Craving The CEO: An Office Romance Page 6

  I immediately feel self-conscious, knowing that a lot of eyes from the cafeteria will now be on us.

  “How’s it going, burrito debtor?” he asks.

  I can’t help but laugh. It makes me immediately relax enough to enjoy his company. “Quite well, so far,” I reply, and don’t bother to add the ‘could be better’ part of the sentence. It turns out however that I don’t have to.

  “Establish any sort of rapport with your boss yet?” he asks.

  I’m about to brush the concern off but then I see the glint of true concern in his gaze. “Can I be honest?” I ask.

  “Of course.”

  “It won’t come back to bite…“ I quickly catch myself “I mean, it won’t be used against me in the future, right?”

  He laughs, and the boisterous burst startles the toddler strapped to his torso. “No, it won’t come back to bite you in the ass. And no need to censor yourself either on account of this one, we say ass around her all the time. She’s still unimpressionable.”

  I laugh again as I gaze at the blue eyed toddler.

  Her head is covered in dark tufts of curly hair and her limbs outstretched as she fights to be free of her father.

  “She’s so beautiful. What’s her name?”

  “Alexa,” he replies, “but back to your frigid boss.”

  “Alright,” I respond but quickly drop a disclaimer. “And I didn’t call him that, you did.”

  “Of course.” He smiles and sends me a wink.

  My gaze moves to his bowls of salad. “Don’t you need to eat though? I don’t want to keep you.”

  “These are for my wife,” he says. “She’s visiting me today and loves our Greek salad, so she’s going to take them back to work with her. Now will you stop changing the subject and talk to me about your boss?”

  I sigh. “He’s not bad… it’s just that, I wish he would be more… that he would communicate a bit more. He hasn’t said a word to me since I’ve been here.” I do suspect it has to do with the fact that we’ve slept together, so he is ensuring to keep his distance from me. Since he made the decision to hire me it is a bit difficult to accept that his complete animosity towards me will be the nature of our working relationship.

  I do not however want to alarm Allen enough to go poking around because of my complaint, since this will almost certainly reveal this backstory, so I immediately try to brush it all away.

  “It’s all alright,” I say. “I mean he’s been really busy and I’ve been able to tackle the schedule left by his previous secretary. Although he doesn’t seem to use it most of the time. I take the calls that come in and schedule appointments, then I leave them on his desk. I do think he works with it, but I just expected that there would be more input from him on how he wants me to manage his office and time. Look at me rambling on.” I catch myself at his endearing gaze. “I guess I just want to be as useful as possible and maybe with time that will be the case. “

  He smiles as he glances down at his restless tot. “Can I have that?” he asks referring to my half emptied bottle of water.

  I quickly hand it over.

  He puts it in Alexa’s hands and immediately, the toddler is occupied with wrinkling the plastic. “I understand you,” he says. “And I’m surprised at all. Grady takes quite a while to warm up to people and can even sometimes, just remain completely closed off. This is one of the reasons why I hired you. Because of your youth and easy going personality, I am hoping that perhaps you’ll be able to lighten up the air around there.”

  Well, you’re not the one getting slowly killed by frostbite, I think to myself.

  “The second reason why I hired you is to bring some fresh perspective into his projects. From what you know so far of his schedule, is there any part of it that you would like to improve upon? If there is, then perhaps you could bring this up with him, and if he appreciates your suggestion, then that will most definitely break the ice between you too. The way to Grady’s heart is work and solely work.”

  I consider his suggestion. “Well, he has an event in Breckenridge on Friday; the annual security conference. He has to give a short presentation about cyberattacks, via package delivery, and I was thinking that perhaps he could incorporate a short demonstration during his speech to increase its impact? There are going to be a lot of companies and potential massive clients at the conference.”

  He nods in agreement. “That’s pretty good,” he says. “So bring this to his attention.”

  I hesitate, a small breath sifting through my teeth.

  He studies me. “You have to bring it up to him,” he stresses. “This is the surefire way to melt the ice between you two.”

  “What if he doesn’t respond positively?”

  “Then you try again, and again until he eventually does. He’s your boss so although, I am rooting for you, the heights that you climb here will depend on your resilience and proactivity.”

  I nod promptly, reminded that the CFO isn’t my personal therapist.

  His baby throws the bottle across the table and that becomes his cue to leave. “Gotta get back to the wife,” he says and rises to his feet. “And on a final note, I’m certain you’ve done well thus far because despite how withdrawn he can be, he’s incredibly vocal about bad performance. He hasn’t said a word of complaint to me about you, so I’m sure you’re handling your tasks properly. However, you need to build a rapport so that you can truly be a great assistant to him, and through that, find opportunities to grow.”

  “Yes, sir,” I reply.

  “Also, make some friends,” he says. “It’s not good to be too alone over here as there are many tedious and long hours coming your way. You’ve just been CFO certified so say hi to some people and they’ll be very happy to welcome you to a conversation.”

  I give a quick glance around the room. “I will, sir,” I respond with a smile.

