Seducing the Boss Lady

by Cooper, Sharon C.

  “Relax,” Michael said covering her hand again. This time she didn’t shake him off. “You’re as tense as a porcupine in a balloon factory.”

  “What?” Her eyes popped open. “That doesn’t even make sense. If anything is going to be tense, it would be a balloon in a porcupine factory,” she said, adding her two cents to the stupid conversation.

  “Okay, a balloon in a porcupine factory, but you get my point. You’re too tense. Try to think about something other than flying.”

  “Like?”

  “Like that you turned down two hundred dollars from a very handsome man who was willing to pay more for your seat.”

  “You really are an arrogant ass aren’t you?”

  He burst out laughing, and the sound sent warmth through Peyton’s body. That along with his crooked grin only enhanced his attractiveness. Irritation soared through her veins at the thought that she found his laugh sexy. And it was a little hard to stay mad at a man who had eyes as warm as a roaring fire on a cold, winter’s night.

  Still laughing, Michael pulled out his wallet and inserted the bills. “Sorry if I pissed you off. I really did think I had the aisle seat, but apparently my assistant goofed.”

  Peyton was proud of herself for not falling for this guy’s good looks or his charm. Any other time, she would have given up her seat to keep the peace.

  “And I didn’t mean to offend you with the money. I know I can be a jerk sometimes.”

  “Well, it’s good you know that,” Peyton said, and he laughed again. She studied him, zoning in on the dimple in his right cheek. How had she missed that cute indent until now? She noticed his full, kissable lips and the cleft in his chin, but she had also missed the jagged, five-inch scar marring his neck.

  They leaned back in their seats and Peyton realized Michael had distracted her while the plane leveled off.

  Okay, maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy.

  *

  Michael Cutter couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face. Maybe his first impression of this woman had been wrong. Hair pulled severely back from her face and bound at the back of her neck, wearing a plain V-neck blouse and dark slacks, she definitely had that librarian or maybe a preschool teacher thing going on. Her sharp tongue said otherwise. He liked the way she stood her ground and called him out over offering her money. The woman had sass. He liked sass.

  A former New York City cop and now a private investigator, he usually could size up individuals at first glance. Not this woman. No doubt she was beautiful, but the way she downplayed her looks only meant one thing. She was hiding. Not necessarily from something or someone, but from who she really was. And then there was the sadness that flickered in her eyes when she wasn’t scowling at him. What was her story?

  He turned back to Peyton. Cute name. It suited her. Despite her eyes being closed, he was sure she hadn’t fallen asleep yet, but probably determined to tune him out. His gaze took in her flawless cafe au lait skin, slowing at her glossed lips before going lower to her more than a handful, perky breasts. She wasn’t fat, but wasn’t skinny either, just the way he...

  Whoa!

  Michael shook his head as if the move would wipe the thought from his mind. He was traveling to Jamaica for not only his best friend’s wedding, but also to relax and regroup. Most importantly, he was taking a break from women. He didn’t need the headache, even if the headache was as cute as the one sitting next to him.

  Michael pulled Motor Cyclist from his bag and flipped the magazine open. He barely got to page two before he stole another glance at his seatmate. She seemed more relaxed now that the plane had leveled off. Her eyes were closed, and her long lashes brushed the top of her high cheekbones. Her skin was flawless, with very little makeup and…

  “Are you planning to stare at me the entire flight?” she asked, her eyes still closed.

  “Are you going to continue to pretend to be asleep to keep me from talking to you?”

  Normally when he flew, he kept to himself, reviewed case notes, or caught up on some reading. However, there was something about this woman that piqued his interest.

  “I’m not pretending to sleep. I’m resting my eyes, hoping to fall asleep, but you keep looking at me. Besides, you’re distr…”

  His brow lifted. “I’m what? I’m sitting here, minding my own business, trying to read my magazine. You’re the one who’s acting all…”

  “What?” She opened her eyes and turned to him. “Acting like what? Say it.”

