His Favorite Confession

After The Storm

The board meeting adjourned ten minutes later in a flurry of muttered conversations and hasty departures. Within moments, the massive boardroom emptied out, leaving only Hayden and Alora standing alone under the bright recessed lights.

As the heavy glass door clicked shut, sealing them off from the rest of the floor, Hayden let out a long breath, rounding the table in two quick strides. Before Alora could even set her binder down, he grabbed her by the waist and lifted her slightly against the nearest wall, capturing her lips in a fierce, breathless kiss.

Alora gasped softly against her mouth, her hands gripping his shoulders as she laughed through the kiss. "At a board meeting, Mr. Vance? Really? What will the employees think?"

"Let them think whatever they want," Hayden murmured against her throat, pressing a hot kiss to the sensitive skin just below her jawline. He pulled back just enough to look deep into her eyes, a fierce, protective pride burning in his gaze. "You were incredible in there today."

"I told you," Alora whispered, a triumphant smile touching her lips as she looped her arms around his neck, "you don't have to protect me from everything. I can hold my own ground."

"I know," Hayden said softly, resting his forehead against hers as the tension of the day finally melted away. "God, I know. But heaven help anyone who ever tries to cross you in this building again."