Don’t Touch

by Wylder, Penny

  Monroe steps away wearing a huge smile. “Now we know a little more about each other.”

  “You know about me; I don't know anything about you other than what you rub your meat with.”

  “Play your cards right and maybe I'll really show you how I like my meat rubbed.” He bounces his brows and winks. “We still have work to do. You need to start seasoning the brisket, and I need eggs.”

  He leaves and heads down the hall. I pour the dry ingredients in a big mixing bowl and give them a good stir. Time for the meat. I make my way to the walk-in fridge, and as I take the corner, Monroe is coming back out. We slam into each other.

  “Oh, I'm sorry,” I say.

  He holds my arms as he looks down at me. “That's twice now.” His voice is low, and he licks his lips again. But he doesn't let me go. His hands stay in place, thumbs rubbing up and down.

  I know I should take a step back, but I can't move. His eyes are holding me in place. They flick around my face, dancing across my lips, then back to my eyes. His eyes are so dark, the brown almost black as he looms over me.

  My heart jumps inside my chest and I bite my bottom lip. Kiss me. Just kiss me. The thought flutters through my head, pushing away everything else. As if he can read my mind, his hands scoop my face, and he does exactly what I'm soundlessly asking him to do.

  He kisses me, hard and deep, slipping his tongue inside my mouth. I inhale a sharp breath as his lips seal around mine and our tongues tangle. My body folds into his arms as the world around me slips away. I'm not at work anymore. He's not my boss anymore. We're two people caught in a whirlwind. Allowing nature and desire to take over, and forgetting everything else.

  The tips of his fingers massage my scalp, and he kisses me even deeper, driving his tongue longingly into my mouth. It feels like he's wanted this forever, like we’re long-lost lovers and we found each other again.

  Nothing about this feels awkward or weird. His hands fit around my head perfectly. His lips mold to mine like lost pieces of a puzzle. And as he pulls me in closer, spinning me around so my back slams against the wall, it's like our bodies know each other already.

  “Fuck, I've wanted to do this all damn day,” he says against my lips. “All I've been thinking about is taking you, fucking you, and making you scream my name.”

  I moan, slipping my hands through his hair. My nails rake his scalp and I grab fistfuls of his hair, tugging hard. Monroe growls as he moves his mouth down my neck.

  “You're a dirty girl, aren't you?” he asks, dragging the sharp edges of his teeth across my skin. “You like this. You want me to take you right here.”

  “Yes,” I breathe out the word as I tug his hair again.

  Monroe smiles, softly biting the curve of my jaw as he kisses across my neck from one side to the other. My head falls back against the wall. I don't feel the cold steel or the perspiration in my hair from the wall. My body is on fire all over.

  His huge hand slips down my chest and grabs my breast. With sheer force he rips the buttons open on my jacket, causing several to pop off and fall to the floor. His hand is up my shirt, and he rolls my nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

  “God damn, Arisa, I'm so fucking hard.” Jerking his hips forward, he pushes his dick against my waist. “You feel that?” he asks. I moan in response. “I've never been so hard before.”

  His lips crush against mine again, causing my breath to hitch as his hands keep moving down my body. They ride over my ribs, and around to my ass. He grabs my ass with force and pulls me in, forcing my pussy against his full erection.

  My hands tear more of his hair, taking as much as I can in my fists and yanking. He grunts as he exhales into our kiss. His tongue swirls around mine as desperate fingers rip open the button on my pants.

  Deep down in the back of my brain I know this wrong. I know that this a slippery slope that could ruin both of us. His reputation, any future I might want in this industry. And yet, I smash the thoughts into oblivion, refusing them.

  He's all I want right now.

  Releasing his hair, I fumble open the button on his pants. He pulls his face away, his eyes pausing on mine for a single second. They're full and greedy. I can see the hunger. I can see the urge. I can see the need like a savage beast that's finally being set free.

  He flips me around and pushes my shoulders forward. I slap open palms against the wall as he works my pants down my thighs. The cold air skips across my hot skin sending goosebumps rolling across my body.