  A grin pulled at his lips. “You’re attracted to me aren’t you? And my presence is inflicting turbulence through your body isn’t it?”

  It took everything within him not to burst out laughing at the scowl covering her gorgeous face.

  “Oh my God, you’re too much.” She dropped back in her seat and closed her eyes again, shaking her head. “You’re just too much.”

  This time Michael did burst out laughing. “I thought I was an arrogant ass.”

  “That too.”

  Her smart retorts just didn’t match her uptight, straight-laced persona. Too bad he was taking a break from women. Otherwise, he would find out where she was staying on the island and ask her out to dinner. Then again, maybe it was best to leave well enough alone.

  He reopened his magazine and settled in for the rest of the ride. Yep, best to leave well enough alone.

  Chapter Two

  Peyton fumbled with her luggage, dragging the bags out of the airport, hurrying to catch the shuttle that would take her to Ocho Rios.

  “Wait. Wait, I’m here!” She trotted to the back of the shuttle van, where the driver was just about to close the door. “I’m sorry.”

  He accepted her bags and loaded them on. “No problem.”

  Peyton climbed onto the bus and did a quick glance around. Full. Frustration gnawed on her last nerve. Of course, all of the seats would be taken, because that’s the type of day she was having.

  She eased down the aisle toward the back. Several steps in, she stopped. Her gaze met Michael’s. Like earlier, heat engulfed her body at the sight of him. What was it about this man that made everything within her come alive?

  He slowly unfolded his body and stood in the aisle. He waved his hand toward the inside seat next to him, but her feet wouldn’t move. Sitting next to him on the plane for the last couple of hours had been enough. Any more time with this guy and she might do something stupid like climb into his lap and taste the lips she dreamed about after dozing off on the plane.

  Nope. No way was she going to embarrass herself. Just then, a man two rows in front of her stood.

  “Here’s an empty seat.” He pointed to his row. Peyton took him in. He had to be at least 300 pounds and sweaty as if the air conditioning on the bus wasn’t working. She groaned inside not liking either choice at the moment.

  After a slight hesitation, Peyton accepted the seat next to Big Man. A quick glance down the aisle showed Michael, his brows lifted in surprise.

  Good. She had knocked him down a peg or two, hurling him off that self-created pedestal. Served him right for grating on her nerves earlier. Though she had managed to nap off and on during the flight, her body was so aware of him, more aware than it had been with any man lately.

  Peyton took her seat. Now, if she could forget that she and Michael ever met and survive the next hour and a half without getting squashed by Big Man spilling over into her seat, then maybe she could get in another nap.

  *

  What the hell?

  Michael reclaimed his seat shocked that out of the only two available seats, Peyton chose to sit with the man who clearly needed the whole row.

  I must be losing my touch.

  She saw that he was offering the seat next to him but dissed him anyway. Maybe she was still ticked about the situation on the airplane.

  Fine. Good riddance.

  Michael settled in for the long ride, resting against the headrest and glad Peyton decided to sit somewhere else. He had enjoyed having h
er snuggled up, sleeping next to him a little too much on the plane. He was officially on vacation. The last thing he needed was to complicate his time off by having his mind hijacked with thoughts of the beautiful woman who thought he was an arrogant ass.

  A smile played around his mouth. He’d been called worse. But hearing the words from her was funny considering she looked like the type who never cursed and always followed the rules. So unlike most women he found himself attracted to – edgy with straight-up attitude.

  His eyes popped open, and he straightened. Why the hell was he even thinking about the woman?

  He glanced at Peyton. Michael didn’t know what she and her seatmate were discussing, but whatever the conversation was about, had her leaning away and frowning at the man.

  Unease crawled up Michael’s spine. The closer the guy leaned in, the more Peyton tried to back away with nowhere to go.

  Michael looked away. It wasn’t his business what they were discussing or how creeped out she seemed. She had made her choice.

