“You don’t think she can handle the job?”
He sat back in his chair, staring out the window. “It’s not the job I’m worried about. Running this place and running the big, fancy office she used to work at won’t be the problem. It’s…the crew. I don’t want any of them around her. She’s vulnerable and has a heart of gold. She’s also beautiful—I don’t want her overwhelmed or bothered.”
I nodded in understanding. Hank had always been protective of his daughter. “I’m sure the guys will be respectful. I can have a word if you want, Hank. Tell them to stay away.”
He turned in his chair, his expression serious. “She’s off-limits to everyone here, Jackson. She isn’t just another employee. She’s my daughter.” His fingers drummed on the desk. “Maybe I should implement a new policy—no dating within the company.”
I had to laugh. “Since Laura will be the only woman here, Hank, that might be a bit obvious. It would make her uncomfortable, and frankly, it might make it more tempting for a few of them.” Then I smirked. “Besides, you’ll break Tom’s heart. He’s been after Simon since he got here. You can’t do that to him when he’s so close.”
Hank laughed. We all knew how Tom felt about Simon. Except, it seemed, Simon.
“Maybe you’re right. They’re all the right age, but I want more for her.” He sighed. “At least I don’t have to worry about you.”
I chuckled. “Oh? Not her type? Too rough around the edges?”
“She’s twenty-six, Jackson. That’s twelve years younger than you. I don’t think you’re into cradle snatching.” His eyes narrowed. “Are you?”
I shook my head, amused at his fierce expression. I wasn’t looking for a relationship—especially not with someone I worked with. The complications would be enormous. Never mind adding in the layer of her being related to Hank—not interested.
“Nope—too young for me. I like them walking and talking on their own.” Then I winked at him. “Relax, Hank. Your daughter sounds as though she can hold her own. I’m sure if any of the yahoos step out of line, she’ll put them in their place.”
He nodded but didn’t look convinced.
“I’ll talk to them.”
“Will you watch out for her? I’d feel better if I knew you were looking out for her.”
“Consider it done.”
“Maybe you could be friends.”
Friends. I wasn’t used to being friends with a girl—but I would try for Hank.
“I’m game if she is.” Then I grinned wryly at him. “She isn’t six, you know. You can’t pick her friends for her—but I’ll help her any way I can.”
“Thanks, Jackson. I knew I could depend on you.”
I waved him off. “Not a problem. Happy to help. I look forward to getting to know her.”
Hank frowned, and I hastened to assure him.
“Relax—as a friend, Hank. It’ll be like having another little sister around. It’ll be great.”
I was in trouble in about five seconds flat. Laura stepped into the office, and any and all thoughts of being her friend went out the window. And I certainly didn’t feel this way about my little sister, Amy. The picture Hank had on his desk didn’t do Laura justice—and she was no little girl. She was small, curvy, with hair that hung down her back in deep waves of chocolate, and large blue eyes that were bright and filled with intelligence. Then she smiled—full, pink lips curved into a warm, enticing smile that made my body tighten with want. She was dressed in a simple navy skirt and a cream-colored blouse and low heels—attire that was totally appropriate for the office, gave nothing away, yet on her, was completely sexy.
So sexy and alluring, I was hard instantly.
So hard, I couldn’t even stand up to greet her. There was no hiding my reaction.
Instead, I was back to being fifteen again and hiding behind a large piece of furniture. When Hank introduced us, all I could do was remain seated, extend my hand, and offer her a gruff hello. His eyebrows shot up at my seeming rudeness, and Laura looked confused. Still, she placed her small hand in mine, greeting me politely. A subtle shock ran down my spine as my hand closed over hers, and it took everything in me not to pull her onto my lap and kiss her—even with Hank standing there. I wanted to feel those inviting lips moving underneath mine. Her eyes widened, and she pulled back her hand, her tongue peeking out as she bit her full bottom lip.
I wanted that tongue in my mouth. I wanted to bite that bottom lip, then run my own tongue over it and tease her until she begged me for more.
I grabbed a file and my laptop, muttered something about seeing a client, and ran.
Like a coward.
