Author: Winter, Alexis
Date: 2019-02-17

Baby Mistake

An Accidental Pregnancy Romance

Alexis Winter

Contents

How to destroy your career in three easy steps…

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue

WANT TO READ MORE FROM ALEXIS WINTER?

Just Friends

She thinks I’m going to walk away?

Chapter One

Chapter Two

About the Author

How to destroy your career in three easy steps…

Step #1: Sleep with your boss.
Step #2: Get pregnant by your boss.
Step #3: Quit your job and run away from your problems.

Griffin Karlsson, cold and arrogant, he should have been easy to hate.

But I always had a few scorching hot fantasies about Mr. Stick Up His A$$.

After all, who doesn’t want a Thor looking god of a man to drool over?

Now I’m pregnant, jobless and oh, I haven’t told the father…

He already has his perfect life, I don’t need to be reminded I’m carrying his mistake.

My only option? Run.

Copyright 2019 by Alexis Winter - All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

Chapter One

Janelle

I pull my sweater tighter around myself as I walk down the sidewalk toward my apartment. The Chicago wind still has a chill to it even though it’s early May. It cuts right through my body and makes me shiver and wish I’d picked a heavier coat this morning. I sniffle as I push myself forward, mentally scolding myself for not putting every cent I have into purchasing a car. As the sun sets, the air gets unusually colder for this time of year. When snow flurries begin to fall around me, I roll my eyes and start grumbling to myself, but it’s all the motivation I need to get my butt in gear and pick up the pace.

Less than ten minutes later, I’m rushing into my building and up the stairs to the second story, too impatient to wait for the elevator. I let myself in and drop my keys on the table and my bag on the floor as I stand in the hallway and remove my hat and scarf. After hanging everything up on the wall hook, I pick up my bag and walk further into the apartment.

My roommate, Samantha, is lounging on the couch in the living room. “Hey,” she mumbles, not bothering to pull her eyes away from whatever she’s watching.

“Hey. Have you been outside today? It’s seriously freezing out there. You’d think it would start warming up at some point.” I grab a throw blanket off the back of the couch and wrap it around my shoulders, then sit on the vent in the floor—absorbing all the heat in an attempt to thaw my bones from the layer of ice that seems to surround them.

She nods. “I had one final this morning I had to go to.” She pushes her dark hair behind her ear as she sits upright, looking at me. “I saw Ryan Dillion today.” She smiles wide, and the smile makes her eyes sparkle with excitement.

I roll my eyes and snort. Ryan is Sam’s ultimate crush. She’s tried to attract his attention all year, and so far, he’s yet to show any interest. “And?”

“Annnnd,” her eyes stretch wide as her lips keep her smile in place, “he invited me to a party tonight!” She begins bouncing up and down on the couch like an excited three-year-old who’s just learned she’ll get ice cream for dinner.

I laugh. “That’s awesome! So, what’s the plan?”

“Okay,” she says as she settles and levels her eyes on me. “I’m thinking that you and I go to this party looking hot as hell. We’ll kick back, have a few drinks, and mingle. Then I’ll make my move. I’ll tell him thanks for inviting me and make it clear how much fun I’m having. I might ask him to dance or even ask him if he’d like to go someplace quiet to talk.” She points her finger at me, “So, if I disappear tonight, don’t come looking for me until morning.”

I hold up my hands, showing her my palms. “Ha! After last time, I’ve learned my lesson, thank you.” Last time, I did go looking for her and saw her in a very compromising position: doggy style, to be precise.

She giggles. “So, you’ll go with?”

I snort. “Of course I’ll go with. Have you ever known me to pass on a party?”

She again points her long index finger at me. “And that is why we’re best friends.”

We both giggle as I stand, taking my blanket with me. “But before I can party, I have to finish this writing assignment.” I grab my bag off the floor and head for my room. “If I haven’t come out in two hours, check on me. I’ve probably died from boredom,” I joke.

“You got it,” she says from the living room.

I close my bedroom door behind me and flop down in my desk chair as I open my computer. The document is already open and waiting for me to resume my work. I nearly growl as I scroll up to the top and read over what I’ve already written.

I love writing. I’ve always loved writing, but once I decided to get my degree in English, I quickly figured out how much I hate writing something that holds no interest for me. I can write papers on nearly any subject, but finance and business aren’t on that list. Nothing bores me more than having to do hours of research on a subject I have no interest in.

It’s going on seven when I save my document and close my computer to get ready. I step out of my room to find the living room empty. Music is blaring from Sam’s bedroom and I tap quickly on her door before letting myself in.

“I survived, if you were wondering,” I joke, yelling above the music.

She somehow manages to hear me, and she turns it down to a low muffle of background noise. “Good, I was about to come check on you. We have to be at the party in an hour.”

My brows pinch together in confusion. “We’re going that early?” I cross my arms over my chest as I lean against her doorframe.

“I’m not taking the chance of some skank beating me to Ryan. This is it, El. He’s mine tonight.” She flashes me a quick smile before holding up two tops: a skimpy black one and a skimpy pink one. “Which do you like?”

I laugh and roll my eyes. “Does it matter? Both of them will give him an eyeful, that’s for sure.”

She tosses both tops onto her bed, then turns for the closet. “Do you think I should wear my little black dress instead?”

“You wear that dress and you’ll be frozen before you get to the party,” I point out.

“True.” She picks it up out of her closet and holds it at arm’s length, studying it as she thinks it over. “Is it worth it?” she asks, more to herself than to me.

“Are frozen ovaries worth it?”

She doesn’t look at me—she just holds up her middle finger before hanging the dress back in her closet.

I laugh as I spin around for the bathroom to get a shower.

I’m leaning against the counter with a drink in my hand as I watch Sam and Ryan dance. I can’t hold back the smile on my face at seeing her finally get the guy she’s secretly been crushing on.

“Hey, beautiful,” someone says, bumping into my shoulder.

I turn my attention to a dark-haired guy I’ve seen around school a few times. “Hi.”

“I’m Chase,” he tells me, flashing a full smile that shows his perfectly straight white teeth.

“I’m—” I start, but he cuts me off.

“Janelle, right?”

I smile and nod. “That’s right. But my friends just call me El.”

“I’ve seen you around school. You’re in a lot of the same classes as me. Are you going into journalism?” He leans against the counter, directing all his attention at me. I look him up and down. His dark hair is long and shaggy, hanging to the top of his eyebrows, and he’s dressed in snug jeans and a tight black shirt with some logo stamped on the front. He’s full of swagger and confidence, making it very clear that he’s used to getting his way with the ladies. When his smile widens, I see an adorable dimple in each of his cheeks, further confirming my former thoughts.

I move my head from side to side as I mull over his question. “Writing, yes, but reporting the news, not really. I like more freeform writing. I want to write things that interest me, not report on whatever crime has been committed. I’d love to get hired on at a big publishing house and put my editing skills to good use; however, I’m prepared to do what I need to do to get my foot in the door.”

He nods his head. “So, not aiming for The New York Times.” He smiles, and it makes my muscles tighten.

I shrug, brushing off the butterflies that take over my stomach. “I’m up for whatever. Right now, I just need to get some experience under my belt. I’ve put in for at least a dozen different internships, but I haven’t heard back from any of them yet.”

“Oh yeah? What did you apply for? I’ve been doing the same. Maybe if we put our heads together, we’ll both get some new ideas.”

I hold up my red Solo cup. “I honestly can’t tell you at the moment. All I know is the one I hope I get is the Castille Hotel Group. My sister is supposed to pull some strings for me, but I still haven’t heard back yet.”

His eyes widen. “I applied for that one too! I’m really looking forward to seeing what they plan on doing with their new magazine. I’m not really aiming for a writing career, but I like to keep my options open. And I’ve heard they’re a great company to work for. If I get in, I’m hoping it gets my foot in the door. I’d really like a chance to go into advertising. I really enjoyed the assignment where we had to write ad campaigns.”

I smile. “I did too.”

I end up losing track of Sam as Chase and I get into deeper conversations about school, writing, and potential jobs. It turns out, we have a lot in common. We both applied for a lot of the same internships, and have similar life goals. Not to mention, he’s a total flirt and pretty easy on the eyes. We both flirt and tease one another, but in the end, it doesn’t move past that. He seems like a gentleman—not some player who only comes to parties to hook up. In fact, we have so much in common that I could see our new friendship turning into a relationship with time.

It’s going on two a.m. when I sit back and notice almost everyone at the party has left.

I put down my now-empty cup and push my chair back to stand. “It’s getting late. I really should be going.”

He stands with me. “Want to share an Uber?”

I smile. “Sure!”

He pulls out his phone and arranges for an Uber to pick us up as we head outside. Again, the cold air causes a shiver to run through me.

“Here, use my coat.” He takes it off and drapes it over my shoulders.

“Are you sure? It’s pretty cold out and you’re only wearing a sweatshirt.”

He waves his hand through the air, dismissing my concerns. “I’m naturally warm. And the Uber will be here soon. I think I’ll survive.” He flashes me that cute grin that stirs my stomach.

“Thank you,” I breathe out.

“You’re welcome,” he says, raising his hand to push a fallen strand of hair behind my ear.

Something between us changes. One second ago, we were talking the way friends do, and now there’s an electric current bouncing between us. It’s warm and causes tingles to take over my body. His blue eyes seem to darken as he begins leaning closer. He wets his lips as his hand lands under my chin.

I close my eyes and lean forward. We meet in the middle, his soft lips finding mine. His hot tongue demands entrance, and I can’t deny him. He’s cute, funny, and sweet. And this kiss would be the perfect ending to our night.

As his tongue dances with mine, his hot body presses against my front, warming me, but also turning every bone in my body to jello. I melt into him, living in this kiss and forgetting everything else. His lips are soft, yet strong, and his tongue tastes like a mixture of beer and the fruity shots we’d taken earlier in the night.

When he pulls away, rather unexpectedly, he shoots me a grin. “I’d really like to see you again, El.”

I nod, blush staining my cheeks. “I’d like that too.”

The Uber pulls up, and he opens the door for me without pulling his eyes from mine. He motions with his hand for me to slide in first. Without saying another word, I do, and he takes his seat after me.

On the ride back to my apartment, we exchange numbers. When the car comes to a stop in front of my building, he opens the door and steps out to allow me to exit.

“I guess I’ll see you around,” I say, standing on the sidewalk.

He nods. “Thank you for tonight. I enjoyed the time we spent together.” His hand moves to cup my cheek.

I smile as my face burns with embarrassment. “I did too,” I say, shyly.

Slowly, he leans in, giving me one last kiss that doesn’t last nearly long enough.

He pulls away. “Good night, El,” he whispers as he slides back into the seat.

I smile and hold up my hand to wave goodbye as the car pulls back out into traffic. Unable to find my feet, I stand there, watching him drive away, happy and surprised by tonight’s turn of events. It makes me wonder if I should have invited him inside, but he didn’t strike me as that kind of guy. He seemed perfectly happy just spending time with me, and stealing the few kisses he did.

The wind picks up, bringing me back to the present, and I turn and walk into the building when the car is no longer in view. I went to this party for Sam, but I’m sure glad I did. While I’ve never been the serious relationship type of girl, meeting Chase was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t go with intentions of finding a boyfriend, but maybe that’s exactly what I found. I guess I should wait to see if he actually calls before getting my hopes up. But the nervous feeling in my stomach tells me that I’m hoping he calls, that I’m praying for a night alone with him, and that I may have just found the guy I’ll end up with.

I let myself into the apartment, and to my surprise, find Sam in the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water. She’s already dressed in her oversized nightshirt, ready for bed.

I pause in the doorway. “I wasn’t expecting to find you home. Things not go well with Ryan?”

“No, he has a girlfriend.”

I press my lips together. “That’s weird; I’ve never seen him with anyone.”

“That’s because she doesn’t go to school here. They’re in a ‘very serious committed long-distance relationship,’ as he puts it.”

“Damn. That sucks.”

She shrugs. “Yeah, but he introduced me to one of his friends, Seth.” She smiles. “We’re going out tomorrow night.”

I laugh. “That’s more like it. I knew you’d bounce back quickly.”

“I’m nothing if not flexible,” she jokes. “Hey, so who was the guy you were talking to?”

I walk into the kitchen and lean against the counter. “His name is Chase. I’ve seen him around school, but never talked to him. We ran into each other tonight and really hit it off.”

“Really? Like, you guys are going to see each other again?”

I nod. “I think so. We exchanged numbers anyway.”

“Look at us. This time next year, we may both be on our way to marriage.”

I laugh. “Hey now, I have no interest in getting married anytime soon. You keep those dreams and aspirations all to yourself before you jinx me or something.”

She shows me the palms of her hands. “Fine. Good night, El.”

“Night, Sam.” I watch her walk down the hallway and back into her room, where she closes the door between us.

I grab a bottle of water for myself, turn off the light, and head to my room with plans of sleeping until noon.

Chapter Two

Griffin

“Have you had a chance to look at the list of interns I sent over?” Vince asks over the phone.

I kick up my feet on my desk. “Yeah, I’ve skimmed them,” I reply, looking at the time on my Rolex.

“Have you made a decision?”

“Not yet. You do realize it’s Saturday, right?”

“Yeah, I do, and I’m betting you’re sitting at your desk in the office.” I laugh a little; he’s not wrong. “You have to get a life, man.”

Ignoring his comment, I give him feedback on the list of interns in front of me.

“I have some I threw away immediately. Others I’ve put in the maybe pile. What’s this about? You’ve never cared about interns before.”

He takes a deep breath. “Alison’s little sister applied for that internship,” he finally admits as he lets out a long breath.

“Ahhh, I get it. So if she doesn’t get in, you’re no longer getting laid,” I joke with a deep laugh escaping my lips.

“Just make sure Janelle Ryder is in the yes pile when it’s all said and done, would ya?”

“All right. Let me look.” I sit up in my chair and pick up the file that has all the intern applications. Flipping through the papers, I find her application. “Actually, I had her in the maybe pile.” I read over her application. “She seems qualified—just as qualified as the rest of these children, if not more.”

“She is, Thor,” he jokes, using my nickname to give me a hard time. Because of my blond hair, blue eyes, Nordic accent, and imposing stature, I’ve come to accept the nickname “Thor” from my closest friends—but only a select few are allowed to use it.

“Fine, loverboy, she’s in. Are you happy?”

He laughs. “Thanks, man. You have no idea how happy that’ll make Alison. She’s worried about her little sister. Apparently, she’s the wild type. You may have to whip her into shape.”

I scoff. “Great. Just what I don’t have time for: a college girl with a wild streak.”

“Nah, Alison’s talked to her about it. She seems ready to take this on. I’m sure she’ll do fine, so don’t worry too much about it. At least we don’t have to pay them.”

“Should I call and give her the good news, or does Alison want to do that?” I ask, closing the file and turning to face my computer to put her name into the system.

“You can call her. I know the first person she’ll call is Alison, and I’m sure she’d like that better than hearing it from me. Thanks, man. I owe you one.”

I laugh. “Ha! You owe me ten, and you’re going to have to hear me bitch when this girl doesn’t show up for work because she’s too hung over.”

“Deal.”

“I’ll talk to you later. Enjoy your vacation.”

“Oh, I’m going to enjoy my vacation all right. I don’t plan on leaving our room for the rest of it.”

I make a gagging sound. “Too much info, man.” Without another word, I hang up the phone and can nearly hear him laughing from here.

I quickly glance at the time in the top right-hand corner of my computer screen and see it going on ten a.m. Picking up the phone, I call the number in the file.

“Hello?”

“Hello, is this Janelle Ryder?” I ask.

“Yes, who is this?” It’s obvious she was asleep at ten a.m. on a Saturday—typical college student.

“This is Griffin Karlsson with Castille Hotels. How are you doing this morning?”

“Oh, um, I’m great, sir. How are you?” Her voice now sounds wide awake.

I want to roll my eyes but refrain. “I’m doing very well, thank you. Listen, Janelle, I’m calling because you turned in an application for an internship here, and you’ve been selected for our ten-week program.”

“Oh my God. Thank you so much! That’s amazing news. I’ve been on pins and needles waiting to hear if I got in or not.”

“Congratulations! The internship starts next Monday at eight a.m. My assistant will send you an email with all of the information you’ll need, as well as the address.”

“Of course. I’ll be there, Mr. Karlsson. Thank you so much for the call.”

“Have a good day, Ms. Ryder,” I say before hanging up the phone. It then rings as soon as I put it down.

“Hello?” I answer, thinking it may be Vince calling back because he realized he needed to torment me about something else.

“Hi, Griffin,” Liz says on the other end.

I let out a long breath and pinch the bridge of my nose. “How are you, Liz?” I don’t really care; I just ask to be polite.

“I’m great. I was hoping we could meet up for lunch. Cameron said you didn’t have any meetings today and I was hoping we could get together.”

Fucking Cameron. He’s a pain in the ass sometimes, even though I do consider him to be my best friend. Cameron and I are complete opposites though. He’s in his mid-thirties, but he still acts like he’s twenty-one and living off his dad’s money. He blows through women, money, and booze. I, however, have very little interest in any of that unless it’s a well-aged bourbon.

“I wish I could, Liz, but I already have plans,” I lie, completely uninterested in spending any more time than I have to with that vile woman.

Liz is someone Cameron set me up with. He’s always on my ass about dating, meeting new people, and going out. After months of listening to him go on and on about her, I gave in and accepted the date. But now I can’t get her to leave me alone. She’s nice enough to look at. She has a hard body with a big chest. She has money, so she’s always dressed well, with her hair and makeup always perfectly done, and she attends the same functions and knows the same people I do. But we have nothing in common. She was born into money. She’s never had to work a day in her life, and she does nothing but shop, party, and take lavish vacations. I, on the other hand, work every day of my life, never take time off, and only go to parties when it’s necessary for work. Nothing about us says “compatible.” I just have to get that through her head.

“Darn it,” she says sadly. “Well, what about sometime next week?” I can hear the hope in her voice, and it causes my chest to hurt. I hate being unnecessarily mean, but fuck, how many times do I have to dodge her before she gets the hint?

“I wish I could, Liz, but we’re bringing in our summer interns and I just won’t have the time. It’s like having a bunch of babies running around the office. I’m sorry, but I have an important call to take. Take care, Liz.” I hang up before she can even reply.

I let out a long breath, wipe the sweat from my brow, and lean back in my desk chair, the leather creaking beneath my weight. My eyes immediately flash over to the drink cart in the corner, and my mouth waters for that smooth taste of expensive bourbon, but I know it’s far too early to indulge myself.

I curse Cameron for introducing me to that woman. I know he’s my best friend and just trying to look out for me. He wants to see me out enjoying myself and settling down with a beautiful woman who makes me happy, but that’s not the future I see for myself. All the women I’ve met have only made me realize that they’re only interested in my money. They’re either looking to cash in and become someone on the social scale, or they have money themselves and are looking to further expand their reach in the upper-class world. I’m not in the habit of being used. I’d rather spend my life alone, focusing on my work. When a need arises, there are plenty of ways to get the release I crave. I go to a random club and pretend to be someone I’m not. If the women I’m hooking up with don’t know I’m loaded, then they don’t expect anything more than a quick fuck in the bathroom, the back seat of a car, or even the back alley. There’s no reason for me to settle down with anyone, and I’ve yet to meet a woman who’s been able to change my mind.

My life is mine, and I prefer to keep it that way.

My phone rings again, and when I answer it, Cameron’s on the other end. “What the fuck, man? Why are you blowing Liz off? She’s perfect for you.”

I scoff. “What did she do? Come running to you the minute I declined her offer?” Annoyance pumps through my body and makes me grind my teeth, which only makes a sharp pain surge through my jaw.

“She just mentioned that she was done trying with you—that you didn’t seem very interested. What’s up? She’s hot, rich, fun, and an easy lay: the perfect woman to get you out of your slump.”

“I’m not in a slump,” I argue for what must be the thousandth time.

“You haven’t been with anyone since Candice,” he points out.

“I have so. Just because I don’t brag to you about my conquests doesn’t mean they don’t happen.”

He laughs. “See how pathetic you’re sounding? You’re making stuff up just so I’ll back off,” he teases.

“Damn it, Cameron. I’m not looking for a relationship, fling, or random hookup right now.”

“There has to be more in your life than just work. Come out with me tonight.”

“I’m too busy. I still have to pick eleven more interns for the internship that starts Monday.”

“So just grab eleven names out of a hat and you’re done. You know as well as I do that it doesn’t matter which interns you pick. You’ll just bitch about them all anyway. I’m picking you up at eight. Be ready.” He hangs up the phone before I can argue any further.

I drop the phone onto my desk and pick up the file of applicants once again, knowing that he’s right. I hate doing this. I wasn’t lying when I said it was like having babies tear apart the office. They don’t know the first thing about advertising or being in an office setting. They’re used to sitting in a classroom. Every year, they come to me with the same tired advertising techniques they’ve picked up in class. Out of twelve applicants, there’s usually only one worth anything—two if I’m really lucky. But it’s my job to weed them out, and I do. I point out all their flaws and send them running back to their mommies with their tails between their legs. It’s my job to find out if they have what it takes—if they belong in this world.

It takes me an hour before I settle and pick eleven more names. I spend the following hours making the calls and putting them all into our human resources database so they can pick up their name tags and security passes first thing Monday. By the time the day ends, I’m tired, annoyed, and ready for a drink. Guess it’s a good thing I didn’t turn down Cameron.

We’re walking into an exclusive club minutes after he picks me up. We sit at a table in the corner, and I place my order: a medium-rare steak and bourbon on the rocks. Cameron orders the same thing, and after the waitress leaves, I sit back, looking over the place. I then realize that Cameron is looking my way, studying me.

“I can’t figure you out, man. What happened?” he asks, stealing my attention away from people watching.

“What do you mean?” I ask, picking up my glass the moment it’s set on the table.

“We’ve known each other for years now; we went to college together. We always talked about being on top of the world—how’d we have everything we want in life—and now, all you care about is work. What gives?”

I roll my eyes and sip my drink. “I’m just not interested in fucking random women.”

“It feels like you’re not interested in any woman. Not since Candice.”

“I’m not!” I feel my eyes go wide as my brows skyrocket. “Any woman I find is only looking for money or trying to make herself look more rich than she already is. I’m not losing half of everything I’ve worked for, and I’m sure as hell not going to be someone’s arm candy in front of their rich, better-than-thou friends.” I shake my head. “I’m just not into relationships anymore, okay?”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “You’re going to end up all alone, my friend.”

“Yeah, but I’ll have more money than God himself,” I joke, “while you’ll be stuck paying alimony and child support.”

He holds up his glass. “To high expectations.” He offers up his shit-eating grin.

I laugh and clank my glass off of his. “Here, here.”

We both drink and sit back to relax.

“Now, let’s pick the woman I’ll hopefully be going home with tonight,” Cameron says with a smirk.

“Or, to make things more interesting, let’s take bets on which STD you’ll be catching tonight.”

He grins. “Like I said…to high expectations!”

I laugh and shake my head. At least he’s not picking one for me.

Chapter Three

Janelle

“Does this look okay?” I ask Sam, shaking her shoulder.

She lifts her head, gives me a dirty look, and lays it back down to go back to sleep. “It’s seven in the morning! It’s summer! Leave me alone!”

I shake her again. “I will. Just tell me, do I look professional?” I spin in a circle.

“No, you look like you’re going to be dead if you don’t get out and let me go back to sleep.”

I scoff. “Fine, grumpy.” I turn and leave her room, heading for my own to look at myself in the mirror once again.

I’m wearing a dark gray pencil skirt, with a navy blue blouse beneath my matching jacket. My blonde hair is curled with the top half pulled up into a bun, and my makeup is light, only highlighting my features instead of defining them. I want to look like an adult who is taking this job seriously, not a college kid who’s looking to put off her future by taking an internship instead of getting an actual paying job.

With a deep sigh leaving my lips, I tug my suit jacket down and push myself forward. Grabbing my bag off my desk, I head for the door, filled with nerves about my first day. When I step outside, the sun beats down on my face and I’m happy to find today is far warmer than yesterday. Stepping up to the curb, I flag down a taxi.

It only takes twenty minutes before we’re pulling up in front of the big five-star hotel. I pass over some cash for the ride and step out, taking in the massive building in front of me. Given that it’s nearly eight a.m. in Chicago, the streets are bustling with traffic, cars, and people. I bet a hundred people have to walk around me as I stand in the center of the sidewalk, just staring up at the giant building. But as cheesy as it might sound, it feels like this really is the first day of the rest of my life—a new beginning. The reality of that sinks in, and it drops all the way to my stomach, making me feel weighed down and sick.

I suck in a large gulp of air and push myself forward. “You can do this, El. Just show ‘em what you can do,” I whisper to myself as I approach the doors.

The doorman greets me with a “good morning” as he pulls the door open for me, but I’m so lost in thought, I don’t respond. I’m in awe as I step into the massive hotel and take in the marble floors, crystal chandelier, and glass elevators. This is one of the newer locations, and it shows. Everything looks crisp, clean, and brand new.

I approach the front desk and the person behind it holds up a finger as she answers a call. After a few seconds, she transfers the call and looks up at me.

“Welcome to the Castille Hotel. How may I help you today?” she asks with a smile as she pushes her deep red hair away from her perfectly-done face.

I force a smile into place. “Hi, I’m Janelle Ryder. I’m here for the internship.”

Her green eyes widen as a genuine smile takes over. “Of course. I’m Vanessa West.” She holds up her hand to shake.

I quickly shake her hand and she spins in her chair, picking something up before turning back to me. “Here is your name tag and security clearance to get into the employee-only areas. You’ll need to go up to the twentieth floor, and you’ll need to scan your pass in the elevator to get there. It will prompt you.” She hands everything to me.

I smile and nod. “Thank you,” I say, turning for the elevator as I look at the name tag and pass she just handed me.

I’d wondered why I had to submit a photo of myself when I sent in the application. I step into the elevator and clip my name tag to my jacket, then hit the button for the twentieth floor. When it beeps, I scan my security clearance pass and the doors close, taking me up.

I look at myself and smooth down my jacket and pants. Looking up, I find my reflection in the glass. My eyes are wide and full of excitement, but I can also see fear hidden away in them. I just hope I’m the only one who sees it. I’d hate to be known as the skittish woman who looks like she’s about to wet her pants and cry for her mommy.

The doors open and I step out, finding myself in a waiting area. I walk up to the desk where a woman with long, dark hair is sitting.

“Good morning,” she addresses me.

I smile. “Good morning, I’m Janelle Ryder, a new intern.” I hold out my hand, which she takes.

“We’re waiting for all twelve of the interns to arrive. Please have a seat and Mr. Karlsson will be with you all very soon.” She motions toward the side, where luxe-looking sofas and lounge chairs are set up.

