dressed like this—” Victor glanced at their attire— “Casual is the way to go. How about the Latin Quarter?”

      “Perfect.” Monique walked over to the sofa. “Excuse us girls while we freshen up.” She took Nicole’s hand and pulled her up from the sofa and out of the room. Once they were alone in her bedroom, she turned to Nicole. “What’s wrong? You look shell-shocked.”

      “Nothing’s wrong.”

      “Are you nervous about going out with the boss?” Monique correctly surmised.

      “No.” At Monique’s skeptical stare, she confessed, “Okay, yes. What am I supposed to say to him?”