Inside my truck, I slammed my hands on the steering wheel. Desire was coursing through me, hot, pumping, and needy.
I wanted her.
Laura, the boss’s daughter. The boss who expressly stated she was off-limits to everyone in the company. The boss who wanted me to look out for her, be her friend, and keep the other men away from her.
I felt a growl building in my chest.
That was the only thing Hank and I would agree on at this exact moment.
No one was fucking getting close to her. They wouldn’t touch her.
She was mine.
It didn’t matter that she was too young for me, just out of a bad marriage, or that she was Hank’s daughter and was strictly forbidden.
I wasn’t sure how I could stay away.
I ran a hand roughly over my face.
I had to.
My avoidance worked well for about six weeks. When we were forced to be together, I was polite but distant. At meetings, I sat as far away from her as possible—one inhale of her light, feminine scent was enough to start my dick twitching, which invariably led to inappropriate thoughts of burying my face in her neck, fisting her thick hair in my hands as I fucked her. On my desk. Her desk. In my truck. In Hank’s truck. Anywhere I could.
I saw the flickers of hurt cross her face every time I was curt with her. Her shoulders curled in a little at my tone, and I hated knowing I was the one causing her pain. But it was the only way I could stay away from her. Other times, she squared her shoulders, and we went toe-to-toe over some minor infraction she felt I was perpetrating. Her eyes would flash, her voice rising, and she refused to back down. She was magnificent.
My cock agreed and wanted her even more. I’d have to hide again, often taking matters into my own hands—literally—when I couldn’t stand it anymore. I hid a bottle of lotion in the bathroom for occasions like that. The fact that I was almost forty years old and having to rub one out in the bathroom to make it through the day without humping a woman I barely knew was more than humiliating.
I started spending more time on the jobsite we were currently running. I told Hank the guys were slacking off and needed me there, but it was the only way I could keep my sanity.
But she was everywhere. I heard her laughter in the office, and I wanted to be the one who made her smile. When she would bring in cookies she baked, I wanted to steal them all and keep them for myself since she made them. Instead, I would shake my head when she would offer the container, ignoring the way her smile fell away, and sneak some later when she was busy. I covertly stole looks at her during meetings, wishing I could smile at her and see that wondrous smile of hers in return. But if our eyes happened to meet, I would glance away, dismissing her. If she appeared on-site, I would snap at her about wearing steel-toe boots and a hard hat, without even greeting her. The truth was, I was terrified she would be hurt wandering around the site, but I couldn’t tell her that.
I was shocked when a new emotion—one I had never experienced before—ran hot and free in my veins. Jealousy.
Coming out of the trailer one day, I saw one of the crew, Larry, standing next to her car, joking and laughing with her, causing a slow burn in the pit of my stomach. Stalking toward them, I growled at him. “Are we on a coffee break?”
He frowned. “I don’t drink coffee, Jackson.”
“Then I guess the break is over. Back to work.”
Laura glared at me as he walked away, looking confused. “That was rude.”
“I don’t pay them to flirt with you.”
“He wasn’t flirting. He was talking about his mom. We were comparing the kinds of cookies she makes!”
“Whatever,” I sputtered. “And for the last time—wear a fucking hard hat when you’re on-site!”
She reached into her car and pulled out a pink hard hat, setting it firmly on her head. “I have one. I was leaving when Larry came over, so I had just removed it. Stop snapping at me, Jackson.”
She glared at me as she spoke, which did something to my chest. She was adorable in her pink headgear, which only made her more appealing to me.
I returned her glare, pointing to her feet. “You forgot the boots.”
I stomped away, knowing she was watching me, no doubt cursing at me under her breath. She rarely swore, but when she did, I found it rather sexy. I found everything about her sexy. It frustrated me to no end.
She was the opposite of everything in my life. In my world of dust, gravel, and hard steel, she was fresh, sweet, and delicate. Her voice was warm honey compared to the raspy tenors I dealt with all day, her mannerisms gentle and feminine compared to the roughness that surrounded me. There was a tenderness she hid from everyone that I could see when she thought she was being unobserved—usually when dealing with her father on a more personal level after hours. I wanted some of that tenderness in my own life.
