She’ll notice. I’m sitting right next to her and these pants hide nothing.
“Do I need to know about this?” She leans in, brushing her arm against mine and points to an unnecessary feature.
“Sure. This could come in handy.” I buy myself more time. I don’t want to leave her side.
“Let me grab some water. Can I get you something?” She stands, her gorgeous ass inches from my face, and struts across her office, hypnotically swaying her hips while I struggle to look away.
“I’m good.” I mumble the words as my eyes rake over every inch of her body in longing anticipation. She’s so beautiful.
What the fuck do I say? Do I ask her out? She’s my boss. It’s completely inappropriate.
When she returns to her chair, she peels off her jacket and her perfume overwhelms me, sending chills down my spine and blood straight to my cock. Fuck.
“Where were we?” She smiles, either unaware or kind enough to pretend not to notice.
I walk her through an additional feature that works with her calendar and she pretends to be fascinated as we discuss work, my promotion, our plans for the weekend, my family in New Jersey, her brother’s new restaurant, and the baby he and his wife are expecting. She acts happy, but that last part stings, I can tell.
You want a baby, sweetheart? I’ll give you one.
Uneasy with where the conversation’s headed, she switches the topic to me. “Logan, I’m keeping you. You must have a girlfriend at home, waiting.”
I shake my head and answer sharply. I don’t want this subject to be misunderstood.
“I don’t. I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Really? I think half this floor is in love with you. That must be frustrating. You’re so smart and everyone goes crazy for your exterior.” She chuckles, stopping short, as if she’s said something offensive.
I shrug. “You must get it, too.”
“Me? No one cares about me. I’m the old boss lady.” She almost smiles, but sighs instead. “Maybe, when I was younger.”
I exhale deeply, summoning every ounce of nerve I can find and then turn to face her.
“You’re out of your mind, Kendra. You’re fucking beautiful. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. There’s no one in this building that can hold a candle to you.”
Her mouth slacks momentarily as her eyes grow wide and mist. It might have been out of line, but she needed to hear it. I needed to say it, but she really needed to hear it. Ten years of marriage to a man who made her feel like a chore has whittled away her confidence and for the first time I realize she didn’t feel pretty, anymore.
“I’m sorry.” I’m not really sorry, but I fear I’ve made her uncomfortable.
“Don’t apologize. That’s very sweet of you. It’s been a while since someone has said something like that to me. It’s a downfall of being married.”
Horrified, my heart aches that her bastard husband neglected to tell this angel how lucky he was every fucking day. Without thinking, I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her roughly to me. When she doesn’t push away, I slowly bring my mouth to hers.
I’m certain my heart burst the moment my lips seize hers, taking them possessively, cradling her head with my hands as I taste her for the first time. My heart soars when she deepens our kiss, giving herself freely, filling my mouth with her tongue as my hungry lips rain one blistering kiss after another. As my mind spins with lust, I groan with desire and smother her full lips, wishing I could brand them as mine.
I want her to think about this kiss all night.
This is better than I ever imagined. She’s not saying no. She’s not pulling away. The more I give, the more she takes and gives back. Maybe, she’s thought of me too. When she moans sweetly against my lips, I crush her breasts against my chest and gaze into her soft green eyes. This is what I want. Me and Kendra. Everyday. She’s all I want to consume for the rest of my life.
“If you were mine, I would never let you forget how amazing you are.” I whisper as my mouth travels greedily down her neck, licking and nibbling, listening to her soft cries that turn to a sudden gasp when we’re interrupted.
“Baker!”
Chapter 5
Kendra
“Who the fuck is this?” Baker stands at the door and catches Logan and I in a compromising position. For one second and one second only, I panic. It’s a force of habit. We were married for ten years and I’m in the arms of another man. But we’re not married anymore, and this fucker is ruining the only action I’ve seen in over a year.
Good action, too. Maybe, the best.
