Rugged Boss Read online

  After thirty minutes of laying on my bed scrolling through social media, pretending that I’m not obsessing over the best kiss of my life, I admit I might be avoiding the issue. Huffing at myself, I make a call.

  Josie and I reconnected recently. We were roommates in college and hadn’t seen each other for a couple years. Now we’re both a bit older and wiser. Pff. I roll my eyes at myself. I might not be much wiser. But I could use some advice from a friend.

  “Hey, Tess.”

  “Hey, Josie. You got a minute?”

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  “Remember at your book signing when you said something about ‘having good bosses’ here?”

  Josie’s laughter fills my ear. “I don’t remember saying that exact thing, but I can imagine.” Josie and her partner, Ben, have been together for a while, but they met when he was her boss. “Why, what’s going on? Did you get a bad boss?”

  “Um, maybe?” That’s part of the problem. I’m not sure if meeting and working for Rand is a good thing or a bad thing. He’s helped me numerous times, but he also lied to me. On the other hand, our chemistry is off the charts. But do I want to take a chance with someone when I’m already vulnerable in so many ways?

  I share the situation and my concerns with Josie.

  She takes a deep breath that I can hear over the line. “Tess, I have a lot of thoughts about this, but my first question is this—what do you want?”

  Good question. I know what I don’t want. “I don’t want to be hurt.”

  “That’s right. Taking care of yourself is the first priority,” Jose agrees instantly. “But what do you want?”

  Staring at the ceiling, I let my thoughts settle. One thing becomes glaringly obvious. “He makes me feel good.”

  “Even with the lying?”

  “He didn’t lie. More like he didn’t tell me the whole truth.” Not so different from what I did with my mother when I first got home. When she asked, I didn’t tell her about the drama from this morning because I didn’t want to add to her worries.

  “Do you think he hired you to get in your pants?”

  “No, I think he really sees me as qualified, and wanted to help me out during a rough time.”

  “Okay, then. Let me ask again. What do you want?”

  My blood heats just thinking of the makeout session with Rand in the woods. I’ve never been so aroused in my life. It didn’t just feel good. It felt like buttercream frosting with rainbow sprinkles good.

  “I want to feel good.”

  “You deserve to feel good, Tess. You have so much crazy in your life right now. If your ruggedly handsome boss makes that go away for a minute, I say let him.”

  Josie and I chat for a few more minutes and then hang up. She’s right. I deserve to feel good. And my entire body is ready to know just how good Rand could make me feel. Even thinking of his woodsy smell has heat gathering in my core. I just have to make sure to protect my feelings. I’m not sure I can handle any more heartbreak in my life right now.

  The next day, I strut into the elevator at work wearing a deep red pencil skirt and a black button-down shirt tied at the waist. Black lace lingerie from my favorite brand, Intimates & You, completes the outfit. I feel sexy from my cherry-red lipstick down to my badass black heels.

  Rand thinks he’s ready for me. We’ll see. All I know right now is I’m tired of life throwing me into the storm—quitting school, moving back in with my mom, my step-dad getting ill. The last few months have been full of me struggling to survive.

  But with Rand, I get to make the choice. Is it the right choice? I don’t know. Am I getting in over my head? Very possibly. But I haven’t felt this empowered in months. It’s intoxicating.

  Jesse passes me in the hall on the way to my office, looking dapper in a trim charcoal suit. He whistles appreciatively. “Damn, girl. What’s gotten into you today?”

  “Jesse, my dear. It’s not about what’s gotten into me—it’s about what’s going to get into me.” I give him a wink as I open the door to my office.

  “The way you look right now, girl, anything you want,” he mumbles under his breath. But his eyes twinkle as he asks, “Want me to let Rand know you’re here?”

  “He can find me when he’s ready.”

  “Pretty sure he’s been ready.” Jesse leans on the door frame. “You know what you’re doing, Tess?”

  “I got this. Thanks, Jesse.” I shoo him out of my office and take a seat at my desk. I may have been overstating my readiness a bit. Now that I’m at work, goosebumps erupt up all over my skin. It’s too late to back out now. And if I’m honest, I don’t really want to.