  Just mind your own business.

  Michael had never been good at minding his own business – especially when it came to a woman being mistreated. He still had the wounds to prove it. He rubbed the long scar on his neck, a reminder of what happened the last time he stepped in to play hero.

  “Hey!” Peyton’s voice reached Michael, and she shoved the guy next to her. As if there was a string that connected him to her, Michael was out of his seat before he could stop himself.

  *

  “Come on. Why are you playing hard to get?” Big Man persisted, leaning close again, his breath hot on the side of Peyton’s face. “Have dinner with me.”

  “I’m not interested,” she repeated for what felt like the hundredth time.

  “Why not?” His brows drew together, confusion covering his face as if he couldn’t believe she was actually turning him down.

  It wasn’t in Peyton’s nature to be mean to anyone, but this idiot...

  “What part of not interested don’t you understand?”

  “So how long are you going to stay mad at me?”

  Peyton’s gaze jerked up and landed on Michael, who was standing in the aisle. He held onto the seat in front of them, the shuttle swaying back and forth, bouncing around on rugged terrain.

  “What? I…I,” was all Peyton could get out as her mouth opened, closed and opened again, not sure what to think of his question.

  “Get lost,” Big Man said to Michael, surprising Peyton. What surprised her more was the glacial glint in Michael’s eyes. A sudden dangerous air about him sent a shiver spiraling through her. For a moment, she wondered if she weren’t better off staying next to Big Man.

  “I’m not leaving without her,” Michael said and extended his hand. The gentleness Peyton now witnessed in his eyes was like earlier. Like when he held her hand, distracting her during the airplane’s takeoff. “Come on. You can be mad at me later.” She grabbed his hand as if she were reaching for a life rafter in the middle of the ocean.

  “Excuse me,” Peyton mumbled when she realized she couldn’t cross in front of her seatmate.

  The man hesitated, and then struggled to stand, his girth blocking her path requiring him to step further into the aisle.

  Michael stepped back and pulled Peyton against the front of his body, sending jolts of electricity shooting to the soles of her feet. Sweat beaded along her hairline at their closeness, and she wished Big Man would hurry the hell up and get out of the way.

  The moment the aisle was clear again, Peyton scurried away from Michael and hurried to his row, finally able to breathe. She dropped down in the seat and slouched, hoping that they hadn’t made too much of a scene.

  God please. No more issues. Just get me to the resort without any more drama.

  “You’re welcome,” Michael said.

  Peyton glanced at him. Again he wore that stupid, smug, I-can-get-anything-I-want grin. Clearly he was proud of himself. She wanted to ignore him and be mad that he had butted in. She couldn’t. Instead, she felt the urge to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him in gratitude.

  She mentally shook herself. There would be no kissing, or touching for that matter. “Thanks,” she finally said loud enough for only him to hear.

  His brows bunched together. “Thanks? That’s it? Just thanks?” His volume matched hers. To anyone else they probably looked like a couple having a lovers’ spat.

  “What do you want me to say? It’s not like you really did anything.”

  “Are you kidding me? You could sound a little more appreciative. I just saved your cute little ass from being squashed by that Sasquatch.”

  He thinks I’m cute? Wait a minute. Who cared what he thought? He might be gorgeous and smelled amazing, but still. Peyton stayed clear of men like him. Too good looking, confident with a take-charge, and a holier-than-thou attitude. Unfortunately, that was also the type of men who caught her attention.

  She might’ve been feeling lonely lately, but not lonely enough to hook up with another man like her ex-husband. She’d already had a hot, arrogant, selfish man in her life. The next time around, assuming there would be a next time, she wanted someone who cherished and respected her.

  But right now, sitting so close to Michael, she could barely think straight. It was bad enough she had to sit next to him earlier. By the time they had deplaned, her body had been tingling in ways she hadn’t experienced in a long time. He was a stranger. Still, there was something about him that…

  Nope. She wasn’t going there. Besides, after today, she would never see him again.

