Guarding His Heart

by J. S. Cooper

  I hit send and stared at my phone, wondering if she was going to respond. There was a reply about two minutes later.

  To: Leo Maxwell

  From: Hannah Will

  Re: Does this mean we are porn stars?

  Leo,

  Thanks for letting me know. How embarrassing! I hope this doesn’t mean we’re going to turn up on Youporn?

  Hannah

  I laughed as I read her email and responded right away.

  To: Hannah Will

  From: Leo Maxwell

  Re: How do you know about Youporn?

  Hannah,

  I don’t know that anyone wants to watch our sex tape. This also means that you will not be able to get me fired. Just wanted to let you know. The emails to HR would help.

  Leo

  Your boss

  I pressed send, feeling angry. Let’s see what she would say to that!

  To: Leo Maxwell

  From: Hannah Will

  Re: If you come over tonight, I might let you know

  Leo,

  There are so many things we need to talk about, but I don’t think email is the way. I’m sorry that I hurt you. I hope you give me a chance to explain. I miss my stallion and I miss you.

  Always,

  Hannah

  Your not very good assistant

  I stared at the email in confusion. What was she talking about? What did she want to explain? I was about to email her back when I got a text message.

  “It’s me.”

  “Yes?”

  “Are you mad I’m breaking all the rules?”

  “What do you want?” I typed angrily.

  “To talk.”

  “About?”

  “Us.”

  “There is no us. We fucked a few times and that’s it.”

  “I’m going to let that one go.”

  “Let what go?” I frowned into the phone. Who did she think she was?

  “I’d like you to meet my friend Lisa.”

  “Ok? Why?”

  “And I’d like to meet your friends.”

  “Are you out of your mind?” Was Hannah psychotic? Why would she think I’d have any interest meeting any of her friends or allowing her to meet mine?

  “Perhaps.”

  “Hannah, I suggest you get professional help.” I typed and pressed send and drank some more beer. Had losing this job made her go literally crazy?

  Ding Dong.

  “Go and get the door please, Leo.” Zane asked me and I walked to the front door.

  “Who else is coming?” I muttered as I walked through the large home and opened the front door. “You.” I stared at Hannah in shock. She was standing there with another girl, who looked like she’d just been called to appear on The Price is Right.

  “Hi.” She said softly.

  “What are you doing here? Do I need to call the police? Are you stalking me?” I stared at her beautiful face and tried to think about something other than her lips on my cock.

  “Can we come in?”

  “Hi Leo.” The girl pushed past me. “I’m Lisa, I’m sure Hannah’s told you all about me.” She grinned. “This house is beautiful.” She nodded as she looked around. “I’m impressed.”

  “Okay?” I frowned at her. “Thanks, I guess.”

  “Is the man of the house home?” She grinned and I shook my head.

  “He is, but so is his wife.” I said loudly and she sighed loudly.

  “Go figure. Just my luck.”

  “Lisa.” Hannah sighed. “Ignore her please. She doesn’t realize how bad she sounds.”

  “I guess I see why you’re both friends.” I stared back at her. “I guess it takes one gold-digger to know another gold-digger.”

  “What?” Lisa’s jaw dropped. “You said what?” She stepped towards me, the smile gone.

  “Lisa, it’s okay. We’ll let him have that.” Hannah stepped forward. “Go and find Lucky and introduce yourself. I need to talk to Leo.”

  “How do you know Lucky?” My eyes narrowed as I stared at her. Shit, was this some Fatal Attraction shit?

  “She came to the office yesterday.” She touched my arm.

  “Oh?” I frowned. “Why?”

  “She wanted to talk to me.” She sighed. “She had a feeling we had our signals mixed up.”

  “What signals?”

  “I never planned on sending those emails to HR, Leo.” She sighed. “I don’t even remember why I forwarded them to myself now. I never used you. I didn’t want to get you fired. I didn’t want to blackmail you. I wasn’t with you because you were the boss's son. I really liked you. I know, I know, I wasn’t supposed to like you as more than friends with benefits, but I did. I really liked you and I was hurt when I thought you’d used me to get the Martin account.”