  Especially when Rand walks into my office a few minutes later looking like sex personified in dark blue jeans and a crisp white shirt. His heated gaze runs over me, causing my breasts to tighten with awareness.

  “You came.” His deep voice sends shivers down my spine.

  “Not yet,” I respond with a smirk.

  He takes a half step forward as the implications of my comment hit him. I catch a whiff of his woodsy scent. It’s like a trigger—like he’s the treat and I’m Pavlov’s dog. My core clenches, remembering the last time that scent was all over me.

  “I can take care of anything you need.” He leans forward, putting both hands on my desk. God, when did strong, calloused hands become so sexy?

  “Are you sure about that… boss?” I say softly. He isn’t the only one who knows how to seduce. I lean forward, a classic move. His gaze drops to my lips and then to my cleavage. I may have “accidentally” left a third button undone. His knuckles whiten on the desk and his breathing deepens.

  Straightening in my seat, I turn to my computer and adopt a professional air. “Rand, I need to get to work. Was there some paperwork or something you needed from me?”

  He stalks me, coming around the desk until he’s standing in front of me. The large bulge in his pants strains against his jeans and is right at my eye level. I can’t tear my gaze from it, even as he leans down and grasps my chin with his hand.

  “You. You are what I need.” The command in his voice has moisture gathering in my core. He claims my lips in a quick, deep kiss. I stare at him in a stupor as he walks to the door. “Be ready at lunch, fighter.”

  Chapter 6

  Rand

  What the hell is Tess wearing today? She looks like a temptress. Fuck. If her outfit and attitude aren’t a sign that she’s on board, then I don’t know what is.

  When I first saw her cherry red lips, I thought of all the things I want to do with them this weekend. When she leaned over and flashed her creamy flesh encased in a black lace bra, the timeline moved to lunch. And when she sassed me—going on about paperwork—my patience almost broke.

  Now, I pace my office, uncomfortably hard, but unable to focus on anything but the woman I just left. Wavy, honey-colored hair that I can’t wait to see wrapped around my hand. Grey-blue eyes that are like the depths of the ocean and the sun reflecting off its surface at the same time. Skin that I’m desperate to taste. And her curves, so soft and lush. God, I want to feel them under me as I drive into her heat.

  How am I supposed to get any work done knowing she’s just one floor away? Fuck it. It’s my company. She’s my woman. And I’m tired of keeping my inner beast leashed when it comes to Tess.

  Making a decision, I dial her work line.

  “Hello, Tess speaking.” God, I swear she uses that breathy voice just to get me worked up.

  “Tess, come to my office immediately.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. Did I get in trouble already?” The little tease. She has no idea that each time she challenges me, part of me wants to build her up. But the other part—the larger, hungrier part—wants to pleasure her until she’s begging me for release.

  “Get up here, fighter. Now. Take the stairs.” I end the conversation, already leaving my office and heading to the stairwell. I literally can't wait any longer.

  I meet her at the landing between
floors, pressing her against the concrete wall with the length of my body.

  “Rand, what are you—?”

  “Fuck, Tess. What do you think I’m doing?” I grip her head with both hands, holding her in place as I devour her mouth. Groaning, I tremble at the feel of her breasts pressing against my chest.

  “But what about lunch?” Still sassing me, the minx. I bite her bottom lip in punishment, then soothe the area with my tongue.

  “Our plans for lunch haven’t changed.” I move one hand to the back of her neck angling her for further penetration. She whimpers in pleasure, the sound sending a possessive heat shooting through my body.

  “You like that, don’t you, fighter? You like knowing that this is only the beginning.” I kiss along her cheek until my lips rest lightly against her ear, whispering softly. “You like knowing that by the end of the day, I’ll have owned every part of your gorgeous body.”

  A full body shiver rolls through her at my words. I lick the skin along her neck, following the same path I traveled the day before, memorizing her unique flavors and textures. I’m so caught up in the taste of her that I don’t notice her hand moving until she’s cupping me through my jeans.

