Playing with Temptation

by King, Kelsey

  Branson’s eyes darken slightly before he glances back at the screen. “I look forward to it; let’s just get a tagline first.”

  I shiver at the thought and glance back at the last tagline I wrote. I look back at the screen, and now it’s what the image needs. “Find yourself with Fitness Trainers.”

  As soon as I mumble the words, I know it works. Most younger people are struggling to find who they are, hell, I still am.

  “Riley, that’s perfect,” Branson says as he types furiously on his keyboard. I move around the desk and look over his shoulder as he quickly positions the tagline and selects an appropriate font. The end result is staggering.

  It’s punchy, it’s different, and we did it together.

  Without thinking I squeeze Branson’s shoulder. “We make a great team!”

  Branson swivels around in his chair with a broad smile. “We do.”

  Our eyes meet, and suddenly our brilliance fades into the background. At this moment it’s just me and Branson and the simmering desire we’ve been ignoring for days.

  His hands reach for me and grab my hips, pulling me into his lap. I don’t consider fighting against it; I want this as much as he does. As soon as my hips meet his lap, I feel his desire beneath me, pressing against my heat.

  I look at him and see my own hunger mirrored in his eyes. “Riley…” Branson’s voice is low with a hint of danger, making me want him even more.

  “Branson…” I taunt back.

  The corners of his mouth tilt into a cocky grin as he threads his fingers into my hair. At first our lips brush, barely touching, but the desire from his lips radiate against mine. Unable to wait any longer I run my tongue along the seam of his mouth, teasing him to open for me.

  He smiles against my mouth then allows my tongue to slip inside. It’s a mix of scotch and Branson. Heat gathers between my thighs as our tongues brush against each other, experimenting with the texture and flavor.

  His hands are all over me. One hand caresses my back as the other reaches for my breast. I want him, and I want him to know how much I want him. I reach between our bodies for him. His arousal is thick and firm in my hand, making me want him even more.

  Suddenly his hand tugs my hair. He pulls my head back and exposes my neck. He trails kisses from my mouth down the column of my throat causing me to whimper with need and want.

  With my head still tossed back, it strikes me; I’m making out with my boss in his office.

  Embarrassment quickly follows shock as I jump out of his lap. Branson watches me, his eyes heavy with desire, and his lips swollen from our kiss.

  I want nothing more than to climb back onto him and to let him ravish me, but this is my boss. How did I allow my hormones to take over so quickly?

  My breath comes in winded pants as I watch him.

  “I need to go,” I whisper before I leave his office.

  7

  Branson

  I arrive at the office after another restless night. Last night’s make out session with Riley threw gas onto the blazing inferno that resembles my desire for her. My receptionist greets me and wishes me luck as I head into my office to gather my things. I have about fifteen minutes before the Fitness Trainers executives arrive.

  I pick up the coffee waiting on my desk and before I even manage to take a sip my eye catches the chair behind my desk. Last night with Riley was more than I expected. The passion between us was hotter than anything I ever fantasized. Who knew underneath that cool and calm exterior hides a deviant woman? I didn’t.

  It only makes me want her more. But I know that probably isn’t going to happen. It shouldn’t happen.

  I glance at the array of papers scattered on my desk covered with her scribbled handwriting. Besides being a sexy minx, she’s also clever which turns me on even more. Her mind works at the same speed as mine, and before last night I hadn’t successfully brainstormed with anyone before.

  It was like we were in sync on so many levels; creatively, sexually, and … my mind trails off. I can’t be thinking about Riley right now because I have a meeting to present and I need to focus.

  The line on my desk buzzes, I put down the cup of coffee and pick up the receiver.

  “Riley wants to see you,” my receptionist informs me.

  I take a deep breath and sigh. “Send her in.”

  I lean against the edge of my desk and cross my arms, I’m not trying to seem rude, I just can’t chance touching her right now. I’m afraid if I did I wouldn’t be able to stop.

