I turned my attention back to the group and started divvying out jobs. I needed samples of the ground’s soil before opening, and these men had dragged their feet all day. “You’ve got five hours. I’m sure you can gather everything in two. Now get to it.” I put my hands on my hips as they dispersed in their groups of two and when I turned around I realized I wasn’t alone.
Ryan had come down from the rafters. A quick glance up told me Jason had found better things to do in the fresh facility. Ryan put his arm around my waist and pulled me around between two of the large tanks and wasted no time giving me a kiss. His lips glided hungrily on mine, and his body pulled me and pressed me against the large tank. He went to pull away, but I wasn’t done. I grabbed his collar and pulled him closer, taking the previous kiss much deeper and giving his bottom lip a pull when I finished.
His mouth found my ear and his breath sent chills down my body and straight to my core. “You know how much I love it when you get aggressive.” He had always liked me being assertive and I sometimes wondered if that wasn’t why he had me leading the new group. It had been months since he’d made me a consultant, but now this new position was even better. We’d cleaned up the Arkansas plant, and once that was done, he’d given me the news about his future venture. Of course, I’d said yes, I didn’t think it was possible to tell Ryan Walker no, at least I’d never had to.
“You should control yourself, Mr. Walker.” I kissed his jawline, and he laughed.
“You’re one to talk. What we should do is find where the most private place in this factory is and get naked.” The thought of him against me naked lit a fire deep in my core.
I shook my head. “Not until you put a ring on it, Mr. Walker.” I glanced away, and he growled. That had been our ongoing joke for months now, and even though we’d had plenty of sexual experiences, he’d been respectful enough to go at my pace. Turns out, I was a turtle.
“You mean a ring like this one?” He held up a washer that he’d probably picked up from the floor, something that was left behind in the building of the new facility.
“Please, I should have known you’d go cheap.” I rolled my eyes, and we shared a laugh.
“I was hoping you’d go for it. But I guess I’ll just have to give you this one instead.” He handed me a candy ring, and I grabbed my heart like it was the most wonderful ring in the whole world. Then I ripped off the wrapper and put it on and popped it into my mouth.
“Mm. I knew you had taste, I just didn’t know it was strawberry.” I gave him a wink, and he crossed his arms.
“Damn, you look hot with that thing in your mouth. If I had only known you’d go for that, then I wouldn’t have wasted my time getting this old thing.” He pulled a small box out of his pocket and opened it.
Inside I caught a glimmer from the fluorescent lights above us and then he held it up for me to see. Tears hit my eyes when I realized this was no joke. It was a ring, and it was gorgeous and real and just for me. My mind went blank, and all I could do was stare with my mouth hanging open like a big mouthed fish.
“I’ll just take it back.” He started to close the box, but I grabbed his hand. Tears were in my eyes, and as much as I wanted to laugh along with him, I was too overjoyed. “Can I put it on you?”
“Yes, please.” I held my finger up, and he slipped the ring on. Then he held my hand and looked into my eyes.
“Marry me, and make me the happiest man ever?” I belted out my answer as I jumped into his arms.
“Yes!”
He pulled me back against the tank and the feel of the cold steel against my back may as well been a pillow because I was so happy I didn’t know the difference.
Later that night we arrived at his parent’s house to tell them the good news and his mother met us at the door as she usually did when we’d come for dinner.
“What have we here? What a surprise.” Tilly pulled me in and gave me a big hug. Then she grabbed my hand, and as we turned around to go inside, she stopped in her tracks. She turned around, and I could feel her hand closing on my ring. She glanced down, and when she saw the big diamond on my ring finger, she screamed.
Mr. Walker and the maid came running, but by then she was jumping up and down and hugging us all over again.
“What’s the matter, Tilly?” Mr. Walker was holding a glass of whiskey, and the maid had come from the kitchen wide-eyed and ready to fight if she had to.
When she saw that it was us the woman shook her head and went back to the kitchen.
“They’re engaged! Our baby’s getting married!” She grabbed Ryan and pulled him to her, and Mr. Walker came to stand beside me.
“You’re aware of what you’re getting into I suppose.” He gave the two a smiling glance and then threw his arm around me. “Welcome to the family, dear. We’re proud to have you.”
Tilly let go of Ryan long enough for him to catch a breath and then she was crying. “Oh, it’s such a happy day.” She placed her hand on my arm. “I’ll do all the flowers dear, you just tell me what kind you want, and I’m on it.” She turned back to Ryan. “You could have the wedding here if you like? Why I’ve always wanted to do a big wedding, we haven’t had one that was for family.”
“That would be an honor, Tilly, thank you.” I glanced to Ryan who shook his head like I had no idea what I was in for, but I didn’t care a bit. This was my family, no matter what I was going to love it.
All I needed was him by my side. Forever.
The End
Author Note: Who hasn’t dreamed of that one co-worker (real or imaginairy)? See what happens in the next office romance after you get a quick drink of water to help you cool down.
