Chapter 18

EIGHTEEN

“So, what’s the problem?”

Ava is sitting beside me on her third Mimosa. About an hour ago, she played rock, paper, scissors with Millie. Whoever won gets to drink. The loser is in charge of the kids.

Of course, Ava came out as the winner, lucky to be lying in the sun enjoying our lazy weekend.

“The problem is I don’t want to work for him,” I complain, letting out my millionth annoyed huff since I found out yesterday afternoon.

“Sounds to me like he wants to get in your pants.” Ava’s giggles are followed by a hiccup. “Too bad he’s married.”

I glance at Millie, who presses her lips flat and doesn’t say a word on the matter. Since our conversation at her house, she hasn’t brought the subject up again.

“Ava, can you be serious for like a second?”

She crosses her arms. “Fine, go on.”

“I was thriving in a job reporting to a woman. I don’t do well when being bossed around by a man.”

“You have daddy issues, like literally,” Ava concedes. “You’ve always argued against whatever Dad says or rules he’s set. On a positive note, your many battles with Dad mean you’ve got the stamina and strength to go up against Hunter should you disagree with him.”

“He’s my boss. It’s different. I need money.”

The boys become loud and rowdy, forcing Millie to threaten them if they continue. It’s no popsicles after the pool, something they desperately want so quickly behave.

“The real question here is,” Millie begins with, then continues, “is this what you want to do long term? If you’re in this to make money for a greater dream, then just be professional so you can move on to your next goal.”

I shrug, then release a sigh. “I don’t know. I just want my own place. As for a career, it doesn’t spark anything in me. It’s just a job.”

“Take it from me. You have to love what you do,” Ava assures me.

Millie nods. “I’ve always wanted to work in law. Maybe because I watched Mom, and she looked like such a badass winning all these cases. It’s like fighting crime but being a law-abiding citizen at the same time.”

“You know, you always told Millie and me you wanted to fix sick people.” Ava smiles, then continues to sip on her Mimosa. “You made us call you Dr. Edwards.”

“I was just a kid …”

“Not all dreams have to change,” Ava says wistfully. “But back to your problem, don’t let Hunter get to you. Work hard, prove yourself, then get the hell out of his house before something happens.”

Ashton jumps into the pool, splashing all three of us. I let out a gasp from the cold water, but maybe it’s the wake-up call I need.

Ava is right. Work hard, prove myself, and make sure nothing happens.

“Nothing will happen,” I assure my sisters. “Trust me.”

* * *

Monday mornings have become my least favorite part of the week.

I avoided going back to April’s the past weekend again, this time crashing at Ava’s house. The fear of running into Hunter gives me this constant paranoia. Everything needs to stay professional.

I’m standing inside his office, waiting for him to arrive. He’s an hour late, so I return to my desk and try to answer emails.

“Mr. Cash is here,” Meredith informs me.

Great.

Hunter turns up whenever he feels like it, and I’m supposed to stop everything just for him. Taking a deep breath, I fix my blazer and then follow Meredith to his office. He briefly glances up, then drops his gaze back to his phone.

“Meredith, please train Alexandra on how to complete the Anderson report. I’ll also need all the contracts printed, signed, and emailed to James Peterson’s legal team.”

“Of course, Mr. Cash.”

“You may both leave.”

I draw back, wondering why he is acting like a rude asshole? Following Meredith out of his office, I expel an annoyed huff but keep my opinions to myself.

The entire day is spent completing the reports he requested. When I finally finish, I print all the contracts and am forced to go see him to get them signed.

I knock on the door, waiting for him to gesture me in.

“Come in.”

With the pile of contracts in hand, I place them gently on his table, not throwing them in his face as much as I’d love to.

“For you to sign,” I simply state.

Hunter reaches out for his pen, then goes through each tab to sign the pages required. He closes the contract and places his pen down on his last page. This is bullshit. Like seriously, Meredith could have done this in two seconds. It is part of her role.

“Do you have a problem, Alexandra?”

I cross my arms, staring into his smug face.

“I don’t understand why Meredith couldn’t have done all of this for you?”

Hunter diverts his attention back to his screen while I stand here waiting for him to respond. There’s an email open, but he quickly closes it like it’s top secret or something.

“Do you think it’s wise to question your boss’s decision?”

“Probably not,” I tell him. “But I think we crossed being wise when you told me to make myself come when all I wanted was some Advil.”

His eyes widen as his fist clenches on the desk. Then, he glances at me with a stern expression.

“And did you?”

“Did I what?”

“Did you make yourself come?” he questions, still not showing any emotion like I’m supposed to answer his question honestly.

I clear my throat. “I have work to do.”

Leaving his office in a rush, I sit at my desk, ignoring my heated skin and possible flush of my cheeks. I avoid looking in the mirror because if they are, my looking at it will make it ten times worse. My water bottle sits at my desk, and I drink a decent amount to cool myself down.

Then, I think to myself, if you want to make me uncomfortable by forcing me to work with you, I’m going to strike when you least expect it.

