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“I didn’t realize you’d be home today.” She fidgets with her top, tugging the tiny triangles into place. It’s a valiant effort, but it does nothing to conceal her full breasts spilling out beneath the thin fabric.

My mouth actually waters at the sight of those perky tits, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to suppress a groan.

“…I mean… Just figured you’d have plans or something,” she continues.

“Way to make a guy feel welcome.” I hold a hand over my heart as if I’ve just been wounded and flash her a wink. “With all the stress this week, I figured I’d stay home and catch up on some R and R. Thought a little sunshine would do me good.” I gesture at the scene before us. “Guess we both had the same idea?”

She moves to stand, gathering her book and wrapping her towel around herself, but not before I get a view of her gorgeous, round ass cheeks. “Well, I’ll let you enjoy your pool⁠—”

“Wait,” I catch her arm to stop her, then let go just as quickly. “Stay. Hang out with me.”

“Mr. Kingsley…I don’t know if we should⁠—”

“Roman,” I correct her, then add, “I wanted to talk to you about the festival…”

This gets her attention, and she promptly lowers back down to her seat. “What can I do for you?”

Talk about a loaded question.

I bite the inside of my cheek as I will my cock not to respond. As if it isn’t hard enough to keep my dick in check right now…

“There’s this thing tonight. I need my assistant there with me.”

Her eyebrows furrow. “What kind of thing? I don’t remember seeing anything on your calendar.”

“That’s because it’s more personal than work-related. It’s a dinner theater show my mom is putting on.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t know. I’m not really sure I want to go out. What if people recognize me?”

“No offense, but nobody around here is going to give you a second look. And even if they did, there are no phones allowed. It’s part of the whole experience.”

She narrows her eyes like she’s trying to figure out if I’m blowing smoke up her ass. “Okay…but I still don’t understand why you need me to be there?”

Technically, I don’t need her to be there, but I am growing more curious about her circumstances…and, selfishly, I’d like to spend some more time with her outside of the office.

It’ll strengthen our bond and help our work relationship.

“Because you are my assistant, and I’m going to need assistance.”

“Assistance with what?” Her eyes flick to my lips before darting away.

A grin pulls at my mouth, and I lean in. “Does it matter? I’m your boss.” I drop my voice. “And I’m requesting your assistance.”

I notice the muscles in her jaw ripple like she’s forcing herself to stay quiet, but to her credit, she recovers quickly. Plastering on a forced smile, she says, “Of course. I’m happy to help.”

“Great, it’s settled. We’ll leave here at six.”

“Can’t wait.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Kira

I fidget in my seat as awkward silence weighs heavily around us. I don’t know why I agreed to this.

Probably because I had no choice. The man certainly knows how to get what he wants.

I don’t know if I’m more annoyed by his forcing me to come with him or impressed that it worked so easily.