  Riley steps into my office looking as fresh as a daisy. Her eyes are shining and the sunny-yellow blouse she is wearing over a pair of black pants, brightens up my entire office.

  “Good morning, Miss Harper.” I watch her with guarded eyes; I haven’t decided how to handle our incident, so I play from her lead.

  “Hi, Branson. I just wanted to make sure you’ve got everything you need for the meeting.” Riley smiles at me as if nothing had happened. As if my hands weren’t on her only hours before.

  My lips twitch with the start of a grin, a cocky grin. Two can play this game.

  “Yes. I do. And thanks for your help last night.”

  Her eyes momentarily widen. “It’s my pleasure. It was fun.”

  “Yes, it was. I haven’t had such fun designing a campaign in a long time.” I’m taunting her, I know I am, but I can’t help myself.

  “You’re good at what you do.” Riley smiles secretively and glances at me from beneath her lashes.

  “I like to be. Especially when I’m inspired.”

  Before Riley can answer me, there’s a brief knock on my door and my receptionist steps in. “ The Fitness Trainers execs are here. I brought them to the main boardroom.”

  “Thank you.” I nod at my receptionist and meet Riley’s gaze again. Her eyes are twinkling with mischief. “Would you like to have some more fun? Join me for the meeting.”

  “Really? I mean I’d like to, but these are your clients.” I can see she’s bursting to join me.

  “They’re BPC Advertising’s clients. You work here, don’t you?”

  Riley nods and tugs her bottom lip between her teeth again. “Yes…”

  “Well then, you should be there.”

  I gather my things and follow Riley to the boardroom. After I introduce her to my oldest clients, I set up my laptop with the overhead projector.

  “You told me you needed something for your budget shoe line. I’m going to admit, it wasn’t an easy task, but in the end, I think we pulled it off.”

  I open the design and am relieved when they start clapping.

  “Branson, this is truly inspired. You’ve captured the essence of our brand while intriguing our target market.”

  Relief floods me as the executives stare at the design with awe. Feeling confident I stand up and explain the concept: “We believe this will appeal to the younger demographic and since we’re not using a marathon or a sporting event like with your other campaigns, it relates that this product isn’t meant for those activities.”

  “How did you come up with this?” An executive asks. Apparently, he’s the new brand manager for the company.

  “Actually Riley Harper played a large part in the design.” I smile at Riley before I turn back to him.

  “And how is that?” He tilts his head slightly and glances curiously at Riley. “Don’t you usually work alone?”

  “I do,” I confirm, retaking my seat. “But in this case, I asked Riley to help me after she created a satisfactory campaign for another client. She’s very inspiring and in touch with what the younger generation wants and likes.”

  My eyes meet Riley’s across the table, and I know she’s thinking of what happened last night by the way she licks her lips.

  Riley’s eyes leave mine as she turns to the new brand manager. “Actually, it was all him. I’ve never met anyone more dedicated to achieving the right design. I swear Branson would go to any length.”

  She’s damn right. Next time
I wouldn’t stop at kissing, especially if boardroom banter is going to become a frequent occurrence.

  “We both enjoyed designing it,” I say with a proud smile to the executives.

  “Tell me, Branson, I know you specialize in sports and shoes, but have you ever considered balls?” The brand manager frowns in question.

  I glance at Riley, and she glances down at my crotch. I’m halfway wondering if my dick is hard by the way she’s staring.

  “I’m sorry what?” She’s distracting me with her sexy smile, and now I’m sure I heard someone ask about balls.

  “Yes, balls. We bought a company that manufactures footballs, tennis balls, soccer balls, volleyballs… basically, if it’s a ball, they manufacture it. Would you be interested in doing the branding and ad campaigns for that division as well?”

  I’m still fumbling, trying to focus on the brand manager and not Riley dampening her lips across from me when she answers.

  “My friends always say I have great ball-sense. I can think of a thousand ways right now that will have customers begging to buy your balls. What do you think Branson, I’m sure we can do some research and come up with something fun?”

