Give It To Me: Taboo Romance
Page 72
She leaned back. “Ah I get it. You are expected me to giggle and jump up and down thanking you by what falling to my knees in front of you—” she paled and froze the moment the words left her lips. Her hand covered her mouth and her eyes stayed wide as if she were waiting for me to flip out.
I was shocked really and adjusted my tie. Of course I could imagine that and would fuckin’ appreciate that. She was smoking hot, but that wasn’t what I had in mind—that was until she mentioned it. “Uh, not exactly I was just curious. Most of the women tear up at least.”
She cleared her throat. “Sorry, about that. I guess sometimes I speak before I think. Not one of my finer qualities. Of course I would be thrilled and grateful, but tears and I don’t go together. I hope you understand I take this very seriously, and I really want and need this job, more than you can imagine.”
I nodded. She didn’t seem like the type of woman to take things lightly. “I believe you and apology accepted. I do believe we’re done Miss James.”
She frowned and nibbled her lip nervously. I could tell her now, but I figured I’d let her stew a bit, make her wonder. I wanted to ruffle her feathers some. She wasn’t as confident as she appeared. I sat back and gave her a look that clearly said she was excused and she stood. When she walked away she kept her head high and didn’t look back. I saw her intake of breath as she opened the door and left the room. She didn’t argue, plead, bargain, or try to seduce me. She was damn impressive.
I waited until nearly five o’clock to call back Miss James. I itched to call her all day, but I wanted to make her wait. Plus I needed to gather myself. The image of her bent over my desk had made a constant appearance in my imagination, and I couldn’t go there. She didn’t seem like the type of woman to fuck her boss, and that’s all it could ever be. I didn’t have anything left to give. Been there done that, and if I ever did it again it would be too soon.
I dialed her number.
“Hello?” a man asked.
“I’m calling for Angel James.”
“Who the hell is this?”
“She applied for a job today,” I replied not liking the attitude. Then I heard a female voice muffled and then a scratchy sound.
“Hello?”
“Miss James, this is Grayson Lockwood.”
I heard a thump and a muffled ‘ouch’ and knew she had hit whoever answered the phone. I chuckled.
“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry about my brother he’s kind of a jerk.”
“That’s quite all right I assume you have it under control?”
“Oh yeah, he better hide.”
I was pretty surprised by the venom in her tone. I couldn’t hold back my laugh back. It was strange she made me laugh more than most people in months, yet I’d only met her in the afternoon. “I was calling to inform you that you’re hired.” I waited for a squeal, anything to show she’d heard me.
“Miss James?”
“A—are you for real?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you so much, you won’t regret it.”
I heard a sniff but that couldn’t be right, she already said tears weren’t her thing. “I should hope not. Be at the office tomorrow at eight a.m.”
“You got it.”
I didn’t know what else to say, I didn’t really want to hang up, but there wasn’t anything else to talk about. “See you in the morning Miss James.”
“Yep, good night, Mr. Lockwood.”
The line went dead and I felt strangeness. My heart skipped a beat and I realized I was excited. I don’t know how long it had been since I’d been excited about something. Every day I lived life and spent days and most nights working. When I wasn’t working I tended to be wrapped up with some nameless woman who I’d easily forget the next day. I had a feeling that wouldn’t be good enough to ease my discomfort tonight. Something told me only a small plus sized beauty would ease my newly found tension. I shook my head because that wouldn’t do, not at all.
Chapter Three
Angel paced her room. It was three hours too early to be up, yet she couldn’t sleep. She’d already picked out her outfit so she wouldn’t be scrambling when it was time to be getting ready. Driving to her new job would be a bitch of a commute, but once she got settled she’d get an apartment or something. The twins lived at home while her mom was away. Neither of them was capable of taking care of her. The other two were off doing their own thing. Mom refused to make everyone scramble home to be there for her.
She hoped she’d be able to start paying off the bills fast. The sooner the better actually. Hell Angel didn’t ask how much she’d be making because she knew it was top dollar. She’d probably be the best paid secretary in the United States. She shoved her hair from in front of her face and sighed when strands slid right back in her eye. She hated the first few days of a cut. It never stayed where she wanted it too. Growling in frustration, she stormed into the bathroom and grabbed a bobby pin to hold the bangs in place before making her way to the spare room.
Her mother had a large house and the spare room was sort of ‘the everything room’ which included a workout room. Angel wasn’t a small woman by any means, but she was in shape. Exercise was a part of her daily routine, as well as eating right. She wanted to do everything she could to avoid being sick like her mother. She jumped on the bike and let her mind go. It wasn’t until her brother came in rubbing his eyes that she realized she’d gone too long and that she needed to go.
Angel was on the road 30 minutes later driving to her new job. The nerves had all but vanished, but that would change. She knew when she was confronted with her new boss her heart would pound rapidly in her chest. He did funny things to her, and she didn’t like it. At a quarter after seven she parked her car and took a deep breath. “You can do this Angel,” she whispered.