Furious, I stammer, clenching my fists with months of unspoken rage. I hesitate to introduce Logan, but only because it feels wrong to introduce him as my VP of Engineering and I don’t have another title to offer. Not because I’m ashamed.
It was just a kiss. Oh, God, I kissed one of my employees.
No, he kissed me.
Settle down tramp, you kissed him back.
But I don’t know what this is or what we’re doing. After a few seconds of standing face to face with his condescending glare, I tense and fire back my vague reply.
“It’s none of your goddamn business who he is. What do you want? Why are you here?”
Baker stays silent, probably still reeling from having watched me kiss a man almost half his age.
Doesn’t feel good, does it? Jackass.
“I’m Logan. Answer her, dickhead. What the fuck are you doing here?” Logan barks. His deep, commanding voice is ripe with jealousy, but he looks so hot, I let it slide.
“I need to speak with you. Your lawyers are trying to fuck me over.” He whines, wanting to say more but suddenly nervous with the presence of the much taller, much bulkier, much more handsome, younger man in his presence.
I crease my brow and scowl with derision. “You started this. You’re not getting the house in Greenwich. Have your attorney speak to my attorneys. We’re leaving.”
Baker’s eyes turn cold. He’s used to bullying me. After ten years of breaking my spirit, he thought he could get his way, but the woman in front of him isn’t playing that game anymore. I reach for my purse and Logan scoops up my jacket before taking my hand firmly in his. It’s unexpected, but I assume he’s playing a part for my benefit.
When we pass Baker, he reaches out, roughly yanking me towards him.
“I said, I need to speak to you now, Kendra.”
I’m stunned. Speechless and stunned. Logan isn’t.
Grabbing Baker by the collar, he lifts him off the ground and violently pushes him against the wall. Instantly releasing me, Baker squeals from the sudden loss of air.
Growling with anger, Logan’s dark eyes smolder as he threatens. “Don’t you ever fucking touch her. She said talk to her attorneys, and that’s what you’re gonna do.” Logan nods until Baker nods in agreement.
Dropping him, Logan crowds and corners him until he stands aside and steps out of our way. Gripping my hand, we walk away and for the first time in ages, I feel like someone’s girlfriend.
It’s silly I know. But it feels good.
When we reach the elevators, we gaze at one another in awkward silence. I have no idea what he must think. I’ve taken advantage of him. He’s my employee and I’m in a position of power. It doesn’t matter that he initiated it. I should have put an end to it right away. He’s ten years younger than me and I should know better. These things never end well. Logan is a rising star with the company. He can go far. I need to look out for him.
Stepping into the elevator, I decide to make things clear. It’s difficult, but it’s for the best.
“Logan...” His lips crash into mine, stealing my breath and silencing my protests with a fiery kiss that makes me weak in the knees. I don’t stop him. No part of me wants to put an end to it. All I want is more. I want his hot mouth on mine, ravishing it, devouring me as he likes. When his hands caress my back and press me into his hard chest, I shudder in his warmth. I’ve never
felt so desired. Why has it taken so long?
Leading us out of the building, he’s unaffected by the crowd of people who might see us together. I should care, but I can’t think straight long enough to consider what anyone thinks. I want to get laid. No, I need to get laid. I need it more than I need air. Whisking us down the plaza, past the fountain and to my waiting car, he jumps into the backseat with me. Kissing me sweetly, his breath catches as he smiles and presses his forehead to mine.
“Can I see you later tonight? Or tomorrow?” He licks my lips and I reach out for more, wanting to feel his tongue, wanting to feel his hands on me again.
But he pulls away and waits for my reply.
“I’m going to my brother’s for dinner. I promised. Would you like to meet for a drink or coffee later? Maybe 9:30.” I stutter, dazed from the intensity of his stare.
He nods, bites his lip and kisses my hand with such tenderness I almost swoon into his arms.
“My brother always makes multiple courses, or I’d sneak out sooner.”
