Chapter One
Marin
I’ve never been one for country life. Sure, I love a picturesque mountain scene with tall pines, jagged-craggily peaks, and clear blue lakes,who doesn’t,but if you were to ask me where I’d prefer to plunk down and make a life, I’d tell you every single time withoutanyuncertainty… the city.
Any city, really.
Well, notanycity.
I really hate the desert, but overall, I’d tell you that I belong in the concrete jungle amidst the hustle and bustle of tall, towering office buildings, art museums, fine dining, and dreams coming to life.
Which is why I doubt anyone who knows me would ever think to look for me here, in the middle of absolutely nowhere.
“You got a second?” My boss, Archer, steps behind the bar and leans against the back counter where the mason jars are stacked. He’s a massive man with broad shoulders, a thick neck, a long salt and pepper beard, and dark ink covering nearly every inch of him, minus his face where his perfect blue eyes sit.
I don’t usually notice men this… wild looking. I prefer the clean-shaven, suit and tie look. The guys who wear fancy watches and carry expensive leather bags. There’s something about that vibe that signifies success and power. I’ve always been drawn to it. Heck, the very first time I felt a twinge between mylegs was when I saw James Pattinson in a suit and tie in some CIA movie.
That fantasy is a very,veryfar cry from the man I’m staring at now. Archer is bigger, rougher, and I’d wager a bet he doesn’t even own a suit, but I’ve spent the last two weeks dreaming about him, anyway. Some nights I imagine him growling low in my ear. Other nights, I think about him ordering me down onto my knees while he barks out commands that sound a lot like‘put that pretty little mouth on my cock.’
Call me a mess, ‘cause I know I’m a mess!
“Yeah.” I swallow hard and stare up at him, trying not to sound as horny as I feel. It’s not working. My voice cracks as I say, “What’s up?”
“I need you to work late tonight. My brother was supposed to help out with a party, but he got tied up.” He crosses his arms over his chest as he talks, speaking matter-of-factly, almost as though it’s a command.
Why do I want him to give me commands?
My pussy clenches instinctively.God, what’s wrong with me?I barely know this guy. He could be a secret serial killer, an axe murderer, or a magician who thinks pulling colorful flags out of his sleeves is a turn-on.
I’m clearly losing my mind. Then again, who wouldn’t have in my position? I’ve spent the last year trying to break away from an asshole ex who treated his shoes better than he treated me. Of course, I’m feeling attracted to the tiniest bit of attention any man gives me.
It’ll pass.
My boss waves his big hand in front of my face, as though he’s trying to get my attention. “Earth to Marin.” His voice is deep and raspy, sending another shock between my legs, but I ignore it, shake my head, and blink a few times.
Still no words, though.
“Tonight?” he repeats. “I need you to stay tonight. Tell me that works for you.”
I wet my lips and nod slowly. “Yeah, I can make that work.”
Could my voice get higher pitched? Could I sound any more excited to stay late? Who the hell sounds excited to stay late? I should’ve mulled it over, acted like I had a life, a date, plans.
Lord, why do I insist on embarrassing myself?
“Super.” He turns back and grabs the shortest mason jar from beneath the counter and pours himself a shot of whiskey. “It’s a weird party, so… be prepared to laugh.”
I narrow my brows and wrap my finger around a strand of my hair. “Weird how?”
“The local book club rented the space out to have some kind of sex toy party.” He shrugs and chugs back the liquor before setting the jar on the mahogany counter with a clink. “If it makes you uncomfortable, I understand.”
I wonder what I look like right now. Is my face as red as it feels? Can he see my heart thumping in my throat? Can he smell the arousal soaking my panties like the inexperienced little weirdo I am?
“No,” I fake a smile, and my voice goes up yet another octave, “I won’t be uncomfortable. I love sex toy parties. I used to go to them all the time back in the city.”
Why did I say that? I haven’t been to one sex toy party. I haven’t even had sex.
“Really?” His voice deepens as his gaze scans down over my shape slowly. “I wouldn’t have pegged you as the type.”
