Resisting the Boss

by Humphreys, K. L.

  Rubbing the shampoo into my hair, I love the strawberry smell that begins to waft through the bathroom. Shutting off the shower a while later, I grab for the towel and begin to dry myself off. “Althea?” I call out, wondering if she’s in the apartment.

  “Yeah. Wendy, are you okay?” she calls back, she sounds as though she’s still in my bedroom.

  “Will you check to see if my passport’s in the top drawer of my desk?” I ask, trying to wrack my brain as to where I left it. I don’t need it for this trip, but it’s best to take it and be prepared in case he decides to jet set off to somewhere outside the U.S. You never know with Jameson.

  “Already got it, I have put it in your purse so you don’t forget it.”

  “What would I do without you?” I ask, while pulling the towel around me.

  “You’re never going to have to find out. You better hurry up, you’ve got less than an hour to be at the airport.”

  Shit, I rush into my room to find her sitting on my bed packing my suitcase. “You’re the best.” I smile at her.

  She smirks, “You know it, now hurry up and get dressed. I’ll be giving you a ride.”

  Laughing, I open the drawer to grab some underwear, “You just want to catch a glimpse of Jameson.”

  “Hells yeah I do. You’re lying to yourself, that man is fine with a capital F! I’d do anything to be his personal assistant for the day, I’d get extra personal with him.” Her suggestive wink makes me laugh. “I have some clothes set out for you to wear now, you’d better get a move on though,” she continues.

  He is, that man is handsome and I’ve never said anything to anyone but I’m pretty sure that I’m in lust with him. All that man has to do is talk and my pulse begins to race. Every fantasy I have involves him in some way, shape, or form. But he’s my boss and I couldn’t go there no matter how much I’d want to. I glance at the bottom of the bed and notice a dress, Althea really has gone all out, and she’s even bought me new lacy underwear. The dress and the underwear are a pale blue. Quickly pulling on the matching lacy underwear and bra, I already feel sexy. New underwear can do that to you. As I pull on the dress, it takes a lot of wiggling to pull it down over my breasts and then my hips but once it’s on, it fits like a glove.

  Althea lets out a low whistle, “You look sexy Wend, that color suits you.”

  I blush at her compliment, “Thank you, I’d have never bought it if I were shopping.”

  She smirks, “I agree, but I also know what showcases your curves.” She glances at her watch, “Shit, we’ve got to go.”

  “What about my hair?” It’s still wet.

  “It's cute, leave it.” She tells me while zipping up my suitcase. “I wish I could come with you.” A cute pout forms on her lips.

  “I’d happily switch places with you but you’d never get any work done, you’d be drooling all over Jameson all day.”

  She lets out an exaggerated sigh, “True. But damn, it would be a good day.”

  Laughing I grab my suitcase off the bed, “Ready?”

  Jumping to her feet she links her arm through mine, “Yes, let's get you to the airport.”

  I nod, “Let me check to make sure I have everything.” I tell her, “You know me, I’ll have forgotten something.”

  She smiles, “You haven’t. I have packed everything. Relax, okay?” She’s practically bouncing on her feet.

  “Did you pack my charger?” I ask her as we walk into the living room.

  “Yes, and remember your passport is in your purse. There’s also sunscreen just in case he takes you somewhere hot.”

  “Althea, it’s a business trip, we’re not going on vacation.”

  She shrugs, “Who says you can’t mix business and pleasure?” She grins, “And with Jameson, it would be all pleasure.”

  I roll my eyes, “Althea!” I cry. She’s not wrong. Being with Jameson is something I’ve thought of a lot. He’s the man in my dreams that makes me cry out his name but he’s my boss. It’s something that could never happen, it’s been said that he would never sleep with his assistant.

  “Ready to go?” she asks, reaching for my case.

  I nod, “As I’ll ever be.” I swipe my purse from the sofa and the keys off the table as I walk past it.

  “Will you get my car keys?” she asks as she opens the front door.

  I grab them and follow her out of the house. My nerves are on edge and I’m not sure why. This isn’t the first trip I’m taking with Jameson and I doubt it will be the last.

