Layer by Layer (Riggins Brothers Book 1)

by Kaylee Ryan

  My dick needs to stay far away from her. I can’t and won’t mix business with pleasure. Any intentions that I had for us are now squashed. She’s my employee, and I won’t cross that line. The future of Riggins Enterprises rests on my shoulders. Sure, my brothers are here with me, but I’m the CEO. Ultimately, it all lies with me. I need to stay focused, and lusting after the sexy Sawyer is not the way to do that. I don’t have it in me to give more than that. To anyone. Not anymore. Sure, I let myself get lost in the moment, the connection we shared on the plane, but the flight landed, and she walked away.

  That’s that.

  Now here she is, and I have to try like hell to forget those moments. Wallowing in those memories won’t do either of us a bit of good.

  “Good morning,” Gail says cheerily. “Oh, what is all of this?” she asks, looking at the mini garden center Sawyer has turned the reception area into.

  “The plant, I noticed it was too big for the pot.” Sawyer points to the plant and its new home. “So I came in early to repot it.”

  “And you helped?” Gail asks me with raised eyebrows.

  “No. I didn’t help.” It takes everything I have not to growl the reply.

  “He did.” Sawyer is quick to add. “He moved it for me.”

  “Well….” Gail beams, and I inwardly groan. I don’t need her romanticizing the act of kindness. Besides, if my new assistant threw out her back, I’d be even more fucked than I already am. It was for the greater good of the business that I offered my assistance.

  “Get this cleaned up,” I say, narrowing my gaze on Sawyer before turning and stalking toward my office. I don’t stick around to see what I’m sure is pain from my brashness flash in her eyes.

  My morning consists of a conference call from hell. We have a new location in Idaho, and the manager doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground. At least not anymore. When we hired him, he checked off all the boxes, his references were tight, and he impressed all of us. Now, however, he’s slacking on the job, missing deadlines, and doesn’t appear to be the same guy we hired over a year ago. I made it clear that if he doesn’t pull his head out of his ass, he’ll be looking for a new job. Then I spent an hour typing up the conversation to send to Gail for his personnel file. Needless to say, that’s not my favorite part of the job.

  My favorite is seeing the company thrive. A company that my father built with one truck, just he and my mother. We’ve grown by leaps and bounds over the last twenty years, and eight of that I’ve been at the helm. I love watching the family legacy live on. I was young, merely twenty-four years old when Dad decided to retire. He said he wanted more time with Mom while they were both still healthy enough to travel and live life to its fullest. Marshall, the youngest, was sixteen, but that didn’t stop my parents from enjoying life. They didn’t start to travel until Marshall was a freshman in college.

  As the oldest of five brothers, it was always I who would take the reins. Not that my brothers minded. They all have their own niche, so to speak, and they each bring that to the table to help make this company what it is today. All five of us love this company and what it stands for. They make my job easy. I know I have my four best friends, my blood, who have my back. I don’t have to worry about some money-hungry CFO or marketing guru who thinks they know what’s best for Riggins Enterprises. We are Riggins Enterprises. It’s in our blood.

  “Knock, knock,” Sawyer says, sticking her head in the door. “Sorry to interrupt. Your one o’clock canceled. I told them we’d have to see where we could fit them back into the schedule in the next month or so,” she says, stepping into the room.

  “How did you know to do that?” I ask. I hate when there is a last-minute meeting cancelation that’s been on the books for months. If there are extenuating circumstances, I look past it. However, my time is just as valuable as theirs, and if they cancel, they have to wait. That’s my rule.

  “Sam.” Sawyer smiles, and I swear it lights up the already bright room. “She said if they didn’t have a good reason to push them off. Was that okay?” she asks, suddenly unsure.

  “What was the reason?”

  “They needed more time.”

  I nod. “Thank you, Sawyer.”

  “You’re welcome. Can I get you anything?”

  “No. Thank you,” I say, rubbing at my temples. She nods and slips out the door. I’m glad Sam is training her; that’s one less stress I need to worry about. Turning to my laptop, I pull up a contract I’ve been working on and begin to read through it.

  Riggins Enterprises also buys up smaller companies who are struggling, and often times, we’ve even invested in them to help them thrive. Our motivation is not to eliminate the competition, but to make money. Sometimes investing makes sense, and other times, it’s more beneficial for both parties for them to sell. The contract I’m working on now is for a sale. Grant is taking the lead on this one, but as CEO, it’s my job to review and approve the contract before he closes the deal.

