Ding!
I watch Callan’s tongue move slowly over his lips, before he gives a low groan to clear his throat. And this time, when he looks me up and down, I can feel those eyes slowly undressing me. “After you, Miss.”
He ushers me out, though I know it’s just a poor excuse to stare at my ass, for once, I don’t mind one little bit.
8
Callan
* * *
Having Ellie sat beside me in the car fills me with contentment. It feels right for her to be at my side.
Although I saw the way she tried to shrink back into the seat when I helped her with her seatbelt. I can tell she’s self–conscious about her body when there’s no need to be.
She’s easily the sexiest, most beautiful, perfect woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, and it’s already beginning to hurt that I can’t simply tell her so.
I’ve noticed the way she sometimes tugs at her skirt, or smooths a hand down her stomach. All it does is remind me of those tempting curves that her clothing does little to hide.
Ellie only lives a little way outside the city, but I’m more than happy to take my time, taking things slow and making sure we hit every light possible. I want to listen to her talk like this, lively and giddy, answering my boring and cliched questions with genuine enthusiasm.
And there’s the one question I can’t resist any longer.
“So, you moved out here all on your own, huh? No boyfriend to keep you company?” I have to keep my eyes locked on the road, but it’s hard to hide my jealousy at this point.
“No, no,” she laughs, shaking her head. “I guess I’ve had bad luck in that department. And not only boyfriends either…” She trails off suddenly, dropping her gaze to her lap and taking a deep breath.
“What do you mean?” I can immediately sense my irritation growing at the thought of someone causing her hurt, as I place a hand on her shoulder, encouraging her to go on.
She tells me how her last boss groped her. How he cornered her when she was alone one night, grabbing her ass and insisting ‘fat girls never say no’, before firing her when she rejected him. Her voice cracks and her eyes fill with tears, but I can see the tension releasing as she lets go of the secret she’s been holding onto.
I’m glad I need to concentrate on the road or god knows what I might do. Probably get that assholes address out of her and turn right around. I’ve never known anger like it. My knuckles turn white as I grip the steering wheel, having to clench my jaw so tight that my head throbs.
“Anyway, that’s kind of why I’m focusing on my job right now.” She wipes at her cheek with the back of her hand, turning to me with a smile. “It’s nice to work for someone who doesn’t treat me like a complete idiot, or worse. You’re a good guy, Callan. Thank you.”
“Hey, hey, no way. I’m the one who should thank you.” I’ve pulled into the parking lot of her building now, so I turn my body to face hers, stroking her hair away from her face before my hand comes to rest on her neck. “You saved my ass in there tonight. You don’t understand what a relief it is to have an assistant I can rely on.”
I tilt her chin upwards to face me, still with the glimmer of tears in her eyes. Longing swells from deep within me, and I know for certain – I’ve never felt like this before. No girl has ever dug herself so deep, so quickly.
But I want to protect Ellie with everything I have. I want to wrap her up, keep her safe, give her everything she’s ever wanted. I want this girl, bad. But to do all of that, I have to be sure she’s ready. So, after everything she’s confessed to me, I’m going to play the long game.
This isn’t some random hook–up, I tell myself. She’s worth it. She might just be the one.
9
Ellie
* * *
Oh my god. Oh my god.
Is he going to kiss me?
He’s going to kiss me.
The look in his eyes is one I’ve only read about in romance novels. I feel as though we’re utterly alone in the world, and it’s just the two of us, sat in his sports car outside my building.
With one hand on my neck, and his thumb tracing circles on my chin, I can feel every nerve in my body pulsing with need. My breathing seems to slow, my lips trembling, every little thought or fear wiped from my mind – there’s only him.
He leans in. My mouth feels dry. Why is my mouth so dry?
It dawns on me then that I don’t want our first kiss to be like this – a pity kiss after breaking down in his car. I don’t want him to kiss me just because I’m the fragile girl he needs to help feel better.
I turn my head away, breaking his tender grip on my chin, and gently nudging his hand away from my neck, while I curse myself for ruining possibly the most romantic moment of my entire life.
He opens the door for me instead, and I get out as quickly as I can without seeming rude.
“Goodnight, Ellie,” he calls when I’m already half way to my door. I turn around, having to clutch my keys in my trembling hand, but I almost drop them when I see him smiling back at me. God, that smile makes my knees weak.
“Goodnight, Callan,” I reply, rushing to get inside before I change my mind. I know he’s watching me, but I can’t look back.
Inside my apartment, I have to stop and steady myself against the door.
Did that really just happen?
Closing my eyes, I can still feel the moment his breath brushed against my neck as he leaned in. I can still smell his clean, sharp cologne. I can see the way his cheek creases beneath his stubble whenever he smiles at me.
I felt something with Callan, I’m sure. My cheeks radiate heat, my stomach is in knots, and my heartbeat is only just beginning to return to normal.