Office Romance
Jason and Jana
Chapter 1
Jason
“I’ll take Woodford, on the rocks,” I told the bartender, looking out over the small gathering. My best friend Ryan, after all these years, and quite a few breakdowns, had finally found the girl. It was no surprise to me that he picked her and never let her go, she was gorgeous, sexy, and super sweet, maybe a little too sweet for me. Her best friend, however, I still can’t get this girl off my mind.
I met Jana a few weeks after Megan and Ryan started dating; she was Megan’s best friend. The first time I saw her I knew I needed to get to know this girl. Her long dark hair and light brown eyes were so exotic and sexy. She took care of herself too, always had perfect makeup, stylish clothes, and had a stare that gave me a boner just thinking about it. But even more than that, when I got to know her, she was smart, kind, and really challenged me on a whole new level. Sadly, my player ways from the past scared her off, and all I can think is she is the “one that got away.”
“Jason, come try this,” Megan said holding up a piece of cake. “I know we are celebrating, but there is too much to do so eat some and let me know your favorite.”
“You still haven’t picked a wedding cake?” I looked at Ryan with raised eyebrows. He gave me a “don’t start” stare, so I shoved a piece cake in my mouth and smiled.
As Megan began to chat with the other guests, I snuck my plate back on the table and scooted back over to the bar to grab my drink. I sat down on the stool and watched the others mull around, congratulating Ryan on his engagement and trying a piece of cake. I was pretty sure I was the only non-couple in the whole place, but I didn’t care. After Jana, I just couldn’t get myself to be interested in anyone else. At least I was out, having a good time, and not torturing myself over it. Of course, just as soon as that thought crossed my mind, Jana walked in the door.
My heart instantly started racing, and I pulled the drink to my lips, staring at her incredible body over the top of the glass. She was wearing a short little black dress that tied around the neck. She had let her hair down and it looked wild around her shoulders, just how I loved it. The freckles across her nose wrinkled as she smiled and I watched as she ran her hand down her curves, stopping to pat the side of her leg. She was a nervous talker, and always patted her
leg when she was uncomfortable.
I swallowed the bourbon in my mouth, shaking the thoughts from my head. There I go, obsessing again when I just need to go over and say hello. Just as I was about to stand, a tall, thin guy walked into the building, crossed the room, and stood beside Jana. His hair was perfectly coiffed, and his smile was warm and inviting. I immediately hated his guts, especially after painfully watching as he slid his hand around her waist. He had an English accent, and I could see the women in the room leaning toward him like he was a magnet. I turned around in my chair and ordered another drink from the bartender.
“You okay?” Ryan had made a bee-line over to me at the bar as soon as Mr. Perfect Hair walked into the building.
“Yeah, man,” I said a little too excitedly. Ryan raised an eyebrow at me. “Yes. Yes, I am fine. Go, enjoy your party. You don’t need to babysit.”
“Alright, man,” Ryan said patting me on the shoulder. “If you need me I’ll be shoving cake into my mouth.”
“By the time she chooses a cake you’re going to weigh 300 pounds,” I laughed, knowing it was completely fake.
“Good, she’ll be locked in for life,” he chuckled before walking back over and kissing Jana on the cheek in greeting.
For about two hours I sat at the bar, cheering happily with the crowd and stealing small moments where Jana would look across the room and meet my eyes. Every time she glared over at me my stomach dropped, and I couldn’t help but shift my eyes over her entire body. I could still feel her long sexy legs wrapped around my waist as we fucked over and over again in my bed. Her luscious hips fit perfectly in my hands, and our bodies fit together like a puzzle. I shifted in the chair as my cock hardened. I ordered another drink and turned toward the television as Mr. Perfect Hair walked up to the bar.
“Uh, two fingers of Glenlivet please,” he told the bartender before looking at me. “You are Jason, right? Ryan’s best friend.”
“Yeah,” I said, feeling the drinks hit me like a ton of bricks. “That is me. And you are?”
“Yes, sorry. I’m Steve, I came with Jana,” he said looking back at her.
“Yeah. I got that part,” I scoffed, not giving a shit.
“Look, I’m sorry if me being here is hard on you. Jana told me you two dated for a bit,” he said awkwardly.
“You know, I’m not sure if you’re just trying to be a good guy or what, but just fuck off, okay?” There was so much alcohol in my system by that point I didn’t care what I said to this guy.
“Wow, well I can see why she ran from you,” Steve scoffed under his breath.
“What?” I stood up from my stool and looked the guy in the face. “You think you know anything about me? That girl is amazing, you don’t deserve to be anywhere near her,” I said, sticking my drunk finger in his chest and picking up my drink.
“You’re drunk,” he scoffed flipping my hand away from him. “There’s no use in talking to you.”
“Then let’s not talk wise guy,” I said as I lifted my glass and began pouring it over his fancy little English shoes. “Maybe now Mother England can buy you some new shoes.”
“What the hell is going on?” Jana’s voice was shrill, and I tensed my shoulders realizing she was standing there watching. “Jason, have you lost your mind?”
“Nice ex-boyfriend you have here, Jana,” the guy said, wiping the bourbon from the front of his pants.
