Shades Of Submission: Fifty By Fifty Part 16

Anna warmed inside. "I will." He was so sweet, trying to accommodate her, given how territorial he was. Jonah? Sweet? That was certainly something she hadn't seen before.

Jonah walked to his desk and sorted through stacks of papers. Neat towers of papers and files covered his work area and the countertop behind.

Anna sensed his unease. She wrestled with how to a.s.sure him that she wouldn't disturb him. Having her and Carrie in the lab was bound to upset his routine, there was no way around it. Though his s.p.a.ce was bigger than hers, it now had to accommodate four instead of two.

Anna made the attempt anyway. "Jonah, I really appreciate your flexibility. I know how much you value your s.p.a.ce."

"Yes. Well. I didn't have a choice. Frank threatened to move Roberts in here." Jonah tossed a file onto his desktop as his expression settled into disgruntled once again.

Anna laughed. Greg Roberts' lab was famously disorganized. It was a mystery how he managed to function. The scientific equivalent of a pack rat, he filled his cluttered lab with equipment discarded by the other scientists. Roberts also projected a frenzied energy that made those around him uncomfortable. He was a nice guy. Smart. A good scientist. Anna couldn't envision trying to share a s.p.a.ce with him, and she imagined Jonah couldn't, either. "So I was the lesser of two evils?" she teased.

"I suppose so." He crossed to the cupboards behind her desk. "Gordon left a few items in here. They can be moved."

Anna followed him and glanced into the cupboard as he opened it. His arm brushed her, and she jerked as an electric zing shot through her. Her desire for Jonah burst to the surface, strong as ever. Stunned, she stepped back.

Jonah turned and examined her, his eyes filled with inquiry. He shifted through the possible reasons for her reaction. "Anna, are you afraid of me?" He wasn't hesitant to be direct.

She shook her head. "No."

His eyes softened. "I didn't think so."

She flushed under his scrutiny, her eyes darting away toward the windows and the view of the city outside.

He stepped closer, testing, tempting.

Anna tried to control her shallow breaths. She smelled his aftershave, spicy and fresh. An urge to sway toward him overwhelmed her. Her nipples peaked under her blouse as a vision of him leaning in for a kiss flashed through her mind.

Her response didn't go unnoticed. Jonah was a trained observer. His gaze turned curious, as if she were an interesting specimen.

Anna wanted to move, but her legs wouldn't cooperate. Frozen in place, she waited for Jonah's reaction. Arousal began to give way to embarra.s.sment as the seconds clicked past.

Jonah bent toward her, his lips grazing her jaw as he whispered in her ear, "Well, now, what is this?"

Anna sucked in a breath and stepped away. "I don't know what you mean."

Jonah frowned. "Don't prevaricate. Your body responded to me."

"Jonah. We're colleagues. We have to work together."

Jonah gave her a considering look, weighing the possibilities. "You're right, of course. I apologize if I made you uncomfortable in any way."

Anna smiled, grateful. "Don't give it another thought." Her smile faded as he turned and left the lab.

Jonah was out most of the day, giving Anna and Carrie plenty of time to settle in and unpack the most needed items for their current work. Gordon, Jonah's lab tech, hovered over them, but relaxed as the day progressed and it became clear they weren't taking over the entire s.p.a.ce.

That evening, as Anna lay in bed mulling over their interaction, she kicked herself. What was her problem? She'd been dying for Jonah to notice her. Wishing, hoping for years. When it happened, she should have been jumping for joy, not scurrying off like a scared rabbit. Jonah was unlikely to bring it up again. He probably thought she'd report him for s.e.xual hara.s.sment.

She flipped onto her stomach, burying her face in her pillow. Why? Why? She played the scene over and over again in her mind, varying the scenario. Her thoughts circled repeatedly. What if she'd done this? What if she'd said that? She'd seen the expression on his face. For a moment, he'd been aware of her - aware of her as a woman, not just a co-worker. She'd blown it. She punched the mattress. What was wrong with her? It was like her mother always told her, you always screw everything up Anna. You don't deserve any better.

Anna's throat closed as a tide of emotion swept through her. Hating that the memories still held such power, she swallowed hard and tried to catch her breath. No. No, that isn't true. It isn't true. I deserve to be happy. She repeated it, trying to banish the cowering child from her mind.

The next morning, Anna struggled to get to the office. Her sleepless night left her dragging. Antic.i.p.ation and nerves hummed through her. She had a plan - a plan to try to provoke another response from Jonah. She'd blown the first one, but she wouldn't make that mistake twice. Part of her wanted simply to ask him, but she hadn't been able to screw up the courage. She decided to try to get some indication if Jonah returned her attraction at all.

