“When I want to get wasted fast, that’s when I go to the club.” Lena agreed.

  “Evan suggested he stay at the house. He agreed. He insulted me and then…”

  Lena held her hand up. “Oh no, you don’t get to gloss off the insult.”

  I frowned. “He stared at my tits saying it was a compliment, so I threw back when you fuck girls like Grace that must be charming, to which he said, and I quote, ‘at least they’re honest’ end quote.”

  Lance took a drink of his coffee, as did Lena.

  “Guys. I know he was right.” I shook my head. “Then I couldn’t get my dress unzipped and helped me and one thing led to another until I stopped because he was wasted and I didn’t want to be his toy for the night.”

  “I’ll give you props for that one.” Lance gave me a high five.

  Lena frowned. “So now what? Are you going to quit?”

  “I can’t.” My shoulders lifted in a shrug. “I need this job and the benefits to take care of Frankie.”

  “Well then, darling, find a bathroom. Fix your face and make him eat his heart out.” Lance smiled. “I’ve worked with you too long to train someone new.”

  “Wow.” Lena laughed. “Way to make a girl feel wanted.”

  “Look, I don’t know what you need. I bat for the other team.” He snapped his fingers, and we all laughed.

  “Thank you both.” I nodded. “Time to get back to work.”

  Ethan

  I hit the button and waited for the elevator to come back.

  It should be back by now.

  Pacing in front of the doors, I ran my hand through my hair. My face stung from where she slapped me.

  The doors opened, and I looked over to see Dexter and Andrew stepping from the car.

  “Wow.” Andrew chuckled. “That’s a record. Not even five minutes and an assistant walked out.”

  “Where is she?”

  Both men shrugged.

  “Ugh.” I turned and went to my office with them following me.

  “So?” Dexter unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat in a chair. “What did you do to make her leave?”

  “Why do you think I did something?” I dropped into my chair and braced my head up with my hands.

  Andrew chuckled. “Maybe the bright red handprint on your face gives it away?”

  I blew out a hard breath and looked up at them. “I may have suggested that she got the job by sleeping with my dad.”

  “Excuse me?” Andrew sat forward. “Tell me you did not say that.”

  “The handprint says it all.” Dexter cleared his throat. “Good luck finding a new PA.”

  My eyes closed, and I knew I fucked up. “How do I fix it?”

  “I would suggest talking to her.” Andrew stood up. “And perhaps not letting your jealousy cloud your thoughts.”

  They both stood up and walked to the door.

  “Better read your file. The meeting is in an hour.” Dexter shook his head.

  I watched them leave and scrubbed a hand over my face. Time to get to work. I’ll think about Vivian later.

  My coffee was still hot, and I took a drink while reading over the notes in the folder she brought me. I sat back in the chair and looked around the office.

  The wall to the left had a bookshelf, and there were several pictures of Frankie. Some with me, some with Viv, and some alone.

  In the corner sat a toy box with a tiny couch for her to sit at, and a smaller bookshelf with her books.

  Every place I looked had reminders of the woman I’d loved since middle school, and the product of that love.

  I needed to make it through my first day at the top then I could talk to Vivian.

  Reaching for my coffee, I took another drink and went back to the note she gave me, making my own notes in the margins before turning my attention to my email.

  In the middle of responding to a client, there was a soft knock at my door.

  “Come in.” I called out as I kept typing.

  A woman cleared her throat, and then Vivian’s voice slammed into me. “Mr. York, it’s time to head to your meeting.”

  “Vivian.” I smiled at her. “You didn’t quit.”

  “Quit? Because of you?” She let out a sarcastic laugh. “Evan wouldn’t allow that to happen.”

  My heart raced in my chest, and my nostrils flared as she closed the door behind her.

  What the fuck was going on between her and my dad?

  I finished my email, collected my things for the meeting, and crossed my office to the door. Her scent hung in the air and made me want to grab her and kiss her until she went limp in my arms.