  Seven

  Jameson

  "Yes, tomorrow. I'm so excited." I stop when I detect Wendy's voice. Glancing out the door, I see Wendy, Babette, and Keeva standing around talking.

  "So, this will be what? The third time? You rescheduled twice already." Babette asks and I frown, rescheduling what?

  Wendy sighs, "Yes, he's been so lovely about it. Most guys would have given up by now."

  "He sounds like a keeper." Keeva laughs, "How much do you know about him?"

  "Not much. Althea set up the date. She's been begging me for months to let her set me up and I finally relented."

  Fuck, she's going on a date?

  "Well, you'll have to tell us all about it Monday morning." Keeva's on my shit list. She sounds way too excited about Wendy's date.

  "I will." Wendy says and I glance just in time to witness that beautiful bright smile of hers.

  Fuck.

  I turn back to my desk and grab my cell off the table, hitting Gerard's number I wait for it to ring.

  "Mr Theroux, how are you?" he asks warmly. He's probably one of the very few that I'm not a complete asshole to. The man never annoys me. It probably has something to do with his father being one of the men that invested in Picture That in its early stages. David Monaghan became an important figure in my life. He helped me become the man I am today and his son Gerard was also part of that. When Gerard told David he wanted to be a pilot, David was disappointed but supportive.

  Every other week, I'm traveling and I needed someone who would be punctual and I could trust, so Gerard was the only choice really. He didn't even hesitate to become my pilot. He's paid more than he would be if he were working for an airline company and he has more time with his family. The only downside is he'll sometimes get unexpected calls from me asking him to fly me somewhere. He's never once said no, and these occasions, I'll pay him overtime as well as give him a bonus.

  "Gerard, I'm good thanks. How're Janice and the girls?"

  "They're good, Janice is expecting again."

  I smile, "That's fantastic news, congratulations. Is this one going to be a boy?"

  "I hope so." I know that he'll be happy if the baby is a girl though, he loves his family more than anything.

  "How far along is she?" I need to set up another account. When David died, the investment he made should have gone to Gerard but in David's will he gave his shares to me. I have since made an account for each one of Gerard's children, they'll all have the same amount of money in them by the time they hit twenty-five. I believe that if David were alive, he would have done it.

  "She's fifteen weeks. I'm just grateful she's not had that terrible morning sickness as she had with the other three."

  My smile widens, maybe that's a sign it's a boy. "That's good. How're the girl's taking the news?"

  He chuckles, "Kristine isn't happy, she's eight going on eighteen. She thinks it's the end of the world. Whereas Nora and Grace think it's amazing; they want a sister."

  "Once Kristie holds the baby, she'll change her mind."

  "Oh no doubt, but right now, she's being a pain in my ass."

  Now it's my turn to chuckle, "Isn’t that what they do?"

  He sighs, "Yep, and I've two more girls to hit that age yet. God help me when their teenage years hit. I'll be gray before you know it."

  I bite back my laughter, the man's gray all over. "Not long until those teenage years hit."

  He groans, "Don't. I can't believe my girls are ge
tting older."

  "They're sweet girls Gerard, your dad would be proud of them and you. You're just like your ol' man."

  "Thanks, Jameson." He's choked up.

  "You busy this evening?"

  "For you, never. Where are you wanting to go?" he replies instantly.

  "Vegas."

  He lets out a low whistle. "Business or pleasure?" he asks with a laugh.

  "A bit of both. How quickly can we be wheels up?"

  "Three hours?"

  "Perfect. I'll see you then."

  "Will do, I'll get the crew ready."

  I close my eyes, "Who'll be on tonight?" I'm praying that it won't be Lissa. She’s clueless when to stop. Every time she's a hostess for me, she's practically dry humping me.

  "That would be Lissa." There's humor in his voice, the ass is aware what that woman's like.

  "Fan-fucking-tastic."

  "Wheels up in three hours, Jameson."

  "See you then, oh, and Gerard, my assistant will be coming with me." I inform him.