An hour later, two clients arrive to meet with Hunter. As Meredith has taught me, I greet them in the foyer and walk them to Hunter’s office. Opening the door, I guide them, prompting Hunter to stand and shake their hands.

When he’s busy with the small talk, I quickly pull out my phone and send a text to him.

Me:Yes, I did.

The ping of his phone catches his attention, so he motions for the two gentlemen to take a seat.

“Is there anything else you need, Mr. Cash?” I ask, faking my best smile.

He glances at his phone, and I almost instantly see his chest hitch. I wait for him to look at me, then when his gaze lifts, I can see his eyes burning with desire.

“Nothing right now, Alexandra. I’ll be sure to call you when I need you.”

I step outside, fist-pumping myself mentally, but then realize that whole ‘stay professional’ boat has sailed.

I’m grateful he is busy with clients, giving me time to get work done with the hope of getting out of here before he summons me to do other shit.

The office is scarce. Only a few people left. I have one more thing to do then plan to leave as well. Josh asked if I wanted to join him at some bar his friend was playing at. I agreed since hanging out with him is not so bad, plus I have nothing else to do.

Inside the copy room, I’m cussing at the photocopying machine. I’m sure there’s a place in hell for machines such as this. The paper jam is driving me crazy. I let out a groan, ready to kick the machine. Besides, who would see, anyway?

Suddenly, a hand reaches over me and presses a button, making the paper come out. The scent of aftershave forces me to close my eyes, but I quickly open them, not wanting to fall under his wicked spell. His body is only inches away from mine, but given we are in the copy room, it doesn’t look good if someone sees us.

I clear my throat. “Um, thank you.”

“Maybe you should turn around and explain to me why you would send me such a message right before a three-hour meeting?”

Taking a deep breath, I slowly turn around. His eyes are blazing as if he is trying to control himself.

“You asked me a question, and I thought it was rude of me not to answer. You know, I’m supposed to respect my boss.”

“Alexandra,” he grits, biting his lip. “I asked you to work for me because I think you have the potential to go far in this company.”

“Oh, really?” I drag, not letting him say anything else. If arguing with my dad has helped me with anything, it’s standing up to men who think they can get what they want. “And here I thought you just wanted to sleep with me. Anyway, I need to go now. You know, I’m young and single. I got myself a date tonight.”

I attempt to walk past him, but he grabs my arm. “Don’t play games with me, Alexandra.”

“I could say the same to you.”

“Who are you going out with?” he demands rather than asking politely.

“A man,” I tell him, refusing to succumb to his intimidation. “But it would be extremely unprofessional of me to tell my boss what goes on in my personal life.”

He releases his grip, then places his hands in his pockets, trying to calm himself down. I have no clue why he’s so angry. It could be because no woman challenges him. He’s always used to getting what he wants.

“I don’t appreciate you lying to me.”

I tilt my head, drawing my brows. “There’s nothing to lie about. I have a date, and it may or may not end in having sex with him. That’s all there is to say.” I check my phone, pretending to look at the time. “I better not be late. Have a nice night, Mr. Cash. I’m sure your wife is expecting you to come home.”

Tossing my hair behind my shoulders, I walk out and don’t turn around.

After sending the contracts out via email, I pack my things and head home to get changed. Josh said the venue is kind of posh, so I opt to wear a black body con dress that sits just above mid-thighs, pairing it with my hot pink strappy heels. My hair is left out in waves again because I can’t be bothered doing anything with it.

April walks into my room, eating an apple.

“Love it,” she cheers. “This is your getting laid outfit.”

“Josh is nice, but I’m not going to fuck him …”

The moment it leaves my mouth, there’s a knock on the door. April’s mother, Kathy, walks in wearing an elegant gold gown. She’s a very beautiful woman, appearing to age very well.

“Well, don’t you look darling,” Kathy compliments with a smile. “To be young again.”

“Mom, c’mon, you look gorgeous.”

I nod in agreeance. “You look stunning, Kathy.”

“Thank you, girls.” She smiles, spinning around to show off. “It’s a charity event. Of course, Hunter is running late.”

My lips turn upward into a forced smile, ignoring the sweat forming in my palms. I remember what Will said, but I don’t believe him. Kathy is beautiful, and Hunter is a man. Surely, he can see the beauty, and given she is his wife, he has to be fucking her. It’s expected, given they share the same bed.

Suddenly, I bow my head in humiliation. What the hell am I thinking teasing a man like him?

“I better go,” I tell them, then grab my purse off the bed. “Have a good night, Kathy.”

“You too, Sweetheart.”

I practically race out of the room, and house, fumbling in my purse for my keys. I’m standing next to the driver’s door, still attempting to find my keys which annoys me, given my purse barely holds anything.

A hand grips my arm, causing me to jump in shock.

“You’re coming with me,” Hunter bellows.

“Are you crazy?” I barely manage, out of breath. “I have someone to meet.”

“Over my dead body.”

He begins to walk and demands I get into his car. I do so but make it obvious I’m annoyed. Without even hesitating, he starts the ignition and revs the engine.

“Where are you taking me? Kathy just said—”

“My place.”