I wanted her tenderness. I wanted her.
She took over the running of the office seamlessly, her actions always smart, direct, and honest. She was brilliant, and Hank beamed with pride.
Hank groused at me about not being friendly enough to her, and I scowled at him. “I told you, Hank, you can’t pick her friends. It’s a personality thing. Leave it alone.”
After a couple of weeks, she started standing her ground more and arguing with me all the time. We’d trade barbs and thinly veiled insults, even during meetings. I began thinking maybe the best thing would be to find another job. With my qualifications, I could easily move along, except I liked and respected Hank, and until Laura showed up, I enjoyed my job. Now, I dreaded some days, knowing I’d have to deal with her at any given moment. Yet, the thought of not seeing her made me miserable. And on the occasion when we found common ground and worked as a team, it was magic. It was as if she knew exactly how I was thinking and would respond perfectly, our ideas meshing in complete sync. In those moments, being in her company was effortless and made me want more.
I was so fucked.
I eased back in my chair, running my hands through my hair in vexation and tugging on the ends. We’d had another sparring match this afternoon, and I stormed out of the office and spent the rest of the day on-site, snapping at everyone around me. I came back to the office to do some paperwork, knowing it would be deserted and I could get my work done in peace. I had heard Hank and Laura making plans for dinner earlier, so the area was clear.
Or at least, I thought it was. A throat clearing softly had me snapping my head up in surprise. Laura was standing in my doorway, holding a file and looking nervous. “Jackson? Can I talk to you for a moment?”
“I thought you were going to dinner.”
“Change of plans.” She hesitated. “May I come in?”
“Sure.” I indicated the chair in front of my desk. “What have I done now? Is my cell phone bill being audited?”
“Oh.” She squirmed a little in her chair. “No, nothing like that. Actually, I wanted to show you last month’s figures.”
“Is there a problem?”
“No.” She handed me the file. “Your suggestion about the staggered shifts was a great cost- and time-saver. Hank was very pleased. It was-it was a really great idea.”
I glanced at the numbers, nodding and hiding my face. My chest warmed at her quiet praise. “Good,” I said gruffly. “Glad I did something right.” I handed her back the file. “Anything else?”
She bit her lip and drew in a deep breath. “Jackson, I’m not sure how we got off on the wrong foot, but can we start again? My dad thinks the world of you, the crews respect you, and the other staff think you’re the cat’s meow. I’m not sure why you dislike me so much, but I promise, if you let me try again, you’ll see I’m really a nice person.” She offered me a shaky smile. “Maybe you could give me a chance?”
She looked vulnerable and sad. I wanted to take that sadness away and make her smile. “I don’t dislike you, Laura.”
Her eyes were confused. “But…”
I held up my hand, interrupting her. “It’s my problem, not yours. I’m very sorry I’ve upset you.” I huffed out a sigh as I studied her. She looked tired and weary, and suddenly I wondered if it was because of me. “I think maybe I need to move on. Look for another job.”
She was on her feet in an instant. “No! You can’t do that!”
I frowned at her. “Pardon?”
“Hank needs you, Jackson. He depends on you. I’ll leave—you’ve been here for years. I’ve only just got here, so I can be replaced. You can’t go work elsewhere. You can’t!”
I gaped at her. She was so upset, her hands clenched at her sides, angry tears glistening in the corners of her wide eyes.
“You’re Hank’s family. He needs you more than me. He’ll find another project manager.”
“No. You’re the best—he says so. He needs you,” she insisted.
“I don’t think I can stay here,” I confessed.
“Because of me?”
I decided to be honest. “Yes.”
“Why do you hate me so much?”
I regarded her for a moment, then spoke quietly. “I don’t hate you, sweet girl.” My voice dropped further. “Quite the opposite.”
“Sweet girl?” she repeated.
“It’s how I think of you. In my head,” I admitted.
“But…you barely talk to me.”
“It’s-it’s a survival thing.” I beseeched her with my eyes to understand. “I’ll talk to Hank on Monday.”
She shook her head, her expression one of shock. “I wish you wouldn’t.”
“I have to.”