As I finally regain some mental clarity, it dawns on me that maybe I’m not so sure. Did I mistake his sympathy for a spark? Did I read too much into his comforting words and soothing touch? Was he just trying to return the favor for making me stay late?
It’s just as I’m talking myself down from my cloud that my phone vibrates in my purse.
‘Thanks again for all your help today. Wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. See you bright and early tomorrow xxx’
And just like that, there goes my stomach again.
10
Callan
* * *
I should drive away.
I should go home, think things through, go over what just happened.
So why am I still sat outside her building?
I just can’t get my head around this girl. I’ve known her for less than 24 hours, and she’s all I can think about. Everything else gets pushed aside, and there she is, stood front and center in my mind.
I told myself I wouldn’t get involved with the girls who work for me. When I set my mind on something, I stick to it – but this is one promise I’m just going to have to break.
Because I’ve never met anyone like her. She’s smart, sassy, insanely sexy. And the thing is, she doesn’t even know it. I can feel the anger rising once more when I think about everyone who must have underestimated her, made her feel ugly, or worthless.
But she’s so young and so innocent. 13 years younger than me, to be exact. Fresh out of college, she has her whole life ahead of her, the freedom to be or do anything she wants.
She’s already said that she doesn’t want to get involved with anyone. Ellie needs to heal from the pain she’s been through, and I need to let her.
I know she felt it though, when everything seemed to slow down around us. I hope it was enough to prove to her, I’m not just anyone.
I will make Ellie Miles mine. No matter what it takes. No matter how long it takes.
And I plan to start first thing tomorrow morning.
11
Ellie
* * *
The following morning, I wake up in a panic when I hear my alarm. Of course I would oversleep, today of all days.
Callan’s text had said ‘see you bright and early’, so the last thing I need is
to anger my boss by showing up late, after we got off to such a good start.
God, my heartbeat quickens just thinking about it. Last night, the moment, the sparks, all of it. It almost doesn’t seem real in the startling morning light, as if it were all a dream.
Which is ironic, considering I got very little sleep.
It doesn’t take my long though to jump in the shower and get my things together, and within 20 minutes I’m stumbling over myself as I rush out of the door, still tugging my jacket on while trying to finish buttoning my shirt at the same time.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got coffee. Makes it all better, trust me.” I stop dead in my tracks when my eyes see him standing there. Looking somehow even more handsome than ever, with four coffees in hand.
“What are you doing here?”
“Well, I can’t have my assistant taking the subway to work. It’s not safe, plus, you know, they almost never run on time.” My face softens as I smile at how incredibly thoughtful he is. Every time I give myself another reason this can’t or won’t happen, he always seems to have a comeback ready. “I get up early to go to the gym anyway, so it’s just easier for me to come pick you up on my way back.”
I find it hard to believe he doesn’t already have a professional home gym, but I won’t argue. He holds out the drinks, waving his hand over them like a waiter presenting a meal.
“I didn’t know what you drank, so I got a variety. We’ve got black, a latte, a mocha, and some kind of… vegan herbal tea thing, I don’t know. My last assistant drank it. Never saw the appeal myself.” He screws up his nose as he takes a whiff of the earthy smelling concoction.
“Latte for me, thanks,” I say with a laugh. There goes my heart again, doing somersaults in my chest, and it’s not even 8am.
“Oh, you got a little something…” He motions towards something on my lip. I go to wipe the foam, but Callan beats me to it. Without even hesitating, he reaches in to brush it away with his thumb, and sure as hell, there are those sparks again.
Now I know I’m the only one who felt that. I take a slow inhale, getting lost in his eyes once more, before reluctantly breaking the silence.
“So, we should probably head to work, huh?” But he shrugs, guiding me towards the door with his hand on my back.
“There’s no rush. One perk of being the boss.” He climbs into the driver's seat and even helps me with the annoyingly awkward seatbelt, the back of his hand brushing across my chest. I feel my nipples harden, as a raspy breath escapes my lips.
I almost hate how easy it is for this guy to make me tremble with the slightest glance, the softest touch, but at the same time, I never want him to stop.
12
Callan
* * *
Once the initial nerves have passed, it feels just like last night again. We’re laughing and talking as I take the scenic route to work, enjoying having Ellie by my side once more.
She’s so god damn sweet. The way her eyelashes flutter when she’s nervous, the way her smile always reaches her eyes. She’s utterly gorgeous, and every second I spend with her leaves me wanting more.
“God, I can’t believe I was almost late, and it’s only my second week!” She buries her face in her hands, shaking her head. “I just couldn’t get to sleep though, I don’t know why.”
“I know what you mean, me too.”
“Yeah, well, you’ve got a lot on your mind.” Her face is turned towards the window when I steal a glance at her, noticing just the slightest flush of pink to her cheeks.
“I guess,” I scoff – yeah, a whole lot of you.
