ILIKE YOUCOLLARED, BABY. I like you naked. I like you mine.
IHURRY OUT OF THEsubway.
Of all days for me to be late, I choose this one.
My phone rings, and I know exactly who it is. My boss, Mark. My anal retentive, no nonsense, perfectionist boss—whom I adore.
He drives me nuts, but he is the most supportive man I have ever met, so I’m giving him a pass this morning. I know why he’s wound tight. His biggest client is coming in for a meeting and everything needs to be just right. Which is part of the reason I’m late in the first place. I couldn’t decide what to wear! Every time Kayne Roberts walks into the building my pulse races, my heart rate spikes, and my knees go weak. He’s a walking god in an Armani suit.
“Hello?” I answer as I turn the corner, picking up the pace.
“Where are you?” Mark snaps.
“I’ll be in the office in five minutes.”
“Three minutes. Roberts will be here any second. The conference room needs to be prepped and coffee needs to be made.”
I sigh. “I prepped last night, and the coffee is on a timer.” Okay, so maybe I knew I was going to be late.
“You’re magic glitter in high heels,” he says then hangs up. Did I mention Mark is flaming gay? Makes him that much more fun to work for.
There’s a pedestrian traffic jam right outside of my building’s entrance. Of course. I push through the mass, battling my way to the double doors I have in sight. I emerge from the throng, but not before my heel gets caught in a crack in the sidewalk, and I fly face first onto my hands and knees. Shit. Everyone saw that. I allow myself to feel humiliated for just a second, and then proceed to pick myself up.
“Okay down there?” A smooth, masculine voice vibrates through my limbs. I look up to find Kayne Roberts himself holding his hand out to help me. I’m stuck. Kneeling at his feet as my brain forgets how to command my body.
He frowns. “Ellie, are you hurt badly? Do you need me to carry you inside?”
Carry me?Yes please!
“No.” I finally find my wits. “I’m okay.”
Kayne plucks me up, and I’m caught staring into his beautiful crystal blue eyes. Well, one beautiful crystal blue eye. His right eye has a large patch of brown that looks like a lightning bolt is striking his pupil.
It makes them even more of a spectacle to stare at.
He smiles down at me and then drops his gaze a little lower, smirking wickedly. I look down immediately to find the top button of my shirt popped open and my cleavage fully exposed.
I want to crawl into a hole and die of embarrassment, mortification, and shame.
“Nice,” Kayne quips.
I grab my shirt and yank it closed.
“Thank you.” It’s the only thing I can think to say and makes my embarrassment burn brighter, right on the apples of my cheeks. I right myself as Kayne opens the door for me, and we walk to the elevator together. Him haughty, me abashed.
As we ride to the tenth floor in silence, I pull my black pencil skirt up and check my knees. Kayne watches with entertained eyes as I expose more leg. I feel claustrophobic under his gaze. My right one is scraped and stings slightly, but I don’t notice the pain. All I can think about is that old expressionyou should be careful what you wish for.Because ever since he strolled into this company, I have lusted after him. Wishing that just once he would notice me. Well, today he did. And all I want to do is die.
Mark is waiting by the elevators when we arrive. I swear if he could stick his whole head up Kayne’s ass instead of just his nose, he would. I guess I can’t blame him. Kayne is his number one client. Expo is an import/export company and Mark’s baby. He hired me straight out of high school and I have worked my way up from novice secretary to irreplaceable personal assistant during that four year time. My family couldn’t afford to send me to college, and I didn’t want to rack up one hundred thousand dollars worth of debt by going to the top-ten school of my dreams. So, I decided to forgo college until I could save up enough to attend. Mark has been overly generous with my paychecks and bonuses ever since he found out I had half a brain. Coming from the poor family I did, I learned quickly that I am the master of my own destiny. If I want something out of life, the only person who can afford it to me, is me. My upbringing wasn’t all bad though. Contrary to the bottom line of their bank account, my family had a wealth of love to give.
Mark is wearing his power suit—a dark grey jacket and matching pants with a bright purple shirt and printed tie. Despite the way Mark dresses, he is brilliant, and I have learned an abundance since he took me under his wing.
“Kayne.” He and Mark shake after we walk out of the elevator.
“Mark.”
“Everything is set up. Ellie, please escort Mr. Roberts to the conference room. And tend to whatever he needs.”
I suddenly flush. Whatever he needs? My mind races with erotic images. I’ll tend toanythinghe needs.
