I smiled to myself. Then I opened my emails and got to work, planning and typing so fast I hardly noticed when Piper reappeared and dropped a burger and fries on my desk before disappearing through the doors again. As the door clicked closed behind her, I let out a little groan of discontent. I liked having her nearby. I liked being able to bounce my ideas off her, but I knew why she wouldn’t stay.
She would never allow the other employees to see her with me behind closed doors for too long—no matter the reason. It jeopardized her reputation and mine, and by working at her desk she was safeguarding her status as a professional.
I understood that.
But that didn’t change the fact that I wanted her here.
The day wore on, and between bites of my now-cold burger, I’d intercepted so many emails and schedules that I hardly had time to start in on our battle plan. When five o’clock came around, my door opened, and I looked up expecting to see Piper with her bag on her shoulder, ready to head out for the day.
“I had the assistants meeting this afternoon so we can make sure we finish this presentation for the shareholders. I don’t want another burger. How about salad for dinner?” she asked.
I frowned. “Your work day is over. You don’t have to—”
“I don’t have to do anything, but I’m asking you, salad or something else? Maybe tacos? Sandwiches?”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Salad, then. I’ll put them in the fridge until we’re ready to eat.”
Without another word, she headed out the door again. I smiled to myself as I stared at the wide brainstorming map in front of me and selected the first task.
For the next three days, things pressed on the same way. In the mornings, Piper and I would review where we were in terms of our battle plan, and business as usual would creep in and get in the way. She ordered us lunch and dinner and stayed until all the lights went out in the building. When they did, she would walk into my office, sit on my couch, and work there with me, shooting ideas back and forth and taking notes on what needed to be done next.
Only then would we relieve our mutual tension in the best way I knew how.
It was a perfect, elegant system, but the long hours were beginning to wear on both of us. Already, dark, puffy circles were slowly forming under Piper’s eyes, and more often than not, I would get an email in the middle of the night explaining in some detail what needed to be done the next day, which let me know she was taking the work home with her just as I was.
On the fourth day, after everyone had gone home, I turned to her and asked her point-blank. “Why are you working so hard on this? I appreciate it, but you should go home and get some sleep.”
“I’m not having this argument with you,” she said, not bothering to look up from her laptop.
“You’re not going to lose your job. You really don’t—”
“I’m not worried about my job,” she snapped, glaring at me. “I’m worried about the company. And”—she glanced away—“you know, you. This is important to you. This place is everything you’ve worked for. Now stop bothering me, and let’s get it done.”
I surveyed her for a long moment, a warm feeling spreading through my chest. “Is that really how you feel?”
She nodded, and suddenly my mouth went dry. Jesus, when was the last time someone had cared about me? Truly cared about whether I ate right or took care of myself or felt responsible for my employees to the point that it was causing me sleepless nights?
And now here Piper was, just a hookup, I’d told myself. Just a temporary employee. But she was more than that. So much more.
I dropped the file folder in my hands and closed my fingers around her wrists, overwhelmed by a wave of something I refused to name, as I drew her close to me.
Chapter Fifteen
Piper
Jackson’s lips pressed over mine, and I was lost. The man was masterful at so many things, but kissing may have been his strongest suit. I parted my lips on a shaky breath, and he used the opportunity to sweep his tongue gently against mine, coaxing a moan to rumble in my chest.
He broke away, his eyes seductive and locked on mine. “You’ve been working so hard. I hate that the only way I repay you is by orgasms.”
I chuckled, placing my palm on the rough stubble of his cheek. “Yes, it’s awful.”
I loved the way he looked at me—like I had his complete attention. He petted one hand along my hair, admiring me as I stood before him in my stocking feet. I’d kicked off my heels hours ago.
Jackson smiled and pressed a chaste kiss to my lips. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you, Piper.”
I raised my eyebrows—the man was not known for his attempts at sweet sentiment. “Yeah? How so?”
His hands skimmed down my waist and settled on my ass. “You’re the total package. Smart, fiery, devoted, and with a nice, tight little pussy.”
I chuckled again. There was the Jackson I knew. I was about to point out that he was just rather large, but I decided to let him believe what he wanted to. “I’m glad you think so.”
He moved his hands around to the back of my skirt and gave the zipper a little tug. “What do you say? Let me fuck that tight pussy tonight.”
As if I would deny him. As if I was even capable of that. Anytime Jackson was near, it was like all the oxygen in the room had been sucked out and replaced with pure, potent pheromones.
I reached for the bulge beneath his trousers and gave him a playful squeeze. “It’s awfully late, Mr. Dane. I should probably be getting home.”
He shook his head. “And deny me? You wouldn’t dare defy a superior would you, Miss Daniels?”
“What did you have in mind?” I asked, my voice growing breathless. His cock was so damned tempting.
Jackson’s full lips quirked up in a smile. “How about I let you ride my face until you come and then ride my dick until you can’t walk straight?”
I swallowed a trembling sigh. “Sold.”
Jackson lifted me from the floor and hauled me to his chest for another smoldering kiss that he didn’t break as he carried me over to the small couch in his office. When Jackson set me down gently on the cushion, he didn’t join me like I expected. He watched me for a moment with hooded eyes.
“I think our progress tonight calls for a toast. You’re not a whiskey girl, are you?”
I was surprised he wasn’t diving into the main event but was then struck by the thought that maybe he didn’t want to go home alone any more than I did. Was my big, bad, cocky boss prolonging our evening together? Far be it for me to argue.
I smiled. “If the occasion calls for it.”
“That’s my girl.” The rich tone of his voice sent a fresh wave of desire washing over me.
Jackson returned with lowball glasses, each with a measure of amber-colored liquor.
“Cheers.” I accepted my glass, clinking it against his. We each took a couple of sips, the vibe turning to a relaxed one as the alcohol eased the tension in my shoulders. Sometime after dinner, Jackson had killed the overhead florescent lights, opting just for the dimly lit lamp on his desk—for which I was immediately grateful.
“I really appreciate you, Piper. Even if you didn’t have the world’s hottest pussy, I’d still be happy you’re my assistant.”
I took one more sip of my drink and placed my glass on the table beside his. “I’m happy to hear that.”
Jackson’s lips quirked up as he watched me rise to my feet.
I unzipped my skirt and let it fall to a puddle at my feet. Slowly, I stripped for him, loving the way his dark eyes heated as he watched me.
Once I was completely nude, Jackson offered his hand. “Come here and let me have a taste.”
True to his word, Jackson licked and sucked at my tender flesh until I came with a shout, my body clenching wildly.
And then he guided me to his lap, patiently working all nine inches inside me while letting out sexy, soft groans.
We made love slowly—without any of the teasing or spanking or dirty words I’d come to expect from him.
It was perfect. And as the sweat on our bodies cooled, I was struck by one somber thought—how depressing would it be if this man hadn’t come into my life?
Chapter Sixteen
Piper