  “I never used you.” My mind was racing as she spoke to me.

  “I know that now, but when you stopped talking to me and grew all cold, I thought it was because of what you’d done. I thought you were treating me bad because I found out the truth.”

  “I never would have taken you to New York if I’d know Rob Martin was going to do that. That was not a ploy of mine, Hannah. I would never do that to you.”

  “I know.” She sighed. “I know. I just wish you believed that I was never going to send those emails.”

  “It hurt me.” I sighed. “I didn’t understand. I still don’t understand why you forwarded them.”

  “I don’t know.” She bit her lower lip. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I believe you.” I pulled her into my arms and gave her a quick hug. I could feel a part of my heart melting as I felt her warmth next to me.

  “I was so scared you were going to chase me out of here.” She smiled weakly as she stepped back.

  “There was a moment there that I was thinking about calling the police.” I laughed. “I was thinking has Hannah lost it?”

  “Lucky came to see me. She wanted us to talk. She invited me here.” She said softly.

  “Sounds like Lucky.” I smiled and shook my head. “She doesn’t know how to mind her own business.”

  “I’m glad she doesn’t.” Hannah smiled. “Work will be so much better on Monday.”

  “Oh yeah.” I cocked my head and smiled at her.

  “Unless you want to fire me of course?”

  “No, I don’t want to fire you.”

  “It’s going to be so embarrassing thought.” She made a face. “I can’t believe we made a sex tape and I haven’t even seen it.”

  “We could make another one.” I said softly.

  “What?” She breathed out.

  “Maybe we could make another one, if you want.”

  “Do friends with benefits make sex tapes?” She asked and looked down.

  “No.” I stepped forward and took her hands into mine. “Friends with benefits don’t make sex tapes, but boyfriends and girlfriends do.”

  “Oh?” She looked up at me, her eyes wide and uncertain. As I stared into her open and honest face, I wondered how I could have doubted her. What had I been thinking? Hannah was the last person that would attempt something deceitful.

  “Yes, I’d like you to be my girlfriend Hannah Will.”

  “What rules come along with being your girlfriend?” She asked, grinning at me.

  “You must answer all my calls, you must text me, you must email me, and we must have sex everywhere and everyone in the office has to know.” I grinned. “Oh and you must meet and hang out with my friends and family.”

  “Hmm, are you sure you’re not just saying that because you feel bad about the sex tape?”

  “Is that what you think?” I stared into her eyes and kissed her lightly. “Do you think that’s why I’m asking you to be my girlfriend?”

  “No.” She said breathlessly as she kissed me back.

  “So is that a yes?”

  “Yes, Leo Maxwell, I will be your girlfriend.”

  “Good.” I grinned and pushed her back against the do
or. “I wonder if we can get away with a quickie?” I ran my hands down her waist and leaned in to kiss her again.

  “What’s a quickie, Uncle Leo?” Skylar’s voice squeaked behind me and I jumped back.

  “Skylar.” I groaned and ran my hands through my hair. “This is my girlfriend, Hannah. Hannah, this is Skylar, she’s Noah’s daughter.”

  “Nice to meet you, Skylar.” Hannah grinned at the little girl, a red hue on her face. I grabbed her hand and pulled her into the kitchen.

  “Come on, let me introduce you to everyone. Don’t be surprised if you see some people fainting from shock though. I’ve sworn for years that I wasn’t going to get a girlfriend.”

  “I’m glad you changed your mind.” She squeezed my hand. “I’m glad you’ve let me in Leo.”

  “My heart was guarded.” I stopped and stared into her eyes. “It’s been guarded for a long time, but now, now that I’ve met you, I know that it doesn’t have to be guarded any longer.” I pulled her towards me and kissed her on the lips hard, enjoying the taste of her against my lips. “I really like you, Hannah Will. I really really like you.”

