by Rita Sawyer
Her skirt was glued to her hips and showed a lot more leg than she usually did. The jacket wasn't much better, stretching across her breasts, it looked ready to pop open at any second. It wasn't easy pretending he wasn't hoping it would, but he thought he'd done a pretty admirable job. For what? She'd shot him down. No, she shot down his offer with a damn flimsy excuse in his opinion. It didn’t matter he’d been fighting to keep his growing desire locked up tight.
She would choose today to rock his world, even though she probably had no idea she was doing it. He never should have touched her while his feelings were so close to the surface. It had been a mistake, but he couldn’t find it in himself to really regret. Even though it was just her hand now, he knew her skin was silky soft, and he wanted to know if she felt that soft everywhere.
He needed a new strategy and fast. There had to be another track he could take with her, but what. If it wasn't money, then what the hell was pulling her away from him? Not the work, because if anything, it was way too easy for her. It could be something outside the office. Another man perhaps? Is that why she was dressed differently today?
“Please tell me you're not willing to give up this job for a man.” Her head snapped up, the fire in her eyes telling him he had gone too far again.
Shit . He wasn’t clueless with women. He’d dated his fair share and never had problems articulating his thoughts. Why was it so damned hard for him to just come out and tell her the truth? He wanted her beyond reason. What was it about her that jammed him up like this?
“Mr. Chapman, my interests outside this office are none of your concern.” She didn't deny it, and that just made his need to know more urgent.
“I'm your employer, Ms. Shadwell, and if your new wardrobe is a sign of things to come then your outside interest is going to have a major effect on my business.” Her jaw dropped, but snapped shut just as quickly, loud enough for him to hear her teeth clink together.
Dexter watched her eyes narrow, the brows pulling into a deep v. It was clear she was pissed, but the way the corners of her mouth pulled down he thought maybe she was hurt too. He hadn’t meant to hurt her. In fact, it was the last thing he wanted. The heaviness of regret tried to raise its head, but his anger and jealousy refused to let it get a good hold. Damn it, every time he opened his mouth, he managed to make things worse. All he wanted to do was make things right so they could move on, or at least get them back to where they had been.
Maybe he should just give up on those plans and just tell her the reason he was such an ass was because he couldn’t think of living without her. She may not want to get involved sexually, but he really hoped she would come around on that. He’d survive as long as she was working for him because he’d get to be around her. He would just have to man up and deal with his lust. But he was a man, and if there was even a one-percent chance she’d be willing to give him a go, he was going to do his best to take advantage of the situation.
He was about to apologize and try to start over when she got to her feet and said, “Mr. Chapman, there is nothing, absolutely nothing wrong with the way I’m dressed. If you think it would negatively affect your business, then you should grant my request and let me go.”
Patsy’s business tone refueled his anger, which was a good thing because now there was no way he was giving in. “Forget it. The outfits Jared’s previous assistants wore were way tighter and he didn’t have any problems.”
Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Dexter had been telling the truth about Jared’s assistants, but if she pushed him for an explanation, he was sunk. He had no idea why things went so smoothly in Jared’s world, or Kale’s for that matter. Lucky sons of bitches. Speaking of which, he was going to go interrupt their weekly tennis match this afternoon and make sure Jared knew Patsy was off limits.
Patsy stomped her foot shoving her hands onto her hips. “MY CLOTHES ARE NOT THAT TIGHT!”
Dexter couldn’t get over how beautiful she was when she was furious, and he couldn’t help baiting her. He looked her up and down, allowing himself a moment to enjoy the sight. It might help if she was able to see the purely masculine appreciation in his eyes. When he got to her feet, he saw the box on the floor. His entire body went rigid when he spotted the pink and black gift card. Jared was a dead man. Not for giving it to her, but because now he was going to spend hours, days, weeks imagining what she’d bought and if she was wearing it.
“Maybe I should have gone with a fruit tray or something,” he thought out loud, wondering if part of what he was feeling was a sugar rush from the three sweet rolls he’d eaten this morning while waiting for her.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” The light pink on her cheeks got darker and her lips settled into a half-pout, half-sneer that had him fighting a smile.
“Never mind. Look, just take some time and think the offer over.” He turned, heading for the door since it was either leave or make another mistake and kiss her senseless.
~* * *~
First he provided her with calorie laden treats, and then insinuated she shouldn’t be eating them. Did he really think hinting that he thought she was fat would make her change her mind about working for him? His office door slammed, and she sagged into her chair. She put her face in her hands, resting her elbows on the table. This whole situation was insane. For a brief second while he was looking at her, she got the feeling he might like what he saw. Then he just had to open his mouth and blow her dreams to smithereens. She didn’t have to think about his offer. It was a once in a lifetime type thing and she was going to turn it down flat.
Looking down at the table Patsy realized she’d put her elbow on her Danish. “Fucking wonderful.”
This day was just getting better and better, she thought as she got to her feet and stripped off her jacket. She took a step toward the sink and her foot hit something sending it sliding across the floor. It barely made a sound, but her eyes were locked on it as it slid, coming to a stop when it hit the wall. She dropped the jacket, ran over and picked it up, tucking the card back into the box. Had Dexter noticed she dropped it? Surely he would have said something, especially if he saw the gift card.
