by Jessica Marx
Billionaire Boss (An Alpha Billionaire Romance)
Jessica Marx
1
Samantha
Keep my head down, get my work done, rock this internship and set yourself up for your dream job!
That was my glorious three-step plan, and I’d already screwed it up on day-two.
And it was all his fault…
It was supposed to be a good morning. My first day had been amazing, and I was almost skipping as I headed to the cafe next door on a coffee run for Kaitlyn and a few of the other associates. I was waiting for the barista to finish my order when a gorgeous guy caught my eye. I had no business staring at him
But I did it anyway…
I stared for a moment too long and he caught me looking. My eyes turned away from him quickly to try throw him off, but the damage was already done. I’d allowed just a tiny bit of fantasy to sneak into my morning routine, and I already knew I was going to pay for it. When I glanced back, he was still looking at me.
His body is muscular, filling out a suit that must have been custom tailored to fit so perfectly over his frame. His dark brown hair is trimmed just long enough to be combed back. His strong jaw line turned up into a smirk when he saw me staring at him, and the smile was still shining bright under his hazel eyes.
“Sam?” the barista called, stealing away my attention. I fumbled to take the cardboard cup holder from him, making every effort not to glance back. I didn’t have time for a relationship and I damn sure didn’t have time for a man like that.
“Thanks,” I mumbled at the boy behind the counter, throwing down a twenty dollar bill and waving off the change. A little tingle ran up my spine. I wasn’t going to look at him again… I couldn’t. I spun around quickly to make my escape, only to find my arm crashing right into something almost as solid as a brick wall.
“Shit!” I shouted, watching as Kaitlyn’s triple-shot caramel macchiato sailed right out of my hands. Whip cream and iced coffee made themselves airborne as they slammed into an almost impossibly perfect suit. Time seemed to slow down as I watched the drink pour down the front of the man I was desperately trying to avoid.
“I’m sorry… Oh God I’m sorry!” I said, quickly reaching for a stack of napkins on a nearby table. I reached out, wiping at his chest and doing nothing but smearing the sticky mess deep into the fabric.
A hand wrapped itself strongly around my wrist, pulling it away as a feeling of electricity ran through me.
“Stop,” he said, laughing. “You’re making it worse.”
He turned back toward the barista and gave him a nod. “Make her another one, I get the feeling she’s in a hurry.”
I was an embarrassed and apologetic mess as the barista handed me a replacement drink. I offered up a quick thanks and “I’m sorry” as I shuffled out, trying not to look back at the coffee-covered man who was stripping off his suit jacket and shaking his head.
I’d hoped that was the last I’d see of him… When Kaitlyn sent me out for coffee the next morning, I’d driven to a cafe four blocks away just to make sure I didn’t run into him again… But it turned out there was no running away from this man.
We were sitting in the conference room waiting for a staff meeting to start when he walked in.
Kaitlyn nudged me and it was clear she wanted me to say hello, but I’d gone beet red the second he’d stepped through the door.
“this is…” Kaitlyn began.
“Sam,” he replied with a smirk, cutting her off. “At least that’s what it said on her coffee cup…”
“Oh, you’ve met?”
“We ran into each other once… I’m Mason. It’s a pleasure seeing you again.”
He took a step closer and reached out to shake my hand. I felt my cheeks turning pink as I extended my arm to meet his grip. The second our hands touched, I felt it again - instant electricity.
I sat uncomfortably through the rest of the meeting. I have no idea what was said or what ideas were exchanged. I spent half the time daydreaming about Mason and the other half worrying that he knew what I was thinking.
I hadn’t just dumped coffee down some random sexy guy at a coffee shop… I’d dumped coffee all over the sexy guy. Mason… Next in line to inherit this whole damn company. Rich, dangerous, and the most eligible bachelor on the whole damn planet.
Kaitlyn had clearly noticed the change in my demeanor, and she was quick to burst my bubble as soon as we got back to her office. She told me we needed to go over the corporate handbook… And that she spent an especially long time discussing the company’s non-fraternization policy.
And that’s how it began. The mind fuck that has become my summer internship.
2
Samantha
“Oh my God! That’s huge!” I exclaimed, “I know it’s rude, but I can’t stop staring. It’s just so big.”
“You flatter me,” a voice answers from behind me.
I don’t have to turn around to know who it is. I would recognize that voice anywhere. I’d probably hear it in my dreams tonight.
“Shut up, Mason,” Kaitlyn replies for the both of us. Her boyfriend, Jack, just proposed to her last night. She is busy showing me the enormous shimmering diamond on her finger.
“I’m sure you’re used to hearing that too,” I chime in.
“You ladies have no idea,” he answers.
“And we’d like to keep it that way,” Kaitlyn replies.
Mason takes a few steps closer and positions himself between us, “congrats Kaitlyn. That’s one giant rock.”
“Thanks,” she answers.
It had been nearly a month since the unfortunate coffee incident, but Mason didn’t seem to be holding it against me. I’d really started to hit it off with Kaitlyn, and I knew she’d been waiting a long time for her man to pop the question. She’d been talking about it almost every day since I got here…
“You’ll have a ring like this one day too, Sam,” Kaitlyn promises. She’s holding her arm out, the three of us gazing at her hand.