“I know the Milton Merger is a big deal though. You’ll figure it out. Everyone knows you’re brilliant.” She turns back to me, and I don’t know if it’s intentional or not, but she places a hand on my forearm, and even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“Nah, it’s not work. I could do this job in my sleep.” I pause, having to tighten my grip on the steering wheel to keep myself from reaching out to grab her. “I meant… You, actually.”
Her eyes widen, her lips forming a perfect ‘o’. After the few seconds of silence seem to drag on, I’m compelled to explain myself.
“I mean, I don’t want to come across as the creepy boss, especially after what you confided in me. And if you tell me this is way out of line, I’ll back off, no questions asked. You’ve already proven that you’re too valuable an asset to lose. I just… I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since I walked into the office yesterday.”
I let my confession hang on the air, but my heart leaps in my chest when Ellie responds.
“I thought about you too.” She looks over at me nervously – fuck, how can one woman be so perfect? – before shaking her head, hiding her precious face behind a curtain of blonde hair, biting down on her full lip.
I have to touch her. I have to let her feel what I’m feeling. I place a hand on her thick thigh, and she gasps. I want to touch that sweet pussy so badly, but I need her to know that I’m not only looking for another quick fling.
I give her thigh a firm but reassuring squeeze, taking a moment for myself, savoring the sensation of her soft flesh pressed beneath my fingers.
“I know what the folks at the office might say about me, Ellie. But I’m telling you, that’s not who I am. They’ve just got the wrong idea. Fuck, Ellie, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since I laid eyes on you. Isn’t that crazy? And I don’t know about you, but that kind of thing… That instant connection…”
As we pull up at a stop light, I turn to her, those blue eyes gazing back at me longingly, lips slightly parted.
“That’s never happened to me before.”
13
Ellie
* * *
I can’t speak.
I literally can’t speak.
I’m staring back at Callan’s face, after he just confessed to me how he can’t stop thinking about me, how he’s never felt this way about a girl before, and words completely fail me.
“It’s okay,” he laughs, breaking the silence with a low, throaty chuckle that makes my pussy gush. “I know I can be sort of, well, intense. It’s fun seeing you so tongue tied though.” His eyes shift to look at me once more, and I swear, I almost melt.
I have never wanted someone so much in my entire life. I want to wrap my arms around his body, straddled his lap, and beg him to take my virginity right then and there.
God, I wonder if he even realizes that I’m a virgin. Just some silly girl with a crush and zero experience.
But no. I shove the thought from my mind. I hate that there’s a part of me that wants to sabotage every good thought, when I have an amazing, perfect, gorgeous man in front of me telling me how much he likes me.
I want more than just my first time with this man though. I want every time with him. I want to wake up to that face every morning, to see him laugh, see him cry.
I want everything with this man.
But that’s just the fantasy talking, right? This is my boss. Who I’ve known for a day. And here I am thinking about how cute our children would be.
God, our children would be so cute though. And the thought of him getting me pregnant only turns me on even more.
I catch him looking at me once more, and I laugh to myself. Despite the creeping negativity and self–doubt, I can’t hide from the fact that everything Callan has done so far only backs up what he’s been saying.
So perhaps it’s time to put all that aside, at least for now. Maybe I really am his type after all.
14
Ellie
* * *
The past week with Callan has been amazing. After finally opening myself up to the possibility of there being something between us, things have only gotten better.
We spend every day flirting back and forth, teasing each other in the office. I know it drives him crazy, and it does the same to me.
Every evening is spent at my apartment, with more talking, eating, drinking. He’s fo
rsaken the billionaire comforts of his penthouse apartment to stay here, with me, in my ground floor apartment across from the Eastern European deli – because he knows this is where I feel most comfortable being myself.
I’ve grown so close to Callan in such a short space of time that it honestly scares me a little. I feel completely safe around him, for the first time in my life, but that’s yet another thing that scares me; that I trust him so much already.
But I know he means what he says – that he would do whatever it takes to keep me safe. From taking me to and from work every day, to triple checking my door is locked at night before we fall asleep together, the small things add up quickly.
We still haven’t even shared our first kiss, but god, I’ve thought about it. I’ve come close so, so many times, when his face has been there, inches from mine, and I’ve willed myself to reach out and make the first move.
I sense he’s being cautious because of my age, my inexperience, and everything else I’ve confessed to him. But of course, like most things that man does, it only makes me like for him even more.
In fact, it’s not fair to call it that at this point – ‘like him’. I know I’m falling in love with Callan. I didn’t want to admit it to myself at first – another one of those young girls who falls in love with their rich, hot, older boss.
Such a cliché, right?
But for once, I don’t care. Because every time I look at him, and I catch him staring back at me, I can feel my heart glowing, and it’s that light of love that illuminates all the darkness.
“So, what do you think about going out for dinner tonight?” Callan asks, jolting me from my thoughts as he leans over me at my desk.
His Type Page 2
