“Why?” I ask aloud with a groan. Why couldn’t he let me admire him from afar? That would’ve been difficult enough but doable.
Becs opens the door and stares at me. She’s trying to weigh whether she will be able to laugh at my expense or have to console me as I cry. Since I’m not sobbing, she covers her mouth and snickers.
“Sis, it’s not funny. He runs the company.”
“I’m impressed. You go, girl.”
Becca is twenty-two but can act like she’s twelve at times. I’ve always been independent, whereas Becs prefers to be taken care of. Since she’s the baby, Mom and Dad have given her anything she wants.
She’s graduating college in two months, but I’m sure they’ll still be helping her out. She has a roommate, but our parents pay most of her share of expenses since they hardly want her working while in school.
“Here’s a bowl of butter pecan. Now, tell me everything,” Becca demands as she shoves a bowl of ice cream in my face.
“My boss, Everett Casteel, made a pass at me. He’s this rugged yet gorgeous man. His eyes are a deep blue. Part of a tattoo shows under his shirt sleeve, and I bet the man has more of them on his remarkably fit body.”
My sister’s eyes are wide. “Tell me more,” she says before shoving a spoonful of ice cream into her already open mouth.
“I’m not sharing every detail, but I will say that he pushed me up against the door, and it was like something you see in the movies, all raw and passionate.”
“Then what happened?” Becca tucks her legs under her ass and waits for the next juicy detail.
“I stopped him.”
“Why?” she asks in a drawn out, high pitched tone.
“Uh, for one, he’s my boss of two flippin’ days. Two, his wife died. I don’t believe he’s had sex since, and I can’t compete with that.”
“Oh, come on. People remarry all the time after losing a spouse. At least have some fun with the man. How old is he?”
“I think early thirties, but I can’t risk my job to have a good time.”
“Does he have any brothers?”
“Yes, three. The place is crawling with men. One of his brothers is probably around your age, and he’s a cutie.”
“Oooh, I need to meet him.”
I hurry and swallow the dollop of ice cream in my throat while adamantly shaking my head no at her.
“I can’t have any other connections to Everett.”
“You gotta lighten up. Tons of people in relationships meet at their place of employment.”
“I need to see statistics on all these so called ‘facts’ you’re throwing out.”
Becs rolls her eyes at me as she twirls a piece of her golden blonde hair around a finger.
“You did some wild shit with guys before you got with boring Craig. He made you uptight. Why not live a little … or a lot, before you settle down?” She gives me a wicked grin.
I was wild in college, living the whole sorority life to its fullest. I partied too much, and since there was no in between with me, I was drunk a lot, which meant I was an uninhibited guest at the parties.
Unfortunately, one of the times I was drunk, I spilled some of the details to my sister when she was about to begin college. I was on my way out and felt a need to prepare her. She’s never let me live it down.
“Sis, come back to earth.” I snap my head up and find her staring at me. “You were thinking about those crazy days, weren’t you?” There is that wicked grin again.
“Listen, the stud of a man needs a refresher before getting back in the game, and you need to live some before you likely pick another boring ass man since we both know you deny the carefree woman you want to be.”
My sister finally stops to suck in a breath. “So, take advantage of this opportunity to have a wild fling with a smokin’ hot, biker dude of a boss.”
“You make it sound as if it’s no big deal.” I shovel the last spoonful of butter pecan in my mouth.
“It’s only a big deal if you make it one. Shut off your brain, Reese, and find your sensual self again. Ride that man a hundred different ways in a hundred different places. You can look for a job while it’s happening.”
I set the bowl between my legs and bury my face in my hands. “Geez, when did you get old enough to talk to me this way? It does sound fun and exciting,” I say muffled.
My sister stands up on the couch, her feet sinking far into the cushions, and proceeds to shake her hips, doing her own victory dance.
“Oh, yeah. You know you want to, and I’m so bringing you lunch this week, so I can meet these sexy brothers.”
I throw my finger out at her. “No. No way, Becca.”
Chapter Five
Everett
I’m a wreck, wondering if Reese showed up for work today. If not, I’m likely getting charged with sexual harassment, and my brothers will kick my ass.
Dad would do the same if he was here. Why did he have to die, too? I’m certain moving on after Krystal would’ve been easier with him by my side.
Travis motions for me as soon as I step through the doors. It’s like he has damn eyes on the back of his head or a silent alarm, signaling him when I enter the building.
“What?” I ask with frustration.
“Geez, what the hell is going on around here? Sarge is a grump, and I wanted to tell you he’s already been looking for you.”
“Shit. OK, thanks for the heads up.” Has she called and quit? I trudge to the hallway. Reese isn’t in her office, but the light is on.
“Everett, I need a word with you,” Sarge says from behind me. I haven’t even made it to my desk.
“Good morning. What’s the problem?”
“I’ve been waiting for you to tell me. Word already spread through this place that Reese literally ran out of here last night. Did you have something to do with that? And answer me quietly please.”
“Is she here?”
“Shit, I knew it. Yes, she’s here.”
