“You did try to sleep with me last night. Isn’t that your MO? Fucking your coworkers, or better yet, your secretary.”
“Secretary?” I asked.
Fuck.
Intelligent, feisty, and beautiful. Beakman’s words rang in my ears. He’d described her to a T.
“And here I thought your big Harvard degree meant you were supposed to be quick on the uptake. Yep, I’m your new secretary! Good thing we already broke the ice last night when you shoved your tongue down my throat.”
“You fucking liked it,” I smirked.
Her hand flew through the air and collided with the side of my cheek before I even realized what was happening. “You did not just say that to me!”
Again, her hand shot in the air, but this time, I caught her wrist before contact could be made. “You need to calm down.”
“Fuck you.”
“Based on the way you kissed me last night, you’d like that.”
“You’re disgusting.” Her voice held nothing but contempt as she spoke.
My body moved before I could think to control it, and within a second, I had Violet pinned against the door to my office. “Calm down.”
“Let go of me,” she seethed.
Irises the same shade as the ocean glared at me. They were a light, crisp blue, the kind of eyes you could drown in. My hands held her arms in place, her skin soft to the touch. Air filled her lungs in frantic grasps, causing her chest to press against mine. When my attention fell to her lips, the only thing I could think about was the kiss we had shared the night before. And God, did I want to repeat it. The second I leaned forward, her breathing hitched. Whether she admitted it or not, she wanted this as badly as I did.
The realization of our shared attraction brought me plummeting back to reality. If I had to work around this woman every day, I’d go insane. I definitely wouldn’t be able to keep myself from trying to fuck her, and then I’d ruin my second chance. Everyone already thought I’d fucked my way around Chicago, but I couldn’t let them think the same thing here.
Immediately, I released Violet and backed away from her. I exited the office like I’d been set on fire. I needed to find Beakman.
Now.
Sprinting for the stairwell, I took the steps two at a time, climbing to the floor just above us. The majority of the offices and kitchen were located up here. I rounded the glass corridors and passed the kitchen as I made my way toward Beakman’s office. When I got there, his door was closed and the light was off. I took a few minutes to search for his secretary, but her desk was empty too.
Fucking hell. I just couldn’t stay at my apartment last night, I had to go out. And not only that, I just had to want the one woman in that bar who was off-limits.
Months of pent-up sexual tension coursed through my body. When all the shit came to light in Chicago, I made myself forego sex. Sleeping around would have only added more fuel to all the rumors being spread about me. No, I was determined to keep everything under control, and I had successfully done so for two months. Until . . . I met Violet. Now, that tension wanted to explode from my body like an active volcano at the mere sight of her.
There was no chance in hell I’d go back to my office without speaking to Beakman. My office was the only completed space of the renovations. That and the waiting area where Violet’s desk stood were the sole areas not covered with tarps. Meaning we were the only people currently working on the nineteenth floor. Fuck, there was no way I could be around that woman alone.
I paced up and down the hall for what felt like forever. In actuality, fifteen minutes passed. The firm was still mostly deserted, but people were starting to file in. Elation filled my chest as I caught sight of Beakman rounding the corner.
“Good morning, sir. Do you have a spare moment for me to speak with you?” I asked.
“The office isn’t to your liking?” he assumed, staring at me over the rectangular lenses in his glasses.
“No, that’s not it at all. The office is perfect.”
“Glad to hear it. What’s the problem then?”
“How do you know there is a problem?”
He gave me another leveled look. “You’re pacing outside my office door and it isn’t even nine yet.”
“True,” I replied with a nod.
“Well, what’s the problem?”
“I was wondering if it would be possible for me to get a new secretary.”
“You don’t like Violet?” he questioned, clearly surprised at my request.
“Our personalities clash.”
He sighed heavily. “Honestly, she is one of the best. If I didn’t have Rhonda, I’d take her for myself.”
“I’m sure she is wonderful, but our work styles are very different.” Fuck. The garbage spewing from my mouth was ridiculous. But there was no chance in hell I’d tell him the truth. The fact I couldn’t work with Violet because I wanted to sleep with her wouldn’t go over well at all.
“I see.”
My heart leapt into my throat as he considered my statement. We were still standing in the hall, and I glanced up at the sight of movement. Sure enough, the topic of our conversation had just trudged into the employee kitchen. I could see her clearly through the glass walls, and it was obvious she was flustered.
“Well, Bartlett’s secretary just went on maternity leave, so we could transfer Violet to work for him and then hire you a temp.”
My mind registered the words he spoke, but my eyes were distracted. Violet faced the counter, stirring creamer into a mug of coffee. Behind her, a middle-aged man approached. His hands caught her around the waist and she jumped at the contact. It was apparent from her body language she wanted nothing to do with the man. She stepped back toward the counter to clean up the creamer she’d spilt. However, the man moved directly behind her, inching so close that his dick had to be rubbing against her ass. When she was shouting at me earlier, she referred to a man named Bartlett being a womanizer who couldn’t keep his hands to himself, and I’d bet my life this shady mother fucker was him.