  “Fuck, that feels good.” My hips thrust forward in an unconscious movement. The only thing keeping me from tearing off her clothes and taking her in the stairwell is the need to protect her. She’s mine. And damn if anyone else will see her arousal ever again.

  “Tess, we need to—” She writhes against me, forcing all coherent thought from my mind. My fingers automatically move to undo the buttons on her shirt.

  “Yes, Rand. I need you.” Her heavy-lidded eyes look at me through long lashes. I want to sink into her warmth in every way possible. But not in the stairwell.

  “Go to my office, Tess. Now. I’ll be right behind you.”

  “Are you sure we should do this at work?”

  Claiming her lips in a bruising kiss, I show her how serious I am. “Too late, fighter. Get going.” I slap her on the ass to get her moving, then follow behind her, staring at her ass the entire time—imagining all the things I can do with it now that she belongs to me.

  As we pass Jesse’s office, he pops his head out. “Hey Rand, do you have time to—”

  “Later,” I practically bellow at him. Nothing is getting between me and Tess. Not now, not for the rest of the day. Maybe not ever.

  What feels like hours later, we step into my office. I close the door behind us, the echo of the lock engaging the only sound in the room.

  Moments pass as I absorb the vision in front of me. God, she’s beautiful. And she’s getting nervous, twisting her hands in a way that makes me want them on my cock.

  “Rand, do you still want to—?”

  I cut her off. No way will I allow her to think I don’t want her.

  “You’re mine now, fighter. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.” I prowl toward her, keeping my hands in my pockets so I don’t give into the temptation to rip her clothes off until she’s naked and panting before me.

  “Now—take your clothes off.” At this point, I’m standing behind her. She unbuttons her shirt, letting it fall off. Catching it, I toss it into the corner of the office.

  “The skirt zips in the back.” She turns her head, her gaze darting back at me.

  “So, I see.” I undo the zipper, letting my knuckles rub along the skin of her ass. Hints of black lace peek through the opening.

  “Thank you, sir.” Tess shimmies out of the skirt and turns to face me, a vision of curves that has my cock hard as a goddamn rock.

  But it isn’t just her body that has me desperate to claim her. It’s the trust in her posture, the heat in her eyes, and her acceptance of the beast inside me. She’s a fucking miracle. One I don’t intend on taking for granted.

  Especially when she lifts her hands to her breasts and pinches her nipples. “Rand, please. Touch me.”

  As you fucking wish. Within seconds, my own clothes have disappeared and I stand before her in my boxer-briefs. She rubs her thighs together as her gaze travels over me. I’d give her more time to appreciate the view, but I’m too damn hungry.

  “Sit on the desk and spread those legs for me.” She turns and walks to the desk. Fuck, she’s still wearing those fuck me heels. Paired with a thong that divides the two most luscious globes I’ve ever seen. The beast fights for control, ready to mark my women with scent and seed.

  But first, I need to taste that sweet pussy. I kneel on the carpet between her legs, intent on the bounty before me. My finger draws a thin line up the length of her panties, making a twirling motion over her clit. She squeals my name, while moisture glistens between her thighs.

  “Hush.” I bring my finger back to the fabric covering her opening, pressing it gently inside her warm heat. The silky fabric tightens over her mound, her clit obvious and undeniable. “Mine,” I mutter right before I cover her with my mouth, licking and sucking her clit through the fabric of her panties while my finger continues it’s teasing forays below.

  Tess falls back onto her elbows, her moans filling the room. “Rand.” Her body gyrates with unfulfilled desire. “I need more.”

  She’s right. This teasing has gone on long enough. Twisting the fabric in my hands, I tear through the black lace and toss it aside. Clasping my hands around her thighs to hold her in place, I dive greedily into her moist depths. I lose track of time, bringing her to the edge of release over and over. She tastes like fucking honey. Her moans of pleasure are like the most heavenly music. Glancing up, I notice Tess has pulled the cups of her bra down. My cock throbs as I notice she’s pinching her nipples in time with my licks. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.