I turn and walk over to the sofa to have a seat. While I wait, I pull out my iPad and work on my newest writing assignment. The deadline is in one week, but I have no idea what I’m going to be taking on with this internship, and I want to make sure I give both projects the time they require. If I don’t do well with this internship, it could ruin my future. However, if I don’t do well with this writing assignment, I won’t be paid for it. Neither is a good option.

“El?” a man asks, stealing my attention away.

I look up and find Chase. I smile and stand. “Hey, you got the internship!” I lean in for a hug.

He smiles his perfect smile. “I did, and it looks like you did as well.”

“I did. I’m really excited, but nervous at the same time.”

He motions toward the sofa and we both sit. “I am too. I heard that Griffin Karlsson isn’t the easiest guy to work for.”

“Really?” I ask, suddenly more afraid than I was five seconds ago.

He nods. “Yeah, apparently he has very high expectations, and he isn’t shy about letting you know how he feels.”

I press my lips together and shrug one shoulder. “That’s not really a bad thing though. I mean, if his expectations weren’t so high, then this hotel wouldn’t be doing as well as it is. I can appreciate a person who knows what they want and refuses to settle for less.”

He laughs. “Silver lining, I guess.”

Slowly, the room fills with the rest of the interns. The phone rings and the woman behind the desk answers it, whispering something. She then stands to address us.

“Mr. Karlsson will see all of you now.” She takes a few steps and opens a big wooden door.

One by one, we file into a big conference room and find a man I assume is Mr. Karlsson sitting at the head of the table.

“Good morning, everyone,” he says in a sexy Danish accent as he stands. “Please have a seat. I am Griffin Karlsson, head of advertising and your new boss for the next ten weeks.”

Chase and I take a seat next to each other, and I can’t help but look around the room and at Mr. Karlsson. He’s younger than I expected, probably only ten years older than me, if that. He has dirty blond hair that’s styled neatly. His eyes are more blue than any ocean, and his bone structure could be compared to that of a god. His cheekbones are sharp, and his jawline is strong. It’s easy to tell that he takes himself and his job very seriously. His suit fits to perfection, clinging to his strong body in just the right places, and even I can tell that it’s not a suit you could run to Saks and pick up. It’s custom-made to fit his glorious body: tall, lean, and hard.

“First of all,” Mr. Karlsson says, pulling me from my thoughts, “I want to thank you all for being here. This is a great opportunity for each one of you. Some will get sent home at the end of this project, and some may be given a job on the spot. It all depends on you and how hard you work—how much you want it. I expect some competition—you are competing for a job, after all. But I expect all of you to have dignity and respect. This isn’t a playground. Childlike behavior will not be tolerated. Understand?” Slowly, he looks each one of us in the eyes.

Once we all agree, he starts back up, walking slowly around the large table. “You’ve been selected for different reasons. Some of you are writers and editors, some are here for art and graphic design, and some are here to serve on the legal team. All of these elements make up our advertising team here at Castille Hotels. Advertising is more than just coming up with a catchy slogan and slapping a logo on it. We need artists and graphic design professionals to attract our various publics. We need writers to top that off, selling them a line that they can’t refuse. And legal, well,” he laughs, “we need to be sure we’re not getting sued for what we put out there.”

He makes his way back to the front of the room and stops to view us all. “With that said, you will be split up into three groups. If you’re on the legal team, please stand.”

Four people stand up, and Mr. Karlsson motions toward the door. It opens, and in walks a younger man with jet-black hair and a face of stone. “Please go with Mr. Cameron Styles.”

“Thank you, Griffin,” Mr. Styles says as he leaves the room with his four interns.

“If you’re here as an artist, please stand and go with Mrs. Vivian Grant.”

I look over at the door to find a woman no older than I am standing and waiting.

The next four leave, and that leaves just Chase, two other people I don’t know, and myself.

“You four are with me. Let’s get busy.” Mr. Karlsson takes his place at the table and flips open his leather-bound file folder.

He leans back in his chair, crossing his legs and getting comfortable. “It’s easy to draw attention to an exclusive resort on a warm, sunny beach. I mean, show some happy people splashing in the bluest water, sipping on decadent cocktails, and kissing as they slow dance, and what do you think that says to a prospective customer?”

No one else speaks up, so I do. “It shows them that if they go to that hotel, they’ll have the time of their life. It says that they will have fun, be spoiled, fall in love—all the things that tempt mankind.”

His blue eyes pop up and lock on mine, burning with intensity. It feels like time freezes as he slowly takes me in. Finally, he cracks a smile. “That’s right. Now,” he uncrosses his legs and leans forward, resting his arms on the table, “how do you draw them to a hotel in the Windy City? There are no warm beaches, perfect sunsets reflecting off the water, or people in hula skirts swallowing fiery swords.”

“Easy, cash in on what Chicago has to offer.” I shrug, biting my bottom lip as anxiety pumps through my body. I pray that’s the right answer.

His brows pull upward. “And what would that be?”

I twist my fingers together under the table as I think it over. “Well, I would think you’d need to appeal to the upper-class population. So we could use jewelry stores—maybe show a man proposing to his loved one. We could use the theater and restaurants in the hotel to show how much fun the guests have here—sipping their cocktails, eating their fancy dinners, smiling, kissing, dancing. And I think we’d need to sell Chicago more than the actual hotel. We’d need to show people our world-renowned theater scene, the new modern wing of the art museum and, of course, Cloud Gate—“The Bean”—in Millennium Park.”

The room is quiet as we wait to see what Mr. Karlsson thinks of my approach. Finally, he smiles and points in my direction. “You’re absolutely right. Selling Chicago is a big part of it, but why should people stay here rather than any other hotel in the city?”

“Reputation. The Castille brand has been around for many years, and it’s always been well received. Plus, this is a newer location, so everything is top of the line and up to date. Staying here isn’t just another random hotel; it’s a promise of luxury. Guests will be taken care of here. They’re not customers—they’re family.”

He looks shocked, yet impressed. “Very good, Ms. Ryder.”

Chapter Four

Griffin

“Please, call me El.” She smiles and her green eyes light up.

The look she’s giving me makes my lungs freeze in my chest and my heart pound wildly. Not only is she beautiful, but she’s also smart. She’s young, but maybe she’s responsible after all.

I nod. “Very well.” I tear my eyes away from her and look at the other three people sitting around the table. “Your assignment today is to write some slogans for the hotel. Write something catchy, something true—something that would draw you in if you were looking for a hotel.” I stand. “At noon, you may all leave for lunch, and when we come back, we’re going to go over what you’ve come up with.” I stand and head for the door, and already, they begin their whispering.

I turn around to face them. “And to be clear, I want each of you to have your own list. This isn’t a group activity. I want to know who deserves to be here and who doesn’t.” Without another word, I turn and leave them alone to get some work done. I have work of my own to get to and I can’t sit here and babysit them all day.

I head to my office, which is located in the building across the street, and sit behind my desk. The minute I do, my cell phone rings. “Hello, Vince,” I say, checking the caller ID.

He laughs. “How are the interns?”

I lean back in my chair. “I must say, I’m utterly surprised by Janelle. She seems to be the best in her group.”

“Yes!” Alison cheers from the background.

I laugh. “Don’t get excited yet. It’s still early.”

“She’s my sister, Griffin. She won’t let you down. She knows her stuff,” Alison adds on.

“We’ll see. Now that you’ve checked in, I need to get some work done.” I sit up, preparing to hang up.

“Bye, and thank you,” Alison says.

“See you later, Thor,” Vince adds on.

I chuckle and shake my head. “Bye.” I hang up the phone with a laugh. I’m happy that Vince found Alison. She seems to make him happy. He hasn’t taken this much time off from work in years. I can tell how happy he is just from hearing his voice.

Thinking about his happiness makes me question my own. A sharp pain slices through my heart when I think about where I was a few years ago and where I am now. I was happy once, but after that was ruined, I had to find happiness elsewhere. And work is where all my time and energy already go, so it only made sense to make my job my baby.

Relationships, marriage, and children are what make others feel like their life is worth living, but for me, that’s what makes life miserable. You never know if your life is about to come crashing down around you. I prefer to keep my happiness in my hands, not someone else’s.

I work until noon, when I finally push away from my desk to go to lunch. Before I take off, I run back across the street to the hotel to make sure the interns are set before I take off. The moment I step out of the elevator, they come walking out of the conference room, and we all pile in the elevator together. They’re all laughing and talking amongst themselves, and I can’t help but notice El. She’s breathtakingly beautiful: the way she moves with purpose, the way her smile stretches across her face, and the way her soft, porcelain skin and bright green eyes draw you in—she’s elegant, even though she isn’t trying to be. She isn’t aware I’m watching, and that gives me a better picture of who she really is.

Most people are one way when they’re around people, and completely different—usually for the worse—when they think they’re alone. Automatically, I can tell that El is her own person. She does what she wants, when she wants. She doesn’t put on a front or try to make people believe she’s something she’s not. In fact, I bet she doesn’t care one way or the other if someone likes her. She’s just comfortable in her own skin, and that has always been a turn-on for me. That’s something that drew me to Candice all those years ago.

With that thought, I shake my head clear just as the elevator dings and we all pile out. The interns go in one direction—probably heading for the restaurant here in the hotel—while I head toward the front doors.

“Mr. Karlsson,” someone calls out from behind me.

I turn around and find myself face to face with El.

“Can I help you?”

Her face flushes and a nervous smile appears. “I’m not sure if you’re aware of this or not, but my sister is Alison Ryder.” She looks up at me from beneath her long, dark lashes.

I nod once. “I am aware. Is there a problem?”

She bounces from foot to foot. “Well, it’s just that, I’m not the kind of person who expects to ride someone else’s coattails to the top. I’m sure I was only picked because of who I know, but I don’t expect or want any favoritism when it comes down to it.”

I let out a soft laugh. “For one, Ms. Ryder, I do not play favorites. You will work for any credit you receive here. And two, you have nothing to worry about. I can already tell your work speaks for itself.”

Her gorgeous green eyes pop up to mine. “Really?”

“In the short amount of time I’ve known you, you’ve already outshined your competition. Keep up the good work. Now, I must be getting off to lunch, and you should do the same. We have a lot of work to do when we get back. You’ll need your strength.”

“Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I hope I haven’t caused you to miss your reservation.”

I wave her off. “Not for you to worry about. I’ll see you in an hour.”

She offers up a smile and holds up her hand to wave goodbye. She takes a few steps backward, eyes still locked with mine before she finally turns and leaves me staring after her.

“So, that’s what you’re into,” Cameron says, walking up to my side.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask, turning for the door.

He follows me out. “You want the teacher-and-student thing,” he jokes, flashing me a smile and nudging me with his elbow.

I laugh and shake my head. “That was nothing. You’re mistaken.”

The doorman opens the door to the back seat of my awaiting black town car, and I slide in. To my surprise, Cameron joins me.

“I’m crashing your lunch. I didn’t get my reservation in on time. Where we going?”

“I’m going home. My chef has prepared lunch. But I guess you’re welcome to join.”

He smacks me on the back. “Thanks, buddy. So, this girl…”

“It’s nothing. Turns out, she’s Alison Ryder’s little sister, and while she knows why she was accepted into the program, she doesn’t want any favoritism while she’s here. Truth be told, I had already viewed her application and was going to pick her anyway.”

“Uh-huh. It didn’t have anything to do with her picture now, did it?” He flashes me a smile that annoys the shit out of me.

“Not all of us do everything with their dick in mind, Cam.”

He snorts. “You can mark my words, Griffin: she will be the one to bring you to your knees. For some reason, you can’t avoid her like you do the rest of them.”

“I don’t avoid any of them,” I argue.

“But you don’t have control of yourself with her. You flirt and smile with this one.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s not like she noticed. I caught her talking and smiling at another guy in my group. They seem to know each other.”

“Who cares? He’s nothing. You’re top dog. It’d be nothing to steal her away.”

I shake my head, needing to clear it. Cameron is getting in my head. “I’m not stealing anyone away from anyone. I’m not interested. Case closed.”

He rolls in laughter as he pulls a cigarette from his inner breast pocket. “We’ll see about that, my friend. We will see.”

“Yes, we will,” I agree, determined to keep my distance and space from this woman. It doesn’t take a genius to see that she’s not interested in me. And even me, a person who avoids relationships like the plague, can see how much she has a thing for that Chase guy. Either way, it’s not something I want to get mixed up in. Plus, if she ends up working out for the company, I don’t want any rumors going around. People are vindictive assholes. They’d say she only got the job because she slept with me. No way would I want her career to start out like that.

No…no matter how beautiful I find her, I’ll keep my distance. It’s best for the both of us. Mixing work and play doesn’t bode well for me.

I’m walking back into the conference room an hour later and find all four of them sitting over their papers. I clap my hands to get their attention as I walk to the head of the table. “Okay, let’s see what we have, shall we?”

Chase rushes up to me first. “Here you go, sir,” he says with a smile as he hands over his notes.

I take the paper and sit down, reading over his suggestions. Instead of reading off every mediocre idea, I skip ahead to find the best one—which is still total shit. “Be our guest at Castille Hotels, where the excitement never ends.”

I look up at him, completely unimpressed. “Who can tell me what’s wrong with this suggestion?”

I glance around at each person.

“It’s impersonal,” El says. “Not to mention, “be our guest” just makes a Disney song run through my head. I would avoid any hotel that inflicts that kind of torture on anyone.” A small smile slips through even though Chase’s eyes bounce over to her angrily.

“You think you can do better?” he asks her.

She shrugs, but stands to bring me her paper.

I glance down at it, reading over several things are good, but one stands out above the rest. “Here at Castille Hotels, we’re family. And no one takes care of you like family,” I read out loud.

I look up at her. “Very nice, Ms. Ryder.” I glance around the room. “Can anyone find anything wrong with El’s suggestion?”

Janet and Will both look down at the table like they’re scared students hoping I don’t call on them, but Chase’s eyes are flashing from one thing to the next, reaching to find something wrong.

“It’s…it’s...” He lets out a deep breath. “It’s perfect,” he breathes out, falling into his seat.

El beams a proud smile.

“Very good.”

“Thank you, Mr. Karlsson,” she says, taking her seat.

“Who’s next?”

I read over the final two, but El’s suggestion wins by a landslide.

I take the stack of papers out of my file folder and pass them out. “You guys have homework. Tonight, you are to take these images home, and I want you to caption them like you’re trying to sell me on each one. Any questions?” I look around the room.

“No? Okay, good luck. You’re free to go.”

All of them gather their things, and one by one, walk out. El is the last at the table and just before she walks out the door, I call out to her.

“El?”

“Yes?” She spins around to face me, hope and excitement clearly written across her face.

“Come with me, please.” I get up and walk past her, leading her to a private office. When we step inside, I motion toward the desk. “Please, have a seat.”

She does so nervously, as I walk around to join her.

“I don’t know if you’re aware, but Castille Hotels will be starting a magazine that will be published and passed out at all of our hotels. It’s a good way to let our guests know what each location has to offer, while also selling them on coming to our other locations in the future. We also intend on having a section where we honor our top employees for the month, along with a decorative section on how to make living spaces as elegant as our top-of-the-line hotels.”

She nods. “I was aware of the magazine, sir.”

Her tone makes me smile. It’s like she’s obviously worried about why she’s here while trying so hard to be professional. “Well, this magazine will be in my hands, and I’m going to need some help with it. I’m hiring a photographer, but every group will have a hand in it one way or another. I was hoping, with talents as wonderful as yours, if you wouldn’t mind helping me with a little more than writing. I need to find the perfect cover, layout, format, and so forth.”

Her eyes pop wide open. “Seriously?”

I nod. “It’s obvious after our meeting today that you are the most qualified intern for the job.”

“This isn’t because of my sister?” she asks, fear drenching her words.

“Not at all. Today’s assignment showed me exactly who has the ability to help me out on this end of the project. You’re the best, El.”

“I don’t mean to assume, but isn’t it a bit early still to decide who’s the best? I mean, it’s only the first day.”

“Just because you’ve been picked for this job doesn’t mean the others won’t have other opportunities as well, Ms. Ryder. It just means you shined brighter than the rest, and on the first day, that means something.”

“What does that mean?” She bites her bottom lip, and it does something to me. It brings up an urge I haven’t felt in a very long time.

I push it away as I lean forward and level my eyes on her. “It means you don’t let fear and nervousness get to you. The others aren’t ready for this. You are. Now, what do you say?”

Her eyes bounce from one thing to the next as she thinks it over. Finally, a small smile spreads across her face. “I’d love to, Mr. Karlsson.” She stands and holds out her hand to shake.

Seeing her smile brings out a smile of my own, and I stand to shake her hand. “Please, call me Griffin.”

“Only if you’ll call me El.” She tilts her head to the side as if to challenge me.

I laugh. “Well, we will be working together very closely over the next several weeks. Might as well make this as easy as possible.”

“Thank you, Griffin. You won’t regret your decision,” she says as we walk across the office.

“I know I won’t.” I open the door and she flashes me one last smile before stepping out.

I peek around the door to watch her finish her walk to the elevator. The pencil skirt she’s wearing hugs her firm ass nicely. And I know her long legs would look beautiful wrapped around my hips.

When she steps inside the elevator, her eyes find me, still standing here watching her. I clear my throat to snap myself out of this daze, then wave before stepping back into my office and shutting the door between us. Now that she’s gone, I can breathe easily again. Something about her literally sucks the air from my lungs. Keeping my distance makes every muscle in my body harden, like I have to physically restrain myself from reaching out and touching her. It’s only now that it occurs to me that I may have made a mistake by inviting her to work more closely with me. Having her alone, all to myself, is only going to make things harder on me.

Fuck. I guess Cameron was right. She’s going to be the one to bring me to my knees—either I’ll fall in love or I’ll refuse to give myself what I already so desperately crave.

I go to pour myself a drink to take the edge off, but realize I’m not in my office—just in a generic office that anyone can use. I shake my head, wondering what the hell has gotten into me. Finally, I open the door and exit the office, heading to mine.

Chapter Five

Janelle

“Hey, what was that about?” Chase asks when I step outside the hotel.

I turn to find him leaning against the building, like he’s been waiting for me.

“Oh. Umm, as it turns out, it seems today’s assignment was given so they could find one person in each group to participate in the magazine project, and I got it! Can you believe it?” I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m rubbing his face in it, because I’m not, but I am excited and proud of myself. This morning, I was sure I was going to make an ass out of myself and ruin the whole thing on the first day.

“Oh, congratulations,” Chase says.

“Don’t worry,” I add on. “He said there are still plenty of opportunities for everyone else in the group. Everyone will be involved in the magazine; I’ve just been awarded a special project working alongside him.”

He waves his hand through the air, dismissing his reaction. “Yeah, I’m sure everything will work out. But listen, I waited because we’re all meeting up at the Joker Club tonight to get to know each other. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me.”

“Oh.” My face blushes as I think it over. “Yeah, I’d love to. What time?”

“Everyone is meeting up for drinks at seven, but we could go a little early—maybe stop and get dinner first?” He flashes his cute smile, his eyes dropping slowly down my body and then back up.

“Like a date?”

He shrugs. “If that’s what you want to call it.” He slides his hands into his pockets. “I had a lot of fun with you the other night, and was planning on asking you out. It’s just that this, the internship, may complicate things. So maybe we just hang out for now—get to know each other better until this is over. Then we can see where things go.”

I smile and agree. “Sounds good to me.”

He tears his eyes away as pink starts creeping up his cheeks. “Okay, great. I’ll pick you up around five?”

“See you then,” I agree.

“Great. See ya.” He turns and walks down the sidewalk, and I stand back and watch him go.

“Oh, El,” Griffin says, coming to a stop in front of me as he leaves the building.

“Hi, Mr. Karl…I mean, Griffin.” Getting caught using his full name causes heat to creep up my face.

He chuckles. “I figured you’d be gone by now.”

I point down the sidewalk. “I was talking with Chase. I guess all the interns are going to the Joker Club tonight to hang out and get to know each other. He invited me.”

“Ah, I see.” He nods, his eyes flashing across the street and then back. “You have a moment?”

“Oh, um, yeah. What’s up?”

“I was just heading across the street to our corporate office. It’s where my office is, and where you’d work if you were hired at the end of these ten weeks. Would you like a tour?”

My eyebrows pull upward. “Yeah, I’d love one.”

A smile stretches across his face. “Come on.” He nods toward the building as he begins walking.

“So, if the corporate office is here, then why are we meeting in the hotel?”

“Well, the floor we usually use for our internships is being remodeled at the moment. We thought it’d be done in time, but they’re putting on the finishing touches now. We should be over here next week. We didn’t want to push the internship back, and we thought it would give everyone a chance to get familiar with the hotel.” He stops and opens the door, allowing me to walk in ahead of him.

Griffin shows me around the corporate office and he walks me though a normal day of working for the hotel. He shows me the offices and the board rooms, and introduces me to a few of the employees. The whole tour doesn’t take any longer than an hour, but it does get me a little more familiar with the hotel, its employees, and how things are done. It also gives me better insight into my new boss.

Watching him as he walks me though everything makes me think back on what Chase was saying this morning about him being a hard-ass. In the conference room, he was a take-charge kind of guy, but seeing him here, his guard is down and he seems younger and more carefree. If anything, I can see a new friendship growing between us, and being friends with your boss is never a bad idea.

After the tour, I head home to take a quick shower and get ready for my date with Chase. I wash off quickly and shave before pulling on a tight pair of jeans and a cute loose-fitting top. I pair the look with knee-high boots. I stand back and look myself over in the mirror. My blonde hair is down and styled in loose curls. My makeup is heavier than I wore today: dark eyeliner, mascara, and pink lip gloss adorn my face.

“El, Chase is here!” Sam yells from down the hall. I quickly grab my coat and purse and rush to the door.

“Hey,” I say, coming to a stop in front of him, taking in his loose-fitting jeans, white t-shirt, and leather jacket. His dark hair is styled, standing neatly in every direction, and his dark blue eyes sparkle.

“Hey, you look nice.” He gives me that grin that makes his dimples form.

“Thank you. So do you,” I reply.

“Ready?” he asks, opening the door for me.

I nod. “Yep.” I take a few steps out before turning and yelling at Sam. “Be home later!”

“Thanks for the warning!” she yells back.

Chase leads me downstairs and out to the curb, where he flags down a taxi. We both climb into the back seat and he tells the driver the address.

“You don’t have a car either, huh?”

He laughs. “No, college student. Well, recently-graduated college student, to be exact. I keep forgetting that we’re done.”

“I do too. It seems crazy that four years went by this quickly. I’m still waiting for grad school though. Are you going?”

“To grad school?” he questions with a lift of his brow.

I nod.

“No, I can’t afford it. I really shouldn’t be doing this internship. I need to start making money, but I couldn’t pass it up. Did you know the Castille Hotel Group hires at least one intern every year? If I can get that, I’m set.”

“I did know that. Griffin actually took me across the street to their corporate office today and showed me around. It would be a great job, that’s for sure.”

His back straightens and his jaw flexes. “You got a tour of the corporate office?” His tone sounds off. I wonder if I’ve somehow offended him. I didn’t mean to gloat…again. Maybe I should just stop talking about this internship.

“Uh, yeah. We’ll all be there next week. It’s usually where they hold their internships, but it’s been remodeled and they’re just finishing it up. So, where are we going for dinner?” I ask to change the subject.

“Oh, to Sonny’s Pizza. Have you ever eaten there? It’s my favorite.”

I force a smile, happy that he accepted my subject change, but also wondering if he is going to be more competitive now. “I haven’t, but I’ve heard good things.”

Over dinner, our conversation is strained, but we both work at keeping it going. I can tell how well I’ve done today is a problem for him, and I completely understand why. Here I am, planning on going to grad school, where I won’t have time for a full-time job, and I’m taking this internship anyway. He isn’t going to grad school and he needs this job. So, in his mind, all I’m doing is wasting this opportunity. But I need the experience to add to my resume. I want to work in a big publishing house, and they don’t take just anyone who walks in off the street. I need years of schooling, experience, and references out the ass. Hopefully, I’ll make a good impression on Griffin, and his recommendation will help me land the job I want. But I guess Chase doesn’t see it that way. To him, all I am now is competition. I guess there goes the thought I had about him being boyfriend material.

We meet up with the rest of the interns at the club and pack around one big table, drinks in hand. Right off the bat, Chase makes sure to let everyone know that I’ve been picked as Griffin’s favorite.

“I can’t believe you got picked for the magazine,” Hope says.

“Who got picked out of your group?” I ask, sipping my cocktail.

She frowns. “Nobody. We didn’t hear anything about it. In fact, all we did today was go over past legal cases so we know not to make the same mistakes.”

I press my lips together and wonder if Griffin was being honest with me. “What about you?” I ask, looking at Dominick. “Who was picked out of the artist group?”

He shrugs. “We didn’t hear anything about it either. But who knows, maybe someone will be picked tomorrow. Each group may move at a different pace.”

“Did you guys know we’ll be moving to the corporate office next week?” Chase asks them.

They all talk loudly over one another, while I sit back, sucking down my drink faster than I should. Annoyance fills my chest, then it’s replaced by anger. I have a feeling Chase is doing this on purpose. He’s trying to make me an outcast. If everyone feels like I’m being treated better, then they’ll make this internship a living hell.

Eventually, everyone starts getting drunk and they move on to different topics, leaving me to silently stew in the corner. Finally, I grab my purse and stand to leave, unhappy with how tonight has gone—all thanks to Chase, a guy I thought was my friend.

“Hey, where you going?” he asks, catching up to me at the door.

I cross my arms over my chest. “Home. Thanks for the wonderful night,” I say, sarcastically.

His brows pull together like he’s confused. “I’m guessing that means you didn’t have a good time?”

My mouth drops open. “How could you think I’ve had a good time? All you did was put me front and center and make sure everyone knew about today. Do you want them to hate me?”

He lets out a long breath, then takes my hand and leads me outside. “Look, El, I didn’t mean for that to happen. I was a little taken aback when you told me how well you did today, and I’m happy for you. But I’m also a little jealous. I mean, I really need this job, and I guess I just let myself get blindsided. I didn’t mean to ruin our date. Can you forgive me?” He looks at me from beneath his lashes, like he’s a child who’s in trouble.

I sigh. “I don’t know if this is going to work, Chase. I’m cool with being friends, and I thought I wanted to get to know you better, that there could be something between us, but—”

“There can be,” he cuts me off. “Please, don’t let tonight ruin that for us. I was upset, and drinking didn’t help matters any. I’m really sorry about the way I’ve been acting.” He raises his hands and places them on my biceps, rubbing them up and down. “Let’s start over, okay? Can we forget tonight happened? I don’t want to let this internship get between us. I did have a lot of fun with you, and I’d like to see where that goes.” He smiles. “Please?”

His cheesy smile makes me laugh and I shake my head clear of the anger it’s been filled with. “Okay,” I breathe out.

