by Holly Jaymes
“I was basically the help. And worse, a wannabe screenwriter.”
I ran my hand over his chest and then leaned forward to kiss it. “Did you get your heart broken?”
“No. But my pride might have taken a hit.” His hands kneaded my ass.
“How’s that?” I leaned back, taking his dick in my hand, gently stroking it under the bubbles.
“I thought she liked me for me. Turns out she just wanted to make her dad mad. Not that she didn’t have a good time, but…” He shrugged not finishing his sentence.
“I suppose he won’t hire you again, huh? Does Sterling Starr know this?”
“I don’t want to talk about work, Sasha. I want to get out of this tub and drag my tongue over every inch of your body.”
My entire body went up in flames. “I want you here. I’m on the pill and am healthy.”
The flash in eyes was a fiery gold that send erotic sensation surging through me.
“Unless you—”
My words were cut off by his lips consuming mine, as he pulled my hips over him, perching his dick at my entrance.
“Are you sure?” he said on a rough growl.
“Yes.” I sank down, taking him inside me. I closed my eyes and let my head fall back as I savored the feel of him, so large and thick filling me.
“God, Sasha…” His lips wrapped around my nipple and sucked. I felt it straight to my pussy, which contracted at his ministrations.
“Reece.” I said on a gasp. I gripped his shoulders and began to rock.
His head dropped to my shoulder, lightly biting there as his hands held my ass and guided me.
He often talked about going slow, but once we were like this, need ramped up so tight, so fierce there was no controlling it. I had to chase the pleasure, fast and hard. The bubbles and waster sloshed around us as I began to ride him.
“Yes, yes, yes…” he chanted. “Fuck…take me there…make me come, Sasha.”
I loved how he talked during sex. It was so erotic, heightening my arousal. He rested back in the tub, his hands moving to my hips and up to my breasts, where he pinched my nipples.
I gripped the side of the tub for leverage as I let myself go.
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he said on a groan.
The onslaught of sensations from the heat of the water, the coolness of the air outside the tub and friction of the large dick sliding in and out of me all collided at once.
“Reece!” My pussy contracted and pleasure detonated from my center and radiated out. My body shook and shuddered as I rode out the exquisite sensations.
“Fuck yeah!” His hips bucked up, and warmth filled me as he too let go.
I collapsed on him, my head resting on his shoulder. He seemed completely boneless too as he worked to catch his breath. Finally, his lips kissed my shoulder.
“You rock my world, Sasha.”
I lifted my head and smiled. I didn’t think I was bad in the sack or in this case, the tub, but I’d never felt like I’d rocked anyone’s world. His words made me feel powerful in my femininity and sexuality.
“You make me feel…like a woman.”
He laughed. “You are a woman.”
I blushed feeling silly. “I like a sexy woman.”
His hands cradled my face. “You are a sexy woman. And smart, talented, creative.” His hazel filled with something that seemed like more than lust, but couldn’t be. He was my boss. We were risking our livelihoods. I couldn’t get caught up in romance and fairy tales where Reece was concerned. Besides, he was clear that he was leaving within the year or less.
I kissed him. “When do we get to the part where you run your tongue over every inch of my body.”
He laughed. “Greedy in sex. I like it.”
After that, the headiness of the moment dissipated as we settled back into flirty banter and enjoying a moment away from the real world.
Chapter 10: On the Downlow
Reece
The night was spectacular. Not just the sex, but all of it. Just being around her made me feel things I don’t remember ever feeling. I loved talking with Sasha and learning more about her life, her hopes, her dreams. She listened to my tales of trying to sell my first screenplay. She seemed impressed that I’d sold two scripts over the last year. I sold them for episodes of two different popular shows which these days wasn’t easy to do since shows had their own teams of writers. Fortunately for fledgling writers like me, many shows would take a freelance script a couple of times a year. I told her about my current work, her brow arching as she recognized bits of the story I was writing as being the Haynesville-McLean feud. She didn’t seem to recognize herself in the smart, beautiful, daring female protagonist I described to her. Probably just as well.
The upshot of the night was that I spent the entire drive back to Eden Lake the next day trying to figure out how to keep seeing her once we got back to real life. The only option really was that someone had to quit. Since I didn’t love my job as much as she did, the obvious choice was me. But until I could generate a steady income from my writing or something else, it was risky to quit and therefore, for me to date her and risk being fired. Plus, it was clear she loved Eden Lake as well, which meant I’d need to plan to stay if I wanted to keep seeing her. There were some interesting things about the town, the biggest draw being Sasha.
The closer we got to Eden Lake, and therefore, the closer we got to pretending last night never happened, the more frustrated I became. I resented my job for getting in the way of my life.
We were about thirty minutes away from town when my cell phone rang. I opted to not pick up through the BlueTooth in my car, and instead reached for my phone.
“Hello.”
“Reece, it’s Devon.” Perhaps this was a sign. Devon was my agent.
“Hey Dev.”
“You got a minute?”
“I’m in the car, but yeah.” I glanced over at Sasha. She was busy looking at her phone, and knowing her, she was doing something work related.