  “If nothing else, you should at least be thanking me that I let you sit next to me.”

  Peyton rolled her eyes. “Whatever. It’s not like I can’t take care of myself. I didn’t ask you to intervene.”

  She turned and stared out the window. As the oldest of her two siblings and most of her cousins, it seemed she had also been taking care of those around her. It was actually kind of nice to have someone come to her rescue, even if it was the arrogant ass.

  “If you can take care of yourself, you wouldn’t have looked like a turkey about to be slaughtered when that guy came on to you.”

  Apparently, he had seen everything. “What’s it to you? Is your conscience bothering you? You insult me earlier by offering me money, now you want to redeem yourself by coming to my rescue.”

  He didn’t respond. A vulnerable glint sparked in his eyes but was gone just as quickly as it had appeared.

  What was that look? What had she said to render him speechless?

  “Michael?”

  “You’re right. Anything involving you is none of my business. Sorry I interfered,” he said, his tone signaling the end of the discussion.

  They’d spent the last few hours together, and this was the first hint of a serious side. Earlier he’d said any and everything to get her attention, but now he seemed different.

  “I’m sorry for snapping at you. I do appreciate you stepping in.”

  “No problem.” He shifted in his seat, his arms folded across his chest. He closed his eyes, effectively tuning her out.

  Way to go, Peyton.

  She studied his profile. He appeared to be asleep, but the hard set of his jaw indicated otherwise.

  Peyton sighed and stared out the window again. It was just as well. Had they kept talking, he probably would have said something else to drive her nuts.

  Before long, her eyes grew heavy, and she succumbed to fatigue.

  “Peyton.” Someone was shaking her shoulder. “Peyton.”

  Peyton jerked awake, her head turning left then right before the fog of sleep lifted, and she zoned in on Michael towering over her.

  “Hey. I’m not sure where you’re headed, but this is my stop. I figured I’d wake you before—”

  “This is my stop,” she said in a rush when she looked past him out the window. Her sister, Christina, and Luke were standing in front of the resort.

  “You’re staying h
ere?” Michael asked.

  That’s when Peyton realized they were staying at the same place. Instead of responding, she nodded and moved past him.

  “Well, surprises never cease,” Michael mumbled as they stepped off the shuttle.

  “Hey, you guys!” Christina Jenkins ran over and hugged Peyton before hugging Michael. “I see you two have met.”

  “Wait.”

  “What?”

  Peyton and Michael spoke at once, glancing at each other before splitting their attention between Christina and Luke.

  “What’s going on? You know him?” Peyton asked Christina, pointing at Michael.

  “Mike and I go way back.” Luke and Michael embraced, clapping each other on the back. The adoration and brotherly bond between the men couldn’t be missed. “Mike is one of my best friends.”

  “And Peyton is my sister,” Christina said to Michael.

  You’ve got to be kidding me, Peyton thought. She was attracted to a man who she thought she would never see again. A man she hoped to never see again. Yet, here they were at the same resort. Participants in the same wedding.

  “Mike is one of the best private investigators in New York City.” Christina looped her arm through Peyton’s. “I assumed you two had met since you got off the bus together and…oh never mind. I need to talk to you.” She pulled on Peyton’s arm, dragging her away from the guys. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Me too.”

  Peyton slipped on her sunglasses. Though she hadn’t wanted to take off of work, she was glad to be in Jamaica and looked forward to soaking up the sunshine.

  Christina maintained the hold on Peyton’s arm, moving at least twenty feet from the shuttle. The hugger of the family, she could best be described as a free-spirited flower child. From her save-the-world attitude, to her style of dress, like now wearing a tie-dye T-shirt and long prairie-style skirt, Christina was one of the sweetest people Peyton knew.

  “Wait.” Peyton stopped. “I almost forgot. Let me grab my luggage.”