CHAPTER ONE
“You have any big plans for tonight?”
Amelia looked up from packing up her purse and smiled at Jamie from Accounting. There were few people she personally got along with at the office, and Jamie had been one of them. She said yes to the invites for happy hour when they came from him, and he was one of the few who didn’t give her a wide berth because she was the CEO’s executive assistant.
“How’d you know?”
He nodded toward her closed laptop and she chuckled. She never left work on time. Between putting out unnecessary fires and being on call for her boss, she usually started early and ended late every day.
But not tonight. Mr. Monroe can answer his own phone calls and emails.
“Hot date?” Jamie wagged his eyebrows.
“Not exactly.” Signing up for a particular room in a sex club wasn’t how she’d define a date, unless she signed up with someone she knew. “But I am eager to get out of here and enjoy whatever is left of my Valentine’s.”
“I know that’s right.” Jamie waved at her. “I’m about to enjoy mine too. Good night,” he singsonged.
“I’m right?—”
“Ms. Wayne? A word.” Amelia gritted her teeth. Her shoulders bunched into her neck, and she rolled her eyes. Why would tonight be any different for her as far as getting out of here on time? She was already well past the time she should have left, but here came her asshole of a boss needing something from her.
“Oop, I guess you’re not leaving yet.” Jamie leaned forward, keeping his voice to a whisper. “Don’t let him keep you here, and if he does, ask him for a raise.”
Amelia smiled, shooing Jamie out of the office. At least one of them should be able to enjoy their evening. She wasn’t sure why her boss was still here either. He rarely came in on Fridays, but he showed up this afternoon like the entire world was on fire and closing on a deal needed to happen that very second.
She let out a sigh and threw on her trenchcoat. Her bags were already packed, so all she had to do was figure out whatever he wanted and leave. She hoped the coat would be a deterrent and make it clear she was not staying later than necessary.
Amelia walked toward his office, staying in the doorway. “Yes, Mr. Monroe?” She tried to keep her tone level, but the pinched brow on his face said she hadn’t.
A tense silence fell between them as they stared at each other. The city lights that shone behind Mr. Monroe’s desk always took her breath away. Each building was lit up like the stars in the sky. It was a pretty reminder that, with enough light, even the darkest skies were never that dark.
She loved the view—it was the best one in the entire office. She would sneak in here as soon as the sun started to set, especially during autumn and winter. It always got dark around four then, and that first twinkle of light peeked through the open windows like a gentle kiss hello.
It was too bad it was wasted on someone who liked to show up sporadically and drive her crazy, like he was doing now.
Why had he called her in here?
“Mr. Monroe?” This time she didn’t try to keep the annoyance out of her tone. If she didn’t leave in the next ten minutes, she was going to be late for her plans tonight.
“Are you going somewhere?” His deep rumble rolled over her body. Goosebumps skirted along her skin, and she felt her stomach swoop. It wasn’t an uncommon response to the sound of his voice, especially in the early morning hours or when they both stayed late in the office. Mr. Monroe sounded like sin, and his wide shoulders, toned frame, and tattoos that occasionally peeked out from under the suits he wore only added to the appeal.
If someone was into that sort of thing.
Which she wasn’t.
At all.
“Ms. Wayne?” His sharp tone made her bristle. He called her in here and waited for what felt like forever to say what he wanted, and now he was rushing her?
“Considering I’ve been off the clock for thirty minutes now, yes,” she snapped. She took a quick glance at her watch. Great. She had to leave in the next seven minutes or she’d be late. “What is it that you need me to do? Convert a doc to a PDF?” She smirked when his eyes narrowed.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Or is it the calendar giving you trouble again?” Her tone was all sugary sweet.
“And there she is.” Mr. Monroe chuckled as he unfurled himself from behind his desk. “I was wondering who this polite person was standing in front of me.” He placed his palms on his desk as he leaned forward.
Amelia watched him perform this tactic so many times, she wondered why he was wasting it on her. When he was seated, he always had this relaxed, devil-may-care energy. It let people keep their guard down and think they could take liberties with him—or walk all over him. It wasn’t until he stood to his full six-feet-and-some-change height that he intimidate anyone.
It was always fun to watch when she had the opportunity. It was like only she saw the wolf lurking in his eyes when he was seated. His features weren’t necessarily hard or rugged, but he was watchful. He knew exactly how to get what he wanted out of everyone.
