“I told you so,” Mindy murmurs as she sidles up beside me.
I blink a few times. “What?”
“Look,” she whispers while nodding subtly with her chin to the far corner of the room. “He brought friends and they’re gorgeous,” she whispers.
I turn and look, trying to keep my movements subtle, but as soon as I see Mr. Carhart, the air evaporates from my lungs. He’s so handsome in a dark suit which emphasizes his powerful frame, and those blue eyes that seem to glow in the subtle lighting of the room. Even more, he’s with two men who also take my breath away. Who are these guys? Just like Burke, they have dark hair, blue eyes, and imposing athletic frames that dominate the room. The charisma and power that emanate from the three alpha males is practically palpable, and it seems everyone’s looking at the trio from the corner of their eyes.
After all, how often do you get three alpha males together, all of whom are indescribably hot? It’s a rare occurrence and besides me, Mindy lets out a sigh, her eyes dreamy.
“It’s like their muscles are trying to break free of the suits, right? Mmm, I want to get one of them naked.”
“Mins! Oh my God!” I shush her immediately, looking around to make sure no one heard. Thankfully, no one’s paying attention. “Do I have to keep reminding you that this is a work function? If you’re going to ogle them, do it silently.”
“Trust me, I’m not the only one ogling them. Everyone’s ogling them, including other men.”
I have to laugh at that while surveying the room.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Burke and his friends are incredible, aren’t they?”
Mindy squeezes my arm while still staring at the trio ravenously.
“Don’t I know it! I’d love to have them served up on a platter, naked of course.”
I laugh again.
“OMG, you’re so bad.”
Mindy merely shrugs. “That’s where everyone’s thoughts are, girlfriend. Look around because seriously, I kid you not.”
I do, and it’s true. Women are staring at the trio gape-mouthed, while a few of our male guests seem to be blushing and shifting their weight from foot to foot. But the aura from Burke and his pals is definitely straight. I don’t have the best gaydar out there, but no way are these guys into each other. It’s just obvious.
“Okay, you’re right. But that doesn’t mean we should become part of the lookie-loos too. You might not work directly under Burke, but he’s still technically your boss. Make that your boss’s boss’s boss.”
Mindy merely sighs again while staring at my handsome employer.
“I’d love to be directly under Burke. He can take me in that position any day.”
“Mindy!”
We dissolve into a fit of giggles and I don’t even care if people see us anymore. Tears form in my eyes from laughing so hard, and I’m now enjoying this event more than ever.
“You look amazing, by the way,” I say to my friend. “That dress is perfect for you.”
She twirls around showing off the cream-colored number she’s wearing. It highlights her big bust and makes her look impossibly curvy. “Thanks! You look incredible too. That red is absolutely divine.”
I blush and roll my eyes.
“Except I look like a hooker.”
“What?” Mindy pretends shock. “Not a chance. Hookers don’t carry clipboards, after all,” she says, nodding to the board in my hands. “They have mini-purses, but not pens and papers.” I laugh.
“You’re right, this isn’t very hooker-ish, is it?” I ask, looking down at the papers before me. “Oh well.”
But there’s no answer from Mindy because she’s staring at something in the distance.
“OMG!” my buddy squeals, nearly dropping her drink. “He’s coming this way! Act natural, girl. Holy shit!”
I turn and sure enough, my gorgeous boss is striding to us with a purposeful look. Those blue irises almost seem to glow and I turn to Mindy to say something, but somehow, my friend’s already melted into the night. Typical Mindy, leaving me alone to handle the alpha male by myself.
“Hi Mr. Carhart,” I smile brightly when the huge man stops in front of me. Oh God, I’m shivering from heat as that azure gaze takes in my generous cleavage. Embarrassed, I press my clipboard to the front of my dress, trying to cover the shadowy vee between my breasts. Of course, Burke’s black eyebrows go up with amusement.
“Hey Jess,” he drawls casually. “You have a second?”
What can I do but smile and nod? This man owns my world, and he knows it.
3
Burke
* * *
When Jessica Arroyo become my personal secretary, I figured she’d be just like everyone else. Admittedly, I only glanced at her resume before she was hired, and even then, I can’t remember really reading it. If I knew what I know now, which is that the curvy brunette was a bartender at a BDSM club, I never would have agreed to put her on payroll. Instead, I would have tossed the sassy woman over my shoulder and headed straight for the bedroom before ravishing her until she screams.