  My eyes landed on the sofa, and salacious thoughts of her and my father doing god knows what sent acid through my veins.

  I pulled open the door and saw her standing there, holding out another coffee. “Here you go, Mr. York, just like I used to do for Evan.”

  Just like I used to for Evan. I mimicked her voice in my head.

  Grabbing the coffee, I stormed away from her desk and went to the elevator. I could hear her answering the phone when the doors opened. Blowing out a hard breath, I was thankful for the distance from her. Right now, I didn’t want to smell her sweet scent or have her close to me.

  The little voice in my head mocked me. That’s because your caveman brain thinks if you grab her and kiss her you can have her falling for you.

  The elevator took me down to the tenth floor and I stepped off to see the office buzzing. Today’s meeting was with the department heads to meet them and do a check in.

  As I walked through the office, some employees smiled and waved, others looked like they were about to be sick.

  My dad told me there were both kinds, no matter what business you were in. Some wanted to please the boss, and some wanted to see the boss drown in the shower.

  There was one man in particular who stood up with a rose. I slowed my pace to see what he was up to, and let my eyes follow him as he walked over to someone behind me.

  “Morning, beautiful.”

  Vivian’s voice kicked me in the gut. “Good morning, Roger.”

  “The rose reminded me of you. I got it from my garden.”

  “That’s very sweet.”

  I turned around and glared at her. “Vivian, let’s go.”

  “Yes, Mr. York.” She lifted the rose to her nose. “Thank you, Roger.”

  “C… can I call you later?”

  I glanced down at my shoes as he stuttered. When I turned my head her dark eyes locked with mine. “Of course.”

  She walked up to me. “Mr. York.” She pointed to the doors at the end of the hall. “The meeting, sir?”

  I pressed my lips together and followed her.

  She’s not my sweet cherry. She’s a slut like her mom. My head shook. I should’ve known.

  Andrew introduced us to the department heads and led us through the meeting. I couldn’t stop myself from glancing over at Vivian. She and Lena were seated beside each other and kept passing notes between them.

  On occasion, Drew’s assistant joined in.

  When the meeting ended, the assistants left, and we stayed behind to answer questions and get a feel for the people we would closely work with.

  I was on my way back to my office when it hit me; she said she’d been working here for two years.

  If she had been, why didn’t I ever see her when I was here? Was Roger the guy she spoke of at dinner on Friday? Was that why she didn’t want me?

  Making my way to the elevators, I scratched my face. Maybe it was time to ask her some questions?

  I stepped inside and rode up to my office. The moment the doors opened, I saw her standing there.

  “I picked you up a smoothie to give you something else to drink.” She handed me the orange concoction. “Mango, orange, banana.”

  She remembered my favorite combination.

  “Thank you.”

  She smiled at me, and it went straight to my dick.

  Fantasies of bending her over my desk ran amuck in my head.

  “You have three calls to return and if you’ll be having lunch in the office, there are menus in the top right drawer for you to pick from.”

  I walked with her over to her desk and watched as she took a seat. Her phone rang just as I was about to ask her to come into my office, leaving me alone.

  “York, Graves, and Barron, this is Vivian. How may I help you?”

  You can help me by answering some questions and lifting that skirt up to show me your legs.

  I left my office door open so I could hear when she hung up.

  “Vivian?”

  She stepped into view. “Yes, Mr. York?”

  “Could you come here for a minute?” I leaned against my desk, took a drink of my smoothie, waiting for her to enter. “Close the door.”

  Confusion marred her face as she did.

  “Is there a problem?”

  Setting the drink down, I walked over to her, backing her into the door. “Does my dad know about Roger?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I didn’t think it was something he needed to know.”

  “Even though you’re involved with him?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Involved with who?”

  “Well, so far, from what I can tell, my dad and Roger.” I laughed. “You hiding more lovers somewhere?”