“Enjoy time with your family. I’ll catch up with you at 9:30. Text me where to meet you. Don’t forget.” He hops out of the car and blows me a kiss.
Falling back into the leather seat, I touch my lips, licking them to recapture some of his taste.
Kendra! What are you doing? You can’t do this. He’s like twenty-seven.
Oh, leave me alone.... I’ve had enough of your sensible shit for one lifetime.
Chapter 6
Kendra
Bounding up the stairs to Kaleb and Sofia’s brownstone, I stop and adjust the panties riding up my behind. They’re new. I might have bought them a size too small, but I have a big ass and manufacturers never account for that. It’s a simple thing. You think someone would have come up with a concept of adding additional ass-room to panties.
Yeah, I got new panties. So what?
When I ring the doorbell, Daddy swings it open and gives me a hug, followed by Mom, then Sofia, trying her damndest not to shove her burgeoning belly in my face, and then of course, Kaleb.
“How’s it going, little sister?” He wraps his colossal arms around me and gives me a big bear hug.
With my head caught in his bicep, I try to speak. “I’m fine. Better now that it’s almost over.”
“Don’t bullshit me, Ken. I know he’s giving you a hard time.”
Sofia brushes him away. “My love, run off and finish cooking, please. I’m ravenous. Let your sister settle in before you play twenty questions.”
Leading me to the living room, she gives me a side hug and tells me my father has shared the details from the afternoon. “He won’t get away with it. I know you’ll crush that bastard. But, how are you? Are you taking time out for yourself?”
I shrug. “As much as I can. I guess.”
“So, that’s a no, huh?” She smirks.
“You’re looking pretty, tonight. Is that a new dress? It’s adorable.” She twirls her finger and I whirl my skirt for her. It is a nice dress. And yes, it is new.
“No, I’ve had it for a while. I just never had an occasion to wear it. Now, I feel overdressed for dinner.” I look around spying everyone in jeans.
Sofia’s eyes grow wide with surprise. “Oh shit, do you have a date?”
Baffled by her weird intuition, I stumble over my words. “No, why would you... fine, yes. It’s my first date in over ten years. So please, for the love of God, please, get your husband to hurry and make sure I’m out of here by 9:10. I’m meeting him at 9:30.” I take her hands in a desperate plea.
“I’m on it. No, problem. Can I have details? Who’s it with? When did you have time to meet anyone?” She yanks me into the bathroom, away from prying ears.
“I’ve known him for years. He’s the VP of Engineer...”
She cuts me off, flailing her arms like a teenage girl. “Oh my God, Magic Man? Are you going out with Logan?”
“Don’t call him that. And yes. This is all very sudden and I don’t think it’s anything serious. I’m incredibly ashamed of myself, but I’m also a woman with needs he seems eager to fulfill… and he’s such a good kisser.” I rant on, justifying my sexual harassment of a younger, male employee.
“Don’t tell anyone. I mean it.” I cover my face, flush with shame.
“Okay. But don’t get your Dad’s hopes up. You’ll break his heart if he thinks Logan might be his son-in-law and then you snatch that dream away.” She stifles a laugh.
“What’s wrong with him?” I shake my head as we exit the bathroom.
“I don’t know, but it drives Kaleb crazy.”
Chapter 7
Logan
Pacing nervously, I’m consumed by doubt. Maybe, I pushed her too far. Maybe, she’s not ready for a relationship. But why does he get to run off, get engaged and start a family, leaving her to wither on the vine?
No, she’s not withering, she’s blooming. And I’ll be the one to pluck her and keep her to myself.
Kendra’s beautiful. Long, dark brown hair. Pale complexion with high cheekbones on a heart-shaped face. Those eyes. So many afternoons, I daydream about those pale green eyes, fringed with heavy, dark lashes. They’re incredible. But my favorite might be her lips. They’re more than full, they’re swollen and always look like she’s just been sucking on a red lollipop. She might be slender, but she’s got curves for days, and I can’t wait to finally sink my teeth and drag my tongue across each one.
