“I, I think I left the oven on,” she stutters and rushes back into the house, leaving me grinning at the side of the pool.
◆◆◆
“What is this?” I poke at a gelatinous blob with my spoon. I have just finished a delicious lamb dinner Rose made. The dessert is brown and wiggly and has black spots in it.
“It’s chia pudding. It’s good for you,” Rose explains with a big grin.
“I don’t want it.” I push it away like a petulant four-year-old. “You eat it.” Even though Rose just started working here, I find her fascinating and easy to talk to. There is an instant sense of comfort I have with her.
“Fine.” Rose sighs and goes to the kitchen. “I’ll get you some ice cream.” She returns with two scoops of home-made ice cream.
I watch her as she polishes off the glass of chia pudding. She gives her spoon one last long lick and I swallow hard. I have a mental image of her little pink tongue running along the length of my cock. I clear my throat and stare down at my bowl of ice cream.
“So.” I clumsily look for a conversation topic so she doesn’t run back into the kitchen again. “How do you like working here?”
“It’s good. I like the work and I need the days off.”
“What do you do on your days off?”
Rose pauses and then just shrugs. “Just personal stuff. Odds and ends.” I can tell that she is hiding something. I feel disappointed that she doesn’t feel comfortable with me yet.
“I like working for you,” Rose says after a pause. “You’re a good boss.”
“Oh really?” My heart leaps a little.
“But you’re picky.” She eyes the half-finished ice cream in front of me. “But not really, you’re picky like a little kid, that’s easy to manage.” She giggles and her dark curls bounce with each laugh.
“What? You’re way younger than me!” I protest in jest.
“I’m not that young! I’m twenty-two. I have a lot of life experiences.”
“Really?”
“Well, yes and no. I mean, I was raised by a single dad, and I had to pay my own way through school and I have to take care of my family. That’s a lot of life experiences, but I haven’t even had a boyfriend yet. I mean-” Rose stops and turns red.
“Really?” I am surprised. She is so innocent and sweet. I just want to take her in my arms and claim all of her. Before she can answer me, I brush an unruly curl out of her eyes and peck her lightly on the mouth. Her hands grab onto my forearms and I kiss her deeper. I enjoy the sweetness of her taste. I bite lightly on her lips and she gasps in delight. Her warm body feels supple and soft against mine.
I lick her lips. She is as delicious as I have imagined.
“No.” She pushes me away suddenly. Her face is beet red. “You’re my boss and you’re, you’re-”
“What am I?”
“A, a playboy.” She touches her swollen lips with her fingertip. “And I’m not that kind of girl,” she says brusquely before taking away the dirty dishes.
I sink back in my chair and sigh with frustration.
◆◆◆
“Brandon, darling.” A familiar husky voice calls. “I came to see how you’re doing.”
“Anastasia,” I mumble as I see the blonde Russian model. I met her at my friend Charlie’s party a few weeks ago. After finding out who I was (and how much I was worth), she began pursuing me mercilessly. We spent one night together and after that, she seems to think we are now in a relationship. Like my other encounters with women, I need to cut this off quick before it spirals out of control. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to take care of you.” She holds up a plastic soup container. “You said your housekeeper is out? I want to make sure you’re eating properly.”
“Oh.” I scratch my head. “I’ve hired someone new.”
“Oh really?” She arches a perfectly plucked eyebrow.
“Rose,” I call into the kitchen and the little brunette emerges. She has been avoiding me ever since the kiss. I know that she desires me, too, but I can’t seem to convince her I’m not looking for just a fling.
“Yes?” She spots Anastasia. Interestingly, the two women frown at each other at the same time. The two of them couldn’t be more different. One is tall and fair. The other is short and dark. Rose is hardworking, smart, and honest. Anastasia, well, let’s just say Anastasia knows her way around men.
“Good,” Anastasia says with a haughty sway of her blonde head. “I’m glad to see you got a new maid. But I also came to talk to you about something else.”
“What is it?”