“Thank you. You won’t regret it. I promise.” He releases my arms only to pull me against him, where his lips find mine. He kisses me softly, but strongly. Holding me against his chest causes my body to come alive. His heat sinks into me, and the beer on his tongue mixes with my mixed drink, creating a delicious blend that makes my senses sing for more.

He breaks the kiss and steps back. “I’ll see you tomorrow, and I promise, I’ll be my normal self instead of the jealous guy you met today. Okay?” He dips his head forward to see my face.

I smile. “Okay. See you tomorrow.”

I stand and watch him head back inside the bar before I turn around to find a cab. I wave my hand in the air several times, but no one pulls over. I’m about to give up and walk when I hear someone say my name.

“El?”

I turn around to find Griffin walking closer. I’m mesmerized by the confidence he exudes from something as simple as walking. His back is straight, his shoulders are pushed back, and his head is held high. His blond hair is blowing softly in the breeze, and his icy blue eyes are drinking me in like he’s been on a desert island and I’m a tall glass of water.

A smile forms on its own. “Hey. What are you doing out here? Coming to hang with the interns?”

He laughs. “No, definitely not. They don’t sell what I drink in there.” He looks over his shoulder. “I was catching up with an old friend down the street.” He quickly looks at the busy road and back at me. “You trying to get a cab? You need a ride home?”

“Oh, yeah. That’d be great. Apparently, I’m invisible to cab drivers.”

He holds out his elbow. “Right this way.”

He leads me down the road a few more feet, then stops at a black Mercedes. He pulls out the keys and hits the fob to unlock the door, then opens it and motions for me to climb inside.

Chapter Six

Griffin

“Is this yours?” she asks when I climb in behind the wheel.

I nod. “I usually don’t drive, but I had already sent my driver home for the night when I got the call asking me to come out.”

“It’s nice.” Her delicate hand runs gently over the sparkling dash.

“You drive?”

She shakes her head. “No. I mean, I can drive, but I don’t have a car. I just got out of college and my only income is writing blog posts from home. It was nice while I was in school because it fit into my schedule, but now, I’m going to need a full-time job until I start grad school.”

“You’re going to grad school?” I ask, quickly looking over at her as I pull out into traffic.

“Hopefully. I’ve been accepted to a couple already, but I’m holding out for Chicago. I love the city and don’t want to leave it just yet.”

“I hope you get it,” I say, not allowing myself to think about it further. A part of me hopes she leaves, because then I wouldn’t be tempted to fuck up everything by sinking deep inside her. On the other hand, I hope she stays, because I’ve only known this woman for one day, and already, I find myself needing to be around her.

I know she thinks I’m being nice to her because of her sister, but honestly, I’m being nice to her because I feel a connection to her. It’s a connection I never thought I’d feel again—a connection so fucking strong, I’m afraid to even touch her for fear I’d push her too far and scare her away. To her, I’m an old man. I’m her new boss—just a man she needs in order to achieve her dreams. Whatever I’m feeling is one-sided, and I need to remind myself to keep it in check.

Maybe I’m going about this all wrong. Maybe I shouldn’t be nice to her. Maybe I should avoid her to keep this body of mine in check.

“Here we are,” I say, pulling the car over to the curb.

“How’d you know where I live?” she asks with a smile.

“Your application,” I state flatly. I refuse to tell her that I’ve stared at that piece of paper all day and memorized all her info. Yeah, I admit, it’s a bit stalkerish.

“Oh,” she giggles, “I forgot about that.” She opens the door, places one foot on the road, then pauses to look at me. “Thanks for the ride.”

“Anytime.”

She offers up one last smile before climbing out and leaving me alone.

When I get home, I remove my tie and shirt and pour myself a strong drink before falling onto my white leather couch.

My phone is in my hand, and I’m looking at it, unsure.

I want to call her—tell her I have some work for us to do. Maybe she’ll come over and I’ll pour her a drink. Maybe we’ll get caught up and things will move forward between the two of us. I’d love to be buried deep inside her all night long. But then tomorrow, everything would be awkward and strained.

Instead of screwing up everything, I call Vince instead.

“Hey, what’s up?”

I let out a long breath. “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?”

“Not that I’m aware of.” He laughs. “What’s up?”

“Janelle! She’s driving me mad,” I admit, and it feels good to finally say it out loud—like a weight has been lifted off my chest.

“Why? I thought you said she was the best in her group? She can’t be screwing up already.”

A bitter laugh slips past my lips. “She is the best in her group. Hell, probably the best out of all the interns.”

“I don’t see the problem. Paint me a picture here, Thor.”

I shake my head and pinch the bridge of my nose. “She’s…” I take a deep breath. “Whatever I tell you stays between us, right?”

“Of course, man. What’s up? Talk to me.”

I take a long drink of bourbon. “She’s getting to me. She’s beautiful and talented. She knows her shit. She doesn’t act like the rest of the interns we’ve had in the past. And I just can’t get her out of my head. I know I have to keep my distance, but fuck, she makes it so hard. Every time she smiles at me, I just want to throw her down on my desk and, well…you know,” I laugh.

“It’s just an internship. Ask her out. If it doesn’t work out, no big deal. Alison said she’s going to grad school, so it’s not like she’ll be working for us. This is just something to write down on her resume.”

I laugh. “Shouldn’t you be telling me to keep my shit in check? That this girl is like family to you and that I shouldn’t fuck it up?

He laughs. “Yeah, I probably should, but I know you, and I know you don’t have random hookups. If something about her is calling to you, it’s probably for a reason.”

Fuck. Now I have his blessing?

“Before I do anything, why don’t you talk to Alison and make sure she doesn’t have a problem with me asking her out. I’d hate to get you into trouble.”

“All right. I’ll talk to her. I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks, man.”

“See ya,” he says, hanging up the phone.

I let the phone fall from my hands onto the couch, and I finish off my glass before pouring another. Hours pass, and I find myself doing nothing but thinking about her and all the different directions this could go. Finally, I stand and place my glass in the sink, heading for the shower.

I strip out of my clothes and turn on the water to let it heat up while I examine myself in the mirror. My face is already covered in a five o’clock shadow. I quickly pull out my beard trimmers and shave it back down to a short stubble. My eyes are bloodshot from the whiskey, but they’re shining bright, like just spending the day thinking about her has brought life back to them. I lean in and look at myself closer, noticing the fine lines at the edges of my eyes. It only makes me realize how fast time is passing for me. I lose myself in work every day, just trying to survive.

For years now, I’ve told myself that this is the life I want, but now, I see it’s just the life I’m living until I find what makes me happy. I thought I could find that happiness in work, but now I’m wondering if I could find it in her. Not that any of this matters. If Alison doesn’t like the idea of us being together, then I won’t ask her. And even if I do ask her, she may very well turn me down. I’m much older than she is, and I’m her boss.

Either way, I don’t see this turning out in my favor. And to be honest, I don’t even know what my favor would look like. Do I want marriage, kids, and the whole nine yards? I never have before, so why am I questioning it now?

I shake my head—hoping to get rid of the headache that’s now forming—and step into the shower. The hot water beats down on my back, instantly relaxing me. I let my head fall forward, and the water washes over my hair and pours down my face. I close my eyes and all I see are blonde curls and emerald green eyes. Those green eyes remind me of the summer days I spent lying in the cool grass, looking up at the sky and dreaming about how my life would turn out. I never envisioned becoming this bitter old man who lives for work and has nothing else going for him. I’m a long way from happy, as it turns out.

But just the thought of giving up what I always thought I wanted, and pursuing something I never thought I wanted—marriage and kids—causes anxiety to build in my chest. When I think of marriage and kids, I think of nagging wives, screaming babies, shitty diapers, and spit-up. I shiver with disgust. But what about having a family to spend my life with? Seeing your baby for the first time? Tiny hands and little feet? Big smiles and long giggles? I’m not heartless. All of those things appeal to me. Now, I guess, I just have to weigh the good against the bad and decide if it’s worth it—if she’s worth giving up my life as I know it and trading it in for the unknown.

Would it really be worth it if I risked everything and took a chance with El?

Chapter Seven

Janelle

When I get to the office in the morning, Chase meets me in the lobby of the conference room with a dozen roses.

My mouth drops open as my eyes grow in size. “What’s this?” I ask, surprised.

“They’re ‘I’m sorry for being an ass’ roses.” He hands them to me. “I hope you can accept my apology.”

“I already did. You didn’t have to buy me flowers.” I cup them to my nose and inhale their sweet scent.

The elevator behind me dings and I turn around to see Griffin. At first, he’s smiling, but then his eyes move to the flowers in my hands, then to Chase, and back to me. His smile falls.

“Time to get to work,” he clips out as he brushes past us.

Chase and I both look at each other and he motions for me walk ahead of him. When we step into the room, Griffin starts before we’ve even taken our seats.

“Today, we’re going to go over to the corporate building, and you’ll each be paired up with an employee who’s been exactly where you are. Everyone ready?”

We all stand and follow him out of the room and into the elevator. Standing this close to him, I can feel anger radiating from him in waves, but I don’t know why. He was smiling until he saw me there with Chase and the flowers. Is he upset that Chase and I are getting closer? Whenever I look at him, his jaw is flexing and he’s looking straight ahead at the elevator doors, but when I turn away, it feels like he’s staring a hole in the back of my head. It causes goosebumps to prickle my skin and a shiver runs up my spine. I’m confused about his reaction, but something inside me feels a pull to him. I want to reach out and take his hand in mine—be there for him and ease his stress away. I have no idea why I have this urge, so I push it deep down inside me, opting to stay professional. I remind myself that he’s my boss, not my friend.

The elevator dings and we all exit, following him across the street. Everyone but me has been partnered up with someone. He turns to me and looks me up and down. “You’re with me today, Ms. Ryder.”

Ms. Ryder? What happened to first-name basis?

I follow him down the hall, into another elevator, and up to the top floor. There’s a lobby section with an older woman sitting behind a desk.

“Good morning, Mr. Karlsson,” she says as he walks past. He then opens a door and leads me into a big office.

I walk to the desk and set my bag and flowers on a chair; I’ll put the blooms in a vase in my cubicle later. “Is this your office?”

“It is,” he answers without looking at me, then walks to the table in the corner where papers are stacked up.

“It’s nice—big.” I walk to the floor-to-ceiling windows and look out over the city.

“We need to start on the magazine,” he clips out, straightening papers. He turns to face me, and he looks like a statue—standing so still.

I let out a long breath. “Is everything oaky?”

“Everything is fine. Let’s get to work, shall we?” He sits down on the sofa and starts going through the papers.

I don’t mention it again. Instead, I sit down and listen as he tells me what needs to be done and how he wants it done. He shoots down every suggestion I offer. It’s obvious he’s upset about something, but I refuse to play games or guess. If it’s important, he’ll tell me when he’s ready.

The workweek drags by, and while Griffin seems to have gotten over whatever upset him, he hasn’t been overly friendly like he had been on my first day. I’ve come to the conclusion that this is just him: short, cold, and to the point.

It’s finally Friday and I’m happy to have the weekend to catch up on my writing assignments and make a little money, but the interns decide to meet up at the Joker Club once again, and Chase has asked me to go with him.

Things have gotten back to normal between us. We’ve talked on the phone several times, and he’s even listened to me complain about how Griffin went from being welcoming and friendly to cold and professional in the blink of an eye. We’ve talked about what it is we’re working on at the hotel. Since being separated, we haven’t been put back together, but we meet for lunch every day. We’re growing closer, and now that Griffin isn’t giving me special treatment, his jealously has fallen away.

Someone knocks on the door, and I rush to answer it. “Hey,” I say with a wide smile as I step out into the hallway and join him.

“Hey,” Chase replies, backing me up against the wall and pressing a long kiss to my lips. This kiss feels different. It’s soft and slow, and full of passion and yearning. Maybe tonight is the night we take things to the next level?

“Are you ready, or should we just skip out on the interns and go back inside?” I ask against his lips.

He grins. “As good as that sounds, I could use some dinner, and a drink. This week has been tough. I swear, I think Mr. Karlsson has it out for me,” he says, taking my hand and leading me down the hall. “He’s taken every opportunity to put me through hell. He’s given me so much grunt work.”

I run my hand up and down his arm. “I’m sorry. I don’t think this week has been easy on any of us.”

When we get to the club, a pitcher of beer is already on the table, and we all take turns buying the next refill. The twelve of us have gone through ten pitchers already. We all talk and laugh and have a good time.

“Want to dance?” Chase whispers in my ear.

I smile. “I’d love to.”

He takes my hand and leads me out onto the dance floor. He spins me around quickly, catching me in his arms. He pulls me close and starts moving against me to the beat of the fast-paced song. I spin around and dance with my back to him. His hands find my hips, and they hold firm as he grinds his hips into my ass. I can feel how excited he is, and it make my skin feel hot and sticky as a layer of sweat clings to my skin.

“You’re so sexy. Do you know that?” he whispers in my ear.

A smile takes over my face and I spin around, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling his lips to mine. “I can’t wait to take you back to my place tonight.” I pull away enough to see the fire burning in his eyes.

He grins slightly. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for that invitation.”

I laugh. “Since the first night we met?”

He nods and laughs, but doesn’t stop moving against me.

We dance, touch, and kiss for another song before leaving the dance floor for a drink. The bar is crowded—packed full of sweaty bodies, making it so hot my clothes are clinging to my every curve.

I reach for the pitcher to pour another beer when I realize it’s empty. “Next round’s on me!” I head to the bar with the pitcher in hand.

“Hey,” Carolyn says, coming to stand at my side.

“Hey.” I smile. Carolyn and I have gotten close since we’ve all been hanging out so much. It’s too bad we’re not in the same group. She’s in the art department, so we rarely see each other at the hotel.

“You and Chase seem to be getting pretty friendly.” She nods toward him talking with Dominick at the table.

I glance over at him, and seeing him brings a smile to my face. “Yeah. We were in a lot of the same classes in school, and we ran into each other at the end-of-year party and hit it off. I was happy to find he’d landed the same internship.”

“Look,” she says, eyes falling to the floor between us. “It’s really none of my business, but I wanted to tell you—well, because I would want to be told…”

“What is it, Carolyn?” A heaviness settles over me.

“I’ve known Chase since grade school. And I don’t know if he’s told you or not, but he’s engaged.”

Shock washes over me. “What?”

She nods. “He’s engaged to his high school girlfriend. She didn’t go to college here though. She’s been in Florida. So maybe they have an open relationship or whatever, but even if it’s cool with her, I thought you’d like to know. They’re supposed to get married this summer.”

I can’t believe this. If he’s about to get married, then why has he been spending so much time with me?

I shake my head. “I don’t believe this. Why? Why do all of this—bring me flowers, make up after our fight, talk on the phone for hours?”

She takes a deep breath. “The thing is, he’s under a lot of pressure to land a job. His fiancée Jennifer’s dad is a judge. They’re loaded, and he doesn’t believe that Chase can take care of his spoiled little girl. So he really needs this job.” She presses her lips together as her eyes widen.

“You think he’s using me?”

She shrugs. “It would make sense, wouldn’t it? The first day, we all noticed the way Mr. Karlsson took to you. He knew that if you got the job, he wouldn’t. I think he’s been trying to find a way to use you. But that’s just my guess. Please don’t tell him I told you anything.”

I nod, my head a complete mess. “Of course.”

When she walks away, I hand the pitcher over to the bartender to fill, and pass her some cash when she brings it back. I walk over to the table, angry eyes locked on Chase, and set it in the middle.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, and it sounds like he’s genuinely worried.

“I’m going to take off.” I grab my jacket off the back of my chair and pull it on.

“Wait!” He chases after me, not catching me until I’m already outside. His hand lands on my wrist, and he spins me around. “What happened? I thought we were leaving together.”

I laugh. “Yeah, I did too, but that was before I found out you’re engaged!” I shove him away.

He seems frozen, until I turn to walk away. “Who told you that? Carolyn?”

I turn back around. “No! Why didn’t you tell me? Why have you been doing all of this?”

He lets out a long breath. “El…”

“Are you engaged?” I question, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Come on. Let’s just go back inside and have a good time like before.”

“Chase, are you engaged?”

He hangs his head. “Yes,” he finally admits.

I shake my head. “Why?”

He shrugs. “I like you.”

“But you’re engaged!” I turn to leave, needing distance and space.

“El!” he yells from behind me, but I don’t stop or turn around. I keep walking, completely surprised and thrown off.

When I get home, I fall into bed and call my sister, needing to talk and let it all out. She’s always been my voice of reason.

“Hello?” she answers.

“Hey.”

“What’s wrong, El?”

“I’ve had a shitty night,” I admit, trying to hold myself together. It’s not like my heart is broken, but I am upset that Chase would try using me that way.

“What happened? Please, tell me what’s going on.”

And I do. Everything from how Griffin seemed into me and how friendly and inviting he was, to how he suddenly turned cold when he saw me with Chase. And how Chase used me for whatever game he was playing. I let it all out—my anger, frustration, and guilt regarding Griffin.

By the end of our conversation, I feel like a weight has been lifted. Nothing is better, but everything feels better, just from talking to someone who knows me and understands me, and can be the voice of reason when mine quits working.

Chapter Eight

Griffin

I’m doing nothing but sitting in my living room with a glass of bourbon and reading the paper when my phone rings.

“Hello?” I answer it without thinking to check the caller ID.

“Alison gave you the go-ahead,” Vince says.

I laugh. “Oh, yeah? That’s great, but it’s a little late now. I’m pretty sure she’s dating another one of the interns—the jealous little shit who got all kinds of pissy when I said her idea was better than his.”

“Hey!” Vince yells, then I hear a muffled exchange of words.

“Griffin?” Alison asks. Apparently, she’s taken the phone away.

I laugh. “Hey, Alison. What’s going on?”

“Listen, I know everything, and I’m giving you the go-ahead.”

“You know what, exactly?”

“I know about Chase. El just called me upset because it turns out he’s engaged.”

That surprises me. “Really? He’s engaged? Who in the hell would agree to marry that asshole?”

She giggles. “She talked to me about you, too,” she admits.

That perks my interest. “Really? What did she say?” I sit up, placing my glass on the coffee table as I rest my elbows on my knees.

“She said that you went from being very friendly to trying to pretend she doesn’t exist in the blink of an eye.”

I swallow down another drink. “But did she say she was interested in me?” I feel like I’m in high school, passing notes again.

“I mentioned how you were a great guy and how you’ve noticed how beautiful and talented she is. I suggested she ask you out.”

“What did she say?” I’m a little too excited now.

“She said she thought you were probably too old and would never be able to keep up with her,” she laughs out.

I feel like I’ve just been doused with a bucket of cold water. “Why the hell would you tell me that, Al?”

She laughs harder now. “Because she thinks you’re sexy, Griffin! You just have to show her that you’re not work, work, work all the time—that you can cut loose and have fun. You do that, and you’ll have her eating out of the palm of your hand.”

I lean back as I mull over her words. Cut loose. Be more fun. I can do that. “Thanks, Al,” I say, hanging up. I can’t help but wonder if what she said has any truth to it. Would El accept a date from me if I asked?

I shake my head clear. This is ridiculous. She’s in her early twenties. I’m in my thirties. She’s wild and free and still trying to decide what to do with her life. I’m set in my ways, spend all my time at work, and do little to nothing outside of my quiet life of work and home. But that’s only because I’ve let myself slow down and relax.

I haven’t always been this way. I used to be fun. Candice and I used to hit all the hotspots in town. We’d drink until dawn. We had sex in dark alleys, noisy bathrooms, and back seats of limos. When she broke my heart, I let myself go. I quit trying to have fun and started focusing on how to better protect myself. Somehow, I managed to age myself fifty years overnight.

When a headache starts to form, I turn off the lights and go to bed.

On Saturday morning, I head to my quiet office. Only a handful of people work over the weekend, so I find myself alone in my office, looking at layout styles for the magazine. I grab my phone and call El.

“Hello?” she answers, sounding chipper.

Just hearing her voice makes my heart pound. “Are you busy? I’m at the office trying to choose a layout for the first magazine, and I can’t pick.”

“No, I can come in.”

“Great. Thank you,” I breathe out.

“No worries,” she replies. “I’ll be there in a little over an hour.” She hangs up without a goodbye.

I let the phone fall from my hands as I look up and see a reflection of myself. I seem so stiff. Without wasting another second, I stand and rush outside, then head down the street to a clothing store.

“Can I help you?” the saleswoman asks as I enter.

“I need casual clothes,” I say, nearly breathless. I have plenty of jeans and ratty t-shirts at the house, but I don’t have time to run back and dig them out before she arrives.

What kind of guy goes into work on a Saturday dressed in a suit? I need to show her that I can kick back and cut loose—that I’m not work, work, work all the time like Alison said.

The woman quickly leads me to the men’s section, and I grab a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. I head into the dressing room and put it all on, then stand back and look at myself in the mirror. I look more at ease and laid back—younger in a way—until my gaze lands on my dress shoes. I scoff and roll my eyes.

“Boots. I need boots,” I mumble as I start stripping.

I change back into my suit and swing by the shoe department, finding a pair of black boots that match my new laid-back look. I quickly pay for it all, then head back to my office to change. I laugh as I’m putting my suit into the garment bag I keep in my office. I never thought I’d be taking off an expensive suit to change into an outfit that costs less than one of my custom-made sports coats, but here I am. I stand back and look myself over once again. A laugh escapes my lips.

What the fuck am I doing? This is absurd. I shake my head, take off the clothes, and put my suit back on. If El could feel something for me, dressing like a frat boy isn’t going to make her realize it. She needs to see the man I am. I work hard, I take myself seriously, and I’m not a twenty-something-year-old kid who’s just looking to hook up and have fun.

I’m pouring a cup of coffee when she walks in. “Good morning,” she says, shrugging out of her jacket.

“Morning. Thanks for coming by. Would you like some coffee?”

“Sure,” she answers, moving to sit on the sofa and look at the layout options.

I pour another cup and take both back to the sofa.

“Are these the choices?”

I nod as I hand her a cup. “They are. This is the exterior. Obviously, these are just samples.”

She takes a sip and sets her cup down on the table. “Do you have the cover image?”

I let out a long breath as I stand and move to my desk. I set my cup down, then dig through the drawers, looking for the photos.

She gets up and walks over, standing behind me and looking over my shoulder. Having her this close makes my stomach tighten.

“It’s between these two.” The first one is a picture of our Maui location. It shows the beach, the hotel, and dozens of happy guests relaxing on the sand. The second is the front of the building of our California location. The picture shows guests coming in and out, a door greeter with a big smile, and our shuttle parked under the awning.

“I’m not feeling either of these,” she states, looking over the two options.

“No?”

“No. When I see this one of the beach, I’m overwhelmed by all of the people. Nobody wants to go on vacation and deal with that many people. They want quiet, relaxing.”

“What’s wrong with this one?” I ask, pointing at option number two.

“It’s boring. I mean, I bet every hotel in the country has used an image like that. It’s like, ‘See our happy guests and employees?’” I look up to see her roll her eyes.

I laugh. “Okay, smarty-pants, you pick one.” I reach into my desk and pull out the stack I decided against; maybe she’ll see something I didn’t.

I drop them on my desk and she places her left hand on my right shoulder as she uses her right hand to flip through the photos. I’m so wrapped up in the sensation of her hand on me that I can’t even think about the photos.

“Oh, what about this one?”

She pulls me from my thoughts and I look at the photo. It’s a balcony shot. There’s a beautiful view just past the balcony. The table is set with a decadent breakfast, and there are massage tables set up off to the side, surrounded by flowers and candles.

“This is exactly the photo you want to use.”

I look up at her, studying her expression.

“Do you trust me?”

I hold up my hands. “If you think this is it, then this is it.”

She giggles. “Then you could use this,” she says, reaching across my desk for the masthead mockup with the hotel name on it. When she picks it up to place it on top of the photo, she knocks over my coffee. It spills and runs across the glass desk, pouring into my lap.

“Oh, shit!” She quickly turns to grab tissues while I stand up. She spins back around and starts wiping the tissues across my crotch, trying to dry up the spill.

“I’m so sorry! I’m so clumsy sometimes!” she says, vigorously wiping up the coffee.

With each swipe of the tissue, my dick twitches. I quickly grab her hands and gently push them away. “It’s fine. You don’t have to do that.”

Suddenly, she knows exactly what she was doing and she lets out a loud laugh with a snort. She covers her mouth as her face turns red. “I didn’t mean to…I mean, I’m so sorry.”

I clear my throat and scratch my nose to hold off the smile that’s trying to take over. “It’s fine, really. I have some other clothes here. I’ll just go change.” I step past her into my office bathroom.

When I close the door between us, I hang my head and laugh, while at the same time, talking myself down. My dick is aching now that she’s brushed against it. I turn the water on and cup my hands beneath the faucet, splashing my face. The cold water helps shock me back to reality. I grab a few paper towels and dry my face before stepping out of my suit and putting on my new clothes. I stand back and look at myself in the mirror. I feel awkward and out of place, but there’s nothing I can do about it now. My suit is stained and can’t be worn, so this will have to do.

With a deep breath, I prepare to walk out and show her this “new me.”

Chapter Nine

Janelle

I cannot fucking believe I did that! Not only did I spill coffee all over my boss, but I then rubbed his dick trying to clean it up. God, shoot me now! As soon as he leaves to change clothes, I pull out my cell phone and call Alison.

“Hey, sis. What’s up?”

“You’re not going to believe what I did!”

She laughs, already knowing it has to be good. “What?”

“I spilled coffee all over Griffin’s lap, then tried to clean it up. I didn’t realize what I was doing until I felt him get hard,” I whisper-yell.

She dies laughing. “Only you,” she says before laughing some more.

“Why did you have to tell me he liked me? Now I’m a fucking mess around him. I’m trying to act cool like I don’t know, but I know and it’s making me nervous.”

The bathroom door opens and he walks out in a pair of dark-wash jeans and a navy blue t-shirt. The sleeves on the shirt hug his big biceps, and the material stretches across his hard chest. His blond hair is a mess from pulling his shirt over his head, but it makes him look younger and sexy. I already found him hot dressed in a suit with his hair neatly styled, but now I find myself squeezing my thighs together to hold off the tingle starting to form between them.

“Gotta go,” I clip out, ending the call. “I’m so sorry,” I breathe out, my eyes closing to hold off the embarrassment that washes over me. “I hope I didn’t ruin your suit.”

He laughs and waves his hand through the air, dismissing the thought. “It’s not a problem, El. It’s Saturday. I shouldn’t be in a suit anyway. Now, what do you say we go grab some lunch? Maybe clearing our heads will get us back in the game.”

My mouth drops open and I nod like an idiot. “Okay.”

He leads me out of his office to his car parked in the underground garage. He opens the passenger-side door and I slide into the cool leather seat. The smell of him has soaked into the interior, and it surrounds me, making my head swim.