  Eventually, her moans turn into broken pleas. “Rand, now. Please, get inside me. Now, please.” Each breath takes me over the edge of control. With my last coherent thought, I grab a condom from my desk, pulling it quickly over my cock before thrusting my length into her pulsing heat.

  Her head falls back, hair hanging over my desk as she screams in pleasure, her core immediately pulsing around me. My inner beast roars in satisfaction. Finally, she’s mine. Mine to protect. Mine to provide for. Mine to worship.

  My hands find her hips, holding her in place, trying to get closer. Further. Deeper.

  “Need to get deeper.” I barely know what I’m saying as I pull out, turning Tess over so her breasts and belly lay flat on my desk. Her pussy at the perfect height for my cock. I slide into her, groaning as she accepts every inch of me.

  “Rand. God. Harder.”

  My cock reaches new depths with each breathy request, pounding into her with relentless fury until she explodes around me again. Pure primal desires run through me. I lose my rhythm as my beast takes over, arching over and biting the muscle where her shoulder meets her neck. Growling incoherently, I thrust powerfully one last time before finding my release.

  Chapter 7

  Tess

  Settling into the chair next to Sal’s bed, I set my tea and toast on a side table. It’s Saturday. My mom pretty much hasn’t left the house all week. It’s my turn to watch over my stepdad while she runs some errands.

  “I’ll be back in about two hours.” She picks up her purse hanging next to the front door. “Make sure to call me if anything happens.” Sal has been getting worse. She doesn’t want him to pass away while she’s getting groceries, but she also needs to take care of herself so she’s strong enough to be there for him. There’s no right answer, and the strain is taking its toll.

  “I will, Mom. I promise I’ll be right here.”

  She leaves and I lean back in my chair, closing my eyes. Sal has been sleeping most of the day. He saves his best energy for my mom. Not that he’s able to actually do much, but the love in his eyes when he looks at her is enough.

  My mind and emotions are all over the place. The contrast between home and work is staggering. Right now, home is a place of sadness—like we’re just waiting for a tsunami of grief to overwhelm us. Whereas at w
ork, I’m walking on cloud nine. I enjoy my job, I’m making great connections for my career, and—let’s not dance around it—Rand gives me orgasms. Lots and lots of orgasms.

  Not just the ones in his office, either. No. We spent the day in a haze of hedonism, with an extra dose of possessiveness from Rand. At lunch, he took us out and fingered me under the table until I creamed my non-existent panties. When we got back to the office, he told my supervisor he needed me as an assistant for the day. We ended up getting some work done—if you call him eating me out in the conference room “work.” By the end of the day I was sore, sweaty, and satisfied.

  Rand didn’t want to let me go, asking if I would join him for the weekend. When I had to refuse, I could tell he was disappointed but that he understood. The whole reason I’m here is to help my mom. Weekends are reserved for her.

  I stayed a little late in the building, hoping to miss the rush of people leaving at five. It worked, mostly. I ran into Jesse in the elevator on the way down. He just shook his head at me, grinning as I blushed.

  Hell, I’m blushing right now. Spending the entire day basically naked with my ruggedly handsome boss felt naughty, dirty, and sinful—and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

  For the next couple hours, I let my mind wander through memories and daydreams. Making sure to check on Sal every so often. When my mom gets home, we eat some food she brought home and then I head upstairs. She likes to have some alone time with Sal, understandably.

  The rest of the weekend goes the same way—my mom and I taking turns with Sal while the other showers, makes a meal, or takes a walk. Which is what I’m doing when I get a call from my mom on Sunday evening.

  “Tess, you’d better come home. Sal just passed away.” She sounds sad and wistful, like if she doesn’t cry too loudly, then the pain will go away.

  “What?” I spin on my heel, speed-walking in the direction of home. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  Tears run down my face as I hurry home. My mom married Sal after I graduated high school. My parents divorced when I was little, so I was actually glad that she found someone. Sal and I weren’t particularly close, but I knew his death would devastate my mom.