Her New Boss: A Rouge Erotic Romance

by Michelle M. Pillow

  His hand dropped away and he continued down the stairs. When he reached the end, he looked up at her expectantly. ‘Coming?’

  Zoe looked down at the cup.

  ‘Leave it on the steps,’ he told her. Obeying, she set it down and joined him on the walking path. ‘I wanted to show you the ruins.’

  ‘Am I working this weekend? I mean, here? Am I working here?’ She couldn’t stop the question from coming out.

  Jackson looked at her in surprise. ‘No. Why?’

  ‘When Marta called, it sounded like you meant for me to cook this weekend. It’s fine, if that’s why I’m here.’

  Jackson again glanced back at the house before touching her face lightly. His hand dropped to her shoulder and then slid along her arm to rest near her elbow. An intensity shone from his dark gaze, piercing her in a way she had come to recognize in him. ‘A gentleman doesn’t spread rumors about the woman he’s seeing.’

  ‘Are you seeing me?’ she whispered, suddenly feeling very shaky and weak.

  For a moment, he didn’t speak, merely searching her expression. She tried not to give too much away, scared of what he’d find. Then, almost playfully, he leant closer and said in a soft tone, ‘I’m looking at you right now.’

  It wasn’t an answer. Or maybe it was.

  Keep it light, she told herself. Light and fun. This is an affair, not a relationship. Remember the difference. Don’t get too attached. Don’t be one of those women.

  ‘Show me the ruins.’ Zoe didn’t lean in to kiss him, as she continued to tell herself to play it cool.

  Trees added shade as they strolled. Gravel crunched under her white sneakers. She’d managed to clean the shoes in the bathroom sink that morning. For the first time since meeting him, she managed to make light conversation, telling him of her family, her work, her childhood. Jackson talked of Jefferson, his engaged brother, and how they would be having the wedding right there on the plantation. Jefferson volunteered at the fire department and worked on one of the ranches. He’d met his fiancée at a horse show and it was love at first sight. His sister, Callie, worked for him so she could stay home with her sons. Zoe liked the look Jackson got on his face when he spoke of his family. It was a gentle, loving look, one she never expected him to turn on her. But knowing he was capable of it made her heart physically ache with longing.

  Keep it light, Zoe, keep it light.

  ‘And your parents?’ Zoe asked as they left the fairy-tale gardens for a tree-lined walk.

  ‘My pa died when I was eleven. My momma and her sisters, Aunt Sonia and Aunt Natalie, work in the diner on the weekend. They like having something to do.’

  ‘And it’s a way you can help them out while still letting them keep their pride,’ Zoe concluded. She could tell by his look her assumption was right. ‘What’s your mother’s name?’

  ‘Renée.’

  ‘You named the diner after her. That’s sweet. I once named something after my mom.’ Zoe chuckled. ‘I was nine and I created this awful strawberry, mandarin orange, chocolate chip, maraschino cherry cookie. I called it a Beatrice. No one could eat them.’

  ‘Flattering,’ Jackson drawled, laughing.

  ‘I was nine. She had just grounded me because I said her tea leaves were stupid and she was even stupider for believing in them.’ Zoe shrugged. ‘It’s something that’s been passed down from generation to generation. I think sometimes she’s hurt because none of us girls ever took it up.’

  ‘People around here believe in all sorts of things – spirits, tarot cards, palmistry, folk remedies and psychics. I’ve never seen anything I’d call paranormal, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t something to it. I don’t think science and modern reason can explain everything.’

  ‘So, Mr Levy, are you telling me you believe in ghosts?’ They had neared a small private graveyard. The weathered tombstones had dates etched into them from the late 1800s. Unlike the gardens, the grasses had been allowed to grow longer within the fenced area. An old cypress, with long hanging branches, created the ideal supernatural backdrop.

  ‘I told you to call me Jackson.’

  ‘Do you believe in ghosts, Jackson?’ She leant against the wrought-iron gate surrounding the graveyard.

  He looked over her shoulder and stiffened. His mouth opened and no sound came out. Startled, she quickly turned, backing away from the tombstones at the same time. The second she did, hands grabbed her arms and Jackson growled. She screamed in fright, jerking away from his hands. Jackson laughed, a deep, hearty sound.