“Two things, one, I got someone to take a look at the Last Chance script you wrote.”
This piqued my interest. I’d thought that script was DOA.
“She doesn’t want to buy it, but she is looking for someone to adapt a YA book that is similar and wants to talk to you.”
Yes! “Okay. When?” I tried to sound calm and collected while inside I was jumping up and down like a kid on Christmas morning.
“I’ll text you the deets. The second thing is High Crimes is looking to get its two freelance episodes as required by Writers Guild of America. I sent over a couple of things you’ve done and they’d like you to write two. Plus, it’s looking to hire a new writer for the upcoming season, so this could be a good in for you.”
Double yes! “Excellent.”
“I know you’re out in the sticks these days, but I’ll need you to take some meetings.”
“I’ll make it work,” I said. “Send me the dates and details.”
“Sure thing.”
When I hung up, I felt like maybe the universe was giving me a sign that I’d have my dream job and possibly the girl.
“Everything alright?” Sasha asked.
“Right as rain. Well almost.” We were just outside of Eden Lake, and the high I was on about my writing work was slowly sinking as I realized I’d wouldn’t be able to see Sasha in more than a working relationship. I slowed down and pulled to the side of the road.
“Ah…are you sure?” she asked as I stopped the car.
I turned my body to her. “When we drive back into town, I’m your boss again.”
She gave me a wan smile. “Yes.”
“I hate being your boss.”
She laughed. “Yes, well, there isn’t much we can do about it.”
I swallowed and prepared myself for how she would respond to my next statement. “We can hide.”
Her brows knitted together.
“Date on the downlow.”
There was someth
ing in her eyes that told me she wanted to, and yet, she shook her head. “Eden Lake is a small town. It’s not a place you can hide your business.”
“So, we’ll be careful.” It wasn’t anyone's business what she and I did anyway. “There’s no rule about not being friends. If anyone asks, we can simply say that.” Taking a chance, I brushed my fingers over her cheek. “I know what I’m asking is a lot since it’s risking our jobs. And I don’t know what’s going on between us, but I do know that I don’t want it to stop.”
Her breath hitched. “Reece, I—”
I couldn’t bear to hear her reject my proposal. “I understand. It’s okay. Really—”
My words were cut off when her mouth covered mine. A nanosecond later, I was kissing her back, hoping this was her way of saying yes, and not a last kiss before it all ended again.
When she pulled back, I stared into her lovely eyes.
“Okay,” she said with a nervous breath.
My heart did a flip flop in my chest. “We’ll be careful,” I assured her. The last thing I wanted was for her career to be hurt because of my greed in needing to be with her.
She nodded.
I pulled out back into the road and drove the rest of the way to Eden Lake feeling like my life was finally starting to come together. Because we’d left early the day before, I’d picked her up at her place instead of at the office. So, I drove her back to her apartment.
“How come you didn’t rent that nice place your aunt and uncle own?” I asked as I walked her to her door. It was about noon and I was thinking of asking her out to lunch.
“Mr. Pierce only just left it,” she said, unlocking her door. “You rented it before anyone could. But even so, it’s more than I need. Besides, I like my little apartment. How are you liking the house?”
“It’s more than I need, but I like having the space. And the quiet, although sometimes it’s too quiet.”
“Maybe when the bears wake up, they’ll rummage through your garbage. That can make a racket.”
“Bears?”
She smirked. She seemed to hesitate then, but opened the door to let me in. I looked around us to see if anyone was watching. But then I decided even as her boss, it wouldn’t be that strange for us to have coffee or something after doing business.
I shut the door behind me as she dropped her purse on a side table. “I’m going to change. I’m still wearing what I wore yesterday. I feel like I’m making the walk of shame.”
I rolled my eyes as I followed her to her bedroom.
She arched a brow as I took a seat on her bed.
“What?” I asked. “I’ve seen you naked.” I knew the feel and taste of every inch of her skin.
“You’re insatiable.” She went to her dresser and pulled out some clothes.
I shrugged. “It’s your fault. You’re too sexy for your own good.”
“Hmm. I could say that about you. I can’t believe I’m risking my job.”
I’d been considering getting us both naked again, but her words were a reminder that she had a lot more to lose than I did. If I got fired, I’d be in a financial bind, but I wouldn’t feel like I lost my dream job.
I stood and went to her. “I’m going to take off. I know you have to meet with Janice later.”
Disappointment showed on her face, but she nodded.
“First, I’m going to kiss you, because no one can see that from here.” I bent forward, following through on my statement, pulling her close, pouring as much punch into that kiss as I could. I needed her to think I was worth the risk, although I wasn’t sure I was. “I’ll call you later tonight.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
I gave her one last quick kiss and then headed out the door not feeling quiet as self-assured in my life as I had when I walked in. Yes, my life seemed to be going well, but by trying to have everything I wanted, I was putting her at risk of losing what she already had. Maybe I should wait to pursue a relationship until I could quit my job. But Jesus, how could I be expected to not ever touch her or taste her or just enjoy her company now that I knew how great she was? I wasn’t that strong of a man.