  “You ass…” Her hand raised to slap me again, and I caught it pinning it above her head, doing the same with the other.

  “Maybe I want my turn too, Vivi.” My body blocked her from moving. I dipped my head, nuzzling her neck. “How come I didn’t know you worked here?”

  “It wasn’t your business.” She sneered. “Let me go.”

  “I don’t think so.” I moved to be face to face, whispering against her lips. “Do their kisses make you wet like mine do?” My tongue darted out, licking her lips.

  “You’re an HR nightmare.” She growled and wiggled against me.

  My lips slammed against hers, eating her gasp. She struggled against my hold, but the more my tongue fought with hers, the more she relented.

  I moved her hands so I could pin them together with one hand, cupping her face with my free hand. The anger I felt at the start of the kiss changed, and I brushed my hips against her, letting her feel my erection.

  As I pulled back to adjust my lips, she moaned. “Ethan.”

  I opened my eyes and saw lust on her face. “Who do you think HR will believe? Some slut that works for me? Or me?”

  Her face changed, and her mouth dropped open. “Let me go.”

  “I’m just saying. You fucked your way here. What’s one more?” I loosened my hold on her hands.

  “I hate you.” She pulled her hands free and shoved me back. She shook her head and opened the door. Her mouth opened like she was about to say something, but she closed her mouth and shook her head as she walked out.

  Vivian

  That unimaginable bastard.

  This time, I grabbed my purse and headed to the stairs. Maybe running down fourteen flights would help me calm down.

  If not, it at least gave me time to plot murder.

  By the time I got to the main floor, I was able to plaster a fake smile on my face, wave to people, and head to the parking level.

  Pulling my keys out of my purse, I took several deep breaths and made a beeline for my car.

  My car. The one I saved up for and bought. The one I didn’t ask for help with. Who the fuck does Ethan think he is?

  Growling, I hit the unlock on the fob and got in. I tossed my purse on the passenger seat and rubbed my temples.

  I had a massive headache forming, and it had Ethan fucking York’s name all over it.

  My engine purred to life, and I exited the dark garage and headed towards the diner. I needed a cheeseburger, vanilla malt, and an alibi.

  This time of the day, people were on lunch break and traffic was heavy to get to all the restaurants. But at least at the diner I could hide in the back if need be.

  As I neared the diner, I got lucky with parking and was by the door. I grabbed my purse and slid from the car, slamming the door and stomping over to the glass doors of the restaurant.

  Pulling one open, I saw Evan sitting at a booth with Frankie.

  “Mama!” my sweet girl yelled, and I left my anger at the door for now.

  I walked over to them and smiled. “May I join you?”

  “Absolutely.” Evan smiled as I slid into the booth opposite of him. “I already ordered you a cheeseburger and malt.”

  “Who called you?” I sighed.

  “Lucy.” He smiled. “We had a bet going. I lost.”

  My head shook. “Evan, he’s off his rocker.”

  “He’s jealous.” He chuckled.

  Evelyn came over and smiled big. “You look so pretty, Vivi.”

  “Thank you, sweetie.”

  “Does Frankie want to play with Matt?” She gave me the weirdest smile.

  With my eyes narrowed playfully I leaned closer to her. “Are you on babysitting duty and looking for a way to occupy him?”

  She nodded.

  Laughter took over, and I was almost in tears as I nodded. Evan lifted Frankie out of her booster and put her down to walk with Evie.

  Edie came over with my malt and refilled Evan’s coffee. “First day with Ethan that good?”

  “Fuck him.” My laughter calmed to titters. “He accused me of sleeping with his dad.”

  Evan spit his mouthful of coffee out, covering my white blouse with brown splotches.

  “I’m off tomorrow.” Edie smiled. “Vic suggested a girls’ day. Wanna play hooky?”

  “Yes.” I nodded. “Yes I do.”

  Victoria showed up in Port Stella a couple of years ago after her parents died. She needed a place to start over and ended up here. Edie was the first to meet her, and she took her under her wing.