“Brandon, darling. You haven’t invited me to the Founders’ Ball yet. You’re so bad, making me beg.” She bats her long fake lashes at me. My stomach clenches. Founders’ Ball is a prestigious event where only the founders and top executives of the biggest technology companies are invited. Of course, I was invited, but that was before I was fired by my own board. As a founder, I still have every right to go. But I haven’t even thought about going after what has happened. I’ll be the laughingstock of the whole tech community.
“Why do you want to go?”
“Well,” she says slyly. “The studio head of some video streaming companies will be there. And you know, I’ve been trying to get into movies lately.” So that’s her deal.
Anger rises in me like a volcano. I am just another stepping stone in her career. All these women are the same. Like an idiot, I lie, “Sorry, I’ve already asked someone else.”
“Really? Who?”
“Her.” I point at Rose, who is quietly setting lunch out on the table and giving Anastasia sidelong glances.
“What? Your maid?” She throws her head back and laughs cruelly. “You’ll be the laughingstock of the entire Silicon Valley. You know, Rebecca will be there.”
I start to see red. “So what? Please forgive me, but I’m busy right now. Please leave.” I open the front door and give her an icy stare.
Anastasia huffs and turns on her designer heels. She throws Rose a dirty look before she leaves.
“What’s going on?” Rose wipes her hands clean with the kitchen towels.
“Do you have a ball gown on hand by any chance?”
Chapter 4
“Stop fidgeting, you look fine,” I say to Rose, who is teetering on her high heels. She is wearing a lavender silk gown that I have bought her just for this occasion. The Founders’ Ball is a fancy affair. I shouldn’t have lied to Anastasia but I realize that hiding in my backyard is no way to live a life. I may have been kicked out of my company, but I still have my dignity.
“Sorry, I’m just not used to wearing something like this.” Rose brushes a shiny curl behind her ear. Her messy curls are done up in an elegant updo for this evening. She looks polished like she doesn’t slave eight hours in the kitchen for a living. Cinderella has arrived at the ball.
I gently pat the back of her hand resting on my arm. “You’re doing me a big favor. Thank you.” Rose smiles and blushes. “You look beautiful.” Her lips part as her warm brown eyes fix on mine.
As we step into the glittering ballroom, people stare and murmur. I know that they are talking about me, but I continue to walk with Rose on my arm.
“Are you okay?” Rose whispers as we make our way to our seats.
“Not to worry. They are just wondering where did I find such a dazzling date,” I joke. She looks quite pretty, like a silky, elegant… cupcake. I lick my lips. She looks delicious.
Rose blushes lightly and holds onto my arm.
“Brandon, man. How are you doing?” An old acquaintance, Jamie Tang, pats me on the shoulders. Jamie works in biotech and recently cashed out on his good fortune. Now, he spends his time teaching and making investments in research labs. He is a well-known figure in innovative cancer treatment and gene therapy.
I smile and shrug my shoulders. “As well as I can be, under the circumstances.”
Rose looks at Jamie shyly. “This is Rose Gardner, my date. This
is Jamie Tang, the founder of the Tang-Langford Research Center.”
She pops up immediately and shakes Jamie’s hand with almost too much eagerness. “It’s so nice to meet you, sir. I have heard so much about your research.”
Jamie seems surprised by her enthusiasm but soon they fall into a passionate discussion about his work.
Bored, I turn away from them and catch a pair of dazzling green eyes across the room. With a smile, Rebecca glides toward me with her date in tow.
Her green eyes are accentuated by the dark red gown she is wearing. Her white shoulders are exposed and an elaborate diamond necklace snakes around her neck.
“Brandon, darling. I’m surprised to see you here.” Her honeyed tongue drips.
I nod curtly and turn to her date. “Charlie, I didn’t expect to see you here with Rebecca.” Charlie has been my close friend for years. He has always wanted to go into business with me but I know him too well. Charlie is easily swayed by shiny fake promises and has a loose sense of ethics. Either quality will land him quickly in jail. I was always happy to loan him money that I know I will never see again, but I would never have him work for me.
