by Opal Carew
That’s how one-night stands worked, right?
And that’s what she wanted, right?
He stroked her hair. It felt so sweet and tender.
She glanced at the clock. Eleven thirty.
“Are you tired?” he asked.
“Um, yes. I have an early morning.”
Unfortunately, he would probably take that as his cue to leave.
“Of course.” But instead of grabbing his clothes and pulling them on, he reached for the bedside lamp and turned it out, then enveloped her in his embrace.
Her head settled against his chest again, the steady thumping of his heart against her ear, and she decided she really liked this. Being close to him. Hearing his heartbeat.
She’d missed having a man in her bed. Being close and cozy. Feeling loved.
Well, maybe not loved, but cared for.
His breathing slowed. She closed her eyes and lost herself in the warmth of his arms.
He was an interesting man. Domineering but completely focused on her pleasure. Teasing and authoritative all at once. She mused at how sexy it had been. She never would have thought she’d be okay being ordered around by a man, but it had been a major turn-on.
And being with him had been nothing like being with Storm whose lovemaking was more tender and solicitous. In fact, she thought with satisfaction, Storm hadn’t even entered her mind until now. Maybe she really was starting to get over him.
* * *
Jessica woke up and opened her eyes. It was still dark. And a man’s arms were around her. She glanced toward him. Although she couldn’t really see his features in the dark, she remembered Dane’s face. So much like Storm’s.
Oh, man, she couldn’t believe she’d actually had sex with this man she hardly knew. And the things they’d done. The way she’d behaved, allowing him to order her around. Embarrassment spiked through her.
She glanced at the clock on the bedside table and realized it was five a.m. She wouldn’t get back to sleep now, so she’d spend the next hour just lying here, stressing about having to face him when he woke up. That would be really embarrassing.
She glanced at the clock again. It would take her about forty-five minutes to shower and get dressed, fix her hair and makeup, then finish packing the few things she had into her overnight bag. That meant by the time she checked out and had the front desk lock away her overnight bag for safekeeping while she was at the career fair, it would be six and she’d have time for a leisurely breakfast where she could prepare herself for the day ahead.
Slipping away now would mean no muss, no fuss. And he’d probably be just as happy to avoid awkward morning-after conversations.
She’d be tired today, but she wasn’t going to sleep any more, anyway. She might as well do something useful.
She slipped from the bed, being careful not to waken Dane. When she returned from the bathroom, dressed and ready to go, he was still sleeping. She tossed her makeup bag and toiletries in her case along with yesterday’s clothes, and quietly zipped it closed. She grabbed some stationery from the desk and wrote a quick note for Dane, then headed out the door.
* * *
Dane woke up to an empty bed. He glanced around and saw a note sitting on the dresser. Pushing aside the covers, he shoved his hair from his face, then strolled over and picked up the note.
Last night had been delightful. Jessica had resisted being commanded at first, but clearly she enjoyed it once they got going. In fact, it had turned her on immensely.
He grinned. It had been fun coaxing her into submission. He would love the opportunity to pursue more with her. To ease her into a full Dom-sub relationship.
He read the note, telling him that she’d wanted to get an early start on breakfast and to prepare for the career fair.
He snorted. Right. She had definitely fled. Just like she had from the Starbucks.
She went on to assure him that she’d paid for the room and all he had to do was leave the keycard behind when he left.
A woman who left a note and fled in the middle of the night—from her own hotel room—definitely had issues. Whether they were with him, with the domination, or with getting over her ex, he didn’t know.
But he was willing to take the time to figure it out. He just needed to find a way to see her again.
* * *
Jessica sighed as she sat down with the paper coffee cup in her hand. The noise of the hustle and bustle in the big ballroom where the career fair was taking place washed over her. She had been networking like crazy and had talked with representatives from a few companies which offered positions that she felt would be well suited to her, but after the interviews she didn’t feel that prospects were good. They wanted experience that directly related to what they were doing, and seemed disinclined to take on an inexperienced but enthusiastic employee to train because, frankly, with the job market the way it was, they didn’t have to. There were lots of people with the exact experience they were looking for in search of a job.
Her experience was just too general. She stroked her finger over the smooth stone in her pocket.
“Do you mind if I sit with you?”
Jessica glanced up at the female voice. A pretty woman with upswept hair and wearing a tailored suit—the basic uniform of the day for everyone here—stood by the table with a coffee in her hand. There were a few empty tables around, but Jessica knew she should take every opportunity she could to network.
“Not at all.”
The woman placed her coffee and small clutch purse on the table and sat down. Jessica noticed her badge with the blue band, indicating she was an employer.
“My name’s Melanie Taylor.” Melanie held out her hand and Jessica shook it.
“Hi. I’m Jessica Long.”
Jessica sipped her coffee, wondering how many more employer booths she could squeeze in before the fair ended, two hours from now. To be honest, though, she’d be happy to just keep sitting here and veg until the whole thing was over. If it weren’t for the fact she had to justify her travel costs to get here, she’d leave right now.
“You look pretty discouraged. The hunt not going well?” Melanie asked.
