“You don’t have to decide today,” he finally says. “Let’s just see what you feel most comfortable with.” He nods, raps his knuckles on my desk, and heads out the door before I can answer back.
I let out a long breath, and my shoulders sink down my back. I thought this was going to be a piece of cake. It seemed like a no-brainer, but now being around him, all I want to do is feel his expert tongue between my legs again. I squeeze my inner thighs together just thinking about it.
The thought of him hiring me to keep me quiet is now a thing of the past. I’m fairly certain he’s as put off by having to keep this a working relationship as I am. But now comes the big question, what—if anything—are we going to do about it?
Six
Jack
There isn’ta manual for what Sierra and I are going through. She’s in my thoughts from the second I wake up until I close my eyes at night. Damn that workplace clause! If it wouldn’t seem so obvious, I’d change it right now. But, people talk, and I’ve caught wind of their words. My reputation is all I have, and while I know I should ignore my overwhelming feelings for her, I can’t seem to do it. How can I make this work when the odds are stacked against us?
It’s not just her beauty that captivates me. Since she’s started working for me, everything she’s touched has turned to gold. The woman bleeds talent. In the three short months that she’s been here, a lot has happened. She’s not only created a name for herself as a woman who demands respect in her field, but the entire office looks up to her in a way I never would’ve imagined. It’s truly a sight to behold.
The whole time I’ve been lingering in the background, rooting her on. I’d like to say that all I want is for her to succeed—which is true—but, I also want to claim her, to take her the same way that I did the first night, and make her mine forever. I’m starting to think that I want her more than I’ve wanted anything in my life, and that includes the success of the company I’ve built from the ground up. I’d give it all away to have one more night with her.
You’re talking crazy, Jack…crazy.
“Hey, Jack?” The sultry voice awakens me from my thoughts. “Do you have a moment to chat?” I look up to find Sierra standing in the doorway, wearing a low-cut blouse and a pair of skin-tight jeans.
“Of course, Sierra.” I rub my thumb and forefinger against my furrowed brow, desperately trying to regain the composure a CEO in my position requires. “Please, have a seat.”
“Thanks.” She licks her full lips and sits in the chair opposite my desk. As soon as her earthy, lavender scent fills the air, I stiffen rock hard against my zipper. “What’s on your mind, baby?” Her eyes widen. I sit up straight. “I’m sorry,” I say and mean it. Not because I said it, but because my slip of the tongue brings a crimson flush to her full cheeks. Her feelings mean everything to me, and I don’t want to embarrass her. “Miss Alvarez.” I correct myself.
“This is awkward.” Sierra straightens her spine before crossing her legs. “But you're my boss, and I think this needs to be addressed.”
I want to take her sweet, heart-shaped face in both hands. “You can tell me anything.”
“I feel like if I don’t bring it to your attention, things could get out of hand.”
Every muscle in my body tenses. “What could get out of hand?”
She lets out a long exhale and pinches the bridge of her nose. “It’s probably nothing—”
“What’snothing?” My voice deepens, and my lip curls over my teeth. “You can tell me.” I hate thatmySierra isn’t happy. That someone is makingmySierra uncomfortable. I crack the knuckles on my left hand. My heart beats rapidly against my ribcage. I’m not afraid to fire any motherfucker who dares to mess with my woman. No one fucks with Sierra and lives to tell the tale. “Tell me, Sierra.” When she doesn’t answer right away, I raise my voice. “Now!”
Her body stiffens and judging from my aggressive tone, I can’t blame her. I let out a long exhale, close my eyes, and center myself.Only then can I meet her sparkling blue eyes. They’re trusting but also lined with both fear and hurt.
“I’m sorry,” I say, jumping up from my chair. I know it’s inappropriate to touch an employee, but right now, I don’t care. I place my hand on her shoulder and give it a squeeze. She looks up at me, and her eyes are red-rimmed with tears.
How is it that one woman could be both the life and death of me? The sun rises and sets with Sierra, and I’d give it all up to make sure that she’s safe and filled with joy.
“It’s Dan in Accounting.” She finally says with a pinched expression. “He put his hand on my thigh in the department meeting.” She looks up at me as though instantly regretting her reveal. “I’m going to HR but I wanted to tell you first, and please, don’t say anything. The last thing I need as the only woman in the design department is to become a target. You know it’s a boys club, Jack.”
My heart pounds against my ribs. I lean down and lift her chin up until her eyes meet mine. No one will ever hurt my Sierra. Dan’s a fucking dead man.
“You will never be a target. Do you understand?” I give her shoulder another squeeze. She nods, and swipes at the tear running down her cheek. “Take the rest of the day off.”
“That’s not necessary, Jack. I just thought you should know.”
“Did you hear me?” I rise to my feet, puffing out my chest. “I said go home. I will deal with this asshole, and I don’t want you anywhere near this place when I do.” My fists ball at my sides. “He needs to be taught a goddamn lesson.” When I look back down at my darling Sierra, she nods. Trails of tears still stream down her cheeks.
She stands and heads toward the door.
“Sierra,” I catch up with her in two long strides. When she turns to me, my whole life flashes in her bright blue eyes. I take her hands in mine. “I can’t keep pretending that you’re just another employee.”
Sierra nods, staring down at the floor. “I know. I feel the same way.”
“I’m not sure how all of this works. I’ve never been in a situation like this.”