  He takes his leave.

  I wave to Alexa, and soon they are gone. Then I take the time to think hard about what he has just advised me on.

  On my way back home from work later that evening, I stop by Jodie’s diner for a quick meal, and to catch up with her. I also share Allen’s suggestion on how to tackle my boss with her.

  She then gives me her advice on how to ‘truly break the ice’. It’s a pair of bright blue lacy lingerie she had picked up a few days earlier. “This is all you need,” she says. “Wear this into his office, and you’ll have all the attention you need from him.”

  I snatch the package to inspect it, but roll my eyes at her devilish suggestion. “Fix the problem that sex created with more sex. You’re a genius aren’t you?”

  She fights to take the gift back at my sarcasm, but I eventually succeed in leaving the diner with it. The next day, I wear it to work beneath my cobalt blue suit, and there is just something about its decadence that makes me feel just a little bit more empowered and sexy.

  He arrives right on time at 8 AM, and once again walks past me without a word. I rise to sound my usual greeting and his response is a quiet nod.

  I don’t sit back down, but of course, he doesn’t notice. He shuts the door to his office as usual and I’m left to wallow in the silence of the massive reception. I pace the front of the door for a good twenty minutes before I finally find the courage to go in. Inhaling a shaky breath, I knock on the door and do not give him the chance to pretend that he doesn’t hear it.

  I walk in and of course, he only spares a brief glance to check who has come in uninvited.

  When he sees that it’s me, he continues right on with whatever he’s doing with his desktop.

  “I haven’t yet had the chance to ask how you like your coffee in the morning,” I say as I approach his desk, my gaze on the paper cup that he usually brings in himself.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he says.

  I try my very best to calm my annoyance at his snobbery. I place the folder on his desk and open it up. “Here’s the schedule for the conference at Breckenridge tomorrow and the l
ineup of speakers. I’ve also included the companies that will be present and the best potential prospects as major clients. The names of the CEOs that will be in attendance are also here.”

  He doesn’t respond which is my cue to leave, but I’m not going to back down this easily. So I begin to circle his desk.

  At my approach, he lifts his head.

  I don’t dare meet his eyes as I come over to his side, slightly bending over to point out what I want his attention on from the schedule. “Here’s my recommendation for—”

  “Step away,” he says.

  The words are like the slash of a blade through my chest. Perhaps I have gone too far? I can’t help the burn of tears in my eyes, but in the following moment, I clear my throat and force myself to take the rejection in stride. “I have something to show you, sir.”

  “You can do it from across the table. Please maintain your distance.”

  “Why?” I ask, hating how he’s making me feel. In this moment, I have ceased to care whether I keep this job or not. “You’ve seen me naked and been inside me, and you didn’t seem to hate it at the time, so why are you treating me now as though I’m a leper?”

  His eyebrows arch. “We’re at work Miss Tatum,” he says through gritted teeth.

  “Good,” I reply. “Since we’re at work then award me the professional courtesy of at least looking me in the eyes while I’m addressing you. It’s alright if you say that you do not have the time, but don’t treat me like a fly on the wall.”

  He leans back into his chair, and folds his arms across his chest.

  Now, against my better judgement, my lower body is struck numb with arousal. It doesn’t help that he looks extra damn fine today in a dark green suit jacket, and a white dress shirt. His skin is glistening like satin, his hair swept smoothly away from his face, and the dark rimmed glasses that sit on his nose doing more damage to my heart than I can bear.

  Why does he have to be so fucking attractive?

  Once again, flashbacks come from that night, my clit in his mouth comes to mind and I quickly look away. I almost desperately want him to take me once again. I can see the problem now. How could I think that we could so easily work together?

  “Are you done?” he asks.

  I don’t respond and to my surprise, he keeps waiting.

  My gaze falters from his. “Yes, sir.”

  “Okay. First of all, I'm not treating you like a fly on the wall, I’m treating you like your boss. Which means that I can choose to just listen to you rather than stop what I’m doing to give you the attention that you for some reason, feel you deserve. Secondly, before I hired you, you assured me that you could keep things professional between us. Therefore, this is my first and last warning to you, to not to breach my personal space again. If I call you over to point something out to me, then you do so, but if I don’t please don’t cross the line.”

  I am speechless, and can no longer remain under his scathing gaze. My tone of voice dips till it's almost inaudible. “Yes, sir. Um, I included some suggestions on how to improve your presentation. I went through a couple of your old clips and I think that this will help us further engage your audience. The revised contract sent over by Bloom is also included in the folder so please go through it when you get the chance so that I can send it back to legal. I want to do more here than warm a seat, so I sincerely hope that you’ll give me the chance.”

  With that, I turn around on somewhat wobbly legs, and it is nothing short of a miracle that I make it out of his office before crumbling. I shut the door behind me, and immediately sink to the exquisite mosaic flooring.

  Chapter Twelve

  Grady

  I watch her leave and don’t miss the tightened fists by her sides.