Once she’s officially divorced, guys are coming for her. I know they’ll come out of the woodwork to stake their claim on my woman and I can’t let that happen.
No fucking way.
I’m giving her ten more minutes before I text. She’s not running away or blowing me off. Not after this afternoon. Pouring myself a glass of bourbon, I almost knock it out of my hand when I hear my phone go off.
Hi Logan. There’s a coffee shop a few blocks from my place, called Frankie M’s. I can meet you there at 9:30, if you’re still available.
I’ll see you there.
Teeming with nervous energy, I empty my glass, clenching my teeth as the smooth liquid invades my senses. This is my second one in ten minutes. I better stop. She drives me crazy enough, I don’t need something lowering my inhibitions right before I see her. I’ll have enough trouble controlling myself.
Rushing into my bedroom, I shower and make a quick change. Carnegie Hill is twenty minutes away. Should I make time to pick up condoms? Is that presumptuous? If she’s game, I want nothing stopping us. She’s been married for ten years. It’s doubtful she’ll have any lying around the house.
I hope not. I’ve watched her carefully. I’m certain there’s no one else. Pretty certain. Well, if he exists, his time is up.
I jump off the subway, race up the street and exhale in relief when I catch sight of the coffee shop. I’m five minutes early. I don’t want to be late for her. Tonight, could mean everything. If she only knew how long I’ve wanted this chance, how many nights I’ve stayed up thinking what I would do if I ever had it, she may run scared. But I won’t let that happen. This is meant to be.
Pushing the door open, I see my gorgeous girl sitting in a corner, wearing a pretty, white dress and her hair long. She takes my breath away. I rarely see her this way. She’s always suits and tight buns at work but when I dream of her, this is the way she looks. With an impatient step, I march over, unconcerned with playing it cool. I’m only a few feet away, when she gazes up and her eyes catch mine.
“Logan.” She smiles, standing to greet me. Unsure of what to do she extends her arm, but I use it to pull her to me and smother those red lips, breathing her in with one long kiss that leaves us both shivering with eager anticipation.
“I was afraid you’d forget.” I slide in next to her and she timidly leans into me.
“No, of course not. My brother’s dinners take forever, and I needed to make sure I’d get out on time before I text and kept you waiting.”
She gazes up and bats her lashes. I’m dyin
g to kiss her again, but I don’t want to embarrass her with public displays of affection. Not yet, anyway. When I know she’s mine, I’ll squeeze her ass in front of this whole crowd and not give a damn who sees us. But for now, it’s best not to overwhelm her with too much of the real me.
“I would have waited for you.” When I lean in and kiss her forehead, she sighs sweetly and grips the front of my shirt, pulling me closer. With her hand on my chest, my heart melts and a sense of calm washes over me.
I need to make this happen.
We order beers. While we talk and drink, we hold hands and stare ardently at one another, lost in this moment of bliss. This is our beginning. People talk about their first date for years, decades and this is the night everything begins for us. I don’t want to forget anything about it. The last thing I want to do is bring up the possibility of complications. We both know things could become difficult, but that’s not nearly as important as being together. Not to me.
When there’s a moment of silence, she broaches the subject. “I hope I’m not taking advantage of you.”
I nearly spit the beer out of my mouth.
“Why would you say that? Because I’m younger? Only by nine years. Because you’re my boss? That can’t be helped. Men date their subordinates all the time.”
“Only nine? I thought it was ten. But that’s still a big gap. Baker was thirteen years older... you’re right. It always seems different for men.” She looks away shyly, but I gently take her chin and make her face me.
“It’s nothing. I’ve thought about you for such a long time. I’m not letting something like that stand in my way. Does it matter that much to you?” I bring my lips to hers, only grazing and licking them softly. It’s obvious she wants more but she’ll have to take the whole thing. I’m not letting her make me a fling.
Magic Man Page 2