“Rebecca named me her new chief of strategy.” Charlie sticks out his chest. “I have always wanted this opportunity, Brandon. But you couldn’t take a chance on me.”
“I heard you brought your maid as your date?” Rebecca looks over at Rose. “That’s so funny.”
“She’s not a maid. She’s a chef. An award-winning gourmet chef from New York. She used to work at a Michelin-star restaurant.”
“She doesn’t seem like your type.” Rebecca grazes a long red nail against my face. “I miss you, Brandon,” she coos sexily.
Funny how I used to find Rebecca enthralling. I step away from her, disgusted.
“I’d be careful with your little cook if I were you.” Rebecca gestures with her regal chin. “Looks like your little cook has found a new meal ticket.”
I turn around and see Jamie Tang placing both of his hands on Rose’s shoulders. Her dark lashes are lowered and they seem to be having an intimate discussion. He is whispering gently in her ear and she is nodding her head. I see his lips almost brushing against her dark curls.
All the blood rushes to my head. I step over to Rose and rip her from Jamie’s hands.
“We’re leaving now,” I hiss in her ear as I drag her out of the building.
“What’s gotten into you, Brandon?” She looks up at me with her big doe eyes.
As we wait in a quiet corner for the limo, I look down at her shiny eyes and her full sensuous lips. I bend down and kiss her deeply. She responds passionately, then she rests her forehead on my chest and shakes her head.
◆◆◆
I look over to see Rose sitting on the other side of the limo with her arms crossed in front of her chest. She hasn’t said a word to me since we got into the car.
I break the silence first. “What were you talking about with Jamie?”
Rose looks hurt. “Nothing, just about his work.”
“He’s married, you know.”
Rose turns pink and blinks quickly, then she resumes to stare out the car window. Quietly, she wipes away her tears.
I look away from her and her tears pain me as well. She is my date. How can she just run off with another man? She is just like the rest of them. I can’t believe that I have fallen-
I cringe at the budding thought that popped into my head.
“People warned me about you.” Rose’s voice is soft and cracked. “They say you’re a womanizer. A confirmed bachelor. You only like bad girls and even then you get tired of them quickly.” She gazes at me. “I thought you were different from what people told me.”
I rest my temple in my hands. “Well, everything you heard is true,” I snap. The limo comes to a stop. The driver is dropping me off first before taking Rose home.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I step out of the car and say coldly. I know that I should apologize, but I feel too hurt right now.
Rose searches my face with her big brown eyes. I look away, unable to bear to look at her right now. “Sorry, Mr. Harrison. But tomorrow is my day off.” Her voice is equally cold.
“Right.” I clench the edge of the car door. I realize how much distance we have between us. I know very little about her and her life. “Just make sure you have enough time to prepare for the Fourth of July party.” I snap and slam the car door in her face. I know that I am being an asshole but my chest hurts too much right now. It has been a long time since I felt this way about anyone. I didn’t even feel like this with Rebecca. With Rebecca, we both knew we were just using each other. But I thought this was different.
Chapter 5
“I’ll have a burger. Edward wants another hot dog please.” Lane holds out her plate. The meat sizzles on the grill.
Children are splashing in the pool and the adults are having a nice relaxing time at my Fourth of July BBQ. Rose has planned everything well, and she has spent the entire day busy avoiding me. “Your new housekeeper, Rose, is wonderful! She made these superhero-themed snacks for the kids. So clever! They love her!” Lane gushes.
I slam a beef patty and a hot dog into her plate and say nothing.
“No running,” she calls to her son and turns back to me. “She is nice and normal.” She winks at me.
“And an employee,” I answer flatly.
“Well, that’s never stopped you before. She’s a little too young for you, but she seems very mature and responsible. Too bad about her father, though. So sad-” She drops her plate. “What did I tell you about running?”
“What about her father?” Lane runs off to chase down her son before I can ask her.
“Brandon, there you are.” Jamie walks over in a crisp shirt and khakis. “Listen, I want to apologize for what happened at the Founders’ Ball.”
“There is nothing to apologize for.” I don’t look up from the grill.