Oh yeah, he definitely would’ve had an opinion about it. Not that she wanted to know what it was. As far as she was concerned, he could keep all of his opinions, good or bad, to himself. The sad thing was, she didn’t think she’d be able to keep from telling him what he could do with his opinion if he offered it.
With Dexter out of sight in his office, the rest of the morning went smoothly. She’d cleaned her sleeve then the kitchen, hoping he’d leave before she came out, but she wasn’t that lucky. Not ready to deal with him just yet, she took the list of next week’s appointments and spent over an hour pulling their files. It was something she usually did on Monday morning, but she needed to keep her mind active and off Dexter. She glanced at the clock and grimaced. She always ordered lunch for them on Friday, unless he was out of the office.
She walked back to her desk and put the files down as she pressed the intercom button. She could have knocked on his door on her way by and asked him what he wanted, but she didn’t want to get that close. While she waited for his response, she started putting the files into the organizer on the shelf behind her desk.
“Yeah.” Dexter’s voice came over the line, and from the tone she could tell he hadn’t gotten over their early encounter either.
“Will you be wanting lunch today?” she asked, half hoping he’d say no so she could get out of there for a while.
“It’s Friday.” She ignored the note in his tone that said she was stupid for asking.
She turned back to her desk and scanned the day's calendar. “Mr. Klein will be here shortly then you’re clear until two. I’ll have it delivered around one o’clock if that’s okay with you.”
He didn't answer right away then she thought she heard him sigh before he said, “Just do whatever you think is best.”
Luckily Mr. Klein walked in so she wa
s saved from responding. “Mr. Klein, you're looking fit as a fiddle.”
“Cheeky girl.” He waggled his boney eighty year old finger at her as he shuffled across the room.
Kyle, his grandson and chauffer, followed him in and took a seat in the waiting area. They'd chatted the past few times he'd come in so she knew he volunteered to drive him. He said it gave them an excuse to sneak out and eat burgers, instead of Kyle's mother’s strict vegetarian diet. To her it seemed like the old man sure did seem to enjoy having the kid hanging around. Remembering Kyle telling her how his mother ranted about how greasy and fattening burgers were gave her an idea.
She opened the drawer and pulled out a takeout menu from the restaurant down the block. A quick call and her plan for revenge was set in place. It didn't take long, maybe a half an hour, for Mr. Klein to finish his business with Dexter. Dexter walked him to the door, stopping to shake hands with Kyle as if nothing was wrong, but he disappeared right back into his office. That was fine with her for now. About twenty minutes later, the delivery girl showed up with their lunches and her disaster of a day finally showed some promise. She was about to find out if that old saying that revenge was a dish best served cold was true.
She took the bag into the kitchen and quickly got everything unpacked and plated. Wanting to make sure he got the full effect she carried her plate and bottle of soda to her desk and put it where he would see it. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she headed back to the kitchen. It wasn't easy to ignore the slight trembling of her hands as she picked up Dexter's plate and bottle of flavored water, then walked the short distance to his office. Patsy told herself it was excitement that had her shaking, not fear, but in the back of her mind she wasn't so sure. She tucked the bottle in her arm and knocked on the door.
“Come in.” His tone was a bit gruff, but she knew from experience it was most likely because he was distracted.
She opened the door and walked in. He didn't even glance up from his computer. There were files spread open on the desk and a yellow pad with jumbled notes scribbled all over it. She was going to have fun trying to decipher that mess. Hopefully he'd do some type of rewrite before giving it to her.
She stopped in front of his desk. “Mr. Chapman.”
He grunted and held up a hand while scribbling furiously with the other. When he was done, he finally looked up at her and blinked a few times. She looked at his desk, then her hands, then back to the desk. Dexter got the hint and started shuffling stuff around until there was a spot for her to put the plate.
“What the hell is this?”
She smiled, since she'd been expecting this exact reaction. She reminded herself that after his behavior this morning he deserved a taste of his own medicine. “Well I thought since you had mentioned that you should have gotten something healthier for breakfast I thought you might enjoy a nice salad for lunch. With the dressing on the side, of course.”
He stared at the plate in disbelief and said, “But I could swear I smell burgers.”
“You do.” His head snapped up to meet her gaze. “I got a burger and onion rings.”
“Oh.” He leaned to the side and looked out at her desk where her burger was sitting waiting for her.
She put the plate and his water down and left the office, purposefully leaving the door open. Halfway to her desk she glanced back over her shoulder. Dexter was poking at the salad, staring at it as if it was something he'd never seen before. She covered her mouth so he wouldn't hear her laugh. His private line rang as she slid into her chair. She lifted the burger to her mouth and took a huge bite. The tangy flavor of the sauce, meat, and the cheese hit her tongue and she involuntarily closed her eyes and moaned.
“Shit.” She heard him say, then mumble something else she didn't catch.
She looked over at him and licked her lips. He groaned and turned away facing the wall. She was about to go see if everything was okay when he slammed the phone down so hard she jumped.