“We’ll see,” I reply.
“Don’t buy into the hype, Sam, you’re too smart for that - and too pretty,” Mason winks at me. I’ll leave you ladies to discuss the mundane life of monogamy ahead. I have work to do.” Mason says before turning to leave the break room.
“He’s such a dick,” I comment after he disappears.
“Yeah, but he’s a beautiful specimen of manhood.”
I laugh, “Come on, you’re engaged now, Kait. And aren’t you the one who’s all hung up on non-fraternization?”
“I can still look,” she grins, “you can’t deny it, he’s gorgeous.”
I would never deny it. Mason has haunted my thoughts day and night since I first laid eyes on him.
We’ve been casually flirting every day. Even working on opposite sides of the huge office, we seem to run into each other all the time. I like to think he does it on purpose, but I’m sure it’s just a coincidence…
I definitely feel more comfortable around him than I did in the beginning. We’ve even had some real conversations. Mason seems like he might even have a good heart hidden inside that beautiful body. Then again, maybe that’s all a part of his facade. I’m sure I’m not the only woman who’s felt that way about him, and I probably wouldn’t be the last.
It doesn’t matter either way. In a few weeks this whole internship would be over and I’d be back in college finishing up my bachelors degree. My time here would look great on a resume, but I knew that soon I’d be leaving all of these people behind… Mason included. Sure, he’s fun to flirt with, and even better to fantasize about… But that’s usually better than the real thing anyway, right? I’m sure if we ever did hook up, it wouldn’t compare to what he’s like in my imaginat
ion.
“I guess we should get back to work. I only have you for a couple more weeks. I want to take full advantage of you before you’re gone,” Kaitlyn jokes.
“Yes, ma’am,” I reply with a mock salute.
“Speaking of which, we have to plan a night out before you go. Just us girls…”
“Sure. That sounds like fun.”
“I’ll take care of everything. You’ve been such a Godsend this summer, Sam. I was sure you would be some lazy college kid, but you exceeded my expectations tenfold. You’re going places,” she teases.
3
Samantha
“Thank you so much for doing this,” I shout over the music to Kaitlyn.
“Of course. I’m going to miss having you around. You better come back after graduation,” she yells back.
Kaitlyn arranged a night out with some of our coworkers. With the amount of money they all make, I should have known to expect only the best. She reserved a booth at one of the hottest clubs in Manhattan. I’m sure it cost a fortune - at least for someone like me - it’s pocket change for this crew.
But I still felt out of place…
It’s not like I never drank before, but that was at house parties or college bars. I’ve definitely never been inside a place like this. I don’t know if the club scene is really for me, but I can get used to this kind of crowd. I’ve grown to like the people I work with. They’ve all been nice to me and each one has taught me something. I’m looking forward to getting my degree even more now. If I can make the kind of money some of these people make and still be down to earth, that would be amazing. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.
Kaitlyn’s fiancé Jack is here too. She takes his hand and begins pulling him out to the dance floor.
“Come dance, Sam,” she calls. She’s bolder than usual, she must have drank a little too much.
“I’m good,” I reply. I’ve been nursing the same drink since we got here. I don’t usually dance. I’m not going to start now.
I lean back into the cushy booth and watch them shake their way through the crowd. They’re cute together. Maybe I’ll meet my soul mate at school.
“Isn’t this your party? Why are you siting here by yourself?”
My body stiffens with the sound of his voice. I don’t recall Kaitlyn saying Mason would be here. Who am I kidding? I know she didn’t mention him - I would have remembered.
“I’m watching, it’s just as much fun,” I reply. I follow Mason’s eyes as they work their way up and down my body. I’m suddenly aware of how short my skirt is. I tug at it, pulling it down a bit.
Mason’s standing on the opposite side of the small table in front of me. He had to bend closer for me to hear him, but now that he’s standing up again, he has this air about him. He’s making me feel like he’s in charge and it’s my job to listen. Maybe it’s just in my head. I don’t know though, I can almost feel my clothes coming off as he undresses me with his eyes.
“Oh, so you’re more of a voyeur?” Mason teases as he takes a seat next to me. We aren’t touching but I can feel the heat coming off his body.
My heart is racing. I just giggle. I don’t have an answer.
“It’s not usually my thing, but I’m always up for trying something new,” he continues.
“I don’t dance,” I reply, not knowing what else to say.
“No?” he says, looking at me and raising his eye brows, “I wouldn’t have guessed that about you. Not with a body like that.”
I can’t be sure, but I think my body is slowly melting into the cushion, “there’s a lot you don’t know about me,” I answer with a hint of attitude. I regret the words as soon as they leave my lips.
“Well, let me get to know you better, Sam. Tell me something about yourself.” Mason looks me in the eyes, willing me to answer. He knows he’s making me uncomfortable and he’s clearly enjoying it.