  "Oh," he says. I've never brought Wendy on the jet before so he’s just slightly shocked. "Okay, I'll have everything set up."

  I end the call and open my Internet browser. I need to book a hotel, although sometimes it's better to call them, when they recognize my name they immediately upgrade me. I've stayed in one of those smaller rooms and could never do it again. Logging onto the hotel’s website, I'm fucking relieved when I find that they have my favorite suite available. I smile as I book it, Wendy's not going to know what hit her.

  Walking out into the reception, Wendy glances up and gives me a soft smile. "Do you need anything, Jameson?" Her voice slightly breathless. "I was wondering if it would be possible to finish early?"

  I grit my teeth, I’m not oblivious to why she wants to finish early. "Have you sent all the emails I've asked you to?" My tone has a bite to it.

  Her eyes widen, "Um, almost."

  "Have you updated the calendar with my schedule?" I ask through clenched teeth.

  Anger flashes through her eyes. "Not yet. So I take it, that it's a no to me leaving early?"

  "If you finish your work then we'll re-evaluate."

  "Fine," she huffs, rising from her chair. "I'll need another coffee."

  "I'll have one too." I turn around and walk back into my office. She's pissed and, I know that she's going to be even more so when I tell her that she'll be accompanying me this evening and tomorrow.

  I call Callum, "Have you heard from Claudette?" He's not mentioned anything about her since she told him that she had a miscarriage.

  He sighs, "Ya, it's a shitfest." He confesses. "She's driving me crazy."

  "What the hell is she doing now?"

  "She's still claiming that the baby was mine. That I'm the reason that she had a miscarriage."

  I shake my head, what a fucking bitch. "What about your PI? Has he not come up with anything?"

  He's silent for a beat. "He's MIA, he's not returning my calls."

  "Then call Clive."

  "I've been wondering if I should or not."

  "Do it." I tell him, "You need to be sure either way. You weren't in the fucking country when she got knocked up." Although I'm skeptical that she was even pregnant in the first place. "Clive is the best, I'll call him and give him the heads up."

  He sighs, "Thanks, Jameson. I'm fucking losing my damn mind with this shit."

  "I have no doubt that she's trying to wrap you around her finger."

  He laughs, "That's an understatement. She's doing everything in her power to make me the bad guy. If it's not a guilt trip, it's the damn waterworks."

  "Shit, at least she's not throwing shit at you."

  "Oh, I've had that. I've dodged a few mugs along with a couple of plates."

  I can just imagine, "Call Clive. Get this shit done. It's time to make sure this ends."

  "I will, it's on my to-do-list."

  "I'm calling him now, just to make sure that he's on it."

  He laughs, "No, you're going to demand that he does it."

  "Same thing."

  "Beers tonight?"

  "Nope, I'm busy."

  "Doing what exactly?" he questions, sounding suspicious.

  "I'm flying to Vegas."

  "Why the hell didn't you tell me, it's been a while since we've been."

  I roll my eyes, "I didn't tell you because it's a business trip. Wendy's coming with me."

  "Please tell me that you're actually going to do something about your situation?" He's smirking, I can hear it in his voice.

  "It's none of your damn business." I bite out.

  "I'll take that as a yes." He chuckles, "Let me just say, it's about time. She's fucking gorgeous, she's intelligent and she's not scared of you. She's your perfect match."

  "I'm going. Sort your shit out."

  "I'm on it. I need her off my dick."

  I laugh, "That's what got you into this mess in the first place."

  "What if it's true? What if she was pregnant with my child?" He sounds unsure of himself and I know that if it is true, his guilt is going to eat away at him.

  I don't think it is. Hell, I'd stake my fucking business on it. "How about you deal with that when you get to it. Until then, steer fucking clear of her." She's just going to be playing with his head.

  "Thanks for the pep talk." He laughs.

  "Anytime. Talk to you soon." I end the call. Quickly typing out an email to Clive.