My eyes drift closed as I relax into the seat, letting his smell settle over me while I think about how hard he got when I brushed against him.

The sound of his door opening pulls me from my thoughts and I tense with his presence. “Anyplace special you want to go?” he asks, looking up at me as he presses the start button ignition.

“Uh, no. I’m down for whatever,” I answer, nervously. Now that we’re in such a confined space—alone and together—my heart rate picks up and I can feel beads of sweat on my brow.

He turns the car over. “Well, I’m afraid my usual places won’t let me in dressed like this. How about we go back to my place?” He’s cool, calm, and collected.

“Yo-your place?” I stammer.

His lips turn up into a grin. “Yeah, my chef prepares quick meals we can just heat up. But don’t call them leftovers. I learned my lesson,” he jokes.

I nod and swallow down my fear. “Yeah, okay. Sure, why not?”

“All right. My place it is,” he says, shifting into drive and hitting the gas.

He drives a few miles out of downtown and pulls up to a big mansion with a brick wall and iron gates at the entrance. He stops, puts in his code, and the gates open, allowing us through. The brick driveway is long and winding, and when we get to the end, there’s a big circle drive with a massive fountain in the center. He comes to a stop directly in front of the doors, and he turns off the car.

“Here we are,” he says, stepping out.

I’m in awe as I look at the massive house and perfect landscaping. I unclip my seatbelt, but before I can reach for the handle, he’s opening my door. I step out, eyes locked on the brick mansion.

“This is amazing,” I mumble as he reaches for my hand and pulls me up the few steps to the door.

“Thank you.” He unlocks the door and walks inside, holding it open for me.

The inside is just as amazing out the outside. It’s all picture-perfect: the crown molding, the chandelier in the center, and the massive staircase on either side of the room that meets in the middle of the second story. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life—not outside of movies that is.

“The kitchen is this way.” He pushes through a swinging door and we walk into a kitchen fit for any five-star restaurant. He opens a refrigerator with a glass front and begins pulling out various containers. “We have chicken, steak, pasta, or shrimp. What’ll it be?”

I lean against the marble island. “Chicken is good.”

“Chicken it is.” He pulls out a couple different containers and points to the wine fridge. “Will you pick out a bottle of wine?”

“I know nothing about wine, but sure.” I grab the first bottle my hand touches and he slides me two wine glasses.

“If you’d like, head out to the patio and I’ll bring everything out after I warm it up.”

I smile and take the glasses and bottle of wine. Stepping out of the kitchen, I look to my right, where I find a set of glass doors. I push through and find a stone patio. There’s a table with two chairs, a huge pool and hot tub, and a section with a built-in fireplace surrounded by pillow-laden chairs.

I remove the cork from the already-open bottle and pour two glasses. Picking up my wine, I take a sip and wander around the edge of the pool, looking down into the clear water, completely amazed that people actually live like this. I mean, he isn’t some famous actor or musician, yet he lives like a king. I laugh when I think about how my whole apartment would fit into his kitchen.

Minutes later, Griffin comes out with two plates. I walk over and take my seat and can’t help but exclaim, “This looks amazing!” The chicken breast is grilled to perfection and there’s a crisp green side salad.

“It tastes even better,” he assures me, taking his seat and picking up his knife and fork.

I slice the chicken and place it on top of the salad. When I take the first bite, a soft moan escapes my lips. “Oh my God! This is delicious!”

He laughs around the food in his mouth. “Michael, my chef, is the best. He wants to open his own restaurant someday, but I might not let him go,” he jokes.

I laugh. “I wouldn’t blame you. It’s like eating out without having to go out! Much better than the mac and cheese I have for dinner every night.”

“Every night?” he asks, brows raised with surprise.

I laugh at his expression. “Well, not every night, but most nights. I’m a college student, remember?”

“You can have dinner with me anytime,” he offers.

“Be careful, I might take you up on that.”

“I wouldn’t mind, El. But I have a feeling Chase might.”

I look up and our eyes lock. I can see the nervousness on his face. “Chase and I aren’t together.”

“You looked pretty together when he was giving you flowers the other day.”

I nod and pick up my wine. “We were talking. That is, until I found out he’s engaged. I think he was just trying to use me to get to you. He needs this internship to turn into a job.”

He nods once. “I’m sorry he hurt you,” Griffin whispers, not looking up, but instead looking at his plate as he moves his food around.

“I was angry, but not hurt. I’m sure there’s someone out there who’s better for me—someone who understands me.”

He looks up at me now and his Adam’s apple bobs. “You were too good for him anyway. You need someone stronger than him—someone who’s a leader and can appreciate your successes as much as his own.” He picks up his glass of wine and takes a sip, all the while watching me.

I swallow down the fear that’s now pumping through me. “Any idea who that could be?” I ask, my hands nearly shaking as I wait for his answer.

He lets out a quiet laugh as his eyes pull away from mine. “You want me to say it, don’t you?” He glances back up at me, and the tension between us thickens.

“Say what?” I ask, unsure if I’m ready to hear the words I’ve been wondering about all day.

“That I have been treating you differently from the rest of the group. That I find you smart, and sexy, and talented. That from the moment my eyes landed on you, I’ve done nothing but picture the moment we finally come together.” He picks up his wine glass and swallows it all down. All the while, I can do nothing but sit frozen in place—and watch.

He sets down his glass and stands, holding out his hand.

I look from his hand, to his eyes, and back, wondering if I should take it. I’m so confused, I don’t know what to do. Yes, he’s good-looking, but he’s my boss—at least for the next several weeks. But he’s also older than I am. He dates women who have money and power and social status. I’m nobody. Could he really be interested in me, or is he just looking for an easy piece of ass?

I guess there’s only one way to find out.

I place my hand in his, and he pulls me to my feet. My chest presses against his and his eyes meet mine.

“I know I’m older than the guys you usually date, but give me a chance, El. The man you’ve come to know since we met—that’s not all of me. It’s just the small piece I allow myself to show people.”

Slowly, he leans in and presses his mouth to mine for a soft, slow kiss. This feeling of shock washes over me—he is my boss after all. But slowly, something happens and I melt into him. His hands find my lower back, and they pull me closer. My chest is smashed against his, and I can feel his heart racing as fast as mine. A tingle forms in my stomach, and it makes every muscle tighten.

My arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer as I deepen the kiss, wanting to test the waters. He responds to me immediately by walking me backward until my back presses against the wall. His hand move upward, cupping my cheek as his tongue dances with my own. A soft moan escapes my mouth, and it only fuels him. He picks me up against him, and my legs wrap around his hips. The hardness in his jeans presses against my aching clit as he pins me to the wall. As our mouths move in sync, his hips grind against mine, and his hands tour my body, but still only touch me innocently: my sides, my hips, my thighs. He never pushes the boundaries of touching a place that’s craving him.

I break the kiss, breathless. “Griffin,” I whisper.

He leans back only slightly, “Yes, El?”

“We have to stop,” I nearly pant out.

“Is that what you want?” he asks, moving his mouth back to my jaw, trailing kisses down my neck and only making me want him more.

“No,” I push against him until he places me on my feet. “But we have to.”

He takes a step back, his chest rising and falling quickly as he looks a little dejected.

“This,” I motion between the two of us, “is too sudden. I need to think about this. You’re my boss!” My eyes stretch wide with that last part as I lean against the wall he just had me pressed against.

“I know,” he whispers, “but I won’t be for long.” When he says the last word, his lips turn up into a sexy grin that makes my body stiffen with anticipation.

Even though I’ve stopped things between us from happening in this moment, it feels like something is just getting started, and I’m torn. Am I ready for this?

Chapter Ten

Griffin

Pulling away from her takes every bit of restraint I have. I thought I knew how badly I wanted her, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. Now my body is craving her touch—it’s begging me to reach out and take her, to put myself out of this misery.

“Let me take you out to dinner, El,” I beg. “I’ve done everything I can to make sure nobody knows the real me. Let me show you…” I whisper, stepping toward her. “Let me show you who I am before you make a decision.”

Her big green eyes look up and lock on mine. Her plump red lips part as a long breath leaves her lungs. “Okay,” she agrees with a nod of her head.

She accepts my offer and I don’t push for more. We sit back down and finish our lunch, then I take her back to her apartment with a promise of returning later.

After our lunch date, going back to work was not an option. There’s no way I could lock myself in a quiet building alone with her. I know for sure I’d take advantage of our alone time and we’d never make it to dinner.

After dropping her off, I head back home and shower, needing to wash off the memory of lunch. I have to clear my head or I know I’ll do something stupid. I’ll seduce her into getting what I want.

I shave, shower, and dress in another pair of jeans, but can’t bring myself to pull on another t-shirt. Instead, I opt for one of my casual button-up shirts. I even roll the sleeves to my elbows to make myself seem more laid back.

It’s not long before we’re walking into the club that Cameron and I frequent. We take a seat in the back and wait for someone to take our order.

“Griffin?” Misty asks, surprised to see me in casual clothes instead of my normal suit.

I laugh. “Yes, it’s me.” I look at El. “El, this is Misty. She waits on me often.” I look at Misty. “Misty, this is El, my date.”

Her eyes stretch wide. “Date?” She holds out her hand. “You must be very special if he’s calling you his date.”

El laughs and shakes her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

We place our orders and Misty walks away to retrieve them.

“I’m a little confused,” El says, leaning toward me.

“I come to this place with my best friend, Cameron. He’s always here, picking up a different woman, but it’s not really my thing.”

“What? Clubbing or picking up women?” She shoots me a flirty smile as she pushes a strand of blonde hair away from her face.

I laugh. “Both.”

“Have you ever been in a relationship, Griffin?” Her eyes narrow, studying me.

Our drinks are placed on the table and I nod as I pick up mine and take a sip. “Her name was Candice. We were together for three years.”

“Wow. What happened?”

I take a deep breath and straighten my back. “Candice was hired at the hotel to be my replacement assistant while mine was healing from surgery. I noticed right away how beautiful she was, but I refused to do anything about it because we were working together. I was worried that things could go bad and get awkward. So, finally, it was Candice’s last day. My assistant was due to come back, and I decided to ask Candice out. I figured there wouldn’t be a problem since we’d no longer be working together.”

“What happened? Obviously, it didn’t work out.” She finishes off her drink the second Misty sets two more down.

“Things were great…for a while. Our date was a hit, and we started seeing each other exclusively. She moved into my house and we were planning a wedding. But then I discovered that she wasn’t who she said she was. She was hired by a rival hotel chain to come to Castille Hotels and steal what information she could. She made off with high-profile clients, future advertising campaigns, and confidential files. She put the whole company in jeopardy. She used me. She lied to me. And while I was falling in love, she was busy stealing from me and making money. Luckily, I didn’t lose my job, but I did lose a large piece of myself. I haven’t been able to trust anyone since.”

“What about me?” she asks, picking up her drink and taking a sip.

“What about you?” I ask, confused.

“Do you trust me?”

I smile around my glass as I take another drink. “I want to,” I finally answer.

She holds out her hand and I place mine inside, even though I’m unsure of what she’s going to do. She offers up a smile as she pulls me to my feet and walks me to the dance floor. I laugh as I spin her around.

“I’m not much of a dancer,” I warn.

She rolls her eyes. “Looks like you’re doing okay!” she yells above the music as she presses her body against mine and moves to the beat of the music.

I hold her close and enjoy the way my body comes to life when she touches me. Her hips move back and forth, softly grazing my dick, which is becoming harder and harder with her every move. When she turns her back to me and wiggles her ass against me, my hands grab ahold of her hips and stop them. She looks at me from over her shoulder, giving me a sexy grin.

“What’s the matter?” she asks, spinning around, but she knows exactly what’s wrong with me.

“You keep teasing me like this and I’ll be dragging this sexy ass to the restroom,” I say, grabbing two handfuls of her ass as I pull her chest against mine.

Her grin turns into a smile as she reaches up and laces her fingers around my neck. “A dirty bathroom fuck? That doesn’t seem like your style, Mr. Karlsson.”

I chuckle. “You have no idea what my style is, Ms. Ryder,” I whisper against her lips, and notice when her eyes drift closed in preparation for the kiss that doesn’t come.

Finally, her eyes pop open. “Are you trying to tease me?” Her mouth drops open with surprise, but the corners turn slightly upward as if she’s holding back a grin.

I have to admit, it’s fun seeing this laid-back side of her. “I want you to work for it, Ms. Ryder. Didn’t you say you didn’t want any special treatment?” I’m toying with her. And believe it or not, I think I’m teasing myself more than her.

“Work for it, huh?” she says, leaning in and pressing her soft lips against mine.

Her sweet tongue demands entrance, and I’m in no condition to deny her. Her kiss is hard and firm—full of certainty. When her hand comes up and brushes against my dick through my jeans, a jolt of electricity shoots through me and I growl as I nip her bottom lip. “You’re playing with fire, Ms. Ryder.”

Something flashes in her green eyes and she bites her bottom lip. “Care to teach me a lesson, Mr. Karlsson?”

I take her wrist in my hand and pull her from the dance floor, down the long, dark hallway, and into the private men’s room. I spin her around and push her back to the door as I step up to her. “Care to rethink that?” I ask, running my thumb across her bottom lip.

Her eyes move from mine, down my body, and back as she thinks it over. She bites her lower lip and grins. “Show me what you got, boss.”

Something inside of me breaks and my mouth smashes against hers. Her hands come up to fist in my hair, pulling me closer.

I twist the lock on the door behind her, then pick her up against me and move to set her down on the edge of the counter. Her hands work on freeing me from my jeans while I work her skirt up her thighs. My finger slides into her panties, running up her wet slit as her hand locks around my dick.

Suddenly, I’m hit with regret. This isn’t how I want our first time to go. I want to take her home and spend the rest of the night inside her. I want her screaming my name. I want her in my bed, leaving the smell of her shampoo on my pillows.

I jerk her hand away and her eyes jump up to mine. I shake my head. “I’m punishing you, remember?”

Her brow furrows as she tries to figure out exactly what that means.

“What kind of punishment would it be if you got what you wanted, El?” I slide two fingers inside her hot sheath.

Her eyes roll backward and a soft moan escapes her lips. I want her. God knows I want her, and those soft little moans aren’t helping matters. But I want to do this right. I don’t want a quick fuck in a club restroom. I want to show her that she means more than this to me. Already, I’m confused as to why she’s letting me take so much when she pushed me away earlier. Maybe it has something to do with the alcohol we’ve both consumed.

I pull her hips until her ass rests on the edge of the counter, then drop to my knees. She opens her eyes, surprised to find that I’m not standing in front of her.

I pull her panties to the side as my mouth lowers to her clit. Her hips jump upward as my tongue runs back and forth, spreading her wetness. Her muscles clamp down around my fingers while my mouth works her to the edge. Her breathing picks up, and just before her release washes over her, I pull away.

Her eyes pop open and lock on mine. I smile. “Did you enjoy your punishment?” I ask, wiping her juices off my face and standing up before her.

Her chest is rising and falling quickly, eyes wide.

I step closer to her as I fix my jeans. “Next time, heed my warning.” I step back and hold out my hand to help her down. She quickly straightens her skirt and I open the door, motioning for her to go ahead of me.

We both sit at the table and throw our drinks back before I wave Misty over for another round.

El is surprisingly quiet beside me. “Don’t tell me you’re sulking,” I say with a grin.

She doesn’t say anything, but I see her lift herself up, move her arms briefly, then slip something into my pocket.

“What are you doing?” I ask, sitting back to see a bit of white lace sticking out of my pocket.

“You tease me, you’re going to have to watch me for the rest of the night knowing that I’m not wearing any panties—knowing that you could slide inside me at any given moment.” She picks up her fresh drink and throws it back with a grin.

Fuck me. Maybe I should’ve thought this through a little better. Not only do I have a raging hard-on right now, but I can still taste her on my tongue, and now, her soaked panties are in my pocket while she’s completely bare and waiting for me under that skirt of hers.

I grit my teeth together and pick up my glass, trying to figure out how I can win this tug-of-war we’re playing.

Chapter Eleven

Janelle

A part of me feels like we’ve gone too far. But another part, a part that’s deep inside me, wants to push further, to dive in head first and see what I come up with. He’s my boss, he’s much older than me, and he’s connected to my sister through the hotel—it’s wrong on every level. I shouldn’t want him. I shouldn’t have volunteered to go back to his house for lunch today. And I shouldn’t be here with him now. But I am, and a piece of me likes it.

I’m torn between stopping this now or moving forward. I feel like we’ve crossed a line that can’t be uncrossed. Even if I did stop things now, we’d never be how we were this morning. This morning, there was a spark between us that we both felt. But that’s all it was—a possibility. Now, that possibility is a sure thing. I know he wants me, and he knows I want him, even if a little voice is telling me not to go there.

We’re both sitting at this small table in the back of a noisy club, throwing back drink after drink. Neither of us is talking. It’s almost like he’s going through the same mental battle I am. Is he worried about what could happen if we go through with this? Is he worried that it won’t work out in the end? Maybe. But I’m sure he’s not thinking about how much this could screw up my future—not his—mine. I’m the one with everything to lose here.

“Do you always drink this much?” I ask, nodding toward what must be his fifth drink.

He’s been staring at his glass, but finally, he looks up at me with blue eyes filled with a fire I know is burning for me. “Not usually. I mean, I have a drink or two every so often, but I don’t ever sit and toss back drink after drink.”

“Why are you now?” I finish off what’s left in my glass and set it on the table, directing all my attention at him.

“Because of you,” he answers without a pause.

I feel my eyebrows pinch together in confusion.

“I want you, El, and I know you want me. But there’s this nagging feeling in my gut that’s telling me to keep my distance. I didn’t listen to it earlier and I feel like things will never be the same between us. But deep down, down past everything that makes me human, I don’t care. I don’t care about the consequences. I don’t care that this could cost me my job. I don’t care that it could ruin your future. I’m a greedy man, El. And I’m used to getting what I want. Everything else be damned.” He throws back what’s left of his drink and sets the glass on the table with a smack.

His eyes seem to darken as they lock on mine. He swallows, causing his Adam’s apple to bob in his throat, then he takes my hand and pulls me toward the door. The moment we step out into the cool night air, I feel like I’ve been rejuvenated—like I can finally breathe and think clearly, but even that doesn’t stop the endless trail of thoughts about him.

He leads me down the sidewalk to an awaiting limo.

I motion toward it. “What’s this?”

“I called my driver earlier. I knew I’d drink too much to drive.” He opens the door. “Get in,” he demands, and I listen, all too happy with the way that made me feel.

He slides into the back seat with me, and tells the driver my address before closing the divider.

I look at him with surprise.

“I think this is bigger than the both of us. We both have things on the line here, and that shouldn’t be taken lightly, El,” he says, staring straight ahead instead of at me.

“So you’re taking me home?”

He nods once, then turns to look at me. “If I don’t take you home, we’ll be so far past the line we crossed tonight that it won’t even be visible anymore.”

“You don’t want me?” I ask, turning my body so I can face him fully.

I see his eyes drop down to my legs and slowly move up. “I want you,” he says, picking up his hand and trailing his fingers slowly up my leg. “But we both need to think about what we’re doing before we get lost. Is it worth losing everything you’ve worked for?”

I can’t focus on anything but the way he’s touching me. It’s slow and teasing, but it also tickles in a delicious way—a way that makes me want more of him: his touches, his kisses, him.

My head is fuzzy from all the alcohol I’ve consumed tonight. My vision is slightly blurry, and everything feels too good. I don’t even think about what I’m doing as I slide onto his lap, putting me nose-to-nose with him. “I want you, Griffin,” I whisper, locking my eyes with his as I lean in for a kiss.

Our lips meet, and to my surprise, he doesn’t push me away. Instead, he pulls me closer as his tongue tangles with mine. His hands land firmly on my hips, pushing me down as he lifts his hips until I can feel his excitement. The feeling of his hardness right where I need it causes a soft moan to escape my mouth. And that seems to be the key to his undoing.

The next thing I know, I’m on my back on the narrow seat with him between my legs. Our kiss has turned hard and rough, and his hand slides up my skirt to find my wet sex. His fingers slide into me while his thumb applies pressure to my hard nub.

I give myself over completely to the way he’s manipulating my body. I can do nothing but kiss him and cling to him for dear life as my release builds inside of me. Suddenly, he breaks the kiss and removes his hand. I’m about to fight him, but I’m silenced when his mouth closes around my clit. It’s the final blow I need to push me over the edge.

My thighs tighten around his head and my nails dig into his arm as I pant and moan and cry his name.

The car stops and I hear the driver tapping on the divider, but Griffin doesn’t stop until my muscles ease and my moans quiet. He pulls away, leaving me breathless and shaking.

“At least now you’ll know what you have to choose between,” he whispers as his hand pulls me upward, into his kiss.

I can taste myself on him, and it only makes me want him more. I want to take him up to my room, or ask him to take me back to his place, but he breaks the kiss. “Good night, El,” he breathes out.

I swallow down the yearning and passion that’s drowning me, and nod. “Good night, Griffin,” I whisper, forcing myself to turn away and exit the car while I still have control over myself.

I spend all of Sunday a little hung over and thinking about what it is I want. While I’m not needing this internship to turn into a job, I also don’t want anyone to find out what it is we’re doing. I don’t want to be labeled as the girl who fucks her boss. When I excel in work or school, I want people to know that it was because of all of my hard work, not because I fucked someone to get where I wanted to be. But Griffin isn’t someone I can ignore anymore. Just a look from him can cause shivers to take over my body. His touch makes me melt. I’ve never had this all-consuming feeling about anyone before. And I’m not sure I can walk away from it, no matter what’s at stake.

I’m still confused when I walk into the hotel on Monday morning. Vanessa, the receptionist, stops me before I hit the elevator.

“Excuse me, but Mr. Karlsson wanted me to tell all the interns that you’ll be at the corporate office across the street from here on out.”

Hearing his name makes my heart pound, but I push all thoughts away as I nod. “Thank you.” I turn and leave the hotel to head across the street.

When I walk in, I’m directed to a board room where I find everyone already sitting together around a long table.

“How nice of you to join us, Ms. Ryder,” Griffin says with a teasing grin.

I hold back my smile. “I’m sorry I’m late. I didn’t get the memo about the new location.”

He nods. “It’s quite all right. But in the future, make sure you check your email so you’re on the same page as the rest of us.”

Everyone softly giggles and my face heats up with embarrassment.

I daze off as he talks and gives everyone a job, wondering why he’s being so cold to me this morning. Did he take his Sunday to talk himself out of being with me? Did he decide the odds weren’t in his favor? I’m completely lost in thought.

“El?” Griffin asks, pulling me back to the present.

I blink and look up, finding that everyone else in the room has left.

“Hmm?”

He smiles and motions toward the door. “We’re in my office today.”

“Oh, right,” I mumble, grabbing my things and following him to his office. We’re both quiet on the elevator ride up to the top floor. My mind is occupied by the awkward conversation I’m sure awaits me.

Walking into his office, I place my things on the couch and sit down to look over the papers we left on Saturday.

“Would you like some coffee?” he asks with a lift of his brow and a smirk. I’m sure he’s thinking about the mess I made with his coffee the last time we were here.

“Yes, please. I didn’t get much sleep last night, so I could use a jolt.”

He brings both cups to the sofa and sits beside me, handing me a cup.

“Thank you,” I say, lifting the cup and taking a sip. I place the cup on the glass coffee table and pick up a layout I think would pair perfectly with the image I picked. “I like this one. Do you have any editing software to make our own layout to sample?”

His blue eyes are locked on mine, but when he runs his tongue across his bottom lip, my eyes fall down to his mouth, thinking about the magic that tongue of his can do.

My body betrays me by breaking out in goosebumps from thinking about the things we did on Saturday, and my breathing picks up as I imagine how much further I would’ve liked it to go.

“El?” he asks with a grin.

“Huh?” I ask, snapping my attention back.

He lets out a deep chuckle. “Is everything okay?”

I let out a deep breath and stand in front of him, pacing back and forth. “You’re so hot and cold. I never know which version of you I’m going to encounter.”

“What do you mean?” he asks, standing up, but keeping the coffee table between us.

“When I started working here last week, you were warm and inviting. Then you saw me with Chase, and you went cold. This past weekend, you were warm again—hot even. And now, you’re back to being cold and embarrassing me. Now do you understand why I’m so confused?” I stop pacing, and turn to face him.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you, El. I just thought that maybe if I didn’t treat you differently than the rest, then they’d have no reason to think there’s anything going on between us.”

“Oh.” My back straightens.

“But since you brought it up,” he walks around the coffee table and stands directly in front of me, “have you given any thought to our current situation?” He slides his hands into his pockets.

Chapter Twelve

Griffin

She bites her bottom lip as she thinks, and it causes my dick to come alive. All of a sudden, all I can think about is the way she bit that lip when I was making her come on my face. I’ve already had to put my hands in my pockets just to ensure I don’t touch her—until I get my answer, that is.

“I’ve thought about it,” she says quietly, staring at the floor instead of at me.

I place my finger under her chin and direct her eyes up to me. “And?”

“And while I don’t want to be known as the girl who carries on an affair with her boss, I don’t see the harm in trying. It may not work between us,” she shrugs, “but as long as we’re both adults about it, and keep it a secret, I don’t see how it could hurt.”

“So…” I start, but she cuts me off.

“I want you, Griffin.”

Without having to ask more questions, I close the distance between us, pressing my lips against hers as I pull her flush against me. Her body molds to mine as a soft whimper leaves her lips. Now that I’m tasting her again, I can’t get enough. All it does is fuel my desires—desires that Saturday night only intensified.

As her lips move with mine and her tongue demands more, her hands begin pushing my suit jacket from my shoulders. And while I didn’t want this to happen so quickly before, I’m now unable to resist.

When my jacket hits the floor, my hands find her ass and I pick her up against me, moving us to my desk. I place her gently on top and begin unbuttoning her top as fast as my fingers will let me. I trail my lips down her jaw and neck, biting, sucking, and kissing as I go.

The moment her top half is bare, I lean down and suck her hard nipple into my mouth, swirling my tongue around it. She lets out soft cries and whimpers, and her hand that’s fisting my hair tightens, pulling against the roots. It’s painful, but it’s a turn-on that urges me on.

I glide my hand up her skirt until I find her wet center. Already, her panties are soaked, and I can’t help myself when I tug them and hear a ripping sound.

I can no longer hold myself back. I’m lost in my desire. I’m lost to the fire raging on inside of me. I’m lost in her. I release her long enough to free myself from my pants as she scrambles to work her skirt up her thighs. The moment we’re both situated, her ass is right back on the edge of my desk and our mouths are locked together once again.

Using one hand to grab ahold of her hips, I pull her toward me as my other hand guides my throbbing cock to her entrance. I slide inside her tight pussy, and we both let out a sigh of relief. She fits me perfectly. It’s like she was made specifically for me. I fill her up completely, and she hugs me tightly.