In fact, part of her wondered if what happened wasn't fortuitous. Jonah was a curious man. He'd probably thought about their interaction at least a little. If she sensed the tiniest amount of interest, perhaps she would have the daring to breach his reserve.

She'd taken special pains with her appearance, partly to hide the dark circles under her eyes but also to try to catch Jonah's attention. Her makeup still looked natural. Only she knew that she'd actually taken lessons to get it that way. She needed to be extra careful given her pale complexion, if she didn't want to appear clownish. She'd pulled back her long, white-blonde hair into a French braid. She'd selected a flattering slate blue blouse that highlighted her eyes.

Anna sat at her desk reviewing a results log when Jonah entered the lab. His eyes were on her, and she flashed him an inviting smile.

He stopped, eyeing her with interest. "Good morning, Anna." Jonah's dress shirt was open at the collar and his cuffs rolled up.

"Yes, isn't it? I put the coffee on." She gestured toward his drip coffee maker on the counter, protected behind Plexiglas. Normally, food and drink were kept out of labs, but Jonah refused to go all the way to the floor lounge for his. In the outer lab area, the work rarely required a sterile environment.

He made an indistinct noise as he grabbed a coffee cup. "Thanks."

"I'm not working in the side room today," Anna added, "but I need time in there tomorrow." The labs consisted of a two-room layout. Office areas and less critical equipment were located in the main room. The side rooms were equipped for the more meticulous work.

Jonah acknowledged her request with a nod. "We may have to be in there together. I have data to collect on some ongoing tests. It shouldn't interfere with anything you want to do, though."

Anna rose and scooted closer to the coffeemaker. Time to implement her plan. "I agree. There's no reason we can't work in the same s.p.a.ce."

Jonah shifted to allow Anna room at the counter. "I saw your report on the dexathane. It's promising." The scientists working at headquarters focused on primary research. An entire complex in New Jersey was devoted to developing products and bringing them to market.

Anna topped off her cup. "Yes, I foresee getting a team on it in the future. I have a few more tests, but if all goes well, I plan to pa.s.s it off by the end of summer." She moved her arm and brushed against Jonah deliberately. He didn't move away.

Jonah sipped from his cup. "This coffee is better than usual. What did you do?"

"I washed out the pot and filter?" Anna laughed and threw her braid back over her shoulder. Wasn't playing with hair supposed to be a flirty thing to do? She glanced into Jonah's eyes and saw his pupils dilate ever so slightly.

Jonah placed his cup on the counter. "I usually just dump the old coffee."

Anna reached to top him off, making sure she grazed him again. She turned and put the coffee pot back in its place. Her hip b.u.mped him.

"Anna?" he asked in a deep, questioning tone.

"Yes?" She paused. "Jonah?" She drew his name out on her tongue.

His eyes locked with hers. "What's this about?"

Anna broke eye contact as his scrutiny became too intense. "What's what about?"

"This." He gestured toward her. "Is this about yesterday?"

Anna wasn't sure where to go with her plan. "Yesterday?" She feared her manner gave the impression of stupid instead of coy.

"Yes, yesterday. We had a moment, for lack of a better term. Is this some game?"

Anna straightened. "Game? What is that supposed to mean?" Her voice lost its teasing edge.

"It means that either you are trying to needle me or maybe ... maybe you want something?"

Anna frowned. "Those are the only two explanations?"

Jonah considered for an instant. "Anna, you're not interested in me, are you?"

Anna thumped her mug on the counter. "Of course not." Color rose in her face.

"Anna, about yesterday. I didn't mean to be unprofessional." His apologetic manner unnerved her.

"You were not unprofessional," Anna bit out. What a disaster. Was he going to say something kind? Anna didn't think she could bear the embarra.s.sment.

Jonah took her hand lightly in his. Her hand trembled, and Anna was sure he felt it. "Are you afraid?" He looked into her eyes. "Or aroused?"

Anna swayed as his calloused thumb stroked her palm. The lab seemed to shrink, the walls gathering close around them.

He tugged on her hand, bringing to his lips. He nipped her fingertip.

Anna struggled to remain impa.s.sive as her blood surged. She sensed she hadn't fooled Jonah with her imperfect facade of calm.

A predatory masculine smile crossed his face. "I see." He sucked her fingertip into his mouth.

Anna gasped but didn't pull away. This was what she'd wanted, wasn't it? Anna swallowed, trying to clear her throat.

Jonah drew her finger from his mouth. "What an unexpected surprise."

Anna's eyes flew to his, questioning.

He smiled. "Not unwelcome, though. Not at all."

Anna found her voice. "I'm not sure what to do. What do you want to do?"

Jonah waited so long to articulate a response that Anna's heart sunk. He finally replied, "This sort of thing can get problematic. In the office, I mean. I've tried to avoid it."