  ‘I should have known.’ She hit at his arm. ‘You warned me about liking to bring girls out here to scare them.’

  ‘Yeah, I forgot how much fun that was.’ His handsome grin widened.

  ‘Oh, yeah, fun.’ Zoe tried to keep a straight face. ‘You just watch your back. I owe you one.’

  Jackson led the way down a narrow path to a fallen brick structure. ‘When the house was first built, this was the kitchen. They made them separate in case there was a fire. Being a chef, I thought you might be interested.’

  Zoe passed under the arched door. Time had eaten away at the old frame and dust had settled within. A small tree grew in the corner and much of the roof had long since blown away. The remains of a fireplace, some broken pottery and what looked to be a partially buried kettle were all that was left. Diffused light came through the broken roof, dancing like reflected crystals over the entire area.

  ‘I don’t think I’ll be cooking you dinner here anytime soon.’ She ran her finger along the old fireplace.

  ‘Hey, come here.’

  The hoarse words made her look at him. This time when he cupped her cheek and kissed her, it wasn’t quick and polite. His tongue delved into her mouth, instantly deepening with passion. He moaned, tugging her close to his body. Their heads moved, angling one way and then the other. Zoe ran her hands into his hair, wishing she could touch him everywhere at once.

  Inside, her heart beat a frantic rhythm. It always did when he was near. Outside, the world faded away. Nothing mattered but this moment, his lips on hers, his body pressed tight. All of this seemed like a fairy tale – the wondrous house, the handsome man.

  He pulled back, his mouth open as he breathed hard. Tiny specks of light moved over his features as the overhead leaves moved in the breeze. ‘I’ve wanted to do that all morning. I can’t seem to resist you. Stay the weekend with me.’

  Zoe nodded. Birds sang, adding music to their hideaway. Her hard nipples rubbed against his chest, sending small jolts to her stomach. Cream gathered between her thighs, eager to welcome him once again. His smoldering expression said he felt it too. She begged herself not to fall for him, but it was too late. Zoe could no more resist him than she could stop cooking. The knowledge washed over her in bittersweet agony. What she wanted could never be and she knew she should run away, leave his home, his town, his restaurant. She couldn’t. All her dreams, all her hopes were right here, in her arms, wrapped up in Jackson Levy.

  ‘You’re very beautiful.’ Jackson made a weak noise of pleasure, his gaze hot with passion as he moved to kiss the tip of her nose. ‘What are you thinking about when you look at me like that?’

  Zoe swallowed, knowing that answering, Falling in love with you wasn’t an option. So, instead, she answered, ‘Cooking.’ It wasn’t a lie, just not the greater truth.

  He pulled back slightly, but didn’t let go. ‘Cooking?’

  She wanted to slap herself for the answer. It sounded conceited and stupid and she wished she could swallow it back.

  ‘At least you’re honest,’ he said. His expression became guarded. ‘I can respect that.’

  Now she felt worse. ‘I don’t always think about cooking.’

  Jackson laughed. His fingers trailed over her neck, slipping over the rapid pulse that beat there. ‘I should hope not. If you do, I need to work harder.’ His fingers slipped down over her chest, through the valley between her breasts. They drew a haphazard pattern over her stomach before lan
ding on her rolled waistband.

  ‘Jackson,’ she hesitated. ‘I’m … We …’

  ‘I know.’ He put his hand to her mouth. ‘You don’t have to tell me.’

  Zoe wasn’t sure what he thought he knew. She’d been going to say she was no good at this sort of thing. Maybe it was better if he stopped her from speaking until she had a chance to plan what she would say.

  ‘Kiss me,’ she whispered, offering her mouth up to him. ‘I like it when you kiss me.’

  Jackson didn’t want to hear her say that there was nothing between them but sex, so he stopped her from speaking. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but when he tried, when he tested her responses to his admissions, her look stopped him. He’d asked her what she was thinking when her wide eyes looked up at him, searching his face. He’d wished for some deep answer, hoped for a hint of more, and would gladly have settled for the tiniest bit of encouragement to explore a commitment between them.

  But did she think of him? No. She thought of her career. Never in his life had he thought he’d have to compete with food. Sadly, food was winning hands down.