I’ve never dealt with a man like this - or any man. I’m used to boys my age. They’re not smooth. They don’t know how to talk to women. Surely, none of them have made me squirm like this. I can’t think of anything to say.
Mason smirks. He is totally enjoying my uneasiness, “why don’t you start by telling me why you don’t dance.”
“It’s just not my thing.”
“How can that be? Look at how much fun everyone is having,” he starts. I look out on the dance floor.
“Two bodies moving together to the same rhythm,” he says as I stare forward, “it’s as close as you can get to having sex with someone. It’s very intimate.”
The way the word ‘sex’ rolls off his tongue makes me cross my legs. He knows exactly what he’s doing and I don’t have a clue how to react.
I say the first thing that comes out of my mouth, “why are you sitting here then? Sounds like you’d rather be dancing.”
A sly smile creeps across Mason’s face, “I don’t dance. Not in public anyway.”
I laugh, “then why are you giving me such a hard time about it?”
“I just like thinking about you in that tight little outfit, moving your body like that.”
I swallow hard, “we shouldn’t be talking like this…”
Mason chuckles. “You know, you’re too damn sweet and innocent… I’ve enjoyed having you around the office this summer, Samantha.”
My name flows off his tongue as smooth as silk. Samantha. I don’t like anyone calling me ‘Samantha’, but that’s because no one has ever said it the way Mason just did. Right now, he can call me whatever he wants. My face is flushed - partly from embarrassment, and partly because I’m strangely turned on. I’m thankful for the dim lighting in the club. I hope it’s not noticeable.
I don’t know what’s happening. I wouldn’t think I would let a man talk to me like this, but something about Mason makes it sexy, not creepy like I told him.
“Are you okay, Sam? Your face is all red.”
I see Mason grin. He knows he’s getting to me and loving every second of it.
“I’m fine. Just a little hot.”
“I’m going to get some air,” Mason offers. “Join me outside?”
“Sure,” I reply, surprising myself. What am I thinking? This guy is all sorts of wrong. Going anywhere alone with him is a terrible idea.
Mason places his hand on the small of my back and leads me toward the exit. I can’t think about anything other than the sensation of his warm hand pressed against me. This is a mistake. I know it is. My brain is warning me to turn around immediately, but my body isn’t listening. It’s following Mason.
We weave our way through the crowd and walk outside. It’s warm and balmy, but the fresh air feels good anyway. My ears are still ringing from the loud music.
“Want to get out of here?” Mason asks.
“What?” I know what he said, but I don’t believe it.
“Should we leave?”
“It’s my party. I can’t leave.”
“Sure you can.”
“That would be rude, wouldn’t it?” I ask. I can’t believe I’m even entertaining the idea of leaving with him. There are way too many reasons for me not to go anywhere with him.
“There’s only a few guests left. They’ll be fine without you.”
“I don’t know,” I say hesitantly. If I leave with Mason, I know what’s going to happen… But that knowledge doesn’t exactly make me want tor un away. I guess as long as I know what I’m getting myself into, it’s not really a bad thing, right?
“I don’t want to give you the wrong idea,” I say quietly.
“I don’t expect anything from you, Samantha.” He’s using my full name again. I can’t be sure, but I think he’s doing it just because he knows the effect my name has rolling off his tongue. He must be. He has to.
“I’m just not sure this is a good idea…”
Mason takes a step closer to me, closing the comfortable distance between us. I’m literally backed up against a wall and have no where to go.
“I’m not going to
beg you, Samantha,” he says, looking right at me, “that’s not my style. Only one of us will be begging, and that’s going to be you.”
“Are you really so full of yourself?”
“Just telling it like it is.”
“You hardly even know me. What makes you think I would ever beg for a man like you?”
Without warning, Mason leans forward. He puts one hand on the back of my neck and presses his lips into mine, parting them with his tongue. He kisses me, his hand gripping my hair. He’s not forcing me at all. I could easily stop him - but I don’t.
I feel Mason’s other hand on my ass. He pulls me closer to him, his tongue dancing around my mouth. He presses my body into his so I can feel how hard his cock is as he leans against me.
Then, just as unexpectedly as he started, he stops. He gently tilts my head back. My lips are still parted. I have no idea what just happened, but I feel like my body is going to melt into the sidewalk.
“I know you much better than you think, Samantha,” Mason says. He smooths back his hair and adjusts himself, covering any evidence of our kiss and his hard on. He runs his thumb across my bottom lip, I assume to fix my lip gloss.
“Let’s get back inside before they come out looking for us.”
Mason takes my hand and leads me back inside through the crowd. I am in complete shock. What the hell was that? Why the hell did I let him do that? I want more. If I were judging based on that kiss and the enormous bulge in his pants, he’s right, I would be willing to beg for it.
4
Mason
This girl has me feeling all sorts of twisted. Temptation. That’s what it must be. Samantha - the forbidden fruit.
I don’t know what came over me with that kiss. I’m known to be brazen and go after what I want, but that was ballsy, even for me. I had to. I want her so bad. I’ve thought about it every day since the first time I laid eyes on her. I had to have a taste.