“I'll be out for the rest of the day,” he stormed past her desk and out the door.
That didn't go quite the way she planned. Maybe trying to piss him off hadn't been such a good idea. The bite of burger settled in her stomach like a piece of lead. At least they had the weekend to give each other some much needed space. The door flew open, and she lurched to her feet. Marcy took one look at her and burst into tears.
8 Ways Onto The Naughty List
Chapter Seven
Patsy spent Friday night and most of the weekend soothing Marcy's fears that Jared wasn't going to fire her. After all, it wasn't her fault his ex-girlfriend marched past her into his office and interrupted an important meeting. Truthfully, Patsy thought Marcy had been too stunned by what the woman was wearing, or more likely what she wasn't wearing, to think of stopping her.
The whole debacle had been horrendous. However, it convinced her what her next step in her getting fired plan should be. No, she wasn't going to invite Dexter’s ex-girlfriend for a visit, but only because she'd never taken the time to get to know one of them. Not even a name. When they came in, he was always standing there waiting for them. Nope, on this one she was going to have to put herself out there. Quite literally, she thought, pulling her coat a little tighter as she stepped into the elevator. It came to her knees and her favorite black leather boots came to just below.
The boots made her feel sexy and dangerous. The three-inch heels gave her some added height, which made her legs and ass look great. She’d worn them to work at least a dozen times, but never like this. Usually when she wore them she wore long skirts that reached mid-calf. Today she paired them with a skirt that stopped at mid-thigh. The skirt was so tight it hugged her hips like a second skin, but it had a slight slit in the back that gave her the freedom to move. Between the boots and skirt, it should have been enough of a difference to draw his attention, but she hadn’t stopped there. Patsy was out to prove a point, and she was determined to go all the way. So she’d chosen a fuzzy red, short sleeved sweater that was way too tight and had a deep v neckline that tastefully showcased her cleavage. It had been a gift from her grandmother and though she never planned on wearing it out in public, she figured this might be her one and only chance. Since she was pushing her boundaries, she put in a pair of dangly candy cane earrings.
She stripped her coat off as she walked into the office, telling herself to act normal. For her, this was going to be a typical day. However, she hoped it was going to be a rude awakening for Dexter. Either way he was going to see another side of her, she was sure of that much. She marched into the kitchen and started his nasty morning beverage. Once the pot was going, she went to her desk to get ready for the day. She booted up her computer and printed out his schedule. All the names looked familiar except for one. Evan Michaels Massey/Massey Entertainment Incorporated. She turned to the shelf behind her and double checked the files to make sure they were all there. They were all there, except for the Massey file.
She thought it was strange, so she searched the file cabinet with no luck. The only thing she could do was wait for Dexter to come in and ask him about it. Luckily, the appointment wasn’t scheduled until after lunch, so she’d have plenty of time to find the file. She picked up the phone, needing to take care of one more thing before she got down to business.
“TRS Financial, you’ve reached Jared Nuchie’s office. How may I help you?” Patsy didn’t think it was a good sign that Marcy’s voice sounded a little shaky.
“Hey hon, it’s me. Take a deep breath, everything’s going to be okay.” She smiled when she heard Marcy suck a breath in a blow it out.
“Patsy, oh thank god, I can’t do this. He’s going to be here any minute, what am I going to do?” Her voice was clearer but she was rambling.
“Calm down. Everything’s going to be fine. I’ll bet you anything Jared doesn’t say a word. In fact, I’m so confident, if he does I’ll give you my recipe for that three bean chili you love so much.”
“But you said it’s a fami
ly secret.” Patsy couldn’t help but laugh at Marcy’s excitement.
“Exactly.” She’d sensed there was a good reason Jared had hired Marcy, and she hoped he wasn’t going to let go so easily.
Marcy sighed loud enough for her to hear and said, “You might be right, but I still think we’d both be better off if we switched places.”
“I don’t think that would work.” It was hard to make Marcy understand, when she couldn’t tell her why she was planning on leaving.
She hadn’t even planned on telling anyone she was quitting until all the details were finalized, but after a few drinks she’d let it slip. Marcy asked a lot of questions, which she’d been able to answer in half-truths. Patsy deluded herself into believing she wasn’t actually lying, she was just leaving out very vital bits of information. There might come a day when someone other than Jared realized the truth, but until then she wasn’t going to volunteer it.
“I know Dexter would never be happy with my skills after being with you for the past two years.” The way she phrased it had Patsy’s fumbling the pen she had been twirling in her fingers.
The pen fell to the desk and in her haste to catch it she managed to knock the whole cup of pens onto the floor. “Your skills are fine, it’s your self-confidence you need to work on, but that has nothing to do with it. Things between me and Dexter are complicated right now.”
~* * *~
Dexter wasn’t letting another day go by without apologizing for his behavior, which would no doubt lead to his explaining why he’d been acting like such an ass. He reached for the door and as his hand closed over the handle he spotted her. At least he thought it was her. His hands tightened so much his knuckles went white from the pressure. She stood beside her desk with the phone pressed to her ear while she stretched out her leg, trying to reach something.