  “Hard or soft?” he asks, whispering in my ear.

  I look back over my shoulder. “I'm yours for the taking.”

  “Good,” he says as he slides his hand up my spine and tangles his fingers in my hair. “That's exactly what I wanted to hear.” He yanks my head back hard, making me gasp.

  My eyes snap shut as Monroe rubs his thick cock up and down my ass. He smacks my ass, and grunts softly. Pushing the center of my back down with his hand, he forces my ass higher.

  “Fuck me,” I say. I'm watching him from over my shoulder, arching my back hard, and pressing my pussy against his shaft. “I can't wait anymore.”

  My silky juice slips over his tip. He tempts my entrance, pushing in just the very tip. A mere inch, and nothing more before he pulls away and grins. “How bad do you want me?” he asks, curling my hair tighter around his fist.

  “So damn bad.”

  He thrusts in a little further, then pulls back out. “How bad?”

  “Really fucking bad.” I push my ass back, trying to force him all the way inside.

  Monroe yanks my head and holds my ass so I can't move back any further. “You said I was in control.”

  “You're killing me,” I groan, my hips rocking back as far as he'll let me. “I can't take much more.”

  “You'll take what I give,” he says, his lips pulling taut into a coy smile. “When I'm ready to give it.” He nips at the tender skin at the nape of my neck, sending a chill down my spine.

  My body shivers, causing Monroe to let out a pleased laugh. The tips of his fingers tickle down my back. He stops on my ass and spreads my cheeks apart. Pressing his thumb against my asshole, he massages the tight hole as he slowly pushes his dick all the way inside me.

  The muscles in my jaw tense up as his thick cock stretches me wide open. My arousal slicks his length as he pulls back out to the ridge of his tip. With another slow, but firm thrust, his thumb presses into my ass, drawing a long moan out of the depths of my lungs. Another wave of tingles and goosebumps ripple across my skin, making my toes curl in my sneakers.

  “Mm, Monroe, fuck me.” My eyes snap shut as I press my forehead to the wall and rock on my heels. I'm moving with him, giving an extra push to his thrust, and making his dick hit me deep.

  “You're my dirty little girl, aren't you?” he asks.

  “Yes.”

  “How dirty are you?”

  “So fucking dirty.”

  He pushes his thumb into my ass up to the first knuckle. “Fuck yeah, take my cock.” His thumb and cock both fuck me at the same time.

  I'm seeping, dripping with juice. The warm liquid coats my thighs as the sound of his skin slapping against my body echoes in the fridge. The shelves beside my head vibrate and shake as he starts to fuck me harder.

  I can't even think straight anymore. All I can think about is coming. My clit is swollen, throbbing violently. Every movement he makes is an explosion of pleasure. His hands move all around my body, from my head to my shoulders to my back.

  “I want to feel you come,” he says. His lips brush the shell of my ear, causing my eyes to snap shut. A quiver rips through me, and my knees become weak.

  I start to slip, but Monroe wraps an arm around my waist and lifts me up. The orgasm bursts, sending wave after wave of tingles zipping through my body from head to toe.

  “There it is, that's what I've been waiting for.” He digs his teeth into my shoulder, biting down as his fingertips grip my side. His cock slams inside me one last ti
me. “Fuck,” he growls out, letting his head fall to my shoulder.

  I'm breathing heavy. I can see each breath as it rolls out like a cloud of smoke. Monroe's chest rises and falls against my back. His heart is racing, I can feel it as it pounds inside him.

  He slowly lifts himself up and takes a step back. I adjust my pants, and button up what's left on my jacket.

  “I think I'm going to need a new jacket,” I say, taking a blind step backwards. My back hits something hard, and I wobble on my feet, almost falling over.

  I whip around, reaching out to stop anything from falling off. I'm able to catch a container of sour cream and a jug of milk, but a glass bottle of ketchup and an entire box of oranges isn't so lucky. The box flips, sending dozens of oranges tumbling to the floor, and the ketchup bottle smashes into a million pieces, splattering the floor with red.