She hasn’t said anything. Interesting.
“Everett, I know Krystal is the only female you’ve ever worked this closely with, but you have to realize Reese could get you into a lot of trouble if you are rude to her.”
“I wasn’t rude. She’s going to help me with the taxes. It’s all good.”
“Oh, OK.” He raises his eyebrows and points at me. “Keep it that way. She’s smart and sweet, and we need her help.”
“You got it, Sarge,” I say with a salute. All of us here enjoy calling him out on his bossiness. He says I’m in charge, but he’s the one giving orders every minute of the day.
He leaves, and I get to work. As eager as I am to know what Reese thinks, I can’t bring myself to go to her office. I still want her and won’t apologize for that, so I’m not sure what I would say.
I’m on the phone when I hear my door shut. Glancing up, I see her leaning back against it, palms flat on the surface. Damn, seeing her in that position makes me want to push my cock against her again.
“Mr. Reiser, could I please give you a call back?” I hang up the phone and eat up the sight of her as she stands nervously in front of me.
“I saw Sarge go into the shop, so I thought I’d have a word with you.”
“I’m honestly surprised you’re here today.”
She tilts her head and gives me a look, as if my statement baffles her. “Like most people in this world. I have to work if I want a roof over my head and food to eat.”
Damn, I love her tenacious personality. I can’t help but get up to approach her. As I stalk across the room, her chest rises and falls faster, but she never takes her eyes off of mine.
“What did you want to say, Reese?”
Reese
I’m cursing Becca as I stare at Everett. He’s standing before me in all his hotness, waiting for me to answer. His hand reaches out, and the back of it skims down my cheek. I close my eyes, trying to slow my breathing, but it’s impossible. Do it, Reese. Be carefree.
�
�Do you still want to touch me?” I ask faintly before I risk a glimpse. His brow furrows, and desire bathes eyes as blue as sapphires.
“Absolutely.”
I place my hands on his chest. Oh, it’s firm.
“It sounds as if you’re still grieving, and I, um, recently came out of a three year relationship, but we both obviously miss the physical contact and sex—”
His mouth is on mine, demanding entry as his strong hand wraps snugly around my wrists that are still pressed to his chest. Bringing them together, he lifts them above my head, pinning my arms to the door.
Holy hell, this is hot. But he has to agree to my terms first. I pull my lips away and hear his low growl. “I have conditions,” I say, gasping for air.
His free hand slides under the hem of my skirt, pushing it up my leg. He smirks as his thumb begins drawing lazy circles on my inner thigh.
“Let me hear them.”
I swallow and will my concentration.
“One, as soon as the audit is over, I’m finding another job, so this only goes on until then.” Leaning over, his blazing breath warms my neck before his artful tongue is twirling along my ear.
A faint, uncontrollable whimper leaves my lips. “This is really unfair. You’re using two hands and your mouth. I can’t do anything,” I add.
“Mmm … you’re observant and will be a quick study to how I like to operate. What else?”
“Two, you have to be professional at work. None of this.” He lifts his head and stares at me, his gaze fixed and intense.
“No. I’m enjoying this quite a lot. What else?”
“Three, you can’t tell anyone who works here, including your brothers.”
“I’ll possibly agree to condition one, but it’s doubtful I will have had enough of you by then, no to two, and I agree to three.”
“Agree to two or I leave.” I fix my eyes on his, letting him know I mean it.
“And how are you going to leave?” He smiles and surveys my wrists pinned above my head. Sighing, I glare at him.
His smirk disappears, eyes imparting sexual desire as he closes the space between us with his powerful frame. Fingers slip away from my skirt and glide up the side of my leg, hip and waist, pushing in deeply along each curve.
“Damn, your body is sensational.” Reaching my hardened nipple, his thumb circles it at a teasing pace. “And it wants me to fuck it.”
My gaze is held prisoner as he draws the moisture between my thighs, stinging pleasure sparking everywhere. His hand continues its path to my neck before gripping the back of my head.
He holds it still, reminding me that he’s in control at the moment. “I’ll agree to two. You will be begging me to touch you in this office so it’s irrelevant.”
“You’re full of yourself.”
“And you obviously like it.” Everett slowly lowers my wrists, his eyes still claiming mine. “Let me take you to dinner.”
“OK, but I need to get back to work.”
Stepping aside, he gives me a smile that shows he’s pleased with how our morning exchange has went.
I slip out of his office and straighten my clothes, making a note to myself that I need to start carrying extra underwear with me. This should be a walk of shame for that thought alone.
Chapter Six
Reese
The doorbell rings and I cringe. The thought of how I’m about to let Everett violate me the way I have violated all work ethic is disconcerting yet exciting, too.
It reminds me of how I felt once when I entered an adult store with my college friends. Disgracefulness overlaid with curiosity. I wanted to absorb the smutty details of every item in the place, and I found myself fighting a mischievous smile the entire time.
I feel shameful, having an affair with a boss, yet I find myself wanting to take a peek at every luscious part of his prominent, muscular body. Everett strikes me as the man I could explore anything and everything with.
