“Lola,” he said, and smiled.
“I don’t think…I mean, can we not?”
“Of course,” said Alex, sitting back, pulling away, adjusting the rumpled lapels of his jacket. “I’m sorry, I just thought that…”
“It’s really fine,” I said. “It’s not like—not like I don’t want to. But…”
“Huh?” said Alex. “But what?”
“But this isn’t right.”
“Isn’t this what you want?”
“It’s what part of me wants. But another part knows, you see? That it isn’t good when…” I put one hand towards me and the other towards him. I couldn’t say it out loud—the very thought of it would only inflame my desire more.
“Oh,” said Alex. “I see.”
“So I was thinking, maybe we should just stay friends. After all, you’re my boss.”
“Well, can I see you again? Like this?”
“Maybe that’s not a good idea either.”
“You didn’t have a nic