  “Ah shit,” I huff out as I look at the mess I just made. My eyes are wide as I glance up at Monroe.

  He scans the mess, finishes tucking in his shirt, and takes a long step over all of it. “Looks like you got some clean-up to do,” he says flatly and walks right out the door.

  I'm left alone, standing in a chilled box with oranges strewn around my feet and ketchup all over my pants and shoes. My arms are full and the euphoric feeling that was just flowing through my body is slowly disappearing.

  The way he just left me like this. How cold and distant his voice was. I can't help but wonder if he's already regretting what just happened. We just fucked in the walk-in as if we're old lovers, and then he leaves as if he'd rather just forget it altogether.

  What the hell did I just do?

  I'm not this girl. I'm not the type of girl who hooks up with a guy I just met and know nothing about.

  This isn't just any guy; this is my new boss.

  How the hell am I going to look him in the eyes now?

  Lucky for me, I don't see Monroe the rest of the night. He stays in his office. I finish the list he gave me, seasoning the brisket and putting it in the fridge. It's three in the morning by the time I leave, and I can barely keep my eyes open.

  I'll figure out how to navigate this mess in the morning.

  Right now, I just need my bed.

  4

  Arisa

  “Come on, Arisa,” Cheryl whines as she flicks her head over her shoulder, and glares at me. “You're dragging ass, and it's not going to look good for either if us. I don't want to get blamed for anything because of you.”

  “I'm sorry, I'm just exhausted. I didn't sleep very good.”

  There's no way I'm telling her the truth. Last night is a secret between me and Monroe. She doesn't need to know that Monroe kept me here late and fucked me in the walk-in. It's none of her business anyway. Not to mention, I have no idea how Monroe is going to act today.

  I haven't seen him yet. Cheryl says he'll be here before we open, but I'm not so sure. What if last night really messed him up? What if he regrets it so much, he comes storming in here and fires me on the spot?

  All morning my heart's been in my throat, beating so hard it hurts. I'm on edge, jumping every time Cheryl opens or closes a door. I hear a noise and my head flicks in its direction, my eyes wide as I hold my breath.

  It's torture. I wish he would just show up so I can know.

  “Yeah, well, you need to be on point, Arisa. Monroe isn't going to stand for you lagging ass in his kitchen.” She spins around, arching a single brow. “Then again, you know what, you're not my problem. Don't think I won't make sure he knows who the real fuck up is.”

  “Gee, thanks,” I say sarcastically, giving her an over dramatic smile.

  “You're welcome,” she snaps, walking across the kitchen with a tub full of freshly washed carrots. “It's good for you to know we're not friends.”

  “Yeah, I kinda figured that out yesterday.”

  The door in the back opens, hinges creaking as it closes slowly on its own. Heavy footsteps come down the hall, and I know exactly who it is. I can smell his cologne from a mile away. It's a scent that's so unique I'll remember it forever.

  “Ladies,” Monroe says as he takes the corner, securing the last few buttons on his jacket. “How are we today?” His eyes glaze over Cheryl and land on mine for a single second, then they move back to her. He runs flat hands down the front of his jacket, smoothing it out.

  “I'm doing great, Monroe,” Cheryl says, her eyes twinkling like a schoolgirl who has a crush on her teacher. “I'm just finishing up the prep you asked me to do this morning. But Arisa on the other hand, isn't even close.” Her eyes dart to mine, and a devilish grin softly appears on her face. “She's so far behind right now. But if you want me to step up and help her, I will.”

  Brown nose much? What a bitch.

  I give her a dirty look. She smiles bigger, pleased with the fact she's throwing me under the bus. Her eyes are speaking volumes right now.

  This looks good for me, not you.

  This is why you'll never make it here.

  Don't mess with me or I'll ruin you.

  “You all right, Arisa? You look a little tired.” Monroe looks over at me and winks.

  “You could say that,” I answer. “I'm almost done, though. Cheryl's exaggerating a bit about how far behind I am. Everything will be set before we open.”