  That little minx, I’m going to kill her the minute the meeting is over. She knows she’s throwing me off balance, a thousand ways, balls, research, there was so much right with that sentence it had my juices pumping.

  “Sure, we’ll be honored. I’ll have Riley start on some research as soon as possible.” I glance at her wickedly, knowing she’ll catch the innuendo. She coughs on a sip of water at my words.

  “Great, we’ll be in touch.” The executives file out of the room leaving Riley and me alone.

  I glance across the table and notice she’s shifting in her seat. I can see she is just as turned on as I am. But since we’re playing games, I don’t consider bringing up last night.

  “That went great, don’t you think?”

  Riley nods. “Yes, it did. They respect you so much. I can see why you’ll go to extra trouble to impress them.”

  “The only trouble in this building is you.” I pause watching her eyes cloud over with the memory of last night before I continue. “But you just successfully landed us another contract. Careful, you might have Lisa hissing at you again.” I tease her.

  Riley laughs and shakes her head before she tucks her hair behind her ear. “I think we should just keep that between us for now. I’m already hated enough.”

  “She doesn’t hate you; she’s just not used to people standing up to her and sticking to their gut. And I have a feeling if she were in this meeting, she would’ve fallen off her chair at your word choice. Because I practically did.” I snicker and shake my head. I haven’t had so much fun since I had hustled on my own all those years ago.

  “My word choice was completely appropriate given the topic.” She purses her lips and gives me a prim look.

  My blood heats at the sight of her. I want to throw her off balance, get her to feel the way I do every time she’s in close proximity. I lean my arms on the table and fold my one hand over the other. “Great ball-sense? Well, there’s no better time like the present to prove it…”

  I let the words hang between us and watch Riley’s jaw drop. Exactly the reaction I had hoped for.

  Laughing, I stand up and walk to the door. When I turn around, I notice this time Riley’s the one staring after me with her mouth wide open.

  8

  Riley

  It’s been a little over a month since I’ve been working on the 35th floor. Every Wednesday I meet Tammy for lunch, and she fills me in on the office gossip since I’m practically working in the clock tower. As soon as I walk into the little cafe, she smiles and waves me over. We order our food and as we wait outside, I know she’s dying to get the scoop. Soon, it’s being delivered, and I can’t wait to eat. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until the plate is sitting in front of me.

  “So is he as hot as everyone says he is?” Tammy asks me as we soak up a little sunshine.

  I nearly choke on the bite of my sandwich. “Who says he’s hot?” I ask feigning innocence.

  Tammy laughs shaking her head. “Boy, you’ve either been busy or isolated or both. Everyone who has ever had the opportunity to talk to Branson Carter says he’s the hottest guy ever, which includes the two guys that sit across from me. He barely steps out of his ivory tower, and I’ve only seen him from a distance.”

  If I deny that Branson is hot, Tammy will pick up that I’m hiding something. If I agree too enthusiastically, she’ll pick something up as well. In the six weeks since I’ve started working at BPC Advertising, I’ve learned that Tammy doesn’t miss a thing. I decide on going for the middle ground. “He’s attractive if that’s what you mean. In a mysterious, powerful type of way.”

  “So he’s hot?”

  I laugh and shake my head. “Okay, if that’s the word you want to use. I guess he’s hot.”

  “Urgh, I am so jealous. Here I am stuck with the ice princess, and you’ve got the hot prince to ogle.”

  “I barely see him,” I lie. If I told Tammy that I see Branson on a daily basis and that every exchange we have is filled with sexual innuendos, she’d probably warn my how dangerous it is. At this stage, Tammy is the only friend at work I have. I think everyone in the Creative Department sees me as trouble especially after being moved to the 35th floor on my second day.

  “At least you see him. I almost fled for my life yesterday. Lisa came over to my desk and asked me how much I valued my job.”

  “What?” I ask surprised. From what little I’ve heard, Tammy’s really great at her job.