Anna nodded. "So have I."

He stepped back from her, creating a safe distance between them. "We both should think long and hard before proceeding."

Anna swallowed as she attempted to dislodge the hard lump of disappointment in her stomach. "Yes, of course."

Jonah picked up his coffee. "I have a brief meeting. We'll talk more later."

"Okay." As Jonah left, Anna's eyes followed him out. She'd achieved her goal, more or less. He'd taken the bait. He just wasn't sure he wanted it. She turned cold at the thought. However, he hadn't said no, either. Part of her thought Jonah might not be able to resist his curiosity. She had a few advantages, she thought. She comprehended his work and could converse intelligently about it. She understood his habits and the pressures he put on himself. She had the benefit of seeing his failed relationships, though she supposed she didn't actually know what had occurred on the inside.

Hope and dread mingled in her. Maybe she'd get a chance and maybe she wouldn't. Maybe she'd get the chance and screw it up, crashing and burning in a spectacular disaster. Anna sighed. She needed to relax. If she second-guessed every move, she was sure to be tense and awkward, which would guarantee failure. She promised herself she'd be happy with whatever Jonah gave her, with whatever time they might have. If her heart got broken, she'd deal with that when it happened.

Anna noted the time and temperature in her notebook. Neat handwritten columns filled the pages. She heard the small click of the lab door closing and froze. She turned and the knot of tension in her chest unwound as she saw Gordon. She didn't feel ready to see Jonah yet. She imagined he'd let her know his thoughts about giving them a chance. He wasn't the type to deliberate endlessly. She didn't need to think about whether to pursue a relationship with him or not. She would risk it regardless of the fallout. However, she understood Jonah's concerns regarding office romances.

"Good morning, Gordon." Anna found Jonah's a.s.sistant to be somewhat twitchy. He consistently appeared rumpled.

Gordon didn't look up. "Just setting up a few things for Jonah. He'll be in soon and wanting to get to work." Gordon opened a cupboard and removed several beakers and a graduated cylinder. He placed them on the countertop lined up in a row.

"Yes, of course." Anna returned to her task and soon became lost in her a.n.a.lysis. She didn't know how much time had pa.s.sed when hands grasped her shoulders from behind. She jerked, almost falling off the stool.

Jonah chuckled. "I didn't mean to startle you." His hands kneaded her shoulders.

"Jonah." Anna took a deep breath to settle herself. "I didn't hear you come in."

"So I see." His touch turned from a ma.s.sage to a caress. His palms burned through the fabric of her lab jacket.

"Gordon was here earlier doing prep for you." She tried to keep her speech even, though her blood quickened.

Jonah leaned in, his breath stirring her hair. "Yes." He inhaled, sniffing the subtle scent of her hair.

Anna trembled, confused and exhilarated. "Jonah, what are you doing?" She held her breath as she waited for his response.

He kissed the crown of her head. "You smell wonderful. Most people don't wear perfume into the labs."

"I'm not wearing any perfume." Anna's inflamed body waited, hoping. Jonah had clearly decided not to let working together be an obstacle.

"Then it must be your natural fragrance." He nuzzled her ear.

Anna shivered. "Does this mean you've decided?" She'd wanted to garner Jonah's attention and she had. Did she know what to do with it? Could she hold it?

Jonah slid his hands from her shoulders to her waist. He grasped her, his fingers digging into her flesh. His breath fanned her ear. "Yes. I can't resist what's between us. I don't want to."

Anna closed her eyes and savored his attention. Her heart swelled with love and hope. She wanted to sink into him, but her natural caution hadn't evaporated completely. "Jonah, this probably isn't the time or place."

"Perhaps. But I happen to know that Gordon and Carrie are both in a meeting. Frank is briefing the techs on new procedures he wants to inst.i.tute."

"Still ..." Anna desperately longed to turn into his arms. Repressed desire reared up within her until she was almost shaking.

"You know no one will come in." His low voice cajoled and seduced.

"I agree it isn't likely." Her mind fogged, sensual abandon overtaking her natural caution. He offered fulfillment of her deepest, most secret desires. She couldn't resist.

Jonah pressed in behind her as his hands traveled to her stomach and up to cup her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Anna's breath caught. "Jonah ..." She arched into his hands, and her nipples hardened under his palms. She caught the faint scent of soap on his skin.

"You are so lovely. So responsive." He nibbled her ear, sending tingles shooting down her neck.

Anna shook as years of repressed desire bubbled to the surface. Jonah was touching her. He wanted to touch her. She clenched inside, wet with arousal.

Jonah rubbed his thumbs against her erect nipples through the fabric of her blouse. "The question now is ... what do we do?" He stilled his hands. "I suggest dinner."