With both hands on her hips now, I ease myself out before pushing back in while pulling her toward me. She lets out a delicious moan, and the glass desk rattles beneath us.

“This is too loud,” I whisper as I pick her up against me and press her back to the wall where I can pump into her endlessly without sounds to draw attention. Her thighs, wrapped around my hips tightly, hold her in place while I move in and out of her.

Her nails dig into my back and her teeth nip my bottom lip, and it’s all deliciously painful—just enough pain and just enough relief that I don’t ever want to stop. I roll my hips and she tightens around me, digging her nails in deeper as she moans into my mouth.

“I’m coming, Griffin,” she whispers, tightening her hold on me.

“Look at me, El,” I demand, needing to watch as the expressions on her face change with my every move.

Her eyes pop open and lock on mine. Her normally bright green eyes darken and her thick red lips part. Her brows pull together, and finally, she explodes around me, causing her muscles to milk my cock until I’m falling right along with her.

We both freeze to come down from our high. My heart is pounding and our breathing is erratic, but finally, everything begins to regulate. I remove myself from her and place her on her feet. She gets to work on pushing her skirt back into place as we gather our clothes.

She bends down and picks up her panties. She turns to me with them dangling off the end of her index finger. “Well, I guess these are shot,” she says with a smile that lights up her eyes.

I reach over and snag them off her finger and slide them into my pocket. “I think I’ll keep these.”

Her mouth drops open and a gasp escapes. “What am I supposed to do all day?”

I shoot her a grin. “Know you’ll be teasing me with your every step?”

She presses her lips together with a lift of her brow. “That could be fun.”

I laugh. “You may want to start bringing extra panties with you,” I say, pulling my jacket back on.

Someone knocks on the door and without being told to enter, they do.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Karlsson,” Chase says, pausing in the doorway.

“What can I do for you?” I ask, silently thanking God that he didn’t walk in five minutes earlier.

“We’re needing the magazine cover mockup.”

“Right.” I bend down and grab the mockup I made yesterday with all of El’s suggestions, and pass it over.

“Thank you,” he says, taking the picture and turning for the door. Before he walks out, he gives us both a sidelong glance, though he doesn’t say a word as he steps out.

“You did the mockup?” El says, not catching the look Chase gave us. “Let me see.” She reaches over and picks up the copy left on my desk. “This looks amazing!”

I smile. “It was all you: the picture you chose, the logo. All you. You’re amazing.”

She grins as she looks up at me from beneath her lashes. “No need to butter me up, Griffin. You’ve already fucked me.”

I snatch the paper out of her hands and pull her against my chest. “The first of many, I hope.” I press a quick kiss to her plump lips.

“If you think I could only have that once, you’re crazy,” she says around a smile as she kisses me again, but deeper and softer.

“So, tonight? My place?” I ask against her lips.

She nods. “Tonight.”

The rest of the day goes by slowly, and I’m constantly tempted knowing that El is running around without any panties on. The groups have been put back together again, and I can’t come up with an excuse for us to go off on our own. Every time I catch myself fantasizing as I watch those long legs of hers, I slip my hand into my pocket and rub her panties between my fingers. Really, it only makes things worse for me, but I have no self-control when it comes to her.

I make arrangements for my driver to pick her up this evening. I call my chef and have him prepare a special meal and dessert. I even ask my maid to set up the dining room table with flowers and candles. The moment I walk into the house, I rush upstairs for a shower.

I walk into my bedroom and find that black silk sheets have been put on my bed. There are also candles on both end tables. I make a mental note to give Ester a raise. She may be an older lady, but she knows exactly what I’m in for. I laugh when I realize she’s basically my wingwoman.

I quickly remove my jacket and toss it into the closet. Reaching into my pockets, I pull out my cell phone and wallet…and El’s panties. I stare at them a moment before dropping them onto my dresser—next to the pair she stripped off Saturday night—before I move into the bathroom to shower.

I’m just stepping out of my room when I hear the doorbell ring. Ester beats me to the door and lets her in as my foot hits the bottom step.

“Welcome. You must be Janelle,” Ester says, holding out her hand to shake.

“Please, call me El.”

“How was the drive over?” I ask, stepping up to her side and leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek.

“A little lonely. I had hoped that you’d pick me up.” She flashes me a smile as she shrugs out of her coat and hands it off to Ester.

I take her hand and lead her to the dining room. “I was trying to get things ready.” I pull out her chair. “I want tonight to be perfect.”

She takes her seat and I push her chair in.

“You don’t have to try so hard, you know.” She picks up the glass of wine in front of her and takes a sip.

My eyebrows pull together. “Who’s trying hard?”

She finishes the glass in one big gulp, stands, and slowly walks over to me. She sits down in my lap, straddling me. “You’ve already hooked me. Are you going to reel me in or not?”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Are you telling me you have no interest in dinner?”

“Mm-hmm.” She smiles and shrugs. “I only want your body.”

I laugh and stand abruptly, holding her against me. The fast movement makes her squeal and giggle.

I set her on the edge of the table and lean forward until she’s on her back. “Maybe I’ll just have you for dinner instead.” I nip the inside of her thigh.

She lets out a soft moan. “Please,” she whispers.

I pull away and look over her body, laid out and ready for me to take. “We already had a quick fuck today, El. I think I’d rather take my time with you tonight.” I offer her my hand and pull her up. The moment her feet hit the floor, Ester walks into the room.

“Dinner is served, sir.”

I smile and nod. “Thank you, Ester.” I look at El, who’s now trying to straighten her shimmery black dress. “Please, join me.” I motion back toward her chair.

She doesn’t look pleased, but she sits down and scoots her chair back up to the table.

Ester serves both our plates, then refills our wine glasses before leaving us alone.

“I don’t like your table,” she states flatly.

I laugh. “Why not?”

“You’re so far away. I feel like I have to yell just to talk to you.”

I stand, pick up my plate and glass of wine, and move down the table to sit beside her. “Better?”

She smiles, clearly happy she got her way. “Much,” she says with a nod of her head.

We both resume eating, and I can’t help but watch her. She’s different than the women I’ve been with in the past. Those women, Candice included, were prim and proper. They wanted everyone to think they had it all. They flaunted their money and nice things. They looked down on people who had less than them. But El, she’s different, and not because she doesn’t come from money. She’s kind and thoughtful. She’s young and still excited about her future. She hasn’t yet been jaded by the world. The saying “youth is wasted on the young” does not apply to her. I’ve only been around her a couple weeks, but already I can tell she makes the most out of every moment. She’s not worried about what others think, and she doesn’t try to look like she’s something she’s not.

Being with her will make me a better man—a man who learns to let go, have fun, and realize he can’t control everything. She’ll bring out all of my best qualities—even ones I don’t know I have. I can see it already. Question is, am I ready to let go of the man I am now? I don’t even have to think about it. Yes, I’m ready to let go of the things that have burned and scarred me in the past. I’m ready to be free—to experience everything as if it’s the first time—through her eyes.

“Tell me something about you that nobody else knows,” I request as I pick up my glass and take a sip.

She wipes her mouth with her cloth napkin. “Like what?”

I shrug. “Something deep. Something you think about when you’re alone. What your dreams and aspirations are. Where you see yourself ten, twenty, hell, even thirty years from now.”

She smiles and sets down her fork as she turns her whole body to face me. “I hope to get into grad school and then get a job in a big publishing house. I want to surround myself with stories and get lost in other worlds. I want to fix errors and make things better.”

I nod. “Those are your career goals, but what about your life goals? Marriage? Kids? Where you’ll live? What kind of man will be by your side?”

Her smiles widens as her eyes glaze over. “I never put any serious thought into it, but I’ve always dreamed of having a big two-story white house with blue shutters, a white picket fence, and a big yard. I can see myself, my husband, our three kids, and our dog rolling around in the grass, playing tag. In the backyard, there’s a treehouse where we camp out, a fire pit where we can roast marshmallows, and a pool for the summer months.” Her eyes drift closed as she goes deeper into the dream.

“My husband will be sweet and kind, but not a pushover—someone who knows when to be patient, but also knows when it’s time to take the gloves off. He’ll spend every weekend at home, going to the farmer’s market with me, barbecuing in the backyard, and tucking in his children every night. Then, when the house is quiet, he’ll sneak into the kitchen where I’m cleaning up dinner, and fuck me senseless on the white tiled island.” Her eyes open and her cheeks glow red.

She giggles. “But that’s just a silly dream.”

It’s only now that I realize I’m completely lost in her fantasy. I pull myself from her dream. “Who says it can’t be real?” I ask, leaning in.

She snorts. “Would you really give up this big, fancy house to go live in the suburbs with me? Are you going to give up your chef to eat the burnt dinners I cook, or trade in your fancy cars for a minivan?” Her eyebrow arches.

I nod. “I’d give up everything for love—true love—the kind that won’t allow you to walk away.”

Something on her face changes. Her eyes, which were already filled with passion, now burn with desire. Her arched eyebrow drops out of surprise, and her lips part.

She stands. “You’d give up all of this for me?” she asks, sitting on my lap.

“I’d give up everything for true love, El. Not a hookup or a week-long whirlwind romance, but real love.”

She leans forward, closing the distance between our mouths. Her lips part and her tongue demands entrance. I lean forward, deepening the kiss as I place my hands on her hips and stand, holding her against me as I walk us up the back stairwell to the second level. Her arms are wrapped around my neck, and her thighs hug my hips. She’s clinging to me for dear life—all the while, giving me every ounce of love and passion she holds within her.

I open my bedroom door and kick it closed behind us as I lay her down on the bed and climb up her body, between her parted knees. Already, her hands are rushing my body, pushing and pulling clothing away. She’s breathing heavily and softly whimpering as my hands caress and squeeze every inch of her. I want every inch, every curve, burned into my memory.

I get myself to my knees and look down on her. She’s so fucking beautiful—just breathtaking. Her blonde curls are splayed out across my black pillows. Her green eyes are lit up and glowing. Her plump red lips are parted and welcoming. Her cream-colored skin teases me with every inch she reveals, beckoning me to reach out and touch her, to get lost in her.

I work my pants down my hips without taking my eyes off of her glorious body that’s hard in all the right places. With our clothing stripped away and tossed onto the floor, I pick up her knee and press a kiss to the inside, slowly moving up her leg. She’s shaking and pleading with me, begging me to take her. And I will. But first, I want to take my time with her. I want her writhing in my hands. I want her to want me as badly as I need her. I want to taste every inch of her. I want to memorize her every curve. I want there to be no piece of her that’s gone untouched by me. I want to claim her—to make her mine and only mine.

Chapter Thirteen

Janelle

He’s toying with me—teasing me deliciously and slowly. It ignites a fire in my lower belly that blazes out of control, gradually stealing every inch of my consciousness. I’m no longer capable of making decisions. Now, everything I do is an automatic response to him and the things he’s causing me to feel.

I feel like I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole, and I’m spinning uncontrollably. I can’t stop myself from falling. Every time I see something I can grab on to—to hold myself back—the speed of my falling only accelerates, causing me to blow right past it.

I thought I knew what I wanted out of life, but admitting my lifetime aspirations to him made me realize that I don’t have the slightest fucking clue. All I know is I want to be loved and happy, regardless of grad school and my dream job. As long as I have love, I’ll be happy with any job I have. As long as I have someone by my side, helping me fight through every problem life throws at me, I’ll be complete.

When he slides into me, I let out a gasp of relief. Finally, we’re together, where we’re supposed to be. My hands fist the sheets as his mouth presses against mine. His hands hold me firmly against him: my thighs, hips, waist. He cups my cheeks to deepen the kiss while his hips never stop moving. With each thrust, he’s pushing me closer and closer to my release, but he’s also pushing me closer to something else: a new dream. Suddenly, I can see him as my husband in my vision of the future. I can see him tucking in our children every night. I can him making love to me on that white tiled island in the kitchen—surrounded by toys and sippy cups.

The thought of my life turning out like that causes my heart to skip a beat. It sings from inside my chest like it’s celebrating the fact that I’ve finally realized my deepest wish. It feels like my mind, body, and soul have finally become one. Before, it was like I was divided. My head told me to go to college and grad school, then get a respectable job to become a productive member of society. My heart was always busy trying to find the next guy who could be the one. And my soul was always fighting, telling me to keep going, to keep trying, that the one was out there. Now, they’re all together, perfectly in sync. And as much as that scares me, it also makes me happy. Finally, I know what I’m supposed to do. I can have it all. Griffin was right, and I realized all of this thanks to him.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers softly in my ear as he slowly moves in and out of me. His hands find mine, and he pins them above my head, our fingers locking together. He rolls his hips, and my release breaks free, washing over me like a strong wave that steals the air from my lungs. My toes tingle, my lungs burn, and my heart nearly freezes in my chest. I can do nothing but revel in the pleasure and pain that’s now coursing through my body at lightning speed.

Finally, my release ends, and he removes himself from me unexpectedly. My eyes find his, but he doesn’t answer my silent question. Instead, he just smirks as he flips me over and enters me from behind. With this position, he feels even bigger, like he’s stretching me around him. And even though there’s pain, there’s relief because he’s back where I need him.

His hands hold my hips firmly as he thrusts deeply. I can do nothing but take every inch. As my body cries out in pain, my heart cries out in pleasure. I should’ve known that this couldn’t just be a fling for us. There was an intense attraction I couldn’t deny the moment I saw him. Something deep inside of me knew that he was it, my other half—that only he could deliver the future I didn’t even know I wanted. Even if I didn’t want to admit it to myself back then.

As the room fills with the sounds of our gasps, I feel my heart tangling around him, like a vine that slowly creeps toward the sun. When his hand reaches around me to gently stroke my clit, every muscle in my body hardens to prepare for another release.

My body is so in tune with every movement he makes. Every part of me is stimulated. With his every thrust, my nipples brush against the mattress beneath us, his fingers rub another circle around my sensitive nub, and every inch of my body begs for its release.

Finally, I shatter around him, calling his name, panting out every labored breath, and quaking with every wave of my orgasm. His dick twitches inside me, and he lets out a deep moan that makes my toes curl. His movements are no longer rhythmic—now they’re wild as he grinds his hips into my ass. I feel his release flood into me, a warm liquid that conditions my inner walls. He presses a soft kiss to my back as his heavy breathing begins to slow.

He gently removes himself from me and falls to his side on the mattress, pulling me down so he can wrap his strong arms around me. I can feel his heart pounding in his chest, and his hot breath blows against my cheek. Right here, I feel safe and warm. Like no one can touch me. Like everything I want in life is within reach.

Warm lips press to the back of my shoulder and stir me out of the most perfect sleep I’ve ever had. My eyes flutter open to see a dark room softly lit by dozens of candles. It brings a smile to face as I roll to my back and find him leaning over me. He raises his hand and gently pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. His blue eyes lock on mine, and a hint of a smile plays on his lips.

“How long have I been out?” I ask.

“About an hour,” he replies, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

Embarrassment washes over me as I stretch.

He runs his finger along my cheek. “Why are you blushing?”

His question only makes the heat escaping my face intensify. “I fell asleep. It’s like you fucked me into a coma!” I laugh out as I roll to face him directly.

He lets out a deep chuckle before laying his head down next to mine. “Don’t worry. I took it as a compliment.”

“This isn’t how I thought it’d be,” I admit, placing my hand on his cheek.

He quickly rolls over and then back with two glasses of wine. “How’d you think it’d be?” he asks, handing one over to me.

I take the glass and have a small sip that makes me realize how parched I was. “To be honest, I thought you were some rich hotshot guy who always randomly hooked up with women. I thought you’d bring me here, have a quick fuck, then send me on my way.”

“That’s never been me, El,” he whispers, moving to lie on his back, one arm behind his head. “I mean, I guess I had my share of random flings back in my younger days, but when I met Candice, everything changed for me. It made me realize how much I’d been missing out on. Sure, I had sex, but nothing else. I didn’t have someone to share my secrets with. I didn’t have someone who would stand by my side when things got tough. I didn’t have love. I had all of those things with her…at least, I thought I did. Turns out, I didn’t, but it made me realize what I really wanted in life.” He rolls back to his side to face me now. “However, I thought I’d never get it. Then, as time went on, I was scared of it because getting it meant taking that risk all over again. I locked away that part of myself. I told myself I was better off—that I’d be happier alone, because then no one could hurt me. Candice and I broke up years ago, and I never thought about a relationship again, until I saw you.”

I place my hand on his cheek, moving my thumb across his skin absentmindedly. “Are you saying that you could see yourself having a future with me?”

He shrugs. “I’m just saying I saw something in you that I haven’t seen in a long time, El. I’m really putting myself out there by telling you this, but I don’t want you to think that this is just casual for me. I want you to know that when we’re not together, I’m not out with another woman.”

I place my glass on the table, then turn back to him. I cuddle into his chest and he wraps his strong arms around me. I look up into his blue eyes and get lost. They’re as blue as the ocean, and they sparkle like the sun beating down on the water, like a million diamonds in the sunlight. Placing my hand on his jaw, I move in to press my lips against his.

When I wake a second time, sunlight is streaming in through the windows, lighting up the room. I stretch and roll over to find the bed empty. I glance around the room, finding it empty, too, but also finding all the remnants of our lovemaking: clothes on the floor, burned-out candles, a ruffled bed. It all brings a smile to my face. Remembering the conversation we had last night makes my heart pound with excitement. It makes me happier than I can even understand.

I push the blankets down my naked body and walk across the floor to the bathroom. The black marble is warm beneath my feet. Why am I not surprised he has heated bathroom floors? I walk across the room and step into the shower. Turning it on causes water to shoot at me from all angles. The glass door fogs up, making me feel like I’m lost in my own little world.

I pick up a bottle of shampoo and bring it to my nose. His scent washes over me. It doesn’t smell strong and manly like most shampoos I’d find in a man’s shower. It smells perfectly balanced: clean, fresh, and gentle—like there’s a hint of lavender and lemongrass. I pour a small amount into my hand and work it into a lather. Closing my eyes makes me feel like I’m showering out in the middle of the rainforest—like I’m standing on a rock beneath a waterfall.

When I rinse the shampoo from my hair, I wash my body quickly and step out, wrapping a towel around myself. I head back into the bedroom for my clothes and find him on the bed. He’s only wearing a pair of black boxer briefs, and there’s a breakfast tray beside him, in the center of the bed.

I smile and pass by my clothes, taking my spot next to him.

“Did you enjoy the shower?” he asks with a smile.

“I did. I don’t know how you make it to work on time. I almost didn’t want to get out.”

He chuckles. “I think I’ve become accustomed to it.” He hands me a cup of coffee, then removes the lid from the platter on the tray. There’s fresh fruit: pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries. There are warm muffins and bagels, plus a fancy crepe filled with whipped cream and red filling.

“This looks amazing!” I gush, picking up a blueberry and popping it into my mouth.

“I wasn’t sure what your breakfast normally consists of, so I had a little of everything prepared.”

I laugh. “My usual breakfast is a cup of coffee and a Pop-Tart.” I dip my finger into the cream and suck it off. “A girl could get used to this,” I say around a smile.

“Good.” He grins. “That’s my evil plan: to get you addicted to the finer things so you’ll never want to leave my bed,” he says, moving in to press his lips to mine.

I giggle when he pulls away, nipping my bottom lip.

“Now, eat up so I can have my way with you one last time before you have to run off.”

“Run off?”

He nods. “We have work to get to and you probably shouldn’t show up in the same clothes you wore yesterday.”

My eyes grow wide as a smile takes over. “How is it I completely forgot about work?” I sip my coffee. “It feels like I’m on vacation. Not that I’ve ever been on vacation before.”

He pokes at a piece of pineapple with a fork. “Where would you go if you could take a vacation anywhere in the world?”

I shrug. “Never really thought about it, but someplace warm—a place with sandy beaches where I could stay in my bikini all day, soaking up the sun, relaxing, and drinking cocktail after cocktail.”

His eyebrows pinch together like he’s thinking something over. “What are you doing this weekend?”

Chapter Fourteen

Griffin

We finish breakfast and have one last romp before we have to part ways. I have my driver take her home, and instruct him to wait for her to change so he can deliver her to work. I dress and climb behind the wheel of my car to drive myself.

I swing by a coffee shop and grab a coffee for each of us before realizing that I might be giving away our secret. So I buy enough for all the interns, along with scones. When I get to work, I take everything into the conference room and leave it in the center of the table before heading to my office.

Sitting behind my desk, I’m filled with happiness as I think about the way I spent my night. El is different, and it makes me act differently. I’ve never been the romantic type, even with Candice. When I was with her, I was probably the guy El thought I was. I was a big shot who threw money around and bought his way into everything. I acted like a dick who couldn’t be bothered. But I want to spoil El. I want to show her how our lives could be if things work out. And I want her to know that I want things to work out.

I open my computer and pick up my cell phone to make our weekend plans. I own a small house on a tropical island. It’s a place I’ve only ever visited once. I actually bought it with the intention of giving it to Candice after our wedding. It has its own private beach, and the only way to and from the house is by boat. We’ll be completely alone there.

I book the flight, arrange a boat, and call in a team to clean and stock up. I can’t wait to see her face when I tell her.

Everyone comes into work and they all get their assignments. When I bring El back to my office, I pull her against me for a long kiss.

“What was that for?” she asks, pulling away with a smile.

“I was serious about this weekend. I’m taking you away.”

Her green eyes light up as they stretch wide. “Really?” Her mouth drops open. “Where?”

I can’t hold back my grin. “It’s a surprise. Just pack that bikini and nothing else.”

Friday comes around and I make sure to call off the interns. They all think I’m being a great boss for letting them take the day off, but really, I just want more alone time with El. My driver pulls up to her apartment at five a.m., and she comes sleepwalking out the door. I open the door and climb out, watching as she hands her bag off to the driver to place in the trunk. She slides into the leather seat, and I take my place beside her.

“Good morning. I brought you some coffee. I figured you’d need it.”

She offers up a sleepy smile as she takes the cup. “Thanks. Too early.” She has a sip, but sets it down and lays her head in my lap. I can’t do anything but brush her blonde hair away from her face as I watch her eyes drift closed.

After a long day of travel—one limo ride, three planes, then a cab ride to the boat—we’re so close I can taste it.

“This place is beautiful,” El says, climbing into the boat.

“Just wait. We’re not there yet.” I step behind the wheel of the boat and fire it up.

The island is a twenty-minute boat ride, but finally, we make it.

The sun is just starting to set when I turn off the boat and hop out to tie it down.

“This is amazing,” El says, barely above a whisper as she checks out our surroundings.

I hold out my hand and she takes it before jumping down. I reach over the side and grab our bags. “This thing feels like it’s holding more than a bikini,” I joke.

She laughs. “I didn’t think we’d be all alone. I figured, if nothing else, we’d be going out for meals and such. I never imagined this!” She spins around in a circle, holding her arms out wide.

Her green eyes are shining, and her red lips are turned upward in a big smile that shows her perfectly straight white teeth. Her skin is nearly glowing she’s so happy. Just seeing her this way—happy and carefree—makes me smile. It makes my heart flutter in my chest.

“Come on. Let’s get inside. Dinner should already be prepared.”

“Are there others here?” she asks, following along behind me to the front door.

“No, but others will be coming in and out to cook and clean.” I walk through the sand up to the porch that leads to the door.

“Now, I must warn you,” I stop with my hand on the knob, “this place is nothing compared to my house. It’s just a little house on its own island. The island is the only appeal.” I smile. “And having you here, of course.”

She laughs and playfully smacks my arm. “Shut up. It can’t be any worse than my tiny apartment.”

I open the door and lead her inside. The front door opens into a living room that’s only big enough to hold a sofa and chair with end tables and a coffee table, along with a cabinet that’s home to the TV and sound system. Off the living room is an open kitchen, and while it’s small, the appliances are top-of-the-line. Down the hall is the bedroom, and its bathroom has a door that leads to the back patio, where dinner should be set up.

I drop our bags on the floor, take her hand in mine, and lead her to the back patio. The small two-person table is already set up with two plates, a covered platter in the center, flowers, candles, and wine.

“I can’t believe you did all of this,” she gushes as she takes her seat at the table.

I sit across from her. “I wanted to give you the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.”

She smiles softly and looks deep into my eyes. “This is too much, Griffin. You don’t have to do all of this. There’s no need to impress me with your money. I like you. I liked you the first time I saw you.”

I pick up her hand that’s resting on the table and softly kiss it. “I’m not trying to impress you, El. I’m just trying to spoil you. You deserve it.” I smile. “Now, let’s eat.”

I lift the lid of the silver platter and the smell of shrimp scampi wafts up my nose, making my mouth water.

I think her eyes roll into the back of her head. “It smells amazing! I’m starving. Junk food and airplane food don’t stick with you long.”

I laugh as I serve us both a big helping. I remove the bottle of wine from the bucket and pop the cork, pouring each of us a large glass.

She grins. “Why, Mr. Karlsson, are you trying to get me drunk?”

I shoot her a wink. “Maybe a little. I’m looking forward to stripping that bikini off you later.”

She leans in slowly. “Well, how about I save you the trouble and wear nothing?”

I think my mouth starts to water. “Don’t tease me. You know what happened the last time you did that.” I think back to her restroom punishment in the crowded club.

She offers up a coy smile. “I remember quite well, and if you remember correctly, that’s basically the moment that brought us together, so I don’t think it’ll be that bad.”

“You have no idea, Ms. Ryder.” I train my eyes on her, already wanting to be done with dinner so I can spend the rest of my night inside her.

After dinner, El excuses herself to go freshen up, while I get to work on cleaning up the table. While I have a cleaning crew coming in the morning, I don’t want to be woken up by seagulls snatching shrimp off the patio. I carry all the dishes to the kitchen and load the dishwasher. I turn around, pull my shirt over my head, and move into the living room to get my swim trunks out of my bag, but stop when I come face to face with a very naked Janelle.

She’s leaning against the corner of the hallway, one hand tangling into her wild, dark locks, eyes trained on me. And the look on her face says nothing short of fuck me.

I swallow down the saliva pooling in my mouth and take a step toward her. “Decide to skip out on our swim, did you?”

She shrugs one shoulder and presses her lips together seductively. “Only if you can catch me.” She smiles wide before turning and making a run for it. She dashes down the hall and into the bedroom, where the patio door is. She’s intending on running out the door, but I reach out and grab her wrist, sending her flying right into my arms. We both fall onto the bed, tangled up together.

I press a soft kiss to her plump lips, then pull away enough to study her beautiful face. “I don’t know how you do it,” I whisper, staring down in awe at her.

“Do what?” she asks softly.

“Steal the breath from my lungs, and make me forget that I’m a broken old man.”