She turned and left. I heard the outside office door close, and I knew I was alone. I looked out the window, knowing I had to do this. As much as I hated it, I had to go. My feelings for Laura were only growing stronger, not diminishing as I had hoped.
I sat lost in thought for a while, then gave up even pretending I was going to work. I had to go home and figure out my next step. I grabbed my coat and stepped outside, taking in a deep inhale of air. I glanced around the parking lot, seeing one of Hank’s trucks there. I hadn’t noticed it before—I must have missed it with my preoccupation and my thoughts. But as I walked toward my own vehicle, I saw the truck wasn’t empty.
Laura.
She was bent over the steering wheel, hands wrapped around the leather, and her shoulders were shaking, the truck actually moving with the force of her sobs. My heart clenched at the sight of her.
There was no thought, only reaction. My feet crossed the pavement and I was in the truck before I even realized what I was doing. Reaching over, I dragged her onto my lap, wrapping her in my arms and holding her to my chest.
“Shh, Laura. Don’t do this.”
“You…can’t…go… Please, Jackson.” She lifted her head, her tear-ravaged face breaking my heart. “I don’t want you to go…please!”
Her pleas, the pain in her voice, were too much. I cupped her face, wiping the tears with my thumbs. “Sweet girl,” I murmured.
She covered my hands with hers, gripping my wrists. “Please,” she whispered.
And then my mouth was on hers.
Her lips, so soft, molded to mine. I could taste the salt of her tears, the sweet of her lip gloss, and flavor of her—Laura. It was intoxicating, and I knew I wanted that taste for the rest of my life. As my tongue slid along hers, we both g
roaned.
I needed more.
I pulled her tight to my chest, one arm holding her close while I used my other hand to pull her hair free of the clip it was caught up with. Her hair tumbled down in a wave of silk that I wrapped my hand in, tugging on the tresses to tilt back her head. I sought out the skin of her neck, kissing, licking, and biting my way back to her mouth, needing her taste back on my tongue. She pulled on my hair, twisting the short strands roughly, holding my face tight to hers. Dropping a hand to her hip, I tugged her shirt out of her skirt, running my hand up the bare skin of her back, trailing over the bumps and ridges of her spine, jerking her closer. She whimpered into my mouth as I ghosted the swells of her breasts, tracing the hardened nipples with my thumbs.
She started to flex and move on my lap, her skirt riding up as she shifted. I groaned as my sheathed cock pressed into her warmth—the heat of her blazing, even through my pants.
“Please, Jackson,” she panted.
Weeks of forbidden desire, raging want, and unending frustration burst. With a growl, I tore away her scrap of lace, slipping my fingers into her wetness, claiming her mouth even deeper. Her head fell back with a groan as I stroked her, building her desire, praising her. “That’s it, Laura. Feel me. Feel what you do to me. Come on my fingers and show me you want me.”
“Jackson!”
I brought her mouth roughly back to mine, my tongue stealing in and taking her breath. She rode my fingers, the muscles clamping down as she shattered, her cry muffled with my mouth.
I hissed with satisfaction as she fumbled and yanked at my belt and zipper. Lifting my hips, I felt the rush of cool air for only an instant before I was surrounded by her wet center. Cursing at the overwhelming feeling of being buried inside her, I grabbed her hips, stilling her motion. “Give me a minute, baby. I want to feel you.”
Her head fell to my shoulder, and she shuddered, letting me set the pace. I slid my hands up her hips and slowly started to thrust, pushing her down to meet my movements. Pushing—pulling—in—out—faster and faster, the blistering heat building between us. The truck was filled with the sounds of our lovemaking—moans, whimpers, sighs, murmurs of endearments, the echoes of our skin meeting and separating. Nothing existed outside this cab—nothing mattered. All that mattered was the intense act happening between us. She pulled her head back with a gasp. I wrapped my hand around her neck, holding her gaze, still thrusting as she climaxed, her eyes huge and filled with ecstasy. My orgasm slithered up my spine, exploding with force, and I gripped her tight, her name falling from my lips as I groaned, emptying myself inside her.
Happily Ever After Collection Page 15