“Does that sound good to you?” Beakman asked, pulling my attention from the kitchen.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“We’ll transfer Violet to work for Bartlett and hire you a temp.”
“No!” I hadn’t intended for my reply to be so forceful, but over my dead body would Violet work for that fucker. “You know what, I think I just have a case of first day nerves. Violet is perfectly qualified, and I think we just need time to get used to each other. I’d wager I operate a lot differently than Mr. Tomlinson, so it will take time for us to work out the kinks,” I stated. “Forget I asked. I’m happy to have Violet as my secretary.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. I’m sorry to have wasted your time, sir.”
He clapped me on the shoulder. “Don’t be, son. If you do have a problem, please come to me,” he said, smiling slightly. “You and Violet will make a great team. I’m sure of it.”
“Thank you so much, sir. Again, I’m sorry to bother you so early.”
“It’s no trouble at all!” he called out, stepping toward his office.
I nodded and returned his smile, my attention immediately focusing on the kitchen once more. That fucker Bartlett hadn’t moved an inch, and Violet was growing more uncomfortable by the second. I barreled down the hall as fast as I could. The kitchen was just a few steps away, and when I reached the doorframe, I stood inside, glaring at the old prick.
“Violet, I need to see you in my office immediately,” I stated. At the sound of my voice, both heads turned in my direction. Relief washed over the features of her face. The man behind her had barely moved an inch. “It’s quite urgent actually, concerns a misplaced case file.”
“Okay,” she said, pulling away from the counter. She didn’t even attempt to take the coffee with her as she stepped past me.
I dipped my head to Bartlett and turned to follow her without uttering another word. We rode the eleva
tor to the nineteenth floor in complete silence. As soon as we escaped the metal double doors, I set my hand against the small of her back and ushered her into my office.
“Are you okay?” I asked once the door was closed behind us.
“Yeah,” she answered with a sigh.
“I saw how close that man was standing next to you.” My teeth gritted together, anger seeping into my bloodstream. “Do you want me to go say something to him?”
“No! It will only make things worse.”
“His dick was practically rubbing your ass,” I countered.
“Usually I know when to avoid going in the kitchen, but I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Have you reported him yet?”
“Like that will do any good.”
“What do you mean?”
“Bartlett is untouchable. Any woman who has come forth with allegations against him has been let go. And I need this job.”
“That’s bullshit,” I spat. “Why would they protect him?”
“Personally, I think he has some leverage on Beakman and Bridges because he basically has immunity at this institution.”
“Fuck.”
“And the way he approaches me, if you didn’t know him, you’d think it was a harmless interaction. Believe me, I’ve been trying to gather dirt on him and all I have so far is proof he stood really close to me and touched my waist. Both of which could be played off as accidents.”
“I’m sorry.” I crossed to the other side of the room and poured her a small glass of scotch. “Here, drink this.”
“What?”
“It’ll help.”
She drank the shot in a single gulp, grimacing as the alcohol slid down her throat. “Thanks.”
“You don’t have to believe me, but I had no idea you were going to be my secretary last night. And I tried to fix it just now by asking Beakman for a new secretary.”
“You did?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“I think that would probably be for the best.”
“I thought so too, until I saw you with Bartlett. Mr. Beakman offered to transfer you to be Bartlett’s secretary and hire a new temp for me.”
The color drained from her face. “What?”
“When I saw the two of you in the kitchen, I knew I couldn’t let you work for that man. I told Beakman I changed my mind. I told him I’d be happy to have you as my secretary.”
“So, I’m staying here? I’m not going to Bartlett, right?”
“You’re staying here to work for me. You’re not going anywhere.”
Relief washed over her delicate features. She glanced away, but I could still see the faint trace of tears in her eyes. “Thank you. I truly appreciate you doing that for me.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m sorry I was so rude to you this morning. I jumped to conclusions and . . .”
“No apology is needed,” I replied. “And you have my word that I will be nothing but a professional in this office. I take my job very seriously, despite what gossip may be circulating at this firm.”
“Good, I take my job seriously too.”
“Excellent. I think it’s time we start off on the right foot.” I held my hand out to her. “Hunter Desmond.”
“Violet Vaughn,” she said, taking my hand in hers.
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Vaughn.”
“Likewise, Mr. Desmond.” Our handshake finally dropped and she moved to adjust the blue dress she wore. “Oh, the misplaced case file, which one is it?”
“There is no misplaced case file. I lied to get you away from him.”
“Oh,” she replied. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” I nodded and moved to sit behind my desk. The document I was working on still needed to be finished.
“If you need anything, just let me know.”
“Ms. Vaughn, if you ever need to get something from the kitchen but don’t want to go alone, please don’t hesitate to ask me to walk with you.”
