d them out while Jamie lounged just beside him. Between the sun and the wind, everything that was bothering her dissipated for the time being.
"So have you met our summer intern?" His deep voice called her from her reverie, and she nodded.
"Yes. I haven't had the chance to talk to him much, but I think he's going to be sharing my office until the construction is all done."
"Hmmm... not sure I'm okay with that." He smirked and tugged one of the sails free before sitting down next to her. He slid his strong arm behind her and pulled her close, kissing the side of her face before touching her cheek and pulling her in for a long kiss.
She broke it a moment later. "Why? Seems like the sensible option. I'm rarely in my office anyway. I'll just make sure to lock up any sensitive information."
"It's not the information I'm worried about, silly woman. It's you. Any man with a working libido would want to wine and dine you. You're beautiful." He kissed her once more.
"He's a kid, Alex, and I'm not interested in anyone but you."
"If he's a kid, then you are, too," he chuckled. "Besides, the guy reminds me far too much of myself when I was his age."
"He's got blond hair and green eyes. He looks nothing like you." Jamie bit her lip seductively. "You've got the tall, dark, and handsome stereotype down perfectly."
"Not my looks; my attitude, my cockiness. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. He did a great job all throughout the interview process this past spring. I'm excited to have him on board, but I'd almost rather have him with me than you." He rubbed her shoulder as he studied her. "One more thing, but don't get upset."
She stiffened at his words. Why did people always preface something that was utterly upsetting by asking the one getting the information to not get upset? It was like it was destined to happen now.
"I'll try. What's up?" She turned a little, pressing her knees against his thigh and sliding her hand onto his leg.
"I'm only seeing you, and I want us to be exclusive..."
"But?"
"But, I don't want us to come out at the office just yet. I know it's ridiculous, but I read somewhere that younger, single CEOs have more respect and earning potential. Let's just keep us on the down-low until we're sure that we're ready to make the step of declaring ourselves to be a couple. That sound okay?"
A fiery arrow of rejection shot through her. Had he really just said that?
"Um... yeah, I guess." She shrugged and got up, moving to the back of the ship to look out at the water. Crying was out.
"Great. I knew you would understand." He wrapped his arms around her from behind and pressed his lips to the side of her neck.
Understand?
Not in the slightest.
Chapter 4
Jamie wanted to cry, or maybe tear Alex’s head off and toss it in the water rushing past them. He assumed she would be okay with keeping their relationship a secret? Part of her understood the impact around the office and the talk around the water cooler would be about them, but still…
A part of her—a big part—felt that he was simply too embarrassed to show her off in public. Just like her parents, just like Stephen, Alex didn’t want the stigma associated with dating someone slightly bigger. She was what? A size eight now? Maybe a six in some clothing lines. It didn’t matter that she’d gone down a few sizes. Alex was embarrassed, and he couldn’t admit it out loud.
The boat ride wasn’t something quiet and romantic. It was something sneaky and hidden. No one was around to see them. He could get his fill of her and not have to admit it to anyone.
Around mid-afternoon, she faked a stomach ache, and they went back to the dock. Alex tried to care for her, but she would have none of it. He wanted to keep them a secret, which felt wrong. Jamie couldn’t shake the thought that, after so many years of having her mother leave her at home because she didn't want to be seen with an 'overweight' kid, she was right back where she started.
She spent Sunday in the bed, wondering what the fuck she was doing with her life, and indulging in ice cream and vodka to soothe her sad soul. Alex stopped by in the morning, looking ready for a game of golf. He offered to make her something to eat, but she ejected him from the room, using the excuse that she didn’t want to make him sick, too.
How something so great as him taking her out on the boat had turned into such a nightmare was beyond her. Why the hell couldn't he have just wanted to tell her that she was good enough in the bed but not in public, later that day? He could have told her on the way home and left the boat ride fun and uncomplicated, but no.
"Asshole," she murmured against her pillow as the sun rose on Monday morning. She wasn't sure at all what she was going to do about him, but rolling around with him in the sheets was out for the next day or two. She needed to first convince herself that she wasn't a nasty blob that no one wanted to be seen with. Alex was right about one thing... she had lost some weight, and because of it felt a hundred times better.
Maybe his request was just selfish or out of ignorance, but, either way, it stung in places that she was working to heal. He could take a backseat for the rest of the week. She ignored the inner voice that said she was being silly and she should consider his position. His position? Didn’t the guy have enough money and respect? Sheesh!
After lamenting about life for far too long, Jamie finally dragged herself from bed and got dressed for work. Needing to look extra pretty, she took her time straightening her long blonde hair and putting on her makeup to go from okay to bombshell. Her white blouse was silky and accented her large breasts and thinning waist. A slimming black shirt and red heels made the outfit perfect. She sprayed on Alex's favorite perfume and walked to the car with very little drive to go into the office for the day.