Chapter 2

2

BLAIR

I was ready to bolt.

My asshole boyfriend apparently didn't even think that his dad didn't want me in here. I asked him repeatedly if he had his father's approval, and he said yes. The moment we leave this building, I'm breaking up with his sorry ass.

He opens the door, takes me by the arm, and drags me into his father's office. Great. An absolute gentleman as always. As if hearing every word he said about not wanting me here isn't embarrassing enough.

Then I see his dad, the man who doesn't want me, and something sizzles in the air between us so intensely that it takes my breath away, making me clench my thighs reflexively. He's the hottest man I've ever laid my eyes on, and that includes his son.

The moment our eyes met, he might as well have set me on fire.

I've never felt an emotion so strong that it's almost tangible, but now...now I know exactly what it feels like. And it's overwhelming. I can barely breathe. The man in front of me is the definition of ruggedly gorgeous. Tall, dark, and handsome is a cliché, but I think it's perfect for him. Standing around 6'7, his hair is peppered with silver, but it looks incredible on him, and his jaw is chiseled, a perfect match to the rest of his masculine features.

He's wearing a suit, which is no surprise, but the crisp, white shirt is rolled up his forearms, revealing thick, muscular forearms, and I can't help but wonder what they'd feel like around my waist, holding me while he kisses me. I shiver, my heart starting to pound in my chest. This is Tanner's dad? Holy shit. And why am I having dirty thoughts about him? I'm so confused.

The man's gaze is intense and focused, and I have a feeling it's a lot more than his desire to have a few words with me. But before I can analyze him further, Tanner speaks.

"G-good morning, Mr Beckett." I stammer, mentally chiding myself for making such a pathetic first impression. Oh my god, the way he's looking at me! I shift, feeling suddenly self-conscious.

"Dad, this is Blair. My girlfriend. Remember I told you I was bringing her in today for an interview? And Blair, this is my dad, Brian Beckett."

I feel my face get warmer with every minute his eyes are on me. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Beckett."

"Likewise, Miss Blair. Call me Brian," he tells me and holds out his hand.

When his big hands wrap around mine, sparks zip through my belly. The feeling is so overwhelming I almost pull back, but his thumb grazes my knuckles, making me pulse with need.

"It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Beckett."

I'm so frazzled, and I hope he doesn't see me shiver. My brain is trying to work out why my heart is racing and my skin is warm. Way too warm. I've never had a reaction like this to someone, especially not a man, and especially not an older man. It's unnerving.

"Now, as for your employment..."

I look up. Oh, yeah. My stomach sinks, and I'm almost certain that this is when I get kicked out of the building. And fired. Probably both. My boyfriend's dad, who owns a company and is a powerful man, does not have the time to train his son's girlfriend on how to copy documents.

But instead, Brian continues, "Blair, you'll be brought on as my photocopy girl."

Wait. What? He just offered me a job even though he doesn't even know me. I thought Tanner said he didn't want me here…but my goodness, I really want this job. Not for all the right reasons, either, but that's something I'll have to examine later.

Feeling a smile come across my face, I chirp, "Oh, great!"

Mr. Beckett—no, Brian—nods his head. "It's a good entry-level job. You start today. Tanner, get her a pass."

Tanner's face falls, but he nods. "Well, okay. See you later, Dad."

His son leaves the room, and then we're alone. I swallow nervously. What did I just get myself into? How can I work for my boyfriend's dad? Why am I so nervous, and why do I feel hot all of a sudden?

"Blair." Brian looks down at me with dark, intense eyes. "Why don't you stay here with me and I can give you a rundown on your duties?"

I nod, smiling, and he steps closer, so close that he's standing right in front of me. I have to tilt my head up to look at him, and my breath catches in my throat. His body is so close to mine that I can smell him, and the scent is intoxicating.

"So… You're my son's girlfriend. And you're going to be working for me now."

I nod again, and he takes another step forward. I take a step back. And another. And then, before I know it, I've hit the wall behind me, and he's still coming, and he's right there, inches from me.

"And as such," he growls, his voice low and seductive. "You're going to listen to every word I say. Is that understood?"

"Y-yes, sir," I whisper.

He chuckles, and I feel a thrill run through me.

"Good. Now, let's go over your duties. I think we're going to be working pretty closely, so don't fall behind."

Everyone looks at us strangely as Brian walks me through the office building. It's clear to me that no one knew there was going to be a new hire today. The office manager finds me a desk quickly enough, and Brian sweeps me away again to the copy room.

The thing is...I know how to use a photocopier. I'm still in college, but I'm slated to graduate early with my bachelor's in business. Taking a year off to live and work here in New York wasn't a decision my mother was thrilled about, but I was restless. But still...this isn't my first job, and a photocopier isn't exactly a difficult machine.

So why do I let Brian Beckett, Tanner's DAD, stand behind me and show me exactly which buttons to press, close enough that I can smell his warm, spicy scent? Oh yeah, because I'm so turned on by even hearing him talk that it's short-circuiting my brain. I'm so drawn to him, and I should know better, but it's impossible not to let him take the lead.

"Like this," he says, and his hands close over mine.

My breath hitches, and my heart goes wild. His touch sends a jolt of electricity through me, and I know he can feel it too.

"You're shaking," he growls in my ear.

"I'm sorry," I whisper. "I'm just nervous."

He chuckles, his deep voice vibrating through me. "Don't be. You're doing great."

I feel a rush of pleasure, and I lean into his touch. I can feel his breath on my neck, and it's making me wet.

"Now," he continues. "Press this button here."

I do, and the machine starts humming.

"Good girl."

He's not talking about the copier, and we both know it. But I can't help myself. I need to hear him say it again.

"Now, what?" I ask, trying to keep my voice from trembling.

"You're so good at following directions, Blair," he murmurs. "Are you always this obedient?"

"No," I admit. "Not always."

"Only for me?" he jokes, and I nod.

"Yes."

"That's good, Blair. Because I'm gonna teach you how to be a good girl for me."

"Brian..." I breathe, pleasure starting to sing through my nerves, and his hand tightens around mine.

"Shhh," he whispers. "Just relax, Blair."

His hands slide down my arms, and I'm shaking again. My breathing is coming in short, ragged gasps, and I'm not sure if I'm going to make it through this without melting into a puddle.

"Let's try again."

His hands come back up to cover mine, and I bite back a moan. Lust fogs my brain when his erection presses against my ass, and I curb the urge to wiggle and seek friction.

"Now, press this button."

I press the button, and the machine starts whirring again.

"Very good." His lips brush my ear. Just when I think things are going to crank up to levels I'm not sure I'm ready for, I feel the heat of Brian's body pull away from the back of mine. I think I hear him cursing under his breath, and when I pivot, he's just finishing adjusting his belt.

"Is…um…that all?" I ask. Brian looks like he wants to say no, but we're already on thin ice much too quickly.

"Yes," he rumbles. "The office manager will give you your logins for the system, and you'll be able to find your assignments there."

Brian leads me back to my desk, but from there, he disappears, and I'm left alone with nothing but a state-of-the-art computer and a lot of confused emotions.