  “I really like you too, Leo Maxwell.” She kissed me back eagerly and I frowned.

  “Hmm.”

  “What’s wrong?” She looked worried.

  “I don’t think I’m being honest.” I stared into her brown eyes and kissed her nose softly. “I think I more than like you, Hannah. I think I’m falling in love with you.”

  “Oh.” Her eyes looked surprised and she smiled at me with a dazed expression.

  “Oh?” I licked my lips.

  “Oh, I think I’m falling in love with you as well, Mr. Leo Maxwell. I think I fell for you the day I met you.” She said softly. “My new big macho boss.” She grinned. “I think it was love at first sight, only I was too annoyed to know it.”

  “Good.” I ran my fingers down her back. “I think I fell in love with you the moment I found out you hated your new boss and your new boss was me.”

  “Argh, don’t remind me.” She groaned.

  “Aren’t you glad I took your job now?” I asked softly and she laughed.

  “Yes, my darling. I’m very glad you stole my job.”

  “I didn’t say stole, you little—” I grabbed her ass and she ran away from me.

  “Leo, stop.” She giggled as she ran into the kitchen.

  “I’ll never stop.” I followed her into the kitchen, my heart soaring. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving you.” I whispered under my breath as I watched Hannah hugging Lucky. This was my family and my heart felt full and heavy. This was my family. This was my life. I had nothing to fear. I was loved and I loved. I watched Hannah chatting and laughing with Lucky and I knew in that moment that one day Hannah was going to be my wife. I knew it in my heart and my soul. Hannah was the one for me. She was the one that I’d been waiting for and I didn’t even know it.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Hannah

  The whispers in the office alerted me to the fact that more than just a couple of people had seen or heard about my sex tape. Awkward didn’t even begin to describe the way I felt as I rode up to my office in the elevator. I walked down the hallway quickly, my heart racing with shame and then I saw him and burst out laughing.

  “Leo, what are you doing?” I giggled as he walked towards me in his French Maid’s outfit. “What are you wearing?”

  “I figured you’d be worried that people were talking about you today.” He laughed. “And I thought what’s the best way to get people to stop talking about you? I’ll have them talk about someone else. And who was the best person for the job?” He spun around and dusted my nose with the feather duster he held in his right hand.

  “You’re crazy, you know that right?” I leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss. “Are you wearing lipstick?” I touched his lips as I pulled back.

  “Well you know. What’s dressing up without makeup?”

  “Leo Maxwell, what am I going to do with you?” I shook my head and gasped as he pulled me towards him roughly.

  “I can think of many things you can do with me.” He sucked on my lower lip. “In fact, I can think of one I’d like to do right now?”

  “Really?” Leo’s dads voice boomed into the room as he walked in and saw us. I jumped back in fright, my face turning red as he stared at the both of us with narrowed eyes. “The two of you are the talk of the office and you’re in here making out.”

  “Dad,” Leo began and stopped as his dad put his hand up.

  “And what are you wearing son?” He frowned and stared at Leo in his outfit. He turned towards me and stared at me for a few seconds. “What have you done to my son?”

  “I, uh,” I stumbled over my words. This was it then. I was about to be fired. I was a little worried, but not upset. Not now that I knew Leo liked me. Not now I knew we were officially dating. I’d find another job, somewhere. Even if that meant I had to work in Target to pay the bills, until I found something else.

  “Whatever it is that you’re doing, don’t stop.” He grinned suddenly. “I’ve never seen my boy so happy.”

  “Dad?” Leo sounded as shocked as I felt.

  “I know you think I’m all business and a fuddy duddy, but I want to see you happy Leo. I’ve never seen you so happy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a relationship before.” He looked at me. “I want to apologize to you, Hannah. I said some things to Leo and I’m not proud of myself. I’ve looked over your resume and you’re an extremely bright and intelligent woman. I want you to know that I’ve spoken to HR and we’re going to follow your work and see if we have any positions coming up.”

  “Did you do this?” I turned to Leo with a frown. I didn’t want him to get me a promotion because I was dating him.