  “Perfect.” His tone is upbeat and pleasant. It makes me relax a little bit. He's not walking around with a scowl on his face and snapping orders. “Oh,” he says, holding up his finger. “I got you something.” Monroe disappears, and I hear the back door open and close.

  “You're so lucky,” Cheryl says with an angry frown on her face. “He's normally not this nice when someone is behind. You caught him on a really good day.”

  “Good thing then, seeing as you had no problem throwing me under the bus.”

  “I told you we weren't friends. My—” The door opens and closes again, causing her to cut herself off.

  Monroe walks right over to me with something draped over his arm. “Here, I got you a new jacket. The other one wasn't the best quality and I thought it'd be better if you had one with your name on it.”

  He hands me the jacket and I open it up. My name is embroidered across the upper left corner with dark blue thread. The restaurant logo is on the other side. It's beautiful.

  “Wow, thank you, Monroe.” I can't stop the smile as it takes over my face.

  “No problem.” He smiles, showing all his teeth. His smile is perfect, just like the rest of him.

  Even today, after being up late, he looks amazing. His eyes are bright and alive. His hair is nicely styled, and there's not even a shadow of stubble on his face. He smells even better this close to me.

  Cheryl is glaring at me from behind him. She looks down at the small name pin on her chest, then back up at me with hatred in her stare. She's jealous. There's no doubt about that.

  I smile even bigger, thanking him again for the lovely jacket as I take off the one with missing buttons and put on the new one. Again, it's a perfect fit.

  “How much do you have left?” he asks me.

  “I just need to slice the peppers and wash the lettuce.”

  “Good, I'll let you finish that and when you're done, I've got a few things I want to show you.”

  “Sounds good. It won't take me long, maybe ten minutes.”

  “Great, I'm going to go take care of a few things and then I'll be back.”

  Cheryl and I both watch him as he leaves. The second he's out of sight, her arms cross over her chest and she snarls, “What the hell, Arisa?”

  I shrug my shoulder with a grin on my face. “Maybe you'll get a new jacket soon, too.”

  She huffs loudly, spinning around so fast her hair whips across her face, and storms off. “Whatever, I've got cooking to do,” she says sharply.

  The kitchen is starting to fill with all the different aromas of the menu. Cheryl is pan searing some pork chops, and I'm filling the steel bin with clean lettuce.

  “Good, you're al
l done,” Monroe says to me. His arms are full. Scallops, a cold ball of dough, heavy whipping cream and blocks of cheese. “Come here, I want to teach you a few things I know they didn't show you in school.”

  “Sure, I love learning new tricks and secrets about cooking.” Cheryl gives me a death stare as I walk to his side, and all I can do is smirk at her.

  “So I've heard,” he says with a chuckle. I'm standing next to him, my body growing warm as memories from last night begin to flood my mind. I look up and his cheeks are tinted red, as if he's thinking the exact same thing. “All right, I'm going to show you my trick for making fresh Alfredo sauce and pasta. This is for our scallop Alfredo dish. Everything is fresh and the pasta is made from scratch. I'll show you how I make the pasta later this week.”

  I'm listening carefully as he begins to roll out the dough. His strong hands massage the dough into the counter, pressing and pulling it, rolling and stretching.

  Cheryl is watching us. I can feel her eyes burning a hole in the back of my head without even having to look. Her anger is like a thick mass that's filling the room, and it's all directed at me.

  Monroe pulls me in front him so his body is wrapped around me. His hands grab mine, and he begins to guide me with rolling the dough. I'm so tempted to lean back into him. I want his arms all over me. I don't care that they're covered in flour. I don't care how things ended last night. I want him to touch me.

  He steps in as close as he can get, pressing his chest against my back and curling his arms tighter around me. My lungs hitch, and the air turns hot around me. I swear this man can read my mind. He knows what I want without me saying a word.

  Monroe uses his hands to manipulate mine, making me pull and push the dough. I take a second to look up and see Cheryl off to the side. Her face is crinkled in anger, her eyes wild as fire. I swear, if she could throw knives out of her eyes, I'd be cut to pieces right now.