Her hand comes up to rest on my jaw as her eyes darken with intensity. “You’re not broken, Griffin. You’re just lost—stumbling through life the same way we all are. Luckily for you, I found you. Now we can get lost together,” she whispers before picking up her head and pressing her mouth to mine once again.

And with one small action, I’m lost. But I don’t care anymore, because I’m not alone. I’m with her.

Chapter Fifteen

Janelle

“I’m serious, Sam. I’m on my own private island,” I gush as I’m lying on the beach, completely topless while sipping a frozen daiquiri.

“You lucky bitch. And here I am freezing because Chicago decided to host a nonstop rainstorm. When are you coming back?”

I sigh just thinking about leaving this tropical paradise. “We have to leave early tomorrow to make it home Monday morning. I’ll be going straight from vacation to work. God, I wish I could stay here forever.”

“What does your sister think of you macking all over this rich guy who just so happens to be close with her man?”

“She’s the one who talked me into giving Griffin a chance. He’s so different from what I thought he’d be, you know? I mean, initially, I thought he was only about expensive suits and work, work, work. But since we’ve been together, he’s full of surprises. It kind of makes me a little sad.”

“Sad? What the hell for?” Her voice is high-pitched and squeaky.

“Because I think I’m falling for him. And I know it’s only a matter of time before it all ends and I get my heart broken,” I confess.

“Have you two talked about what it is you’re doing?”

“A little. But I don’t know if he means those things or if he’s just telling me what he thinks I want to hear. And, to be honest, it’s been more of a broad spectrum of what our futures hold. He hasn’t come out and said anything to make me believe I’m the one he’s referring to when he envisions his future.”

“Listen, El, I don’t have the answers you’re looking for. But for now, just relax and enjoy this vacation. He’s right about one thing: you deserve it.”

I smile and take a deep breath. “You’re right. I should just chill and enjoy the moment. I’ll think about the future when it becomes the present.”

“That’s my girl!” she cheers and it makes me giggle.

“Thanks, Sam.”

“Anytime.” Without another word, she hangs up the phone and I let mine fall to my side.

Griffin walks out and sits on the big white blanket next to me.

“Did the cleaning team leave?”

“Yep. It took a miracle to get them to stay in the house and not worry about the patio.”

I turn and look at him with a confused frown. “Why?”

He motions toward me. “You’re not exactly in a state to entertain guests, you know.”

I laugh. I’d already forgotten that this isn’t how normal people live. “Oh yeah. You should’ve said something. I would’ve covered up.”

He scoffs and rolls his eyes. “Not a chance.” He rolls to his side, leaning in for a kiss. “I prefer you this way,” he whispers, pressing his lips against mine.

I kiss him deeply, and while I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, a little of that fear comes sneaking in. I tell it to go away—that this is vacation and I shouldn’t be worrying about those things—but it keeps nagging me.

Griffin and I lie on the beach, soaking up the sun for the rest of the day. We talk and laugh. We nap and play. Then, when the sun goes down, we head inside to find something for dinner. He looks through the fridge and I dig through the cabinets.

“Anything?” I ask.

“Nothing that I know how to cook,” he replies. “Do you know how to cook chicken, steak, or whatever this is?” he asks, turning to show me what’s in his hands.

I wrinkle my nose and shake my head. “Nope, but I found bread. Are there any sandwich fixings in there?”

He turns around, tosses whatever meat is in his hands back in, and digs around. “I found some lunch meat.”

“Score! What else?”

“Mustard, mayo, lettuce, and a tomato.”

“Perfect. Bring them to me.”

I open the bread and start putting together two sandwiches.

Finally, our dinner is served, and we head to the living room, where he’s laid out a blanket in the center of the floor. We both sit down and he opens a bottle of wine.

I laugh. “Really? Wine with our fine dining?”

“Wine goes with any meal,” he tells me, just as a jagged flash of nearby lightning illuminates the room. Seconds later, the house goes pitch black and thunder rolls as the sky opens up and pours down.

“There goes our movie night.”

He laughs and stands up. “Help me find some candles?” He holds out his hand and pulls me to my feet. “Now we’ll have a candlelit dinner of sandwiches and wine.”

We both search the house and come back with a dozen candles. We light them and litter them around the room before taking our place back on the floor.

The room is softly lit, and the only sound is the rain pounding against the metal roof of the house. It’s relaxing, yet it shoots a thrill through my body. The rest of the world around us is going crazy, all hell cutting loose, but here we are, completely warm and safe. It’s like nothing can touch us.

When we’ve finished eating, I make my way over to his lap. “Tell me something,” I request.

“Like what?”

I shrug as my fingers slowly start unbuttoning his white shirt. “Anything. Something nobody else knows. A secret you can only share with me.”

He bites his lower lip as he thinks it over. Finally, his eyes pop up to mine just as I have his shirt open completely. I push his chest back until he’s lying flat on the floor, then lower my lips to his jaw, slowly moving down his neck and chest.

“I almost sold this place,” he tells me. “I bought it for my honeymoon, and when that went to shit, I thought this place would forever be ruined for me. Until you,” he whispers as his breathing picks up from my kisses. “You’ve changed everything for me, El. You’ve changed my outlook on life. You’ve changed me for the better. I’m not the same man you met a couple weeks ago, and I’ll never be that man again as long as I have you with me.”

Coming back to the city feels foreign after spending the weekend on our own little island. The city is busy and loud as usual—fast-paced instead of everything waiting for us. Griffin has his car deliver me home, where I quickly shower and dress for another day in the office, then I catch the train to work like any other day.

Walking into the conference room, I find coffee and bagels. I quickly grab one of each for myself and have a seat.

“Hey, where were you this weekend? We all got together at the Joker Club again, and it was such a blast. Chase got busted by his fiancée and she made the biggest scene in front of everyone,” Carolyn says, sitting next to me.

I snort with the laughter that escapes around my bite of bagel. “Really? Was he cheating on her or something?”

Carolyn’s eye double in size. “He met this girl there, and they were all over each other. They were grinding on the dance floor and making out. Ugh, it was disgusting.” She shivers just from thinking about it. “So, what were you up to?” She studies me for a moment. “Did you go tanning? You look darker and have a hint of pink on your cheeks and nose.”

I swallow down a bite that I forgot to chew. “Oh, um, yeah. I went tanning with my roommate.” I roll my eyes and shake my head. “We went Friday afternoon, and I spent the rest of my weekend unable to move since I was so red. I’m thanking God today that I don’t look like a Red Hot anymore.”

She giggles. “That is so bad for you, El. Seriously, join the twenty-first century already and get that shit sprayed on like the rest of us.”

“I know. I should have,” I agree.

Griffin walks into the conference room and his eyes immediately jump to mine.

“All right, everyone. Please take your seats,” he says, coming to a stop at the head of the table.

“Lookin’ good, Mr. Karlsson. You got your tan on,” Carolyn says, eyes quickly flashing over to me.

I freeze, knowing that she’s no longer believing my lie, but now making up a story on her own. I can only pray that she doesn’t tell anyone else.

Before I can get too worked up, I look at Griffin and admire how sexy he looks with a tint to his skin. Unlike me, he doesn’t burn. Instead, every hard muscle is covered in tan skin, and just picturing that tan ass of his has me squeezing my thighs together and wetting my dry lips.

“Thank you, Carolyn,” Griffin says with a smirk. “Now that we all got to enjoy a long weekend, let’s force our minds back to work.” He dims the lights and turns on a projector. “I want to show you all the hard work Ms. Ryder has been putting in on our new magazine cover.”

The small group hoots and hollers as he clicks a button on the remote. The new magazine cover is lit up on the wall, and it looks amazing. It reminds me of one of those fancy magazines featuring all of the newest home decorating trends—one you buy in the hopes of one day being able to afford one piece of furniture out of it. It’s elegant and sophisticated. It screams five-star hotel, and draws you in, making you want to visit this location so you can be just as elegant and sophisticated.

Everyone claps. “That’s awesome, El,” Carolyn says, turning to look at me.

I smile shyly as my face flushes.

“Writers,” Griffin says, quieting everyone down, “I have assignments for you.” He begins passing out a paper. “We need articles written on these subjects. When you finish, please send them over to the e-mail listed for final say and editing.”

I look at the paper and see that my e-mail is listed. I get final say on which articles go into the magazine, and I get to edit them. I’m editor-in-chief. My heart begins to pound.

“Everyone who works on this magazine will be listed on the contents page,” Griffin says. “Now, writers, get to work. The rest of you, see your mentor for your assigned jobs.” He smiles, looking only at me, pride radiating from his expression. “You are dismissed.” Without another word, he leaves the room.

All the writers go off to work on their assignments. The legal team and the art department also leave—everyone but Carolyn.

I stand and grab my belongings.

“Well, isn’t that nice of Mr. Karlsson?” Carolyn says.

“Hmm?” I ask, turning to face her.

“I just think it’s weird, is all. You come in with a sunburn, and he comes in with a fresh tan. You get to be editor-in-chief of the magazine you’ve been working on exclusively with him. Sounds to me like someone is sleeping with the boss.” She winks. “Kudos to you. I mean, I would’ve jumped at the opportunity, too.”

My mouth drops open. “I am not sleeping with the boss.” I cross my arms over my chest. “How dare you even say that? I mean, I could say that you slept with the owner of the hotel to get this internship, but I haven’t.”

“I haven’t been caught behind closed doors with him all alone, now have I?”

“What are you even talking about?” I ask, anger pushing me to do or say something to make all this go away.

“Chase told us about when he went into his office. You two were all alone, and you both had guilty looks on your faces.”

I laugh. “So you’re listening to Chase now? The guy who tries to sleep with everyone he can while he’s engaged?”

“Chase doesn’t have a reason to lie. You do,” she points out.

I bite my lower lip and think up a quick response. “Chase has every reason to make up a rumor about me. Think about it before you go accusing people, Carolyn.” Without another word, I step out of the conference room and rush to the elevator.

I take the few seconds I have alone to calm down. When the doors open and I step out into the lobby of Griffin’s office, I freeze as I watch a blonde with long, tan legs walk through his open door.

Without thinking, I walk up to his secretary. “Mary, I’m needing something out of Mr. Karlsson’s office, but I just saw someone go in. Is this not a good time?”

She looks up at me with a smile, completely oblivious to what’s going on. “Not now, dear. Mr. Karlsson has a meeting with Ms. Candice Adams.”

My head cocks to the side. “Candice? His ex?”

She holds her finger to her lips. “Shhh, this meeting is supposed to be a secret. If Vincent catches word that she’s here, he’ll blow up after everything she’s put Griffin through.”

I nod once, but a sinking feeling hits my gut like a brick. I turn to leave.

“Would you like me to tell Mr. Karlsson you were here?” she asks behind me.

I stop and look over my shoulder. “No, thanks. I’ll just come back later.” I force a smile so she doesn’t pick up on anything, but inside, jealously rears its ugly head.

Chapter Sixteen

Griffin

“Is everything okay?” I ask as I watch El quietly pick at her food on the opposite end of the table.

“Huh? Oh, everything is fine,” she says absentmindedly.

“You seem a million miles away.” I pick up my wine and finish off the glass. “To be honest, I thought you’d be acting much happier than you are. I mean, you did land the title of editor-in-chief of the magazine.”

She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, because I’m sleeping with you.”

“Janelle? How could you even say that? You know you’re the most qualified.”

“Am I?” She looks up, meeting my eyes, but something is off. “I mean, even Carolyn could pick up on it. She knows about us. At least, she thinks she knows. I did my best to shoot it down, but who knows what she believes?”

“Carolyn?” I ask, trying to catch up.

She nods. “Yep.” The ‘p’ makes a popping sound as it leaves her lips. “After the meeting this morning. I came to tell you, but didn’t want to interrupt your meeting.”

“My meeting?” Oh, my meeting with Candice. Fuck!

I take a deep breath and lean forward. “It’s not what you’re thinking, El.”

One eyebrow arches. “It’s not? Care to fill me in?”

I throw myself back in my chair, pick up my glass of wine, and finish it off. “I can’t right now.”

“You can’t right now?” she repeats.

I stand and walk to the drink cart, pouring myself a stronger drink and tossing it back. I pour another and take it back to the table with me, but this time, I sit at her side instead of at the end of the table. “You have nothing to worry about, El,” I breathe out, praying she believes me.

“Then tell me what’s going on. She’s your ex, and she came to your office today. You were in a room alone with her. And don’t think I didn’t notice her stripper heels or leather skirt. I mean, who dresses like that?” She stands and begins pacing.

I hold up my hands, showing her my palms. “Janelle, I’ve never given you a reason to doubt me. Please, don’t start now. I will tell you everything the moment I can.” I stand directly in front of her, placing my hands on her shoulders. “Please, there is nothing going on between us romantically. Everything that’s happening is work-related, and it’s time-sensitive. The moment everything is ready to come out in the open, I’ll tell you everything. I swear.”

Her facial expression softens and her shoulders visibly fall with relief. “You promise? If you want out of this,” she motions between the two of us, “just tell me. I’ll go. I will. I won’t put up a fight or try ruining things for you at work. I’ll just…go.”

I pull her against my chest. “Of course I don’t want you to go! I’ve meant everything I’ve ever said to you. Candice and I are done. It’s you and me now. Please believe that.”

Her sad green eyes meet mine and she slowly nods. “Okay. If you say it, I’ll believe it.”

“There’s nothing between Candice and me. I want you and only you.” Slowly, I lean in for a kiss, testing the waters.

Her lips are tight and stiff at first, but then all her resolve falls away and she gives in to me. Her lips soften, moving with mine and allowing me the entrance I’m demanding. Her body molds to mine when I pull her flush against me. Our kiss deepens, and I pick her up, carrying her to the bedroom.

Placing her on her feet, we strip each other of our clothing before I walk her backwards, into the bathroom. Stepping into the shower, I break the kiss long enough to turn on the water, then I press her back against the wall as I pick her up and slide deep inside, right where I’ve been craving to be all day.

Our time away wasn’t nearly long enough.

Oh, how I’d love to whisk her away and stay locked up with her for eternity.

Her fingers thread into my hair, pulling me closer as she deepens the kiss. Using one hand, I position myself at her entrance and push my way back inside her over and over again. She gasps every time we connect, and she clamps her muscles around my cock like she never wants it to leave her. If it were up to me, it wouldn’t.

I wake up to my phone ringing. I roll to my side and grab it off the bedside table.

“Hello?” I answer in a whisper, trying not to wake El.

“Grif, I can’t do this,” Candice says, panic flooding her voice.

“Calm down, Candice,” I whisper, pushing myself from bed and into the bathroom. I close the door behind me and flip on the light. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Everything is on the line for me. You don’t understand.”

“I do understand. You fucked up, but you’re making up for it all. I won’t let anything happen to you. You know that. It’s time to make things right.”

She takes a long breath. “I’m sorry for interrupting. I didn’t mean to bother you. I’m just worried. I don’t want her to find out. Not before it’s time, anyway. It’s just that, I know she saw us together today.”

“Who cares? She doesn’t know anything for sure. When she asked me about it, I sold it. She believed my every word. There’s nothing to worry about,” I assure her.

“So, tomorrow? Lunch?”

“Tomorrow,” I agree.

“I’m staying at the Castille. Room 709…in case you forgot where you booked me,” she says with a sugary sweetness on her tongue.

“I’ll be there.” I hang up the phone and go back to bed.

The weeks pass quickly, and before I know it, the magazine is going to print. Only two weeks of the internship remain, and to me, that means only two weeks left to keep our relationship a secret.

We’ve managed to stay off everyone’s radar, even Carolyn’s. I’ve noticed sidelong glances from the group, like maybe she’s filled everyone in on her thoughts, but no one says anything, and I’m grateful. There’s no reason to make something of nothing. Sure, El and I are together, but El isn’t looking for a job and I don’t plan to hire her, unless she comes to me down the road and asks for a job, that is. For now, her plan is to go to grad school here in Chicago. It’s all she’s talked about these past two weeks since she received her acceptance letter. She’s also received several others all across the country, but has decided to stay in Chicago like she originally planned, and deep down, I pray that at least part of that decision has to do with me.

We haven’t talked about what we’ll do when this internship ends, but I hope that we’ll only grow closer as a couple. I’d love to have her move in with me, and maybe even one day get married and have children. I’d gladly give up my “big fancy house,” as she calls it, and trade it in for a small two-story home in the suburbs. Granted, that would make traveling to work a bit more of a commute, but I’d do anything if it meant she’d be mine and only mine for the rest of my life.

It’s Friday night and El plans on going out with the interns to celebrate the magazine going to print. Sadly, that means I’ll be all alone until she gets home. I’m lying on the bed, watching her move about the room, getting dressed and fixing her hair. Over these past couple weeks, she’s been staying here more and more, to the point that she now has her own space in the closet and bathroom.

I kick back and watch as she pulls on a skintight black dress. The dress ends high on her thigh and shows enough cleavage to make me salivate. When she bends down and pulls on a pair of heels, the dress rides up another inch. Her long blonde hair is hanging down her back in soft curls, and she’s wearing a deep red lipstick, making her lips appear fuller and more juicy than they already are.

She turns to me with a smile. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Stay home,” I beg, readjusting my growing erection.

She giggles and rolls her eyes. “I can’t,” she breathes out. “I haven’t gone out with the group in weeks. There are only two weeks left in this internship. I have to go. These last few weeks, I’ve shacked up with you, and they’re growing more suspicious of us. If nothing else, I can go and get them off my back.”

I stand and close the distance between us. Placing my hand on her hip, I pull her against my body. “You look too good to go out without me. You’ll end up with a line of men waiting in line for you.”

She rolls her eyes. “It doesn’t matter, because all I want is you.”

“Can I kiss you?” I whisper, leaning in, afraid that I’ll mess up her lipstick.

“You have to ask?”

With that, I press my mouth to hers and kiss her like it’s the last time I’ll ever kiss her. I want her to remember this kiss when she’s out there with men falling over themselves for her attention. I want her to be able to close her eyes and feel my lips against hers. I want the taste of me on her tongue for the rest of the night.

She pushes me away when we’re both breathless and I’ve managed to press her against the wall. “I have to go. But when I get back, how about we pick up where we left off?” she asks with an arch of her brow.

“I’ll be here waiting,” I whisper, going in for one last kiss.

Chapter Seventeen

Janelle

I manage to leave the house in the Mercedes after refusing to take the limo a hundred times. The last thing I need is for the interns to see me in a limo and put two and two together. I give the driver directions to the club, but ask him to park a block away because all the interns know I don’t have a car of my own, and they definitely know I don’t have the kind of money that’s needed to pay my own personal driver.

He stops the car a block away and lets me out. I thank him and step out onto the sidewalk. It only takes a few minutes to get to the club, and I find everyone but Chase gathered around one table. I step up to Carolyn and wave hello to everyone.

“Where’s Chase?” I whisper in her ear.

Her eyes grow wide. “Since the weekend his fiancée caught him cheating, he’s been MIA socially. And did you happen to notice he wasn’t in this morning’s meeting?”

I think back to this morning. Now that she mentions it, I did notice. I was just preoccupied at the time—too busy watching Griffin to notice. “Yeah, now that you point it out, he wasn’t there. What’s up with him? It’s not like him to miss a meeting.”

“His fiancée broke up with him, and since he was only here because of her—living in her apartment that her dad pays for—he had to quit the internship and move in with his parents.”

My mouth drops open. “That’s terrible.”

Her nose wrinkles. “Terrible? That’s one more open spot for one of us.”

“Where do his parents live?” I ask, suddenly feeling ill.

“About three hours north, in God-knows-where Wisconsin,” she answers, picking up the pitcher and filling her glass. She looks over at me, silently asking if I’d like some.

I wave it away.

“Are you okay? You’re not looking very good.”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I just got really nauseated for some reason.”

Her eyes widen. “It was probably those nasty sandwiches we all had for lunch. Who knows how long they’d been on that cart. What kind did you get?”

“Egg salad,” I answer. Just thinking about that sandwich makes my mouth water like I’m going to vomit.

“Did you eat it all? I heard one person down on the first floor left work early after eating lunch. It’s a miracle we all don’t have food poisoning.”

“I only ate about half of it. It just didn’t taste right. I thought it was just me.”

“Not good, girl.” She shakes her head.

“Excuse me.” I quickly run to the restroom, needing to empty my stomach. I’ve felt slightly off all day…since I ate that sandwich, now that I think of it. But now, it’s not just an icky feeling—it’s overwhelming. I’m sure the smell of alcohol mixed with all the sweaty bodies crammed in this little club hasn’t helped matters. My skin feels hot and sticky as I double over and empty the contents of my stomach.

When the wave of nausea subsides, I stand and rinse my mouth. Placing my hands on either side of the sink, I examine myself in the mirror. There are dark circles under my eyes, and my cheeks seem hollow. My skin is now covered in a sheen of sweat, and I’m slightly pale.

I head back to the group and tell them all goodbye, no longer able to stay up on my feet. Instead of calling for the car to return, I grab an Uber that’s nearby and have it take me back to my place. I don’t want Griffin to see me this way, or feel obligated to take care of me.

When I walk in, Sam is in the kitchen.

“Hey, it’s me!” I yell so she’s not scared about who just walked into the apartment. I walk straight to my room and start stripping out of my tight dress and heels.

Sam sticks her head in my room. “Hey, you’re home early. I thought you were staying with Griffin again this weekend.”

“I was going to, but I had a work thing to go to, and got sick. It must have been that egg salad sandwich. Stupid sandwich cart,” I grumble.

She giggles and walks into my room, sitting on the foot of my bed. I notice her gaze off at something on my wall, and I turn around quickly to see if there’s a giant spider about to attack me. All I see is my calendar, a month behind because I’ve been so busy with work and Griffin that I forgot to change it. Something on the calendar catches my attention: the giant red dot I drew on the twenty-second of last month.

We look at each other at the same time.

“It’s not possible, is it?” she asks, panic covering her face like she’s the one who missed her period.

I scoot myself up the bed into a sitting position. Mentally, I begin counting back. “I’ve just been so busy,” I mumble.

“Have you missed a pill?” she asks.

I bite my bottom lip. “I did about a month and a half ago, but I doubled up the next day like I was supposed to.” Panic washes over me. It makes my heart pound and sweat pour from my skin.

“You have to take a test.” She stands and rushes to her room. She’s back within a minute, tossing it to me. “Go! Now!”

I quickly grab the test and bolt to the bathroom. My hands are trembling as I try to open the box. Finally, I give in and rip it open with my teeth. I’m so nervous, I’m about to pee my pants, but I squeeze my thighs together until I’m in position.

I place the test on the counter, wash my hands, and open the bathroom door.

“Well?” she asks, leaning against the open door.

“I don’t know yet,” I mumble, not pulling my eyes away from the white stick.

Slowly, the minutes tick by, and gradually, two pink lines appear.

In a panic, I fall to the floor and gather the shredded box. On my knees on the bathroom floor, I piece it back together until I can see the directions.

I look up at Sam. “Two lines means positive,” I admit.

She gasps and covers her mouth with her hand. “What are you going to do?”

Tears fill my eyes and fall down my overheated cheeks. I can’t think. I can’t talk. I can’t move. I can do nothing but cry.

Sam wakes me when she comes into my room with the cell phone I left in my purse that I dropped by the door.

“It’s been ringing nonstop. It’s Griffin.” She hands it over.

I shake my head. “I can’t. Not yet. Not until I’ve had time to process this.”

“Do you want me to answer?”

I shrug. “Let him know that I’m home safe. Tell him I got sick, but don’t you dare tell him why. That’s something I need to do in person.”

She nods and answers it when it starts to ring yet again.

“Hello? Griffin?”

She pauses.

“This is El’s roommate, Sam. She came home a little bit ago, but she’s sick and went straight to bed…said something about a nasty sandwich cart.” Her eyes grow wide, something she does when she lies. Luckily, she’s on the phone and he can’t see her.

“I’ll let her know you called. Bye.” She hangs up the phone and drops it onto my bed. “Penny for your thoughts?” She sits on the edge, watching me.

I sit up, pulling my knees to my chest as I wrap my arms around them. “Am I afraid I’ll ruin his life? Yes. Am I afraid he won’t want me anymore? Yes. But deep down, I know he’ll do what needs to be done. In the long run, even if we don’t work out, he’ll support this baby.”

“And what about you?”

I shrug as more tears fall. “It’s just not the time, Sam. Grad school, years of paying my dues to land my dream job, I see it all slipping away. This wasn’t supposed to happen yet! I was supposed to go to graduate school, work hard, land my dream job, find my husband, have a few years alone together, then have a baby.” I let out a long breath. “This is all out of order.”

She gently rubs my arm up and down. “That’s okay, El. Yes, things are out of order, but having this baby now doesn’t mean that you can’t still have all the other stuff.”

I dry my cheeks. “I know, you’re right, but it’s not what I wanted…at all. I think I’ll get some sleep, then go over to Griffin’s in the morning and tell him the news. I just need to relax and get some rest first.”

She forces a smile and nods before leaving me alone.

In the morning, I wake up early and take a long, hot shower. I stall by taking extra time to make sure my hair and makeup are perfect. I don’t know why something like that matters in this instant, but it does. I want to look beautiful. I want him to look at me and see this new future before us, and I want him to want it.

I pull on a pair of skinny jeans, my wine-colored Chucks, and a gray tank top that hugs my every curve. I add my slouchy hat and sunglasses as finishing touches, and step up to the curb to hail a taxi.

The entire drive to his house, my nerves are a mess. I almost chicken out two different times. I have the cab driver turn around once before changing my mind and having him go back. When he drops me off at the curb, I think he’s relieved to be rid of me.

I step up to the gate and enter the code to let myself in, wanting to surprise him. It takes another five minutes of willing myself to do this while walking up the long brick drive. Finally, I’m standing on the front steps, looking up at the massive house. My heart is pounding a mile a minute and my breathing is coming out in short puffs. My stomach rolls and I feel the urge to empty it of its contents, but refuse to be found puking in the priceless landscaping that surrounds the porch. With a deep breath, I raise my hand to grab ahold of the knob, and the door opens. I quickly step back as a blonde rushes out.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she says, freezing when she sees me.

“I’m…” I frown, taking in her features, wondering why in the hell she would be leaving Griffin’s house this early in the morning. “I’m sorry. Who are you?”

She smiles and holds out her hand to shake. “I’m Candice. You must be El.”

I shake her hand slowly, not sure what’s happening. “Yeah, I am. I’m dating Griffin. Can I ask why you’re here?”

Her eyes go wide. “Oh, um. Well…” Her eyes dash away from mine as a car pulls into the drive. “I think you should talk with him about that. I’m sorry. I have to go. That’s my ride.” She rushes into the car.

I stand, dumbfounded, watching as the car drives away. I look from the car, to the door, and back at the now-empty driveway.

Candice was here. I look at my watch and see that it’s only just now going on eight a.m. No meeting is held before eight a.m. If she’s leaving this early, it’s because she slept over.