  “Nope.” He shook his head. “I’ve had nothing to do with this. You know that Hannah. I’ve been with you all weekend.” He winked at me and I blushed.

  “He’s right.” Mr. Maxwell nodded. “This is something I’ve been thinking about. To be honest, I didn’t even know you and my son were so into each other until right now. I mean, yes there was the video, but I wasn’t sure if that was just a dalliance.”

  “It wasn’t a dalliance dad. Hannah and I are dating.” Leo grabbed my hand.

  “So does that mean, I might still have a shot at being a grandad?”

  “Dad, really?” Leo rolled his eyes and I felt my face going even redder. “You’re embarrassing Hannah.”

  “I’m fine.” I smiled weakly and I felt Leo’s arm around my waist.

  “I also wanted you both to know that I’ve decided not to accept Rob Martin’s offer.” He looked Leo in the eyes. “You were right my son. That’s not the sort of man I want to be associated with.”

  “Wow.” I turned to Leo. “I’m impressed.” I gave him a huge grin and then turned back to his dad. “And thank you, Mr. Maxwell, that means so much to be. I have to admit I was a bit upset when Leo showed up and took over this position. And I was a bit hostile, but you made the right choice. He’s fantastic in this role and I think he’ll make a fine CEO one day.” My heart surged as I realized just how much Leo meant to me. I’d been so wrong about him. I’d judged him without even knowing him and I’d been wrong.

  “You’re a fine woman, Hannah Will.” He smiled at me. “Now excuse me, I have a lot of emails to respond to.” He turned to walk away and then stopped at the door. “Oh and Leo, don’t show up in a strippers outfit tomorrow.” He said and then walked out the door.

  Leo and I looked at each other for a couple of seconds and then burst out laughing.

  “I love your dad.” I put my arms around his neck and kissed him softly.

  “He’s not a bad guy, I suppose.” He kissed me back passionately and sucked on my tongue as his hand massaged my ass. I ran my hands down his back and groaned as his hand found my breast and squeezed.

  “Leo,” I moaned against his lips. “I think I should go and get your coffee now.”

&
nbsp; “I’d rather drink something else.” His fingers ran up my thigh as he pushed my skirt up.

  “Leo.” I moaned as he ran his fingers between my legs.

  “Yes, Hannah my darling?”

  “I don’t think this is a good idea.” I moved his apron to the side and grabbed his crotch. He was already slightly hard and I sighed. “We already have one sex tape out there, we don’t need to give people anything else to talk about.”

  “Are you upset?” He pulled back and looked into my eyes. “I can go and tell everyone that they will be fired if they talk about the tape.”

  “No. I’m more embarrassed that people have seen it.” I bit down on my lower lip.

  “Oh.” He ran his fingers down the side of my face. “Only a few people saw it and then my dad had it deleted permanently from the system.”

  “It’s still so embarrassing.” I groaned.

  “Does it make you feel better to know that the only thing in the video was your back and groans and some full frontal shots of me?” He smiled. “You couldn’t actually see any of the fucking in the tape.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know that.” I felt lighter. “That does make me feel better.”

  “Better enough to give me a blowjob?”

  “No!” I laughed.

  “What about a quickie?”

  “Hmmm.” I licked my lips. “I’ll let you know.”

  “When?” He pouted and I laughed at the look that he made.

  “After you walk around the building. Once you do that, I’ll give you ten minutes to do whatever you want.”

  “I love you women, you do know that right?” He growled and pulled me towards him. “And when you say anything you mean anything right?”

  “Yes, Leo.” I laughed and kissed him softly. “I do mean everything.”

  Epilogue

  Six Months Later

  To: Hannah Will

  From: Leo Maxwell

  Re: Have a great first day

  Hannah,

  I woke up this morning and you weren’t in the bed. I think I cried a little bit, but then I saw the coffee at the side of the bed and my heart melted. OMG, I just realized I sound like a girl. What have you done to me?