“I’m so sorry,” she said stepping forward and trying to help. “Let me help.”
“No, I think you’ve helped enough for one evening,” he snapped, looking up at her. “Look, I’m just going to go. I don’t want this kind of drama. Have a good evening.”
I swerved slightly in my chair realizing I had quite a bit to drink. Jana stared at me, a look of sad and angry running across her face. She shook her head and threw her hands in the air before walking away. I turned the stool and watched as she apologized to Ryan and Megan, grabbing her coat and stomping out of the building. Ryan turned and looked at me, tilting his head to the side to match mine.
“Maybe you’ve had enough for tonight,” he said, taking my empty glass from my hand. “I’m going to have my car take you home, okay?”
“I’m sorry man,” I said. “Ugh, she makes me so crazy.”
“I would say, in this circumstance, you probably make her so crazy,” Ryan chuckled. “And not in a good way. Listen, go home, sleep it off, and we’ll regroup.”
“You’re right,” I said, standing from my chair and starting the move toward the door. “I’m really sorry, man.”
Ryan walked me to the car since I seemed to be unable to walk in a straight line. He patted me on the shoulder before closing the car door and nodding to the driver. We moved along slowly, and I put the window down to let the fresh air hit me in the face. I was such an idiot. Jana stopped seeing me because of my past so what do I do? I get wasted and pour liquor down the front of her date. I shook my head, completely lost in my own self-pity. By the time the car had come to a stop in front of the building all I could think about was passing out in my bed and hoping tonight was a dream.
As I rode the elevator up, leaning heavily against the mirrored sides, all I could think was if there was any glimmer of hope of reconnection I just poured it out all over a pair of thousand-dollar dress shoes. I was starting to think I was hopeless.
Chapter 2
Jana
When I walked into the restaurant, Megan was not hard to spot. She was the girl at the table by the window with about a thousand wedding magazines strewn everywhere. She was balancing her glass of wine on a stack of venue brochures, and she had a basket full of highlighters. I shook my head and laughed as I made my way through the seating and approached the table. Megan looked up at me with her bright eyes and smiled big. With her working at Walker Industries exclusively now, we didn’t get to see each other as often as we liked. She used to work with me at Easton, but after getting the new plant going and undertaking all that work at Walker with the environmental team, there was no way she could juggle both places.
“It’s so good to see you,” she said, squeezing me hard. “I ordered you a Chardonnay.”
“I'm all right,” I said, seeing right through her hugs and alcohol. “Don’t do this.”
“Okay,” Megan said in a high-pitched voice, throwing her hands in the air.
“So,” I said, flipping at the pages of the magazines. “What is on today’s agenda?”
“I want you to be my Maid of Honor,” she said smiling. “You are my best friend. I can’t be up there without you.”
“Awe,” I cooed, having a moment. “That’s so sweet! Of course, I’ll be your Maid of Honor!!”
“There’s just one teensy weensy catch,” she said scrunching her shoulders and smiling.
“He’s the Best Man isn’t he?” I knew it; I knew there had to be a catch. However, I couldn’t lie that a huge part of me was relieved that I would get to spend time near him, even if he did pour whiskey on my date’s shoes.
“Mmhmm,” she said shaking her head and handing me my glass of wine. “See, I knew it was bothering you. Talk to me. Maybe we can have you walk out of the ceremony with the ring bearer.”
“It’s fine,” I sighed. “I wouldn’t do that to the flower girl. I can’t go forever avoiding him. I mean it’s not like I didn’t like the guy. In fact, that was the whole problem. I liked the guy way too much. I didn’t want my heart to be broken. I didn’t want to be just another pile of pussy in his book.”
“Ugh,” Megan flinched. “That’s gross.”
We both busted out laughing at my vulgarity and clinked our glasses together. The waitress approached, and we stopped giggling, trying to act like adults. The waitress gave us a fake smile and looked at the table, unsure of where she was supposed to set the salads Megan had ordered. We moved the papers around quickly and took the plates from her hands, trying to hold our laughter back.
“Speaking of piles of pussy,” I said, trying not to spit the wine st
ill in my mouth all over the table. “Are you and Ryan going to, you know, get you a little?”
“First, ew. Second, no. I have waited all this time; he is going to have to wait just a little bit longer,” she replied with a scrunched-up face.
“What if you get married, and on your wedding night he has a pencil dick? Or worse, he has a walrus dick!?” I whispered it to her trying to take the staring eyes from us. We were worse than fifteen-year-old girls.
“Stop it,” Megan said, throwing a piece of lettuce at me. “Besides, I’ve already seen it.”
I gasped. “You naughty girl!”
“You know that Jason really is hung up on you, he hasn’t dated anyone since you stopped seeing him,” Megan said looking over her fork, changing the subject slyly back to my love life, or lack thereof.
“Yeah, but how many people has he slept with?” I shook my head, nauseous at the thought of him with anyone else. I didn’t want to give in to just how much I cared; I was too afraid to get hurt.
My One and Only: A Bad Boy Secret Baby Second Chance Romance Page 105