Anger washes over me. I can’t believe this. Has he been seeing her this whole time—ever since I saw her going into his office all those weeks ago? He told me it was business-related. But what kind of business takes place at his home, on a Saturday, before eight a.m.?

Tears flood my eyes as I push myself from the porch, nearly jogging down the drive while fumbling with my phone. I need a ride. I can’t go in there. I can’t let him see how hurt I am. I can’t give him the opportunity to lie to me yet again.

I begin walking down the road as I wait for my ride. Eventually, it pulls up to the curb and I climb inside. Everything is flooding my brain more quickly than I can process. I don’t know what I’ll do about this baby, but I do know what I’ll do about myself.

I won’t be going back to work. I won’t be going to grad school in Chicago. I’ll leave the city. I’ll start a new life and raise this baby on my own. There’s tons of help out there for a single mother in school. I can get into affordable housing, and get grants for school and childcare. I can do this.

I can do this on my own.

Chapter Eighteen

Griffin

It’s going on noon and I still haven’t heard from El. I’m starting to worry since Sam said she came home sick last night. I keep telling myself to just be patient and wait. When she feels better, she’ll call. I distract myself with business calls. I go by the office and wrap up a few last-minute things with the magazine, then head out for lunch. While I’m sitting back and enjoying my drink, I take my phone out of my pocket and call her. It rings several times before going to voicemail.

I tell myself she must still be sleeping, and that I’ll try again later. I slide the phone back into my pocket when my late lunch is placed on the table in front of me. I eat alone, have another drink, and head back to the office. I’m sitting behind my desk, going over my schedule, when my phone rings. I jump to answer it, hoping it’s El, but I see Vincent’s name flashing on the screen.

“Hey, man. What’s up?” I ask, happy that he called. There are things we need to discuss, but I’m also happy for the distraction.

“You sound awfully chipper…considering.”

“Considering what, exactly?” I ask, confusion washing over me.

“What do you mean, considering what? Haven’t you talked to Janelle?”

“El? No. Not since last night, anyway. Last time I heard, she was sick. I’ve been trying to call her all day, but I guess she’s been too sick to answer. I’ve been trying to talk myself out of going over there. I don’t want to bother her if she’s not feeling well.”

“So, you don’t know?”

“Know what, man?” Nervousness washes over me, making my heart rate pick up.

“Griffin, she’s leaving,” he blurts out.

“What? Leaving? What the fuck are you talking about?” I shoot up out of my chair, anxiousness taking over and making me pace the varnish off the floor.

“Griffin,” he says calmly, “Janelle is packing up to leave the city. She called Alison just a bit ago, crying—and I mean, crying to the point where it was hard to understand her.”

“Why? Is she okay?”

“She’s pregnant, man.”

Everything inside of me freezes: my actions, my thoughts, my breathing—all freeze as his words sink in.

“Are you there?” he asks after a long pause.

How? How did this happen? When did she find out? Why didn’t she come to me? And why is she crying? She must know how I feel about her by now. She has to know I’d do anything for her, and that I’d want this baby.

“Griffin?”

“Yeah?” I snap out of my daze.

“You didn’t know?”

“No, no, I didn’t know. I was with her just last night. She got dressed and left to go out with the interns. She was supposed to come back to my place, but when I called, her roommate answered her phone and said she was sick. She’s been avoiding me all day.”

“That’s because when she went to tell you the news, she found Candice sneaking out of your house bright and early like she slept over. Tell me you didn’t, Griffin. Tell me you’re not getting mixed up with her again.”

Fuck.

I shake my head, needing to figure this out.

“I’ll call you back,” I say before hanging up without a goodbye.

I need to work this out—get everything straightened out on my end before I attempt to explain this to anyone else.

Candice is my secret weapon, and the only way to keep her a secret is to keep her out of everything.

My phone starts ringing again. Without thinking, I answer.

“Hello?”

“Griffin, you hurt my sister, and I’m going to rip your balls off!” Alison says.

I let out a long breath. “It’s not what you think, Alison. Trust me.”

“Trust you? How in the hell am I supposed to trust you right now?” Her voice is high-pitched and angry.

I’m not sure, but I think it’s time to let this secret go. If it all blows up in my face, so be it. But it has to come out, because I refuse to lose the only person who means anything to me.

“Put me on speaker,” I demand.

I hear a click. “Okay, we’re both here,” Alison says.

“I’m here, man. What’s going on?” Vince asks.

“I need you to listen to me very carefully. No one else is around, right?”

“No, it’s just Alison and me.”

“All right…here goes. So back when Candice stole all of the hotel’s valuable information and turned it over to the Brookport Hotel, both hotels released a series of commercials and ads. Brookport stole Castille’s ideas, then sued for copyright infringement. With all of our files being compromised, there wasn’t any proof that Brookport stole from us, and not the other way around. The legal team has been able to buy time until we could find a solution, and finally, I found one.” I pause to take a breath. “Next month in court, Candice is going to confess to stealing our files and turning them over to Brookport,” I reveal. “The lawsuit will be gone, and we can countersue to recoup the funds the hotel put into fighting this off. The whole case rests on her.”

“Oh, that’s brilliant,” Vince says. “How’d you get her to do it?”

“A few months ago, I discovered that she’d been fired from Brookport. I reached out to her. She denied me on the spot, and I thought there wasn’t a chance in hell. But then she contacted me a few weeks ago. She came to my office and told me that Brookport was trying to gather information on her in an attempt to put her away. Apparently, she had a thing going on with the owner, and it didn’t work out very well. She’s not doing this for us; she’s doing it for herself. She’s trying to get herself out of the hole she dug.”

I pour a drink and throw myself back into my chair. “With Brookport watching her every move in an attempt to get whatever dirt they can find, I’ve had to hide her so they don’t find out she’s going to testify against them. She’s been staying at the hotel, but I let her crash here last night because she said someone was following her—watching her. Last night, I made arrangements to get her someplace safe until the trial. She must have run into El this morning when she left.”

“You have to tell her, Griffin,” Alison says.

“I’ve been trying, but she won’t answer her phone.”

“Go over there! Now!”

“You think she’ll let me in?”

“Make her. She’s upset. She thinks you’ve been cheating on her, and that you won’t want this baby. Make her see reason. You have to.”

I nod like she can see me as I pull the phone away and hang it up. I pick up my glass, throw back the liquid, and take a deep breath. I have to get her to listen.

I rush from my office, locking up as I leave, and stop by a flower shop. I buy a dozen white and pink roses, and drive directly to her apartment building. I park up front, unconcerned with the NO PARKING sign. I don’t give a shit if my car gets towed. All I care about is finding her and telling her the truth.

But what if she won’t listen? Or worse, what if she listens but doesn’t believe me? I can’t survive losing her. Everything in my life has changed for the better. I’ve learned to let loose since meeting her. I’ve learned there’s more to life than work. I’ve learned to laugh. I’ve learned to trust and love again. El gave me all of these things, and I’ll never be the same if she takes it all away.

I grab the flowers from the passenger seat and rush to the door. I pull back on the handle, but it’s locked. You have to have a key to get into the building. I know if I buzz her apartment, she’ll never let me in. So instead, I plop down on the front stairs. If she won’t answer the phone and she won’t let me in, then I’ll wait and sneak in as soon as someone comes in or out. Then there will only be one more door in my way.

As I sit on the front steps, I think over our time together. The first time I saw her, it was like she stole the air from my lungs. The time I saw Chase giving her flowers, it felt like I had been kicked in the gut. I think about how red her face got when she spilled the coffee in my lap and then proceeded to try drying it up with tissues—our first innocent touch that was anything but innocent. The first time my lips met hers. The first taste I had of her in that busy club restroom. Our first time. Our last time. All the times in-between.

Just thinking of her causes me to smell the subtle scent of her perfume. I can feel her soft ivory skin like I’m caressing her cheek with the back of my hand the way I always did when she slept. I can smell her shampoo on my pillows. I can feel the warmth of her bare skin against mine. I can taste her sweet lips that cause shivers to run up my spine. Nothing will stop me from getting to her.

Nothing.

She’s mine, whether she knows it or not. Nothing will stop me from proving that to her time and time again. I want her. I want this baby. I want our future—the one she imagined—with us playing in the yard with our kids and dog. Already, I picture tucking in our kids for bed, helping her clean up the kitchen after a big family dinner, and making love to her on that white tiled island in the kitchen we share.

Tears cause my vision to blur, and I wipe them away, unaware they had even formed. I haven’t cried in years. To be honest, I didn’t even know it was possible for me to cry anymore. My life hasn’t been an easy one. Every moment has been a struggle. I’ve always fought with myself, never being able to decide if I needed to give up or fight harder. For once in my life, I know the answer.

I have to fight harder.

Chapter Nineteen

Janelle

My phone has done nothing but ring off the hook today. Every time it rings, it only causes my head to pound harder. I shut it off long ago, hoping it would give me some kind of relief. Instead of lying in bed and crying all day, I decide to pamper myself. I need to relax so I can think clearly and decide whether or not I’m doing the right thing by leaving the city. But I know that if I stay, he’ll never leave me be, especially when he finds out I’m carrying his child.

It’s not that I don’t want to be with Griffin, but how can I be with someone who cheats on me? And even if I’m blowing things way out of proportion, how can I be with someone who keeps something like this from me? Weeks ago, when I asked him about Candice, he told me I had nothing to worry about. I let it go, trusting him—but apparently, I shouldn’t have, because she stayed at his house last night.

“You know, he can’t explain himself if you avoid him,” Sam says, sticking her head in my room to find me sitting on the floor as I flip through pictures of us—pictures I’d taken on our little vacation and uploaded to my computer.

“I’m not sure I’m ready to listen to his explanation just yet,” I reply, refusing to look away from the screen.

Sam walks deeper into my room and sits down beside me. “You’d rather sit here being sad? That doesn’t make sense, El.”

A puff of air leaves my lips, almost in a laugh. “It doesn’t, does it?” I look up at her with my brows pulled together.

She shakes her head. “Why don’t you tell me the real reason you’re avoiding him?”

I tear my eyes from hers, directing all my attention back at the screen. “I’m afraid he’ll confirm my worst fears: that he’s been sleeping with her behind my back all this time. That he’s leaving me to be with her, and was just waiting for the right time to tell me. That he doesn’t want anything to do with me or this baby. That we’ll be alone.”

She reaches over and rubs my arm. “So what if he does say those things?” My eyes jump up to hers. “Okay, I didn’t mean it like that,” she continues, “I’m just saying that if he does say that, you still won’t be alone. You’ll have me, and you’ll have your family. You can still get everything you want out of life. And then at least you’ll know. You won’t be stuck here in limbo, just waiting.”

“I love him, Sam.” I shake my head as more tears fall. “I know I’m not supposed to. We were just messing around. But somewhere along the way, I fell for him. I don’t know if I can survive losing him, but I also don’t know if I can ever trust him again either. Even if he comes here and tells me everything I want to hear, won’t I always wonder what he’s hiding? Every time he leaves for work, won’t I wonder if he’s with her?”

“If it’s meant to be, it will work out, El. I know you’re not the mushy kind who believes in fate or destiny or soulmates, but somewhere deep inside, I know you want to believe. Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith.” Slowly, she stands and leaves me alone to think things over.

I grab a stuffed animal I’ve had since I was a kid, and hug it to my chest. I cry and I think and I pray for an answer—a sign—just something that tells me what I need to do. Finally, my choice is taken away.

“El?” Griffin says, stepping into my room.

I gasp from hearing his voice as my head whips in his direction. “Wh…wha…what are you doing here?” I ask, too weak from being sick and crying to stand.

He nods toward the door. “I snuck into the building, and Sam let me into the apartment. She said I’d better fix things, otherwise you’ll kill her for letting me in.” He grins, and it makes my heart quicken its pace. “May I sit with you?” he asks, his Adam’s apple bobbing in his throat.

I bite my lower lip and nod once, though my body stiffens on its own the closer he gets to me.

He walks deeper into my room, removes his black leather jacket, and sits on the floor in front of me, holding up a dozen roses between us.

I smile as I reach out and take the flowers. I bring them to my nose and inhale their scent. My eyes flutter closed as I enjoy the smell of the fresh flowers in silence.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he says, pulling me from my happy place.

I open my eyes and place the flowers at my side.

“Then explain it to me. I can’t promise that this will end the way you’re hoping, but I will listen.”

“All of this starts years ago, back before we even met,” he starts. He tells me about his and Candice’s relationship. He tells me about how she stole everything from the hotel, and how she used his love and trust to rob him of everything. He tells me about the lawsuit that the lawyers have managed to hold off, and what’s happened over the last few weeks since I saw Candice in his office. Everything makes sense, but something inside me won’t let it go. It’s like it makes too much sense.

“Did anything happen between the two of you since we’ve been together?”

“No. Nothing,” he admits. “Months ago, before we even met, when I found out she’d been fired and I made contact with her, she kissed me. But I made it clear that I had no interest in revisiting the past. Since then, she hasn’t made a move. I’ve wanted nothing but you since the moment our eyes met. My world revolves around you, El. Can’t you see that? Even when we’re at work and supposed to just be colleagues, I can’t keep you out of my mind. My eyes seek you out. My body aches to touch you. My heart even skips a beat when you’re by my side. Hell, I’m shocked that no one figured out what we were doing sooner, because all someone has to do is look at me when you walk into a room to see how in love with you I am.”

I don’t move or say a thing. I just sit back, studying him and thinking things over. Finally, after a long silence, I speak up.

“I have to tell you something, Griffin.”

“I already know, El.”

My head pops up and my eyes lock on his. “You do?”

He nods. “Vince and your sister called me. Your sister threatened to rip my balls off,” he laughs, and it makes me smile.

“How do you feel about it?”

“About the baby? Or about my balls being ripped off?” he jokes.

I smack him playfully. “About the baby.”

He reaches out and pulls me into his lap. “Honestly?”

I nod as I wrap my arms around his neck, looking deep into his eyes to watch for any sign that he may be lying or being less than truthful.

“The moment you told me your deepest wish, the one where you saw yourself with the two-story house with the white picket fence, I saw myself as your husband. When you talked about tucking in the kids and having cookouts in the backyard, I saw myself doing that. And I sure as hell saw myself making love to you on that white tiled island.” He gives me a breathtaking smile that makes my heart pound wildly.

I snort with laughter. “You mean you’re going to give up your big fancy house to move to the suburbs and live in a house that could fit into part of your current house?”

“If that’s your dream, then it’s my dream too, El. I don’t care about a big house, expensive cars, chefs, or maids. All I care about is having you by my side for the rest of my life. I want to have this baby with you, and many more after it, if that’s what you want. All I want is you, and I’d give the very breath in my lungs if it meant I’d get to keep you forever.”

Tears fill my eyes and fall down my overheated cheeks with his words. “I love you, Griffin,” I say, moving in for a kiss and realizing that it’s the first time I’ve ever said those words to him.

“I love you too, El. More than I could ever explain. I just hope you give me the opportunity to help you feel that every single day.” He presses his mouth to mine, and his tongue dances with my own.

I let out a squeal as he quickly stands, holding me against him as he walks across the floor and kicks the door shut before gently laying me down on the bed.

He pulls off his black t-shirt and climbs up the bed between my parted knees. But he doesn’t stop where I think he will. He stops at my stomach. With his blue eyes on mine, he lifts my shirt and presses a soft kiss to my stomach, right beside my belly button. “You have no idea how much I love this little baby already.”

Seeing him this way makes my heart swell with love. He’s right. He’s not the man he was when we met. Somewhere along the way, he’s changed—grown. He’s learned to live and love. He’s learned to take time off and appreciate the smaller things that make up the bigger picture. And he makes me realize that I don’t need grad school or an editing job at a top publishing house to be happy. All I need is love—his love.

He works his way up my body, pulling away clothes and pressing kisses to every inch of skin he exposes. When there’s nothing left between us, he takes himself in hand and positions himself at my entrance, pushing into me. The relief I feel when we connect is something I didn’t realize I needed, but something I now know I can never live without. A flood of love, passion, fear, and excitement builds inside of me, escaping as a single tear that falls from my eye. He wipes it away with his thumb, then kisses the wet skin that’s left behind. With that single action, I know he’ll always be here to experience all my tears. He’ll be by my side, crying right along with me for the happy tears. He’ll dry the tears I lose out of sadness. And he’ll be the reason I cry from laughing so hard.

My orgasm washes over me without even building, like my body was already filled with pressure, and it just took him to release it. When the first gasp leaves my lips, he thrusts harder and faster, until I’m nothing but a puddle of mush beneath him.

My eyes flutter closed with relief, but he pulls away. “You didn’t think I was done with you yet, did you?” He lies on his back and rolls me on top of him.

I slide down his hard length with my fingers splayed across his chest for support. I lift myself up, and let myself fall. His hands guide me by my hips at the perfect pace. His brows pull together and his lips part as deep gasps and moans leave his lips. His Adam’s apple bobs and his jaw flexes, like he’s so close to shattering but he’s holding himself back because he’s not ready for this to end. I’m so lost in watching the way he reacts to me that I don’t even notice when my next climax begins to rise. It rises higher than it ever has before, taking me to the highest mountain. As I move him in and out of me, I feel as if I’m standing on the edge, looking down at the rest of the world and wondering how they can live without this man in their lives, because I know I’ll never be able to again.

When my muscles clamp down around him, he loses all control and flips me over before pounding into me so hard the legs of my bed squeak across the hardwood floor. With a roll of his hips, we both let go together, falling over the edge of that highest mountain and shattering into a million pieces. We’re so entwined now, we’ll never be able to be separated. There’s no longer a him and a me.

Now, it’s just us.

Chapter Twenty

Griffin

Happiness swells inside me and I wrap my arm around El as we leave the courthouse. The judge pored over all the new information, and with Candice’s testimony, he threw out the case in addition to awarding us with the money we requested to cover our court costs and legal fees.

“We should celebrate,” Vincent says, patting me on the back.

“I would, but I already have a date.”

He offers up a wide smile. “Oh yeah?”

I nod and pull El closer. “I’m finally getting my girlfriend to move in with me.”

His eyes widen with surprise. “Does Alison know?”

She shakes her head. “No, and don’t you go telling her. I want to surprise her when she finishes with this job that has kept her so busy this last month.”

He holds up his hands, palms facing us. “Mum’s the word.” He pulls us both in for a quick hug, then starts walking backwards, away from us.

“As soon as Alison finishes up, all of us are having dinner together. Then you can tell her the good news.”

When he turns away, I face El, pulling her against my chest. “Are you ready for this?”

She nods, big smile in place. “There’s nothing else I’d rather do today. Let’s go pack.”

We spend the remainder of the day packing her belongings and stacking box after box in the corner for the movers. When we walk back into the house that is now ours, she sucks in a loud breath of air when she sees that the entire house is lit in candlelight only, with rose petals leading to the dining room.

She spins around to face me. “What did you do?”

I laugh and help her take off her jacket. “Go in and find out.”

She walks through the foyer and into the dining room with me following along behind her. On the dining room table, there’s a romantic candlelit dinner, flowers, and sparkling cider since she can’t drink champagne. In the center of the table are scores of tea light candles. They spell out Will you marry me?

When she spins around to face me, she finds me on one knee, holding out the ring. Her hands fly up to cover her mouth as tears flood her eyes.

“Griffin!” she cries.

“Janelle Ryder, I’ve belonged to you since the moment I met you. I can’t imagine where I’d be right now had you not walked into my life when you did. You saved me, in more ways than one. You saved my life, my soul. You and our child are all I need in life to be happy. Will you please do me the honor of giving me your hand in marriage?”

She giggles around her soft cries. Her hands still haven’t dropped from her face, but she nods her head, unable to find her voice.

I hold out my hand for hers. After a long moment, she lets it fall, and I pull her closer so I can slide the ring onto her finger, pressing a kiss to her hand once it’s finally in place.

Before I can stand to kiss her, she drops to her knees and presses her lips against mine. A laugh escapes as I kiss her deeply, but I pull her closer and get lost in our kiss, in us. Slowly, I lay her back on the floor and climb up her body, taking my place on top of her.

“I never want to live without you again,” I whisper, pulling away long enough to remove the clothing in my way.

“Then you won’t ever have to,” she tells me, another tear sliding out of the corner of her eye.

As the months pass, El plans our wedding and I plan the perfect wedding present. Since she doesn’t want to get married while she’s pregnant, the present comes before the wedding. I take her hand and help her into the passenger side of the car.

“Where are we going?” she asks, pulling on her seatbelt.

I laugh. “It’s a surprise.”

“Well, I hope it’s not a long ride, otherwise we’ll be stopping every fifteen minutes so I can pee. This baby is killing my bladder,” she complains.

“I’ll stop every five minutes if I have to. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace and quiet. God knows that once this baby comes, we won’t get any of that ever again.”

She giggles and rolls her eyes, but leans her seat back and gets comfy.

It took me months and months of looking, but I finally found it: El’s dream home.

I drive us out of the city and into the suburbs. At the end of Peach Street sits a two-story white house with a white picket fence and a two-car garage. I come to a stop in the concrete driveway and she stirs awake.

“Where are we? Are we here?” she asks, moving her seat into the upright position.

“We’re here.”

She looks out the windshield and immediately knows: this is our house.

“No way!” she squeals, opening her door and running from the car.

I jump out and chase after her. She throws open the gate and comes to a stop in the big green front yard, staring up at the house and its blue shutters.

“How? How’s this possible? I just dreamed this place up.” She turns to look at me with wide eyes, excitement flooding them and making them glow.

I shrug as I slide my hands into my pockets. “It didn’t take much to get it how you wanted it. Some white paint, some blue shutters.” I pull out the keys. “Want to see the rest?”

“It’s ours? You already bought it?”

I nod. “It’s ours. We can stay here tonight if you want.”

She squeals with delight as she jumps into my arms. I pull her against me, hugging her close. I inhale her scent deeply, thanking the universe once again that it brought her into my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t do this.

“Come on. Let’s check out the rest.” I release all but her hand, and we walk up the sidewalk to the front door. The key slides into the lock easily, and the door opens.

“Wait!” I bend down and sweep her off her feet, cradling her to my chest as I take the final step into the house. “I have to carry you over the threshold.”

She laughs. “We’re not married yet.”

“No, but we will be, and this is our new house.” I set her down on the dark hardwood floor. As she stares off, taking in every little detail—the white crown molding, the shiny floors, and the big glass double doors that lead to the backyard—I want her.

She turns to her right and walks into the kitchen. She walks around the white tiled island and smiles. “I can’t believe you did this!”

I lean against the archway and shrug. “The house needed a few things, but I made sure it had it all.”

Next, she rushes into the dining room that circles back around into the living room. She stops in front of the double doors and opens them, walking out into the backyard. I step out onto the brick patio and see her looking for everything she listed in that little fantasy of hers. There’s a built-in grill and fireplace with patio furniture. There’s an in-ground pool with plenty of yard space left. There’s even a massive tree at the corner of the house.

“The treehouse isn’t in there yet. I thought that would be something I’d build with our son.”

She spins around with a smile in place. “This is amazing.” She rushes into my arms, and I pull her close. “I love you so much,” I whisper. I pull away. “But there is one more surprise.”

Her brows lift.

“Upstairs, in our master suite.”

Her grin returns as she pulls away and runs back into the house. I chase after her, following her through the living room, up the stairs, down the hall, and, finally, to our bedroom. She throws open the door and comes to a stop, looking at everything: the king-size bed, vanity, dressers, and lounge chairs in front of our own personal fireplace.

She pulls open one door to find a walk-in closet. It has drawers, shelves, hooks, and racks for clothing—everything a closet needs.

“In the bathroom,” I whisper as a hint.

She giggles as she spins around and runs from the closet to the bathroom.

I step into the room and see her standing in the middle of the floor. She spins around slowly. “You replicated your shower?”

I nod. “Yep. I knew it was your favorite part of the entire house. I thought, this way, we’d have a little piece of it with us.

Her smile is a permanent feature of her face now. She slowly closes the distance between us and presses her lips to mine. As I kiss her with every bit of love and passion she stirs inside of me, her fingers work on unbuttoning my shirt.

I pull away and study her expression.

She shrugs. “We have to break it in.”

I pull her against me and press my mouth to hers, never wanting this kiss to end, never wanting to let her go, and knowing that I never have to again.

Before I know it, I’m sliding into her as I press her back against the shower wall. Hot water sprays us from all directions. Her long blonde hair clings to her naked body: her luscious breasts, her back, and her growing belly between us.

Her breathing picks up and soft moans begin to leave her lips. Her muscles clamp down around my aching cock, and I know she’s about to fall over the edge of her climax. I break our kiss and watch as her facial expressions change from love and passion to relief and happiness. Watching her makes me feel more alive than I ever have before. Finally, I have a purpose. I have love. I have a life that revolves around more than just work and money. I have a family that will always be here for me. When I’m feeling weighed down by stress and frustration, she’ll be here to lift me back up. She’ll be here to make me smile. This house and everything in it will serve as a reminder that I have everything in the world I could possibly ever need or want. As long as I have her and our growing family, I’ll want for nothing.

“I love you, El,” I whisper as my own releases builds and washes over me.

Her hand moves up to cup my cheek, our eyes locked together.

“I love you too, Griffin,” she says around a small smile.

My hips become erratic, no longer controlled by me, but by my love for her. With one final thrust, I empty myself into her with a jerk and a loud moan of her name.

I freeze as I lean my head against the crook of her neck, trying to catch my breath and lower my heart to a more normal pace. Her fingers thread into my hair, gently combing it into place. Finally, I have control over my body enough that I can remove myself from her and place her on her feet.

“So, what do you say? Are you ready to move in here? I left the nursery alone so you have total control over how it’s decorated.” I grin. “I thought maybe your sister could help on that end.”

She smiles wide. “I love you so much.” She wraps her arms around my neck and stares into my eyes.

“I love you more than I can even express, El.” I close the distance between our mouths, pressing one long kiss to her sweet lips.

Epilogue

Five years later…

Janelle

“Come down from that treehouse and get this grill started, Griffin! You know Vince and Alison will be here for dinner any minute!” I yell up at the new treehouse that’s now in place.

He sticks his head out the window, a big smile on his face. “I’ll be down in just a second,” he tells me, getting pulled back inside by our oldest, Quinton.

I laugh and shake my head as I let myself back inside. Isabelle, our three-year-old daughter, is bouncing around in the living room, singing along with her favorite cartoon, and Jules, our one-year-old daughter, is playing quietly in her playpen.

“No jumping on the couch, baby,” I tell Izzy as I pass through to the kitchen. I pause when I step into the messiest room in the house. I shake my head and laugh as I look over the sink full of dishes, the spilled chocolate milk on the island, and Buster, our dog, who’s licking baby food off the floor and gnawing on a spoon.