Chapter 11: The Risk
Sasha
All my life I’d been the good girl. I ate my veggies, did what I was told, and followed the rules. Agreeing to continue to see Reece felt dangerous, and yet, at the same time, exhilarating. I told myself that he wasn’t planning to stay in this job, so eventually it wouldn’t be a problem. Or maybe we’d have a hot and heavy affair that would burn out. Either way, no one would know, and I’d be able to continue to spend time with him. I loved my job, but Reece was like a drug that I couldn’t give up. The problem was, I knew drugs and addiction usually didn’t turn out well unless the person quit. I was an idiot for taking the risk, and yet, I couldn’t turn him down.
The first week, we were ultra-stealth when seeing each other. At work, we mostly avoided talking to one another unless it was in the group. Since I regularly stayed late, he would too and we’d work on the wellness retreat. Even in the office though, while the air snapped with electricity between us, we were hands off.
We’d always leave some work issue undone and then either I’d go to his place or he’d come to mine under the guise of dealing with it. Sometimes we’d even work, but mostly we’d have dinner, watch TV, where he’d give me commentary about script writing, and of course, eventually we’d end up in bed, or on a table, and once we fell off the couch onto the floor, as we had sex. As nervous as I was about losing my job, I couldn’t deny how exciting it was to be with him.
He was also turning out to be a big help for the wellness retreat. While he’d stopped trying to make it bigger and in a fancier location, he did offer great ideas on the best way to use Pine Rest’s facilities, and even connected Mason and Allie to a well-known spiritual guru and motivational speaker he knew from his contacts who agreed to keynote the event.
The event was still a couple weeks away when Reece entered my office one afternoon. He left the door open, as he normally did to prevent anyone from getting the wrong idea about us.
“What’s up?” I asked. I was at my large white board over the table making sure I was on task for the retreat.
“I have to head out of town Friday. I have a meeting at the home office and then I’m meeting with my agent.”
He came to stand next to me, looking over my board. He put his hand on the table nonchalantly next to mine. Just close enough that his pinky lightly brushed the back of my hand.
“Did he like your new script?”
“He did. Plus, there are some other options out there.”
I wasn’t sure what to think about his potential success as a screenwriter. If he could make a living at it, he’d quit Sterling Starr which would mean we wouldn’t be risking our jobs anymore. But it also meant he'd have no reason to stay in Eden Lake.
“I’m leaving you in charge while I’m gone. I’ll be back around dinner time if you’re hungry then.”
I laughed. “I might be.”
We both stood staring at my board, although I wasn’t really looking at the details. Instead I was taking in the warmth of his body next to mine. The scent of his cologne.
“I wish I could kiss you,” he said softly.
“You can. Just not here.”
He turned his body toward me. I moved to face him as well. Unable to help myself, I pressed my hand over his heart. I had a wave of emotion flood my body as I looked up into his hazel eyes.
I loved him.
The realization hit me hard. On the one hand it was sweet, making my heart feel full. On the other hand, it was so dangerous. Not just because my job was at risk, but also, because I wasn’t sure how he felt. He liked me and I suspected he even cared about me. But it was hard to think he loved me. At least in a long-term way. I knew he saw his tenure here as being short term. I was a nice distraction while he was here, but he was a city boy.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his hand covering mine and giving it a
small squeeze.
“Yes.”
His gaze held mine for a moment then he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the inside of my wrist. I wanted to think the intensity of his eyes and the gesture meant something, but I pushed it away.
He dropped my hand and nodded toward my board. “Do you need any help with the retreat?” I knew that was code for asking if we could see each other tonight.
“It never hurts to have extra help.”
“Pizza or Chinese?” he asked, apparently deciding on take-out for dinner.
“Pizza.” I always chose pizza.
He winked and I blew him a small kiss. Then he turned and left my office.
I didn’t see him on Thursday as he had last minute work to prepare for his day in Los Angeles. I hoped things went well for him with his agent, even as I worried it would bring him closer to leaving his job and Sterling Starr, and of course, leaving me.
Friday, I got to work as usual. He left me in charge, but there wasn’t much going on. I had a corporate luncheon I was doing that day and on Saturday, I had a fiftieth wedding anniversary I was coordinating, but it was a small event with a venue and vendors I had experience with. I knew it would go off without a hitch.
“How does it feel to have the run of the place?” Janice asked peeking in my doorway.
“It doesn’t feel any different, really. I’m not doing any of the admin stuff and everyone here is doing their jobs so you don’t need me micromanaging you.”
“We could misbehave,” she joked.
“Since you normally do behave, that would be a poor reflection on me if you all of a sudden decided to act out.”
She shrugged. “A little misbehaving isn’t all bad.”
I looked away as images of me and Reece doing all sorts of misbehaving activity flashed in my head.
“I need to get ready for my luncheon,” I said, by way of dismissing her.
“Who’s in charge while you’re gone? I’m the oldest one here, I think it should be me,” she said with a grin.
“Have at it.”
The luncheon went off with only a minor hitch when the microphone didn’t work, but the restaurant quickly got it fixed and all went well.