  “Yup, that’s right. After accepting I was being fired, I just shrugged and told her if she didn’t know how much I valued my job she hasn’t been paying attention.”

  “Woah!” I exclaim. I didn’t know Tammy had it in her to be bitchy, especially not to the devil she works for.

  Tammy laughs nervously and nods. “Yup, I said exactly that. I think I shocked her so much with my response she forgot why she asked me. She actually turned around and left. I really hope Branson has a furnace at home, I can’t imagine him thawing out the ice princess any other way.”

  Lines cross in my head at her words, twisting and sparking with confusion. “What do you mean Branson has to thaw her out?” I try my best to sound casual.

  “Boy, you really are in isolation. Branson and Lisa have had a thing for each other for forever. I don’t think they’re dating because I heard he went out with a Victoria’s Secret model a few weeks ago and before her, there was that model from Clarins he took the Big Apple Ad Awards.”

  My mind was reeling from the information overload. Here I was thinking me and Branson had a thing going, blissfully unaware of his affairs with other women, including Lisa, the bitch. “Sounds like he gets around.”

  “Yeah, he does. Although I think Lisa wants him to herself. Every time Branson dates someone else, she’s a bitch for a week and basically punishes us.”

  As the taxis zoom past and people talk around us, I feel my cheeks bloom with anger. How did I not know this? How did I not know that Branson was a player? I was just something that kept him entertained at the office until he left and spent his nights with the ice princess, models, and other executives.

  As Tammy continues on about his ruthless dating habits, I feel incredibly stupid. I feel like an idiot for flirting with him. He probably went home and told his woman for the night all about the cute, young girl who’s infatuated with him. They probably laughed about me after they made love. Little mousy Riley flirting with the big boss. Jealousy, powerful and raw, consumes me as I listen to Tammy talk.

  “Oh my gosh, look at the time.” I gasp and pull a few dollars out of my purse dropping it on the table. “I completely forgot I had to go to the drugstore. I’ll catch you later.” I stand up and don’t even give Tammy a chance to question my escape. Luckily I’ve noticed there’s a drugstore a block before my work building, but in case she see
s me, I’ll stop in there before heading back to the office.

  Any place is better than sitting at that café listening about Branson’s conquests. Tears burn the back of my eyes as my shoes hit the sidewalk at an incredibly fast pace. I will not cry, I admonish myself. I will not cry for a man that kissed me once, that made no promises. I will not cry for a man that treats me like a toy.

  I repeat this mantra over and over again as I walk back to work. By the time I reach my office on the 35th floor my embarrassment has blossomed into full-blown anger. The playful banter was a thing of the past. From now on Branson will only get from me what he pays me for, creative designs. Nothing more, nothing less.

  It’s Friday morning, and I can’t wait for the weekend to start. I roll my eyes at the realization that I have become one of those people who celebrate weekends. I have always loved being a designer, and I used to love my job. If Tammy hadn’t told me about Branson and his varied affairs two days ago, I would’ve been sad that it’s Friday. That meant an entire two days without Branson.

  But I needed the weekend to clear my mind. I needed to get a grip on the green-monster that has taken permanent residence in my heart. It’s like green goo foams from my mouth every time I think of Branson with another woman. Jealousy was a foreign emotion to me. I’ve never been jealous, that’s something I left to possessive and married women. I’m not either, so what was going on with me?

  About midmorning Branson’s receptionist calls me. She tells me Branson is waiting for me in his office and wants to see me immediately. I’ve been avoiding him for two days, and I guess that needs now.

  For a second, I wonder if word about my conversation with Tammy had leaked to him, but that’s just ridiculous. How would he know what she told me? Besides, it wasn’t like he owed me an explanation.

  I take a deep breath and walk to his office with dread. My brand new Martinez heels click on the floor. They were a gift from the President of the company. As I open up the door and let myself in, I flick my hair over my shoulder and give him a sultry look. “You’re looking for me?” There I go again, flirting with him, I admonish myself.