“The audit?” I quirk an eyebrow upward.
She sighs.
“Yeah, so as you know, I’ve been doing a deep dive into the last five years’ worth of financials, and something’s not right. We should have made a lot more money than we did. Our current cash flow isn’t robust, and it should be. It doesn’t make sense. Jacob and I had a lengthy discussion and decided to bring in a third party to track the money trail. We wanted to do it while Bill and his wife are on vacation in Italy for two weeks. They leave next Monday, and we’ll start the audit on Tuesday morning.” Yup, I knew I was missing something.
“Damn! This morning makes so much more sense now. Wow, he’s such an entitled asshole, isn’t he? I don’t know how you stand it,” I reply. Oh yeah, she’s so far ahead of him it’s funny.
If you weren’t checking her out all the time, you would have noticed.
“Well, I need him to continue being his arrogant self so he doesn’t get suspicious and decide to skip the vacation. So, I’m sorry for throwing you under the bus. Of course, you must know I don’t feel that way personally. I truly appreciate all your contributions, and I completely agree about the financial presentation,” she says in earnest. Her quick praise flips my mood, my ego preening a bit at her appreciation.
She leans forward, placing her hand on top of mine as if to comfort me. She doesn’t need to, but I’ll welcome any touch she’s willing to give.She’s so earnest and sincere. I love the way her nose wrinkles when she’s trying to make a point. It’s so cute. She looks like she’s somehow betrayed me with her actions in the meeting, and I have to set the record straight. I grab her hand and hold it in mine. I want her to know I’m just as sincere.
“Jos, no, I should be the one apologizing. You’re my boss, and you have every right to call me out in a meeting if I’m heading in the wrong direction. It’s a non-issue. I’m genuinely sorry for responding to you with anger and then walking away without even allowing you to speak. It was completely unprofessional, and I promise it won’t happen again.”
“No, Damon, it’s my fault. I should have informed you about what was happening before the meeting. For clarity, it’s not my style to call someone out in a meeting. I prefer to handle those situations much more discreetly. I don’t think that builds a team environment.”
She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing, squeezing my hand to reassure me.
“I could see him getting scared, and I had to stop you. We just need to maintain this until he’s gone. I fully expect the audit to be over by the time he returns. By then, I hope we’ll have the answers we need.”
Her voice then turns cold, revealing some of the steel behind all her kind and caring demeanor.
“And once we have those answers, Bill will learn who’s in charge.”
That should not be the turn-on it is, but wow, here we are. I was concerned that, as warmhearted as she is, she wouldn’t have the backbone to do the hard things that come with her position as owner, and I’m delighted to be wrong. I smirk a bit at the thought of her finally telling Bill off. I hope I’m there for that show.
“Don’t worry, boss. I’ve got your back.”
“Oh, of that, I have no doubt.” Her smile is wicked.
I fucking love it.
Chapter Nine
Damon
“Do you want to grab some dinner with me? I’d love to keep talking hockey, but I’m starving,” I ask Joslyn.
It’s Thursday night, and we’re reviewing candidates for the head coach position. I’m hungry, but I want to spend more time with her. I’m enjoying our conversation more than I ever could have imagined. I’m surprised and thrilled by some of her observations about the players, and I don’t know anyone else who is this knowledgeable about hockey, except maybe Jonesy.
She hesitates for a moment, then nods her head with a shy smile. I’m guessing she’s concerned about the boss-employee dynamic. I remind myself to remain professional. We’ll see how that goes. I can’t stop thinking about her in an extremely unprofessional and very naked way lately.
“I know just the place. It’s right around the corner, and it’s the perfect place to talk more about hockey. Plus, they let me bring Abby, so I won’t have to leave her at the arena.”
She stands up, looking around to gather her things. The short navy summer dress she’s wearing flows around her thighs, giving me the perfect view of those tanned and toned legs. There is nothing hotter than an attractive woman wearing a sundress. Sure, it’s on the conservative side, but that doesn’t make it any less alluring. Not when she’s wearing it.
I look around because I’ve forgotten all about Abby, who is curled up at Joslyn’s feet, content to bask in her presence.
Yeah, me too, girl. Me too.
I spent all day with her, but I still want more. I want to watch her cute little nose crinkle when she’s deep in thought or watch her eyes shine when we agree on something important. My favorite thing is when her face lights up with laughter because of something I’ve said. I catch myself trying to make her laugh just so I can see that beautiful expression again.
She’s your boss.
That thought should bring me up short, but it doesn’t. I ignore it and smile wider as I hold the elevator door for her and Abby. It’s seven thirty at night, and the office is empty, but it’s summer, so the evening sun still shines through the bank of windows lining the hallway to the elevator. It catches her auburn hair, creating a halo of fire around her gorgeous face.
I try to swallow, but my throat is dry, and my dick is hard. God, she’s stunning. All I can think about is fisting that fiery hair and pushing her against the elevator wall. Feeling her perfect body against mine while I taste those lush lips.