Hurrying down the hallway, I stumble as I pull on my last heel. I sling the door open, and I’m in awe over the sexy being standing before me.
He’s badass with his light brown hair that’s a little long around his ears, along with that stubble I want to feel roughly against my skin. I’m greeted with a smirk as he lifts his shades and gives me a lingering look over.
“Hi,” I say nervously.
“Fancy face, I’d like nothing more than to admire you in that dress all evening, but you’ll have to change.”
Feeling unbelievably self-conscious, I glance down at my black dress and heels.
“You’re dressed up … sort of. Am I that overdressed?”
“I’m wearing jeans.”
“But your shirt is nice,” I say. Seriously? This is our first date conversation?
“I brought the bike.”
“You want me to ride on a motorcycle?”
“Words from the woman who said she would spend as many hours necessary to learn about them.”
“I’ll do it. I wasn’t expecting it, is all.” I tilt my chin up since he’s giving me that damn smirk again; the one that makes me want to smack his face and mount him at the same time. “Um, come in since I need to change.”
Everett strolls past me, and I notice how his black leather jacket over his charcoal grey button up looks as if it was stitched around his muscles, molding them to perfection. There is an eagle design across the upper back that adds an edge to his already bad boy appearance.
Barely pointing down the hallway, I tell him I’ll be right back, and there’s a part of me wishing he would follow.
Since I’m already in a black lace bra, I put on a thin black sweater and some jeans before digging my ankle boots out of the closet.
After putting my hair back in order, I take a deep breath and march down the hall. Everett is eyeing some of my family photos on a table in the entryway.
“I’m ready.”
He whips around and smiles as he scans my body once again. The man doesn’t hold back. We get out to his motorcycle, which he says is a Kawasaki Ninja 1000. After instructing me on what to do and not to do while riding, he says that he’ll give me a more informative lesson soon.
Having never ridden on one before, I’m nervous but not afraid as we zip down the road. It’s exhilarating like Everett and another experience I get to have during our so-called arrangement.
He’s going to challenge me. I feel it, but he’s met his match. His desire to be in control is exciting and a sure turn on, but anything he wants us to do will happen because I agree to it. I’m not the weak secretary he gets to bang.
Everett
Reese’s arms are wrapped around me. I’m trying to focus on the road, but I keep imagining her hands sliding down onto my cock, which was raging the second she opened her door.
I pull up at Shillings on the Square, in historic Marietta, and instruct her on how to get off the bike. Her helmet comes off, and she shakes out her blonde hair. The image of when I gripped it against my office door has my heart drumming. What is she doing to me?
I loved Krystal, but I can admit that I never felt this kind of desire when she and I were together, not even in the beginning. Is this simply from not having touched a woman in over two years?
Reese smiles at me bashfully, and I realize I’ve been staring. It’s affecting her. Perfect. I let her lead the way into the restaurant.
“Tell me about your family. You’ve met a handful of mine.” I give her a smirk since my brothers are always entertaining.
“I have only one sibling, my younger sister, Becca. My father had a government job and is already retired. They travel in their RV about half of the year. I have a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins.”
“Roman and Sarge are married and have kids, and Travis is still single. Mom is a sweetheart, and my father passed away five years ago from a heart attack.”
I imagine my pain is evident. I could never hide that I miss that man. My brothers and I were tight with him. Reese reaches over the table and grasp
s my hand.
“I’m sorry you lost two people who meant so much to you and in such a short amount of time.”
Shit, she’s sweet, too. I shouldn’t have shared that. And her hand is so damn soft. I bet the rest of her skin feels like silk. Dammit, I have to stop thinking about her sensuous body.
“I don’t miss him any less, but time does ease the pain.”
“And how long had you known your wife?”
“Uh, I don’t think she should be brought into this.” The waiter takes our order, and he’s getting a big tip for coming to my rescue.
“This place is lovely,” she says, sounding surprised as she glances around the candlelit room. “I’ve only ever eaten at the downstairs restaurant, you know, in the pub.” She grins widely.
“Did you assume I’d be cheap?”
She takes a long drink of wine.
“I was only commenting on how elegant it is. I’m used to more casual dining. I’m enjoying this.” Her eyes nervously roam the room again.
“I’m sorry. I figured most women would expect to have dinner someplace this nice, especially on a first date.” A memory of Krystal throwing a tantrum at a restaurant comes to mind.
“I’m pretty easy to please,” she says before her eyes fall heavily on mine. “You said your wife shouldn’t be brought into this. What is this?”
“You came to my office with your conditions, remember? Why don’t you tell me?”
Noticeably uncomfortable, she shifts in her seat.
“I wouldn’t have had to make conditions had you not hit on me first.” Her lips purse as she waits for me to respond. I’ll give her this one since I’m about to make her a hell of a lot more uncomfortable.
“OK, since you want this to last only two months, I think we should make the most of it.”
Reese attempts a confident smile as she moves in her seat again, and it’s turning me the fuck on. She needs to stay still.
“How do you propose we do that?”
Trust Game Page 3