Jessica glanced at her table companion. “No, not really. Every employer I’ve talked to wants specific experience I don’t have. I don’t know how to break into something new and what I was doing before is so general that no one is really interested.”
Melanie nodded. “I know what you mean. Have you talked to anyone at Ranier?”
Below Melanie’s name on her badge were the words Ranier Industries, so that was the company she represented.
“Yes, they were one of the first companies I handed my résumé to, but the lines were so long I didn’t get a chance to talk to anyone. They look like a great place to work.”
“We’re a growing company and we have fabulous benefits.”
“That’s great.” Jessica found herself wearing her positive smile—the same smile she’d plastered on her face for the past two days—but she doubted she’d hear from them, since so many people were handing in their résumés and they probably all had way more relevant experience than she did.
She stroked the stone in her pocket.
“Oh, honey,” Melanie said, “I can see your eyes glazing over and that smile is pathetic.” At Jessica’s frown, Melanie smiled warmly. “I’m sorry, I’m not criticizing. I totally sympathize. I’m not with Human Resources—I’m just helping out at the booth today because, as you saw, they’re swamped—but I feel for you, and all the others that come by. It’s tough out there.”
“I’ve been out of work for four months. I’m probably going to have to give up my apartment and move in with my parents.” She hated having to admit that. A grown woman shouldn’t have to live with her parents.
“Oh, you poor thing. I just had my roommate move out a month ago and I haven’t been able to replace her, so I’m feeling the pinch, but I sure wouldn’t want to have to move in with my mom. I love her dearly and al
l but, whoa, that’s too close quarters for me.”
Melanie glanced at her watch. “Look, my break is almost over, but come on back to the booth with me. I’ll get you in to talk to Stephanie in Human Resources. You can give her a new copy of your résumé and have a bit of a talk with her. She’s really nice.” She smiled warmly. “And I’ll put in a good word for you.” She stood up and gathered her things.
“Thank you, I really appreciate it.” Jessica stood up and grabbed her purse and briefcase.
“You look stunned.”
“Well, we don’t even know each other. I’m not sure why you’d be willing to go out on a limb for me.”
She followed Melanie through the crowd.
“You remind me of myself two years ago when I was standing in your shoes, so trust me, I know how much it sucks to be unemployed.”
They arrived at the Ranier booth and Melanie smiled brightly. “And if you want some company for dinner, come by the booth later.”
“I’d like that, but my flight leaves at seven, so I have to head to the airport as soon as this is over.”
“Of course.” Melanie pulled out a card and handed it to Jessica. “Well, if you do get a callback for an interview in town, or wind up living here, give me a call. I could show you around the city.”
Jessica took the card and tucked it in her purse. “Thanks.”
It was nice to know that if she got the opportunity to move to the city, she’d know at least one person.
“Now, let’s go find Stephanie.”
* * *
A week later, back in her apartment in Bakersfield, Jessica stacked her DVDs in the cardboard box sitting on her dining room table. There should be enough room for her CDs in the same box. A stack of bills sat on the table beside the box. She hadn’t heard back from any of the employers from the career fair yet. It was a little early, but either way, she’d need to move out of this apartment. Either she’d be moving in with Mom and Dad, or she’d be moving to Philadelphia. She sighed. The former seemed the most likely.
The phone rang and she walked to the living room to pick it up.
“Ms. Long, please.”
“Speaking,” Jessica said.
“Hi. This is Stephanie Reynolds. I work in Human Resources at Ranier Industries.”
Jessica’s heart jolted into high gear.
“Yes, Ms. Reynolds. How are you?”
“Fine. I’m calling because we’d like to have you come in for a second interview. Would that be possible?”
“Um, yes, of course.” Jessica wrote down the details. When she hung up the phone, she couldn’t stop smiling.
Maybe she wouldn’t have to move in with her parents after all.
* * *
Jessica pushed open the glass door of the tall office tower and walked across the lobby, Melanie alongside her. The clacking of their high heels on the marble floor blended into the sounds made by dozens of other people heading to their jobs in the huge building.
Excitement skittered through her at the thought of starting her brand new job.
“Human Resources is on the eighth floor,” Melanie said as they stepped into the elevator. “They’ll process you then bring you up to the executive floor. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. You wrote down my extension, right?” Her eyes glittered with excitement.
“Yes, I’ve got it.” Jessica grinned. “I think you’re just as nervous as I am.” Other people crowded into the elevator around them as Melanie pressed the button to floor eight and floor thirty-six.
“Maybe a little, but I know you’ll do fine.”
Jessica couldn’t believe her luck at having fallen in with Melanie. Melanie had arranged for her to talk to Stephanie Reynolds at the career fair, which had led to a second interview. The company had even paid her expenses to come back to Philadelphia. They’d put her up in a hotel, and Melanie had shown her around the city after the interview. Since they’d hit it off so well, Melanie had invited her to stay for the weekend so she could get a better feel for the city. They’d had such a great time together that when Jessica had received the job offer, Melanie had suggested she take over her ex-roommate’s old bedroom.