  * * *

  She’s going to be pissed but I don’t give a shit. This needs to end one way or another. I’m over trying to hide this, I have a feeling that this isn’t as one sided as I had believed. I’ve seen the looks she gives me, the way her eyes flash with lust when I’m in close proximity. I’m sick of hearing her talk about her damn date, but it’s never with me, always with Keeva and Babette. She’s been driving me crazy and payback’s a bitch.

  I scroll through the contacts on my phone and come across Richard’s name, hitting dial I wait for it to ring.

  “Mr Theroux, how may I help you?” The shock in his voice is clear to me.

  “Richard, how are you?” I hate making small talk but it’s what is needed from me right now. I’m a businessman but was never given etiquette 101. I’ve learned from my mistakes along with reading people’s body language. It took a while and I’ve mastered it, now I’m one of the best.

  “I’m very good thank you, Mr Theroux. I’m hoping that with this call comes good news?” He’s nervous.

  “Depends. Are you still living in Vegas?”

  “Yes, Mr Theroux.”

  “Good, meet me at the bar in the MGM tomorrow at noon.” He’ll be there or he can forget about me investing in his business.

  “Of course,” he says, as if he’s been winded. “I’ll be there.”

  “Richard, ensure you have your proposal ready.” I’ve been to meetings where they’re unprepared. It’s one certain way to make sure I never invest in a business. If you can’t be prepared for the most important day of your career, then why should I invest my money in you?

  “Certainly, Mr Theroux.”

  “See you tomorrow, Richard.” I end the call and glance at my cell, Wendy hasn’t replied to my message yet.

  I’ve no doubt that she’s pissed, I’m wondering if she’ll say something about the timing or if she’ll just accept it. She’s not one to keep quiet if I’ve done something to make her mad, but she’s not open about her private life, so I’m curious. Glancing at my watch I realize that it’s time to go, I’ve got to swing by my apartment and grab a bag.

  This is going to be an interesting trip.

  Eight

  Wendy

  Walking up the steps to the aircraft, the wind blows my hair into my face. Darkness has descended on New York and I’m scared, I’ve never flown at night before.

  “Ms Evans, welcome to Theroux Airlines.” A chirpy blonde greets me with a fake smile as I reach the top step. She gives me a once over, one that screams ‘You
don’t belong here’. Usually when Jameson takes his plane, he travels alone, so having me here is messing with her mind. She probably wants him as does the rest of the female population and thinks my being here is a threat to her chances. That’s never going to happen, Jameson has never looked at me like that once.

  “Thank you,” I reply, giving her a warm smile. My mom always said it never hurts to give a genuine smile, it could make someone’s day.

  Walking onto the plane, I notice that I’m the only one here, I sigh in relief, it’ll give me time to read the email that I received just before I walked up the steps. The subject line was ‘Itinerary’. Taking a seat, I begin to read the email that Jameson sent me.

  Ms Evans,

  Included is our itinerary for the trip.

  Make sure that you’re up to speed with the details needed for the meetings scheduled.

  Saturday at 10:15, I have a meeting with Micah Klingsman. This will be a closed meeting and you’ll not be required to sit in. Ensure that you are ready for my next meeting at noon with Richard Hatch, he’s a new client so call Clint and have him find out everything he can.

  Sunday at 16:00 I have a meeting with Marian Lovelace; you’ll be in attendance and you’ll record this meeting.

  While you’re not in meetings with me you are free to do whatever you’d like, but be aware that on this trip you’re representing me and my brand. I expect you to act accordingly.

  Mr. Jameson Theroux.

  CEO of Limited Fractions

  Jesus, I just had to offer up my weekend for this jerk and he doesn’t even have the decency to say please or thank when corresponding with me! And of course I know how to act when I’m away on business with him!

  Shaking my head in disgust, I immediately call Clint, he’s Jameson’s go-to for background checks and finding out anything and everything he can about everyone.

  “Hey, Clint, it’s Wendy. Are you busy?” I ask as soon as he answers, I need to get this call done before Mr Asshole gets here.

  “For a pretty girl like you, never. What does his holiness need this time?” His response is immediate and as always comes with a smart reply.