  Giggling, she set a straw down for me. “She got Paul to babysit.”

  I joined in her laughter. “And he says he’s not interested in her.”

  “Ladies, young men are often idiots.” Evan joined in with us and we heard her brother yell out.

  “Order up!”

  “Time to make the donuts.” She sighed and walked away.

  I turned my attention to Evan and saw concern in his eyes. “He was acting jealous this morning.” He chuckled. “But I didn’t think he would take it that far.”

  “Not once. But twice.” I put my straw into my malt and sucked down a large amount, making my head throb harder. “Ouch.”

  “What else happened?” He sat back as Edie brought our food over, set it down and went to get the next order.

  “He also accused me of sleeping with Roger.” I picked up a hot fry and took a bite. “Why? Why should it matter to him?”

  “Silly girl.” He chuckled. “You know why.”

  I rubbed my hands over my face. “I don’t know what to do.”

  “Well, what are your options?” He squirted ketchup over his fries.

  “I could quit and find another place to work. I could ask to be transferred to a different department…” I shrugged.

  “Or you could fight fire with fire.” He winked.

  I sat back and narrowed my eyes. “I’m listening.”

  “My son has been in love with you since high school.” He held his hand up to stop me from talking. “I saw how he looked at you. And I knew.” He took a drink of his coffee. “The day he saw you pregnant, that messed him up.”

  “I shouldn’t have lied to him.”

  “No. But you had your reasons.” He nodded. “I know you’re nothing like your mother.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Now.” He chuckled. “Let him stew in his wrong thoughts. He can suffer until he takes a step back and realizes what a jackass he’s being.”

  Pressing my lips together, I leaned over the table and whispered. “I’m still in love with him.”

  “I know. And I know he feels the same for you.” He motioned to the burger. “Eat. We’ll work the rest out later.”

  Sighing, I dug into my food and couldn’t wait to see what Evan had in mind. Maybe he’s right? Maybe it’s time to give Ethan a taste of his medicine.

  Vivian

  My tiny alarm clock bounced on me, giggling. “Mommy!”

  “Frankie!” I rolled over and tickled her tummy.

  “Wok today?” She patted my cheeks.

  I grabbed her hands, pressing kisses to them. “Nope. It’s mommy’s day off.”

  “Yay!” She bounced on the bed.

  “How would you like to spend the day with Paul and Matt?”

  Her eyes lit up. “Puppies!”

  I laughed harder. “Yes, and the puppies.”

  The Bearded Barrel was a staple in Port Stella the same way That One Place diner was. Both had been here since the town was created and both were family owned and operated.

  Vic had a Scottish Terrier named Baxter who accompanied her to work and had a place at the bar along with Tom’s Plott hound Lucy and Paul’s Labradoodle Charlie.

  My little girl scurried from my bed and raced back to her room to get dressed. She’d hit the stage where she would do it, and didn’t want my help to pick out clothing.

  Lord knows what that child will look like.

  Laughing to myself, I rolled out of bed and stumbled to the shower.

  A soft groan came out when flipped the light on and my brain tricked me into seeing Ethan standing there with his pants around his ankles, stroking himself.

  His body changed over the years. He grew more hair in the right places that made hands itch to feel it. His kisses were refined, deadly. He knew how to hold me and kiss me, making me want to be on my knees in front of him.

  And holy hell. The piercings.

  I wanted to play with them, see how they affected him.

  Would he moan the way the guy did on Pornhub?

  Ugh. I hated to admit I spent my before bed quiet time surfing porn, but after that night, I needed something more than my memories to help me sleep.

  Shaking my head, I turned on the shower and got in.

  “Damn you, Ethan.” I whispered to the walls as thoughts of him pressing me against the wall flashed through my head.

  Does he think about me when he jacks off?

  I could picture him in the shower with me. Stroking his cock, teasing me with it.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24