After a few moments she drew back, albeit reluctantly, and gazed into his eyes. "Um… Jimmy… what are you doing?"
But he only smiled and embraced her once more. "It's all right to be afraid, Annie. Believe me; I have plenty of clients who come into my office day after day, terrified beyond belief."
Annie was shocked, not by his comment but by the fact that she was actually interested in what he was saying. How was that possible? Why should she care about some idiot IRS clients?
"Who would possibly be afraid of you? You're just an IRS agent!"
The question made him fidget nervously and the smile left his face. Immediately she realized what she had done. She'd cheapened him and suddenly she was ashamed of herself.
"Right… An IRS agent." He repeated. "Well… You'd be surprised. The IRS has a terrible reputation, I'm afraid! People come in expecting us to take their money, but that usually isn't the case at all! I love the look on a person's face when they learn that they're getting a refund! It's glorious! It's sadly few and far between, however. But it does happen, occasionally!"
She stared at him in confusion. He was vastly different now than he'd been when she was at his office. Gone was the stern demeanor, replaced with sweetness and softness. And it was becoming harder and harder to resist.
"Jimmy, I-."
"Oh right… I've gotten carried away when I'm supposed to be comforting you. Now where was I?"
"What?"
He gathered her into his arms once more, his breath warm against her neck. "You're frightened." He said softly. "Please don't be afraid. I won't let anything happen to you. I love you."
His hand moved gently up and down her back, soothing pain inside of her that she didn't know existed. How could this be happening? And how could someone who was clearly so wrong for her make her feel so wonderful?
Suddenly it was the easiest thing in the world to return her cheek to the softness of his sweater vest as he held her close.