She climbed out of her car and adjusted her skirt and pulled out the matching jacket. Throwing her shoulders back she plastered on her confident face. She’d clipped back her bangs and put a thin layer of makeup on to cover the dark circles from lack of sleep and stress. She went to push the door opened and it was locked. Figured being early meant no one would be there. Just as she was about to go to her car a lock clicked and Grayson opened the door.
“You’re early.”
“Yes, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t late.”
“I like it, come on in.”
She nodded and went inside and he shut and locked the door behind her.
“I usually like to have the morning to myself before the office chatter starts. Makes it hard to concentrate once everyone is here.”
“I won’t be a bother then, just tell me what you need me to do this morning and I’m good to go.”
He looked at her strangely but nodded and jerked his head to the side indicating she should follow him. She followed him into his office and he led her to a side door that opened into another office that was smaller, but it was spacious.
“Here’s your office. I need you close, and I don’t like to use the phone or email. It makes it easier this way.”
Angel nodded. “It’s a nice space. Can I brighten it up some?”
Grayson chuckled. “Let’s see if you make it here before you go redecorating my space.”
“You don’t have a lot of faith in who you hire. I should be offended, but I’ll prove you wrong.”
“I like your sass, but remember I am the boss Miss James.”
“Please call me Angel.”
“I’d rather not. So let’s get started. I need you to go through my emails. The list of everything you need is on the desk. It might take some time to memorize. I know what my schedule looks like for today so you can worry about learning the ins and outs of the place. It’s pretty busy, but mostly it’s when I go to the site I’ll need you with me keeping everything on track.”
“You’re a real hands on guy aren’t you?” she asked.
“Definitely, but I’m terrible at keeping my own schedule.”
“Lucky for you I’m g
reat at it.” She paused. “Hey, do you know of any cheap apartments for rent or anything around here?”
He raised a brow. Of course he knew. “Why?”
She plopped in the chair and powered on the computer. “Well, if I’m going to be working here I might need to live here so the commutes not so bad.”
“Ah, yes you’re a Kansas girl.”
“Yep.”
“I’ll check around, find you the best deal in the safest area and get back to you. It might be a couple of days.”
Angel sighed. That’s what she was afraid of, but he would be the best one to help her. “Thanks. Now scoot, don’t you have work to do?”
His eyes lit with amusement. “Yes, ma’am I do.” He sauntered out of her new office, but left the door open. It felt strange being so close to him. He’d be able to call for her easily. No phone or PA system needed. She wondered why the office was secluded against the rest of them. She would have no choice but to walk through his space to leave. Was he that much of a controlling boss? She wouldn’t get to be a part of the office chatter, which was fine with her. She agreed with him on that, but it was so quiet she could hear him typing on his keyboard. Angel decided she’d have to bring her music in to help distract her. It was too quiet.
“Miss James.”
That was going to get old fast. She didn’t understand why he couldn’t call her by her name. It was so formal. Shaking her head she stood in her doorway and plastered a smile no her face. “Yes, sir?”
Something flashed in his eyes, and she ignored the way it sent a thrill down her spine.
“Just checking.” Then he looked at whatever was on his screen dismissing her.
Angel laughed. Things in her life had just gotten a bit more interesting. She didn’t like the attraction she felt, but she was in control of her emotions and would not let them rule her.
Chapter Four
It was comforting having her so close. When she asked about apartments I had forgotten she didn’t live nearby. It was nice to see dedication from someone. Lately all the staff I’d hired were sorely lacking. It was the whole reason I worried about hiring someone so young. She seemed different than most women her age, and it was refreshing. She was also too attractive for her own good. I didn’t even think she realized that the slightest raise of her brows was a distraction to me. Normally I was better at keeping my lust in check, but something about that curvy woman had everything in me aching. I needed to do something about it before I did something stupid. Like act out the fantasy of bending her over my desk and fucking the shit out of her.
The phone ringing brought me out of my thoughts.
“Hello?”
“Are you coming to the fair this year?”
“I planned to why?”
“They just moved the date up. It’s starting tomorrow and going into the weekend.” The voice said in exasperation.
“Shit,” I said. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear. I thought I still had a couple of weeks to get ready. It was in St. Louis as usual, and I needed time to schedule everything. “Thanks for the information, Jesse.”
“Of course man, I didn’t think you’d know that it got changed.”
“Talk to you later.”
I shook my head and rubbed my temples. I needed a drink. “Miss James?”
She popped her head in and frowned. “Yes?”
“I need help.”
She came into my office and instead of sitting down she walked around behind me. When her small hands gripped my shoulders roughly I groaned. “What are you doing?”
“You’re stressed. You obviously got news that didn’t make you happy. I’m trying to help.” Then she pressed deeply and I let go of it all. Her small hands were strong and efficient and hit every tense spot. “Lean forward.”
If her damned hands didn’t feel so good I would have reminded her I was the one to give orders. I leaned forward and sighed when she continued her ministrations down my back. “Good god woman that feels good.”