  Her eyes lifted to meet his, her soft words still between them. Kiss me. I like it when you kiss me.

  His heart hammered in his chest. He’d never felt like this with a woman before. Desire and longing had distracted him in his conference and driven him to end his meeting early so he could run to find her.

  His choppy breath echoed all around him, shutting out all other sounds. Her eyes captured him. Why couldn’t he read her? Why couldn’t he figure her out? Why couldn’t he walk away? From that first night, drinking in her bar, he hadn’t been able to walk away. He’d even convinced himself that he was punishing her by bringing her here, but really he was punishing himself.

  Jackson opened his mouth to speak, but he still couldn’t find the right words. Smiling slightly, he tugged at her T-shirt, lifting it so he could feel her smooth stomach with the backs of his fingers. He didn’t grab her, didn’t force her to stay against him. A breeze drifted through the kitchen ruins, kicking up dust.

  ‘Let me take you somewhere else.’ Jackson wished they were back in his room, but the housekeepers had full run of the house. He didn’t want anyone thinking they knew something. Rumors spread fast in Dabery, especially about him. He didn’t want the entire town pushing and questioning a relationship he was trying to have.

  The erotic feel of his closeness made Zoe’s flesh itch to be free of her clothes. Instead of allowing him to take her from the ruins, she lifted herself up on tiptoes and kissed him. ‘Here is good.’ Her mouth captured his and a wave of potent desire shot from her mouth to her breasts and pussy. Heat flooded her sex, hot and moist. His firm mouth worked against hers, his tongue dancing and twirling in her mouth. He’d worked his fingers into her shirt and groaned as he found her breasts. The erect nipples were waiting for him, already puckered and sensitive. As if he knew their torment, he pinched them between his fingers, rolling the delicate buds. Her hips jerked in response.

  She pushed his long-sleeved shirt off his shoulders. The tight movement of his muscular chest took her breath away. Everything about him was perfect, even the little flaws.

  Moaning, she sucked on his tongue, the way she suddenly wanted to suck on his cock. The taste of him was like a potent sex drug that made her want more. Zoe pulled at his shirt, wanting to look at him. He lifted his arms and she trapped them over his head, holding the shirt so he couldn’t get it off. She kissed his chest, licking at his small nipples. Jackson groaned as she explored every inch of him with her mouth.

  Letting go of his shirt, she ran her hands over his strong sides to his hips. Already she could see the bulge protruding from between his thighs. Jackson tossed his undershirt aside while she unzipped his pants. Zoe didn’t consider herself particularly skilled at giving blowjobs, but suddenly she wanted to try and give him such pleasure.

  She kissed his stomach, slowly going to her knees. Jackson let loose a long breath. Her hands shook slightly as she pulled the pants from his hips, taking his boxers down with them. She brushed her lips along the trail of hair leading down to his thick erection. An animalistic lust took over and she became more aggressive. Her mouth watered as she lightly kissed the blunt tip of his shaft.

  Zoe’s breath caught in the back of her throat. She didn’t stop to think as she flicked her tongue out to taste him. Her gaze raked over his chiselled body before looking into his eyes. He watched her intently, somehow begging and commanding in the same expression. Entranced by her nearness, she sucked the tip of his cock between her teeth.

  She ran her hands over his stomach, massaging his hips as she drew him deeper into her mouth. His hands threaded into her hair, not pulling or pushing, just holding. It was impossible to take him fully, so she brought one hand to help as she inched forward and back, sucking and licking.

  Her hips worked in small circles and her pussy ached to be filled. She cupped his balls, rolling them in her palm. Her teeth nicked him, bumping along his shaft. Jackson tensed. Zoe moaned low in the back of her throat. Her head bobbed faster. Suddenly, the grip on her hair tightened and Jackson jerked her off of him. He turned, bracing his weight against the fireplace as he spurted onto the ground.

  Zoe pushed up from the dirt floor, brushing the dust off her jeans. When he looked at her, his eyes were still hot with passion. The words a breathy growl, he said, ‘My turn.’

