Storm Surge

A good half-hour after the storm had sent her scurrying into his arms, he said softly, "You okay now?"

"Yeah, I'm okay." Her words were muffled against his shoulder, her breath warm on his skin through his shirt. "You probably think I'm a pathetic coward."

He put a hand under her chin and turned her face toward his. "I think you're sweet. And smart. And pretty."

In the dimness of the computer light, her eyes grew enormous with wonder and his gaze locked with hers. Amazing thoughts shot through his mind -- thoughts of the dark, empty places in his life he hadn't looked at in so long, he hardly knew they were there anymore. She could fill them. Together, they could bring warmth and light to each other's lonely places -- fill their days with sharing and joy, their nights with passion and oneness and--

Get a grip, hotrod. She's your employee, your subordinate.

He brought his hand up for both of them to see, his thumb and finger about four inches apart, roughly the same distance that separated their lips.

"I'm this far from a breach of business ethics." He swallowed. "I have to go."

Briana's pensive, longing expression betrayed her extremely reluctant agreement. "I guess so."

They forced themselves apart and ambled back into the shadowy kitchen.

"Do you have any battery lighting?" he asked. "Might be a while before the power comes back on."

"I have some emergency candles."

He shook his head. "Don't use those; they're a fire hazard. I'll bring you a flashlight from my car."

"Justin, you don't have to do that. I've got a flashlight around here somewhere."

"Well, use it instead of the candles. So I won't worry about you."

He retrieved his briefcase from the chair and opened the door. Night air, saturated and warm, wafted gently inside.

She followed him and breathed in deeply. "Storms can leave behind good things." She gave him a self-deprecating smile. "I try to remember that when I'm in the middle of one."

"I'm glad I was still here with you when it hit." He returned her smile, happy her spirit had calmed. "Thank you for taking on this project for me."

"You're welcome. Piece-a cake."

In the dimness, he looked at her a moment and muttered, "Screw business ethics."

He dropped the briefcase and pulled her into his arms for a lingering kiss. A spark of passion ignited inside him and erupted so powerfully it left him stunned.

He straightened and looked down at her. At the sight of her sweet lips still parted and her blazing eyes, certainty came to him. He had to go, now.