* * *

It was only a fifteen-minute drive to the apartment complex, where Hunter apparently owned the penthouse. I stayed quiet for the car ride and just stared out the window.

I’ve been in my fair share of penthouses, given my parents own a number of them. It’s nice, for sure, with windows everywhere and views of downtown LA.

The furniture is modern, but the place looks like a showroom more than someone living here.

“Nice place,” I mention, looking around. “Big. So, is this your man pad? I don’t understand.”

Hunter places his keys on the kitchen countertop with an amused expression.

“I guess you’re used to living the luxurious life. This is where I stay unless I’m needed at the house.”

“Wait, so you live here?”

“Yes, Alexandra. Is that a problem?”

“It’s just … your wife lives in another house.”

“That she does.”

Hunter pours himself a drink that looks like bourbon or something of that caliber. It’s clear by his close-ended answers, I’m not going to get much more out of him tonight.

I place my purse on the countertop, watching him enjoy his beverage. “So, you don’t offer your guest a drink?”

“I’ll offer my guest a non-alcoholic drink. I don’t want you to drink and regret anything.”

His liquor cabinet is right next to him. I walk over, even though it means I have to stand right next to him. There are multiple bottles, but I spot the vodka. Unscrewing the lid, I don’t hesitate and take a long sip until it burns. Hunter wraps his hand around the bottle, pulling it from me. A few drops spill down my chest, dripping between my breasts.

“You’re wet,” he whispers.

I rest my hands on the glass table, trying to still my beating heart.

“I shouldn’t be here,” I tell him softly.

“But you are.”

“You forced me.”

No,” he states adamantly. “You could have fought harder. Not getting in the car or even downstairs you could have walked away. You wanted to be here, Alexandra.”

“Please don’t call me that,” I beg.

The vodka, combined with all these desires, consumes me as I stand here trying to fight my urge to touch him.

“It is your name, is it not?”

“It’s the way you say it. It makes me …” I trail off, shaking my head to free myself of these dirty thoughts.

“Tell me,” he whispers, moving in closer. “Tell me how it makes you feel.”

“I … I can’t. You’re my boss.”

His finger runs down my arm, causing me to break out into goosebumps.

“Now, when you call me your boss, it makes me …”

“What?” I question, staring directly into his eyes.

Hunter clears his throat, but I see he is struggling, which turns me on even more.

“Cross every line possible …”

Unwillingly, I bite my lip as my body aches. Everything feels overly sensitive, and the cravings grow stronger every single second that passes.

“I won’t fuck you, Alexandra. If that’s what you’re thinking.” His admission catches me by surprise. “You’re young.”

“I’m twenty next Saturday,” I remind him with sudden annoyance.

A smirk plays on his lips. “I know, I’m counting down the days.”

And just like that, he admitted the truth. I’m young, only nineteen, and he is thirty. We’re only just over ten years apart, like Will and Millie. Yet society has a stigma on age gaps.

Like I give a fuck, anymore.

“Let me get this straight.” I breathe, keeping my gaze fixated on him. “You won’t touch me, but I can touch myself?”

“Alexandra,”he grits.

I take his hand, even though I have no clue where his bedroom is. He senses my lack of direction and guides me to the room at the end of the long hallway.

There’s a king-sized bed in the middle with black satin sheets. All around the room is glass, meaning anyone can see us.

Oh … the thrill of being caught.

The desire is bringing out the spontaneity in me. I’ve never felt as turned on as I do at this very moment.

“If you won’t touch me, then you can watch me touch myself.”

“Alexandra,”he bellows, desperately trying to hold back, but it’s easy to see the force is greater than he can control. “On my bed, now.”

His demands cause my body to react instantly. Without another word, I pretend there are no rules between us, no lines, and I lay in the middle of his bed, fully clothed.

Resting my head back, I spread my legs and slowly slide my hand over my lace panties. They’re soaked, causing me to gasp at the slightest touch.

Hunter stands at the end of the bed, watching me with a strained expression. I close my eyes, listening to my body. My hand lingers between my legs until, out of frustration and impatience, I refuse to drag this out, desperate to come.

Pushing my panties aside, I thrust two fingers inside, arching my back as a moan escapes me. When I pull them out, they glide so effortlessly against my clit. I slowly get the rhythm right, knowing I won’t last long.

The bed suddenly moves, and Hunter is lying beside me. I can feel his hard cock pressing against my thigh, but he makes sure to keep a certain distance with his lips.

“Is this how you played with yourself when you thought about me last week?”

“Yes,” I croak, barely able to speak.

“Good girl,” he whispers. “Make yourself come for me again.”

I move my fingers faster as the sensation builds, and my skin tingles in delight. When the flutter builds in my belly, I let out a loud moan as every inch of me explodes into a euphoric finish.

Unable to catch my breath, I continue to lie here with my eyes closed, but then he reaches out to grab my hand.

My eyes open to watch him place my wet fingers inside his mouth. Instantly, the ache returns, just as a smirk spreads across his face.

“Perfect …” he hums, gazing into my eyes. “Just like I imagined.”