  Zoe gasped as he grabbed her arms and spun her around so her back was pressed to the falling stone wall of the ruins. He gripped her ass before tugging on the pants. They fell without needing to be unbuttoned. Jackson was instantly on his knees before her, lifting her naked thighs up as he pushed at her T-shirt to slip his head beneath the material and get to her sex. He put one leg on his naked shoulder and grasped her hips. She panted at the wet, hot feeling of his probing tongue. With one hand she pinched her own nipples, running the other down to touch him where she could through the T-shirt. She wiggled and his grip tightened. He pulled her slit against his mouth, sucking her clit as his fingers parted the moist folds to probe the depths of her pussy.

  It was all too much. Her body stiffened and her hips jerked. The muscles of her sex clamped down on his fingers, racking her with pleasure as she came against his hand. Jackson milked her body for all it would give. When she could take no more, he pulled away, coming from beneath her shirt to grin up at her. The intimate sight of her cream on his lips held her attention. He licked them slowly, standing before her. Jackson kissed her and she tasted herself on him.

  ‘I’m starving,’ he said. ‘Let’s get dressed and go in. Rita normally brings me something for lunch. We can take it out on the stone porch.’

  It didn’t take her long to pull up her pants and roll them to fit. ‘I can make us something if she hasn’t.’ Zoe still wanted to cook for him, especially since the first meal of burnt trout.

  ‘No, you’re off this weekend.’ He buttoned his pants and pulled the T-shirt over his head. The white cotton had dust on it and Zoe reached to brush it clean. Shaking out his long-sleeved shirt, he slipped it over his arms. ‘I have a couple more meetings this afternoon, but after that I’m all yours.’

  Rita smiled knowingly as she set down a pitcher of iced tea on the wrought-iron table covered with a white tablecloth. The housekeeper had set out torn-leaf salads with grilled chicken, walnut and apple slices and thick wedges of white chocolate cake for two. Though the woman looked friendly, there was a slight standoffishness to her demeanor now as she served. Zoe wondered if it was because she now thought of Zoe as a guest and not an equal. Not liking the invisible barrier, she reached forward and took Rita’s hand. ‘Join us. You and Rachel. Please.’

  Rita looked surprised and shook her head. She poured tea into the glasses.

  ‘I insist. You’ve been working all morning. Please, join us.’ Zoe smiled invitingly. Jackson appeared at the table, a newspaper in his hand. He’d changed his clothes, and was now wearing a black cotto
n dress shirt with sateen pinstripe and dark dress pants. Zoe tugged at her oversized T-shirt, wishing she had her own clothes with her. Jackson was acting like nothing had happened between them, but how could the maids not suspect? She was eating dinner with him, dressed in his shirt and ill-fitting pants. He sat down and nodded at Rita, not giving the woman much thought.

  ‘Another time,’ Rita said softly. ‘I don’t want to interrupt your business meeting.’

  Jackson glanced up. The housekeeper walked away. ‘She keeps making me salads for lunch. I eat them, but would prefer a thick steak.’

  ‘Salad is healthier for you.’ Zoe picked up her iced tea and took a sip. She coughed in mild surprise at the flavor. Peaches and sugar sweetened the strong brew.

  ‘There is that.’ Jackson opened the newspaper. ‘Do you follow the market?’

  ‘Don’t own stock,’ Zoe answered. ‘Don’t trust the market.’ Silently, she added, Don’t have money to invest.

  ‘Do you understand the market?’

  Zoe arched a brow, frowning. ‘Do you mean to be condescending?’

  Jackson laughed. ‘No. Was I?’

  Zoe spread her thumb and forefinger and lifted it to him to signify ‘a little.’

  He leant across the table, taking her hand briefly. ‘I didn’t mean to be.’

  ‘It’s all right.’ She lifted her salad fork as Jackson went back to his paper. The vinaigrette dressing had a distinct garlic and herb flavour and she guessed it came out of a bottle. He didn’t speak to her and she found herself watching him eat, almost entranced by the movements of his hand, the slow chewing of his mouth.

  Zoe wasn’t sure what she expected lunch to be, but this wasn’t it. Clearing her throat, she took a sip of tea. ‘I thought about trying Cajun salmon fillets this week or perhaps blackened sea bass with long-grain wild rice and pine nuts or an eggplant with penne and mint pesto.’

  ‘The salmon should go over well.’ Jackson glanced up briefly, but kept reading.

  ‘You don’t sound convinced. You think I should make something else?’ she asked.