This is the American dream, I remind myself as I walk across the room to pick up the spoon that Jules threw. “Give me that, you silly dog,” I mumble, snatching the spoon away from him.

The doorbell rings, and before I can even get to it, in walk Vince and Alison.

“Aunt Allie!” Izzy screams as she runs across the floor into her arms.

“Hey, man,” Griffin says, stopping in the entryway and giving Vince a hug. “Glad you could make it.”

“Of course. If you think I’d miss out on this circus, you’re crazy,” Vince laughs. “Now, where’s the little man?” He rubs his hands together as he pushes himself into the living room. “There he is!” I hear him yell.

“No wrestling in the house!” I shout at them just as I hear a loud thunk.

Alison walks up to me, still holding Izzy in her arms. “You know, this time next year, you’ll be a little cousin,” she tells Izzy.

My mouth drops open. “Are you serious? Finally?”

She laughs and nods her head.

“What’s a cousin?” Izzy asks.

“A cousin is what you get when your auntie and uncle have a little too much wine,” Alison tells her with a laugh.

“Although you don’t always get a cousin when grown-ups have a little too much wine. Sometimes, you get a little sister,” I add on, nudging Griffin in the ribs with my elbow as he walks past.

“Ouch.” He stops and rubs the spot. “I was just doing what I was told. You said three kids and a dog. And what do we have?” His eyebrows skyrocket, waiting for my answer.

“I said three kids,” I agree, “but I didn’t say I wanted them so close together.”

“You love it and you know it,” he says, leaning in and pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” I hold out my hands and Izzy leaps into my arms. “Why don’t you go play with Uncle Vince and Quinton so Mommy and Aunt Alison can start cooking?”

Izzy nods, and I set her on her feet. The moment her feet hit the floor, she runs off into the living room.

Alison’s eyes grow in size. “Man, I wish I had all that energy.”

I snort. “Ha, me too. That one is zero-to-sixty the moment she wakes up. Quinton’s the lazy one who will stay up all night and sleep all day if you let him.”

“What about Jules?” she asks, picking up a strawberry and popping it into her mouth.

I shrug. “She’s still in baby sleep mode. Once she’s out, she’s out. I mean, a stampede of rhinos could come through here and she wouldn’t wake. However, let daddy touch mommy and that’s a whole different story.”

Alison laughs. “Funny how that works.”

I stop what I’m doing. “Yeah, I read an article that says babies have a sixth sense for that type of thing. Survival of the fittest or something like that.”

“Shut up,” she laughs out.

“I’m serious!” I gather all the ingredients to make a batch of deviled eggs. “Start peeling those eggs, would ya?”

She picks up the bowl containing the already-boiled eggs. “I’m still shocked that you learned how to do all of this. To be honest, I expected you to stay in that fancy mansion Griffin had, being waited on by maids and chefs.”

“Some days I curse myself for not keeping the staff he had. But then, I look at everything I have and everything we’ve accomplished, and I don’t worry anymore. I love my life.”

“How’s work going?” she asks, peeling the shell off the egg.

“Really good. I’m able to work from home, so that makes it even better with the kids. Quinton started kindergarten and Izzy is now in preschool for a couple hours a day. I’ve also managed to train Jules to nap while Izzy’s in preschool, so I actually have a few hours to myself every day. On the weekends, Griffin is home and spends all his time with them so I can get work done. He’s such a great dad. When you go out back, look at the treehouse he and Quinton just built.”

“Oh, God, you know I’ll never get Vincent out of that thing, right?”

I laugh. “Yeah, I have the same problem with Griffin at times. I usually have to lure him out with sexual favors.”

“What’s sectool flavors?” Quinton asks, coming into the kitchen.

Alison and I both laugh as my face heats up. “Oh, baby, please don’t repeat that.” I bend down to his level. “Remember what we talked about—about how you’re not supposed to be listening when grown-ups are talking?”

He nods.

“Good. Now, what do you need?”

“Daddy needs the splat-u-la.”

I laugh, but stand and get the spatula, handing it over.

He takes it and runs off.

“Does he do that often?” Alison asks.

“More than I care to admit.” I roll my eyes. “Once, he overheard Griffin and me talking about building a pool house out back. Griffin wasn’t interested, which is why we still don’t have one, so I thought I’d try bargaining. I told him I’d give him blowjobs every day for a year. Still, to this day, if the wind blows Quinton’s hair out of place, he yells, ‘Stop with the blowjobs!’” I’m laughing just talking about it and Alison laughs until her eyes water.

“What’s so funny?” Griffin asks, walking into the kitchen and grabbing two beers.

“I was just telling Alison about blowjobs.”

He chuckles and shakes his head, but walks back out.

“You’re lucky, you know?”

I look up to meet her eyes. “I know,” I agree. “So are you.”

Once the food is done, we all sit on the back patio and eat. Griffin grilled the steaks to perfection—something he’s getting better and better at. The first time he grilled was like the first time I cooked dinner: everything was burnt.

When we’re done eating, Griffin flips the switch that covers the pool so the kids can run and play in the yard. Quinton gets his Nerf guns and he and Vince have a gunfight. I think Quinton is winning though, because he’s up in the treehouse while Vince is out in the open yard.

The dog runs out, barking and chasing everyone around to join in on the play. Alison takes Jules and sets her in the grass as they play patty-cake, and Griffin and I run out to play ring around the rosie with Izzy.

“We all fall down!” we shout, throwing ourselves onto the grass. Izzy giggles and claps. “Again!”

“Hey, Izzy,” Quinton yells, “come help me beat up Uncle Vince.”

She laughs even harder and runs across the yard, launching herself onto Vince. He fakes a groan and falls back onto the grass. She stands over him and cheers, thinking she’s taken him down.

Griffin rolls onto his back and I crawl up beside him. “This is better than that fantasy I had all those years ago.”

He pulls me closer and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Good.”

“I love you, you know?”

He rolls us over until he has me on my back, pinned beneath him. “I love you more than I can explain.” Without another word, he presses his lips to mine.

“Ew, gross! Daddy is kissing a girl,” Quinton yells, making everyone laugh.

Griffin pulls away and jumps up, running toward Quinton. He snatches him up in his arms and spins him around. Sweet giggles fill the air.

When the sun starts to set, we all clean up the patio and go inside for the night. Alison and Vince are preparing to leave. They’re standing by the door, giving all the kids hugs and kisses.

“We should do this again. And soon. Let’s not wait until this new baby is a year old, huh?” I tell Alison.

She rolls her eyes. “If I could get this one to take some time off from work, we’d be here every weekend.” She motions toward Vince.

Quinton tugs on Alison’s shirt. “If you want him to not work, you should just trade him sectool flavors!”

Everyone gasps and Griffin looks at me with his lips pressed together.

My face reddens. “Why don’t you ever repeat anything your dad says?” I ask him, ruffling his hair.

He smiles and shrugs, then walks back to the living room and plops down in front of the TV.

Griffin pulls me against his side. “We need to have code words with that kid around.”

“Agreed. Let this be a lesson to you.” I point at Alison and Vince.

They laugh and give hugs before finally heading out for the night.

I give the girls a bath and get them in their PJs while Griffin plays with Quinton. Then it’s time to switch. He plays with the girls while I get Quinton in the tub. Once all the kids are bathed and dressed for bed, Griffin meets them in the study, and they all sit in the oversized lounge chair while he reads them a story before bed. I head downstairs to clean up the kitchen and turn off all the lights.

I lock the doors, pick up the toys, and turn off the lights in the living room before moving to the kitchen to load the dishwasher. After getting it loaded and wiping down everything, I sweep the floor. I’m about to shut off the light and head upstairs when Griffin walks in.

“The kids are asleep!” he quietly chants.

I laugh as I open the cabinet and pull out a bottle of bourbon. “Time to celebrate?”

He smiles and winks. “You know it.”

I open the cabinet to get two glasses, but find everything is already in the dishwasher. Instead, I take down two plastic sippy cups.

He snorts. “Really?”

I shrug. “It’s this or straight from the bottle.”

We both sit in the chairs at the island and fill our glasses.

“To us,” he says, holding up his sippy cup.

“To us,” I agree, clanking my cup against his and throwing it back.

“We did it,” he says, picking up the bottle and filling our cups once more.

“Did what?”

I pick up my cup and take a sip, this time savoring the liquid that will help me sleep more soundly.

“This,” he motions toward the kitchen. “We got the house. We got each other. We got the three kids and the dog.” He laughs. “We got it all.”

“Yes. We. Did.” I hold up my sippy cup and he clanks it with his. We both finish off our drinks and he takes away my cup.

“What are you doing?” I ask as he begins moving closer.

“It’s occurred to me that there’s one thing from your fantasy that I’ve never fulfilled.”

“There is?”

He nods. “I’m pretty sure you mentioned making love on this exact island.”

I laugh as I wrap my arms around his neck. “I do believe you’re right.” I pull him against me and land a solid kiss on his lips. His tongue dances with mine as he lifts me up and sits me on the edge.

It’s only now that we realize how tall the kitchen island really is.

I break the kiss and look down. “I think this may be harder than I envisioned.”

“I’ll just have to come up.” He places one foot on the stool, then climbs up on top of the island, covering my body with his. “That’s better,” he mumbles, closing the distance to kiss me.

I can’t help but smile as his lips move with mine. He’s one hundred percent right. We do have it all, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

WANT TO READ MORE FROM ALEXIS WINTER?

Just Friends: Mountain Ridge Book 1

Protect Me: Mountain Ridge Book 2

Business & Pleasure: Castille Hotel Series Book 1

Coming Soon

Baby Shock: Mountain Ridge Book 3-March 21st

**ALL BOOKS ARE STAND-ALONE READS**

Sign-up for the email list and get Drake: An Alpha Mountain Man Romance sent straight to your inbox.

SIGN-UP HERE

Just Friends

Mountain Ridge Series

She thinks I’m going to walk away?

Not happening. She’s mine. Forever.

I have it all…Money, cars, women and my mountain.

Then the spicy little veterinarian shows up on my ranch with an attitude bigger than she is and a body I want to claim.

I didn’t know what I was missing until I had her in my bed.

Only, she’s determined not to fall for me. She’s determined to be ‘just friends.’

I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to her I’m the man she wants…the man she needs.

But what if I’m too late?

What if she’s taken from me before I even have the chance?

Chapter One

“Ves, your next patient is here to see you.” Amy, my assistant, calls out to me from behind the counter in the waiting room.

I quickly push my papers back into a neat stack and stand away from my desk, pulling my white coat on as I exit my office.

As I walk out into the waiting room, I find Mrs. Stevens standing behind the counter, holding a little gray kitten to her chest.

“Who do we have here?” I ask, closing the distance between us and gently rubbing the kitten on its head.

Mrs. Stevens offers a wide smile that makes her blue eyes shine. “This is Lola. I found her in a box, on the side of the road. Can you believe someone would dump such an adorable kitten?”

Hearing the news causes a bout of pain to surge through my chest. I don’t understand how people can be so cruel and heartless. “Well, it looks like she’s found a good home now. Haven’t you?” I pet the kitten and she lets out a soft meow.

“Let’s go back to exam room one, and I’ll give her a once over before we start up her first round of vaccines.”

I lead Mrs. Stevens and Lola back to the exam room and pull on my gloves. “How’s Mr. Stevens doing? I’m sure he’s just as much in love with this new kitten as you are.” I feel my lips turn up into a smile. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are one of my favorite couples in town. They take in all the stray animals in need without question. I can only hope to find a man that loves animals as much as the Stevens do. Already I dream about spending my future working in farmlands that is overrunning with animals.

“He’s doing very well,” she says as I begin to examine the kitten. “He’s looking forward to this one getting a clean bill of health, so he can introduce her to the rest of the family.”

“Well, she looks pretty healthy to me. I think she’ll just need some de-worming and some vaccines, and she’ll be good to go home and meet them all.” I pick the kitten up and hold it softly against my chest. “What do you think of that, Lola?” I ask, looking down at her.

She replies by settling into my hand, purring loudly as her green eyes close to enjoy all the attention she’s getting today.

I gently hand her back to Mrs. Stevens. “Let me go get everything I need, and I’ll be right back.” I pull off my gloves and leave the room to get the vaccines from the cooler in the back.

Amy sticks her head through the swinging door as I’m preparing everything for Lola. “Hey, Ves, I just got a call about a horse at The O’Connor Ranch. Would you be able to drive up there and check her out?”

I look at my watch before turning back to my work. “I can head that way as soon as I’m done with Lola. Do you have directions?” I look at her from over my shoulder.

“I’ll have everything you need by the time you’re done.” She spins around, long, dark curls fanning out behind her.

I make my way back into the exam room with the tray of needed supplies. “Okay, Lola. Are you ready?” I ask as I pull on a fresh set of gloves.

Mrs. Stevens places her back on the table, and I pick up the syringe of de-worming. “How about we do the easy part first?” I place the end of the syringe against the kitten’s mouth and gently push down on the plunger, allowing her to taste the meat flavored medication. With one lick, Lola falls in love, leaving no trouble at all to get her to finish the rest of the dose.

“Good girl.” I coo, gently petting her head. “Was that good stuff?”

The kitten meows, wanting more.

“Okay, Lola, I’m going to give you the vaccine now. Hold still and it will be very quick.” I pick up the syringe and uncap it. Pinching the fluff of her neck, I insert the needle and push down on the plunger, injecting the vaccine. Lola meows loudly, but by the time she begins to lose her patience, I’m already done and releasing her to run back to Mrs. Stevens.

“All done.” I say as Mrs. Stevens picks Lola up against her chest.

“Thank you, Vesper. You’re the best vet in town.” She smiles wide before looking back down at the little kitten in her hands.

I laugh. “I’m the only vet in town.” I pull off my gloves, then reach out to pet Lola. “Hopefully, by the next time you see me, you’ll have forgotten all about that little poke.”

Mrs. Stevens starts making her way out of the exam room and into the waiting room. I join her at the counter. “Amy, Lola will need a six-month check-up.”

“Okay, would you like to go ahead and make that now, Mrs. Stevens?”

“Absolutely. We have to make sure we keep this little one healthy, don’t we?” she asks the kitten in her hands.

“It was good seeing you again, Mrs. Stevens. Tell Mr. Stevens I said hello.” I make my way behind the counter, heading for my office.

“I sure will, honey. And you tell your daddy that I’m making some of that pineapple upside-down cake he loves so much.”

I laugh. “You know if I do, he’ll be beating down your door for a slice.” I use my back to push open the swinging door that leads to the back of the building.

“That’s quite alright. We have enough to go around, don’t we, Lola.”

I smile at the love she has for her new kitten. “Have a good day!” I say as I slip past the door to gather my things.

I remove my white coat and hang it behind my office door as I make my way to the desk to shut down the computer and get my things. It’s already going on five, and The O’Connor Ranch is at least thirty minutes out of town. Luckily, it’s mid-spring, and daylight lasts a bit longer.

I climb behind the wheel of my SUV and place my purse and medical bag in the passenger side seat as I program the address into my GPS. Immediately, I roll down all my windows, letting the warm Colorado air blow through the vehicle.

I turn the radio up loudly as I drive through my small town—a town I’ve lived in my entire life, but also a town I love and never want to leave. I can’t help but notice the way it’s coming to life with the season. The trees have bright green leaves and the grass is lush and starting to grow thick. Our little main street has potted plants lining the business fronts; helping to bring beauty and charm to the town.

As I drive past County Line Road, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the rearview mirror. My strawberry blonde hair, blowing all around me from the air coming through the windows, and my green eyes are shining bright with the setting sun shining against them. I pull out my sunglasses and put them into place. Stopping at a stop sign, I pull the ponytail holder off my wrist with my teeth and tie my hair up into a messy bun. Looking both ways at the crossroad, I hit the gas and the car leaps forward, carrying me off to my destination.

Chapter Two

The sun is starting to set, causing the sky to look like a swirl of water colors—oranges, pinks, and purples. The mountain ranges up ahead are beautiful with the setting sun glistening off its peaks. The air is thick and warm and is consumed by the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the wet earth from the spring shower we had earlier today.

Some people might get bored staring at nothing but land and sky, but there is a beauty in it that I find comforting. I could never be bored of looking at this view. There are a couple of foxes running wild through the field to my left, and I can’t help but watch them. My eyes quickly bounce from the road, to the animals, and back. I’m so lost in watching them play and run that I almost drive right by the ranch.

“You’ve arrived at your destination,” the GPS tells me.

As I hit the brakes and slow down the car, the entrance of the property appears to my right side. There is nothing but big, fenced-in fields. Off in the distance, through the trees, I get a glimpse of a red barn. It takes another half a mile of driving, but finally, I find the entrance and turn right, into the gravel.

I make my way up the long drive that has thick trees on either side. Finally, the narrow road opens up and the red barn comes into view. Further back on the property is the house that has been completely re-done in cedar siding with navy blue shutters and metal roof. It’s big for an old farm house out in these parts and looks to have a porch that wraps the entirety of the bottom level. There are a couple of old, wooden rocking chairs lining the front porch, and multicolored flowers that are growing up the antique wagon wheels and shepherds’ hooks.

I put the car in park and shut off the engine. Grabbing my medical bag, I step out, looking around the property.

“You must be Vesper Lawrence, the vet I’ve heard so much about.”

I tear my eyes away from the immaculate property with well-manicured fields, wild flowers, and massive threes, and spin around to find a man in a cowboy hat walking toward me, holding out his hand to shake.

“Yes, I’m Vesper. And you are?” I step forward, placing my hand in his.

He removes his hat and bows his head. His short, dirty-blond hair a mess from being kept under a hat all day. “I’m Tyler Stern. I’m the ranch hand around here.” He offers a sweet smile, revealing his perfect teeth. His dark eyes seem to linger as he drinks me in. “I’m glad you could make it on such short notice.”

I wave my hand through the air as my face heats up from his stare, dismissing the thought. “It wasn’t a problem.” I return his smile and bite my lower lip, hoping my embarrassment isn’t staining my cheeks. His white t-shirt is clinging to his bulging biceps as he places his hat back on his head and crosses his arms.

“So…” I pull my eyes away from him and readjust the bag on my shoulder. “You have a sick horse?” I place my hand above my eyes, shielding them from the setting sun.

“No, she’s not sick.” He turns around and motions with his hand for me to follow him into the barn. “I think she may be pregnant.”

“Oh. When was she bred?” I ask, following him into the barn.

He leads me to the horse stall before he turns around to face me. “She wasn’t exactly bred. One of our stallions made its way into her pasture. We don’t usually breed until summer.” He places his elbow on the top of the gate, leaning against it in a cocky sort of way.

“And why do you believe she’s in foal? Did you catch them in the act?” I giggle at my silly joke.

He smiles at my words but doesn’t laugh. “Not exactly. I did have to catch him and take him back to his own pasture though. And Lucy here usually has her estrous cycle every three weeks like clockwork.”

“How long has it been since you caught the stallion?”

“Just over three weeks.” He nods once and presses his lips tightly together.

I nod and turn around to place my bag on a nearby stool. Opening it up, I pull out my arm length gloves. “I’ll check her over, really quick.” I point at the horse and pull on my glove.

“Right.” He suddenly realizes what I have to do. “I’ll just be waiting outside.” He bows his head and makes a break for the door.

After checking over the horse, I take off my glove and thoroughly wash my hands and arms in the industrial sink at the corner. I grab my bag and pull it up over my shoulder, then push open the barn door and step out. Tyler is there waiting patiently, sitting on an old wooden bench beside the barn.

“Well?” he asks anxiously, standing and staggering from one foot to the other.

I nod. “She’s pregnant.”

“Shit!” he breathes out, grabbing his hat off his head and kicking at the rocks. “Boss man isn’t going to be happy about this. We breed in the summer so that we don’t have to worry about winter births.” He runs his hand through his dirty-blond hair, causing it to stand up even worse.

“I completely understand. A winter birth can be hard on a new foal. But it looks like you have a pretty nice set up here.” I look over my shoulder at the big, red barn. “You should have plenty of room to keep them indoors and warm.”

He smiles, causing his dark eyes to light up. “You don’t happen to have a due date, do you?”

I let out a soft chuckle. “Since you breed horses, I’m sure you know a mare’s average gestation period is eleven months. If she was impregnated three weeks ago, I’d say around the first or second week of next March.”

He nods and takes a deep breath as he leans against the side of the barn. “I don’t usually breed the horses. I just take care of them and the land.” He places his hat back on his head and flexes his jaw with worry. “We’re currently between vets at the moment. Would it be possible for you to come and check on her until we get someone new? We’re more than willing to pay you for your time, traveling expenses, and after hour visits, of course.”

I quickly think it over. I could never turn down an animal in need, and good healthcare early on in the pregnancy is vital for a healthy foal. “I can fill in when needed until you find someone to hire full time.”

He gives me a wide smile, causing his dark eyes to light up and grow wide. “Thank you, Ms. Lawrence.” He holds out his hand to shake.

“Please, just call me Vesper…or Ves for short.” I place my hand in his.

“Will do, Ves.”

I look up at him and see his cute grin starts to form, as he slowly licks his lips. I feel my face flush from the way he’s looking at me, but I’m not the type to fall for the cute boy-next-door type.

I clear my throat and point toward my car from over my shoulder. “I should get going. It’s going to get dark soon.”

“Oh, right.” He holds up his finger, telling me to wait a moment. He rushes into the barn, leaving me standing on the gravel alone. Within seconds, he’s back and holding out a piece of paper. “Here’s a check for your time. I really appreciate your help.”

I take the check and tuck it into my back pocket without looking at it. “No worries.” I turn to leave but suddenly stop and spin around to face him. “I’ll be back in a few days. I’d like to run some tests just to make sure her diet is balanced, make sure she’s getting all the vitamins and minerals she needs for a healthy pregnancy.”

He crosses his arms over his chest again, his biceps bulging so much I think they may rip his shirt. “Thank you, Ves. I’ll see you in a couple days.” He shoots me a wink, and it only makes my face flush.

I smile shyly and climb behind the wheel.

The whole drive home, all I think about is Tyler. The way his eyes seemed to darken when they landed on me. His sweet smile. Those massive biceps. But I push it all away from my mind. I’m not looking for a relationship right now. All I need to focus on, is getting my new animal hospital off the ground. We only opened a few months ago, and there is still a lot to do. I’d like to bring in more veterinarians, more techs, and clients. Maybe even expand to different areas of the state. But right now, it’s just me, my assistant, and my one, lonely animal hospital. Big dreams for a small-town girl. But I won’t let anything get in my way. I want to make a name for myself. I want to help as many animals as I can.

As I’m pulling back into town, I glance down at the time glowing on the dash—7:05. I’m late for dinner with my family, but I assume they are used to me working overtime by now. Within minutes, I’m pulling into the drive of the white, two-story house I grew up in. The windows are brightly lit up from the inside, giving the house a warm feeling, and the porch light is on, waiting to welcome me. There is always a season themed wreath hanging on the front door. This time, it’s covered in artificial flowers and butterflies.

I shut off the car and grab my purse before running into the house.

“Mom, Dad, guess what?” I shout as I rush into the kitchen, to find them taking dinner to the dining room.

Both of them turn in my direction. “What?” Mom asks, nervousness showing on her rounded face, causing the wrinkles around her emerald-green eyes to deepen.

“I just accepted a fill-in position at The O’Connor Ranch.” I shout, excitedly. “That’s the biggest ranch in the state. Can you imagine the clientele I’ll get if they put in a good word for me? Ranchers across the state could know my name.” I can’t hold back my enthusiasm now that I’m with my family, who’s always encouraged me to chase my dreams.

“That’s wonderful, Ves,” Dad says, placing the bowl of mashed potatoes on the island and closing the distance between us, pulling me against him for a hug. Dad is a big man, at least 6’5 and two-hundred pounds. He nearly squeezes the air from my lungs, but it feels good. I know how proud he is of me.

“That is good news, Vesper,” Mom agrees, her green eyes that resemble mine, sparkle as her lips turn up into a proud smile.

Dad pulls away, but keeps me at arms-length, leveling his brown eyes on me. “Are you sure you’re going to have the time that this new job requires, given the hours you’re already putting in at the new clinic?”

I shrug one shoulder as I pick up the bowl he set down. “It’s only one horse, and I’ll make the drive after hours. In fact-” I pull out the check and unfold it with my fingers, looking down to see many more zeros that I anticipated. My brows pull together as I study the number, confused.

“What is it?” Dad steps closer and looks at the check in my hands. “Whoa! They paid you in advance?”

My shoulders fall in relief. That must be it. This check isn’t for this one visit. It’s for monitoring the entire pregnancy of the horse.

“I guess so. I thought it was for one visit, but no way could they pay this much for a one-time thing.”

Mom leans over to view the number. “Oh my! That’s more than what our first house costs!” She looks at Dad with her wide eyes.

A giggle escapes my lips as I slip the check back into my pocket. Now that I know how much it’s made out for, it feels as if it’s burning a hole in my pocket. People get murdered for less than this, and I’m carrying it around in my back pocket like a five-dollar bill.

I try to push the thought away from my mind as we sit around the table eating the delicious dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and fresh steamed vegetables.

“How’s Aria?” I ask my mom. “I haven’t talked to her in a while. She never calls me back.”

She rolls her eyes. “You know your sister. Always too busy with work, school, parties and boys.”

I nod, not really wanting to bring up the conversations because I see how annoyed Daddy gets when we talk about it. Aria is the wild child, very free willed and strong spirited. She makes the most out of life and doesn’t care if that interferes with her school work or grades. Dad throws a fit because he feels like his money is paying for her to party instead of getting a degree. I understand both sides of it. She wants to live. There’s more to life than school and grades, as she says.

“Oh, Dad,” I mumble through a mouth full of potatoes, wanting to change the conversation. “I saw Mrs. Stevens today. She said she was making her famous pineapple upside-down cake.”

His eyes lift from his plate of food and lock on mine. “Did she happen to say when?”

A loud laugh escapes my lips. “Why don’t you just have Mama make you one?” I motion toward her with my thumb.

She wipes the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “Nobody’s pineapple upside-down cake is as good as Mrs. Stevens,” she mocks. “According to your father anyway.” She takes a sip of her sweet tea, ice chips clinking off the glass. “I should just thank my lucky stars that he married me before he found out about her cakes. Otherwise,” she looks directly at me. “You may never have been born,” she jokes.

About the Author

Alexis Winter is a contemporary romance author who loves to share her steamy stories with the world. She specializes in billionaires, alpha males and the women they love.

If you love to curl up with a good romance book you will certainly enjoy her work. Whether it's a story about an innocent young woman learning about the world or a sassy and fierce heroin who knows what she wants you,'re sure to enjoy the happily ever afters she provides.

When Alexis isn't writing away furiously, you can find her exploring the Rocky Mountains, traveling, enjoying a glass of wine or petting a cat.

You can find her books on Amazon.

Facebook

BookBub

Goodreads