Jamie sighs. “I don’t know why you’re angry, but I know I have caused it. I’m sorry. I can get too passionate about my work sometimes.” Passionate enough to grope another man’s date?
“How does your wife feel about your ‘passion’ for your work?” I ask snarkily.
Jamie doesn’t notice my tone and grins. “We have been married for a long time and good communication is key. She knows work is important to me, but she knows she and the children are my top priority.” He grabs a plate of hors d’oeuvres. “Oh, please tell your friend to call me at my office on Monday. I’d be happy to look into her father’s case.”
“Her father’s case? What do you mean?”
Jamie is taken aback. “Her father is ill. I thought you knew. That’s why she talked to me about my research. He has stage four cancer. There is a new, experimental treatment we are testing at the center especially for his type of cancer. We can’t promise anything but I’d be happy to introduce her to the team that is running the clinical trials.”
The gears turn slowly in my head and suddenly click into place. Everything makes sense now. I have been a total asshole! I don’t hear the rest of Jamie’s explanations and I run into the house. No one is in the kitchen. And I check the guest room. A familiar petite figure is sitting alone on the bed.
“Hey.” Rose looks up as I call out. I sit down next to her and don’t know how to start.
“Sorry, I should get back to work.”
“Wait.” I pin her down gently. “Why didn’t you tell me about your dad? Is that why you left New York? Why you need the days off? And this job?”
Rose nods slightly. Her red-rimmed eyes make me want to kick myself.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you’re so nice!” she babbles. “Miguel told me what you did for your housekeeper, Maria. I don’t want you to think I’m a charity case. I can work and take care of my dad.” I put an arm around her and let her head rest on my shoulders.
“I know you’re not a charity case.” She relaxes against me. “B
ut I want to take care of you. I’m sorry I was so mean to you earlier. I- I was.” I bite my lower lip. “I was jealous.”
“What?” Rose looks at me confused.
“I, I know that I don’t have the best history with women, but I’m head over heels in love with you.” Before I can finish, Rose grabs me by the collar and kisses me deeply. Her tongue dances fluidly in my mouth and she tastes like the sweetest confection. I return her passion and plow into her sweet mouth. She gasps for air as I nip at the tender skin on her neck.
Slowly, I pull her shirt over her head. She is wearing a sexy dark red bra and I can finally see all of her curvaceous body. I hold her close to me and I can feel every inch of her warm soft body pressed up against me. I run my hand through her lush hair and trace my fingers to her back. I unhook her bra and her luscious breasts are free. Her breasts are soft and large and the palms of my hands can barely fit around them. She gasps and arches her back. I fondle them in circular motions and her skin becomes flushed all over.
My hands roam all over her smooth, beautiful skin. Before long, I moan softly when my fingers discover her wet panties. She is soaked through.
I bite her neck as I press into the damp fabric with my strong fingers and she groans. Pushing the flimsy fabric aside, I prod a long finger into her waiting depth. She opens up to me and cries out. One inch. Two inches. I continue until the entire length of my finger is buried deep within her tight wet pussy.
Her fingers dig into my shoulders and the pain feels nice. I can feel the thin layer of her cherry brushes up against my finger. I grin. She is mine and I am going to claim her. I nip at her neck and put another finger into her. Her warm pussy clenches tightly around me. Her pussy feels so amazing and I can’t wait to bury my hard and ready cock deep into it.
My fingers move in and out, gliding smoothly and coated with her slick juices. My thumb circle over her hard nub, which makes her shudder. I lick my lips. Expertly, I curve my fingers and she moans deeply. I have found her sensitive G spot. I curve my fingers again and I cover my mouth with hers. Her loud groan is stifled by my lips. Soon her groans grow louder and faster. Then she stops groaning, and she pants heavily. Suddenly, her body starts to quake and her whole body shakes uncontrollably. Her forehead is covered with a light layer of sheen. Her tantalizing body is flushed with a lovely shade of pink.
The Complete Naughty Bundle: Older Man Younger Woman Page 4