“Take deep breathes and try to relax.” She was all business, and I was a little miffed that she didn’t seem to be struggling to touch me, but I was hard as hell just by her fingertips digging into my muscles. She seemed totally at ease, but I followed her instructions the best I could. The more she touched me, the more aroused I became, and the moment she stopped massaging I spun my chair and pulled her onto my lap.
She yelped and tried to climb off but I held her still. “You’re too tempting Miss James.”
She gasped when I cupped her breast through her silk shirt.
“Mr. Lockwood, this isn’t appropriate.”
“I’m aware.” I rubbed my thumb over her nipple and she squirmed and gasped again when she felt how hard I was. “That’s what your touch did to me.”
“I—it wasn’t on purpose.”
“I believe that, but that’s what happened. Now I must admit I don’t usually mix work with pleasure, but you my dear are driving me crazy.”
“I think this is a very bad idea. It’s my first day, and I didn’t mean to give you the impression I was easy. I really was just trying to help you relax.”
“I don’t think you’re easy, and I think you’re a beautiful and very capable woman.” I let her go before I did anything worse. I’d be lucky if she didn’t walk out. I was losing my damned mind. She jumped up and moved to her seat and sat down. And just like that it was over. She wasn’t affected any longer and was in her professional mode.
“Now, why are you so stressed?”
No woman my age was able to accomplish what she did in a matter of seconds. It both disappointed me and impressed me. “The fair has been moved up. It’s starting tomorrow and into the weekend, and I have no idea what the fuck I’m going to do.”
“That’s what you have me for right to help?”
“Not on your first day. I have to reschedule a million things and get ready for tomorrow tonight. I’ll be here all night at this rate.”
“Then so will I. You hired me to be your secretary, but I’m guessing you need an assistant right now. I just expect a bonus.” Then she laughed.
I wasn’t sure how she was able to do it, but I laughed and ran my hand through my hair. “So now we get to work. I can make a list of things that need rescheduled. You have my calendar. I need you to start making calls while I get set up for the next few days, oh and you’ll be coming with me.”
“On it.” Then she got up and sauntered out of the office. “Just email me your list so we don’t have to stop our flow of work please.”
It didn’t even faze me, but she had certainly taken over and bossed me around. I shouldn’t have found it amusing—but I did. For the first time someone was helping me. It made me soften even more towards her. I should have known then I was in trouble.
* * * *
Five hours later and we still hadn’t come up for air. I’d finally gotten the reservations for the hotel in St. Louis after bribing them to give me the suite I normally got.
“Miss James?”
I could hear her exasperation with the formalities, but I needed to keep some level of professionalism or I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands to myself much longer. Her scent lingered in the room, and I was having a hard time ignoring her voice as she skillfully handled all the calls with a professionalism I hadn’t expected.
“Yes, sir?” she asked and leaned in the room.
“We should eat.”
“I’m okay; I still have half a page of calls to make. You weren’t kidding with how much work you have. Do you ever freakin’ sleep?”
I chuckled. “Rarely, and it wasn’t a request about dinner it was an order. We both need to eat.”
“Then I’ll order in so we can do both.”
I glared but relented because she was right, there really was a lot more to do. “Fine, I want Chinese.”
“Sounds good, what do you want?”
I smirked. “Whatever you’re having, Angel.”
For the first time I saw a
hint of something her blue eyes. She licked her lips and nodded before disappearing back into her office. Finally, I knew. She wasn’t as unaffected as she appeared. That was when I decided to hell with professionalism. I wanted her, and I was going to have her—for as long as she would let me. It had been a long time since I’d found a woman I wanted to have around, and not just for sex. She made me laugh and even under the stress I was still reasonably calm. It was her, she was truly an Angel.
Chapter Five
Angel sat at her desk and groaned silently. She hadn’t expected to be so affected by him, or it was more she expected to be more controlled. There had never been a time when a man made her feel the way her new boss did. Her legs were wobbly just by how he said her name. It was silly really. She was a grown ass woman, not some girl in high school. Even in high school she’d never felt something like this, and it was too damn soon. Sure lust was inevitable. He was damn sexy.
Angel took a deep breath and looked up the closest Chinese restaurant that delivered to the office. She ordered enough food for six and found his charge card information and read it off to the man. When she ended the call she looked up to see him leaning against the door jamb with a hand shoved in his pocket. She wasn’t sure what to make of the look he gave her, but then he smiled, and it wasn’t a cocky smirk, it was a real smile.
“You handle things well, Angel.”
“Thanks, I’ve always been this way though. Miss responsible even as I was pranking my brothers.” She shrugged.
“You’ll be able to travel for a few days correct?”
“Yes, I’ll just have to go home and pack.”
“I’ll send a car for you so you don’t have to leave yours at the office that long.”
“You don’t have to do that. I don’t mind leaving it in the lot. I’m out of the way.”
“Nope, you’ll be picked up by six in the morning. We have about a six hour drive, and then we still have to set up. The fair goes to 11, and then opens at seven the following morning. We’re going to miss part of the first day since I can’t drive us out tonight.”