The past four weeks had been a whirlwind of activity and excitement. She’d be lying to herself if she didn’t admit that part of that excitement was knowing she and Dane were living in the same city now, and while the odds of them bumping into each other on the street weren’t very high, stranger things had happened. Still, she had other things on her mind, like her glamorous new job.
Now, here she was, on day one, her heart beating quickly in nervous excitement.
The elevator door opened on the eighth floor.
“Good luck. I’ll see you later,” Melanie said.
The door closed and Jessica glanced around, then headed to the reception desk. “Hi. It’s my first day here. I’m supposed to see Ms. Reynolds.”
The receptionist was a lovely young blonde in a white satin blouse, with soft pink lipstick and a bright smile. “Welcome. I’m Gina. Stephanie’s office is the second on the left down that hall. Go ahead in.”
“Thanks.” A moment later, she tapped on Stephanie’s open door.
Stephanie chatted to her a bit about benefits and company policies, then sent her to the reception area to fill out a pile of forms—for payroll, insurance benefits, taxes, et cetera. An hour later, she finished the last one and walked back to Reception and handed Gina the folder of paperwork.
“Great. Stephanie asked me to take you up to your new office once you’re done.” Gina stood up and led Jessica to the elevator. Butterflies danced through her stomach as she realized that in a few moments she would be at her new desk and would be meeting her new boss.
The ride up the elevator seemed too fast and suddenly the doors opened to a new floor. The décor was a notch up from the Human Resources offices. Actually, several notches up. The chairs in the waiting area were of rich, warm brown leather and the carpets were plush. The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall gave a spectacular view of the city below.
Gina led her across the large reception area. There were several closed doors, all rich red, cherry wood.
Melanie sat at an elegant desk in the corner. She smiled as soon as she saw Jessica.
“Hi, Melanie. Is he in?” Gina asked.
“Yes, go ahead in.”
The butterflies in Jessica’s stomach became more agitated. She was working for a high-level executive?
Gina tapped on the door and a deep muffled voice inside said, “Come in.”
Gina pushed open the door and stepped inside, Jessica on her heels. “Mr. Ranier, this is Jessica Long your new assistant.”
Jessica was in awe, gazing around at the lush office with its rich mahogany wood bookshelves, leather chairs, and expensive-looking artwork on the walls.
“Good morning, Miss Long.”
At the familiar voice, Jessica’s gaze jolted to the man sitting behind the impressive desk by the huge window overlooking the city. Her stomach tightened.
There sat the man she’d had a torrid one-night stand with. Her cheeks burned at the memory. Oh, God, he couldn’t be her new boss.
The Morning After
“Have a seat, Miss Long. That’ll be all, Gina.”
“Yes, sir.” Gina left the office, closing the door behind her.
Jessica sat down in one of the leather chairs facing his desk, her pulse racing. Dane continued to view his computer screen.
Her hand slipped into her pocket and stroked the tranquility stone she always kept with her. Ever since he’d given it to her, she’d found she’d used it for comfort in times of stress.
The leather was soft and supple and the chair extremely comfortable. The brisk scent of his cologne filled her nostrils and memories of that night wafted through her mind. A quiver raced down her spine to think she’d been in bed with such a rich and powerful man.
He came from an entirely different world than she. He not only con
trolled a huge corporation, he controlled people’s jobs. Their lives.
And all she could think about was the need in his eyes as she’d wrapped her hand around his massive cock. Her gaze slid to his lips and she couldn’t help remembering his tongue nuzzling her most intimate parts.
Her heart thundered in her chest. From both embarrassment and … God, because she wanted to do it all again.
But now he was her boss. He was so intimidating in his expensive suit, sitting behind his big desk in this high-class, executive office.
She ran her hand along the armrest, thinking of kid leather which reminded her of … Oh, God, she had to stop thinking about … that.
He flicked the computer mouse, then his gaze fell on her and her stomach clenched.
She saw no reaction in his eyes. Was it possible he didn’t recognize her?
The night they’d spent together was over a month ago and maybe he did that kind of thing all the time. Maybe she just wasn’t that memorable.
But wouldn’t he have remembered her name when the company decided to hire her? That process had started only a couple of weeks later. Or maybe Human Resources handled all that.
He raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem?”
She realized she was clutching the armrests of the chair tightly.
“Um, no. Just first-day jitters, sir.”
The “sir” had just slipped out. He was her new boss, after all.
His lips turned up in a smile. “I like it when you call me sir.”
At the twinkle in his eye, she knew he definitely remembered her.
“So this is awkward, and strangely coincidental,” she said.
“Oh, it’s not a coincidence. When you told me you were at the career fair, I told my staff to watch for your résumé. When they hadn’t received it by the end of Saturday, I had my secretary, Melanie, go help out at the booth. I told her to watch out for you and persuade you to submit your résumé.”
Melanie knew about this?
“Why didn’t you just tell me who you were?” She asked.
“It was clear you were already intimidated by me. I would never have had a shot with you if you knew I was a potential employer. You would have been too nervous around me.”