  I don’t blame her. I know I’ve been less than welcoming to her since she officially accepted her position at the beginning of the week. But snubbing her isn’t wholly intentional either. I’m just not certain of how to properly process her presence and I haven’t taken the time either to reflect on it. So, I’ve just altogether pushed her out of my mind.

  Except for the times when I arrive at the office. It’s too difficult then not to notice her. She’s usually either busy on her computer or going through documents, and each time it hits me just how unreal it is that I’ve had mind blowing sex with the woman. She is fucking stunning and in the tranquility of these mornings, it is almost impossible to get the notion out of my head that perhaps I will someday, be able to have her again.

  Right now, I’m as hard as steel, making it very clear that I get some sick kick out of watching her fume. The last time was in the hotel room when I had challenged her age and the defiance in those deep green eyes had doubled my arousal. Now, and at the recollection of the fists by her side, all I can think of is binding her hands behind her and pounding my cock into her. Over and over again. Stretching and filling her till she is pulsing and panting from the passionate barrage. Her ass would repeatedly slap against my groin, flesh passionately hitting flesh, filling the room with the wild, maddening cadence of our grunts and moans.

  My heart is now thumping against my chest, my breathing hard and heavy. Am I some sort of sick sadist? How can I intentionally ignore her and then relish the thrill of the aggravation it produces?

  With a push, I move away from the desk and rise to my feet.

  There is no way in hell that I’m going to be able to keep working without some sort of release, so I head to the bathroom.

  Soon, my cock is in my hand and I’m pumping it ruthlessly, my other hand against the tiled wall to support my frame as I chase the release I so desperately need. I will otherwise be unable to keep functioning.

  I have never done this beyond the confines of my home before, as nothing and no woman has ever pushed me to such a frivolous brink. Therefore, this goes to show more than anything, just how much trouble she is, and how susceptible I am for hiring her, regardless of my knowledge of this fact.

  A long groan flows from my throat at the intense release, my knees almost buckling from the violent burst of pleasure. It takes all of what is left of my self-control not to sound out the fucking mesmeric orgasm, my hand barely able to keep from slamming against the wall.

  I smear some of the discharge down the delicate skin of my cock and to some extent, it vividly brings to mind the feeling of being inside her. My body shudders as I bask in the delicious aftermath, and when things eventually subside, I lower my gaze to take in my current state.

  I’m still somewhat hard, but anymore and I just might rip the skin off my dick. What and whom I really need is just a wall away but there is no way that fantasy can ever occur here. I try my hardest to ignore the wisps of shame that surrounds me as I pull my pants up and head over to the sink to wash up.

  After putting myself in order, I glance back at the reflection of my blue eyes in the mirror and cannot deny that I look as haunted as I feel.

  I acknowledge now that this can’t go on for much longer. It’s either I fuck her, or fire her, but which one of the two however will help me keep my sanity, I have absolutely no clue.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Blair

  The hard, painful punch of my fist into the couch startles me back to my senses.

  “Fuck,” I wince.

  “Blair!”

  Layne’s alarmed tone sifts over to me. I turn to see the worried look on her face.

  “What the hell is going on? You’ve been so out of it since you got home.”

  “Nothing," I quickly reply, but I’m all too aware of what she is referring to.

  Ever since I walked out of Grady’s office, I’ve been on edge. After his scolding, I’d quickly returned to my seat and tried to wipe the daze off my face.

  I didn’t see or hear from him again until the time came for me to leave for the day. Usually, I waited until he left, which was sometimes almost midnight and it had brought more than enough scoldings from Layne that the company was working me too hard. I didn’t have the heart
to tell her the truth, that I was the one who chose to wait on my boss, who still didn’t bother to acknowledge my existence, so that I didn’t make the mistake of leaving in case he perhaps still needed me. Today however, I returned early, my altercation with him completely shattering my mood and self-esteem.

  “Everything is fine,” I try to assure her.

  Of course, she’s not buying it. “Really? What about him?”

  The mere mention of him causes my chest to constrict.

  “He still hasn’t warmed up towards you?”

  I don’t want her to be worried but at the same time, I also want to speak to someone before I lose my mind. However, one look at her bulging stomach and I change my mind. “Everything is fine, Mom,” I groan softly and rise to my feet. “I’m going to get more iced tea, do you want some?”

  She shakes her head, so I simply bring my now empty mug with me and the glass bowl that had been filled with potato chips an hour earlier.

  I spend a longer time in the kitchen than is needed to get my refill, but I need the time and space away to give the rampant thoughts in my head the chance to run wild, especially without Layne’s watchful gaze mere inches from mine. I start on the dishes in the sink, but then my phone begins to ring. It is however all the way in the living area so I tell Layne to get it.

  “Who is it?” I ask.

  She stares at the phone. “The person’s not on your contact list. Do you want me to bring it over?”

  I give it a thought. “Nah, take a message for me.”

  She proceeds to answer the call while I return to my mindless chore. It’s a few seconds later before I realize that she has gone a bit too quiet. Beyond her initial salutation, all she is doing now is listening intently.