“I don’t want to bother you.”
“I’d rather you ask me than for a repeat incident with Bartlett to occur.”
“I’ll let you know.”
“I appreciate that.”
She nodded and smiled slightly, although the gesture didn’t reach those ocean eyes. “I’ll be just outside.”
I unbuttoned my suit jacket and adjusted my tie as I watched her close the door to my office.
Fucking hell.
Less than an hour ago, I had been elated at the prospect of having Violet transferred. And now, I had to figure out my shit because my secretary was definitely off-limits. She had enough assholes in her life, and I wasn’t about to be added to the list. I could endure a few months of cold showers before I began playing the field again. I simply needed to keep everything under control.
I finished with the document and made it through a few others. I had just started preparing a deposition for another case when there was a soft knock at my door.
“Mr. Desmond?” Violet asked.
“Yes?”
“You have a phone call on line one.”
“Can you take a message for me?”
“It’s your mother.”
“Oh, perfect.”
She stepped toward my desk and immediately began shuffling through the reports I’d finished. “Don’t take that tone,” she scolded, collecting the stack of papers. When she turned, I noticed cursive lettering inked on the back of her neck. I don’t know how, but I hadn’t noticed the delicate tattoo before.
“Who is Lily?”
“Lily was my mother,” she breathed, her left hand moving to touch the back of her neck.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize . . .”
And once again, an air of sadness surrounded Violet, diminishing the light in her eyes. It was the same air of despondency I noticed at the bar last night. “It’s okay. She passed away a long time ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No apology is necessary.” She picked up the receiver to my office line and handed it to me. I placed it against my ear, unable to take my gaze off her. “Be nice to this woman. She was very sweet to me on the phone, and she did bring you into this world,” Violet ordered with a wink. She pressed a button and I was instantly connected with my mother.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hunter! How is your day going so far?” she asked.
“It’s going good. And how is your day?”
“Busy. Just a full day of grading papers and lecturing,” she answered. “Will you be able to make it to the house this weekend for dinner?”
“I don’t know, Mom. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
“Well, just think about it, okay? I know your father would like to see you too.”
“I highly doubt that,” I scoffed.
“Give him a break, Hunter,” she soothed.
“Give him a break?” I asked. “He’s the one who is refusing to talk to me.”
“Maybe if you explained everything to him . . .”
I sighed heavily, rubbing my hand over my brow. It was too early in the day to be dealing with shit like this. “I’ve tried to, Mom. He doesn’t want to talk to me, he doesn’t want to hear my explanation. He wants nothing to do with me. He’s made it abundantly clear.”
“He just needs some time. You know how stubborn he can be.”
I was about to reply when Violet walked into my office again. She crossed the room, moving toward me. Once close enough, she leaned against the edge of my desk and stared down at me. She placed a piece of paper with a set of instructions in front of me.
Ask your mother to have lunch with you this Friday. Reservations: Friday at noon. The Pearled Oyster.
I glanced up at Violet and smiled.
“Mom, do you have time this Friday to have lunch with me?”
“Oh, Hunter! I would love to have lunch with you. What time?”
“Noon at The Pearled Oyster.”
“That sounds wonderfu
l, darling.”
“Good. It’s a date then.”
“Well, I won’t keep you any longer. I hope you have a great first day.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I love you.”
“Love you too.” I hung up the receiver and shifted to face Violet. “How did you know to make reservations?”
She grinned, adjusting slightly so she now sat on the edge of my desk. “Your mother was calling you on your first day of work and you recently moved back in town. I figured you hadn’t seen your mother yet and thought lunch might be a great way for the two of you to catch up.”
“Thank you for going through all that trouble.”
“It was no trouble at all. You helped me this morning and I helped you just now. We’re supposed to be a team, right?”
“Right.”
“Do you need me to pick you up something for lunch? Mr. Tomlinson always requested I handle getting his lunch for him.”
“We both know your time is better spent not worrying about what I eat. I’ve faired pretty well the past thirty years. I think I can manage on my own,” I replied with a slight laugh.
“Oh, right.” She crossed her legs, hiking up the hem of her dress.
Instantly, my focus shifted downward. My fingers gripped the arms of my chair, piercing the soft leather. I had to keep it together. Today was only day one. “Is there something else you needed?”
“No! I’m sorry. I should let you get back to work.”
“That would probably be for the best.”
“I’ll be just outside if you need me.”
“Thanks.”
The second she closed the door, I breathed a sigh of relief. The past few hours have been anything if not interesting. Violet definitely put me in my place regarding my mother, and she had been right to do it too. I was avoiding my family with the hope of not pulling them further into my mess. Until recently, the Desmond name had been spotless. But in a single afternoon, I managed to devastate that reputation. Dad concerned himself with keeping our good family name, but Mom cared about me.
She always had.
Chapter Three
Burning Violet Page 3