  My headache throbs and I’m glad that my meeting was canceled. Pulling open my desk drawer, I search for a bottle of headache medicine and come up empty. That’s when I remember that I asked Sam to order me some more. “Damn you, Jase,” I mutter. Placing my elbows on my desk, I bury my face in my hands. I guess it’s time to go in search of the first aid cabinet and see what I can find.

  “Sorry.” I hear a soft whisper. Looking through my fingers, I see Sawyer, stepping into my office. With a groan, I drop my hands to my desk and watch her as she strides toward me. She places a bottle of water and a small pack of Tylenol on my desk. “You looked like you could use these.”

  “Order me a bottle,” I say, tearing open the packet, tossing back the pills and downing the entire bottle of water. “Thank you, Sawyer,” I say once I’m done. I’m not a complete asshole. “Did Sam tell you to do that?” I ask.

  “No, but you were giving me the ‘I have a headache that would kill Clint Eastwood’ signal, so I took a chance I was right.”

  I can’t help but chuckle. “Kill Clint Eastwood, huh?” I ask, the humor evident, even with my pounding head. Memories of our talk of old movies and older country music filter through my pounding head. It just makes the headache worse when I think about our connection and how we will never be able to pursue it.

  “Yep. You’ve seen his movies, right? The man is unstoppable.” With that, she gives me a smile that I feel everywhere like a caress against my skin, turns on her black heels, and disappears out of my office.

  Grabbing my phone, I fire off a text. If I’m going to be tortured by my sexy new assistant, Jase should be as well. After all, I’m in this mess because of him.

  Me: I’m still pissed at you.

  His reply is immediate. It’s a picture of Sam sitting with her feet propped up on a pillow as she relaxes on the couch. She has a book in one hand and the other resting on her baby bump.

  Jase: One day, you’ll understand.

  He knows damn well that’s never going to happen. There was a time in my life I wanted the white picket fence, a wife, a family of my own. I learned the hard way that finding a partner you can trust, one you can lean on who is solid, is rare, and I stopped looking. This company, my brothers, my parents, hell, even Jase and Sam, and their little one on the way, they’re the only family I’ll ever have.

  Chapter 3

  Sawyer

  “To your first week on the job.” My best friend, Hadley, raises her glass in the air. I clink mine with hers, and we drink. “Tell me all about it.”

  “It’s good. I really like it. It’s a lot of responsibility, but the support is there, which is something I’m not used to.”

  “You said you’re admin to five people?”

  I nod, taking another long pull from my margarita. “Yeah, five brothers.”

  “Oh, tell me more.” She wags her eyebrows.

  “They’re all… gorgeous,” I admit.

  “Now we’re talking.” She holds her hand up in the air for a high-five,
and I slap my palm against hers.

  “There’s more.”

  “Do tell.” She wiggles in her seat and flashes me a grin.

  “You remember the guy on the plane, the one who calmed me down?” She nods. “Well, he’s the CEO. He’s my new boss.”

  “Shut the front door.” She leans her elbows on the table, getting closer. “Sexy plane guy is your new boss?” she clarifies.

  I nod and take another drink. I need it after the tension-filled week I’ve had.

  “What did he say?”

  “Nothing. It’s as if he’s not the same guy. He’s broody and short-answered. I’ve yet to see the man who calmed me down.”

  “Maybe that’s just him at work. You should talk to him about it.”

  “Nope. Not happening. I’m there to do my job, and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability, and that’s it. Done.”

  “The mature thing to do would be to discuss it with him.” She takes a long pull from her drink. “And if I were you, I’d be reading the handbook, you know, just in case.” She wags her damn eyebrows again, causing me to roll my eyes.

  “Seriously, Had, it’s like I’m walking onto a GQ photoshoot every damn day. I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” I admit.

  “Hey, at least it’s not Phil’s slimy ass crack you’re looking at.” She shudders at the thought.

  “Facts!” I raise my glass to her. Phil was my sleazeball boss who got my knee in his balls. He’s in his late fifties, with a protruding belly and a porn ’stache. “My view of the Riggins brothers is definitely an upgrade.”

  “I need names,” Hadley says, grabbing her phone from the table and swiping at the screen.

  “What would Derek think?” I tease her. Derek is her longtime boyfriend turned fiancé, and Hadley can do no wrong in his eyes. He knows she’s not going anywhere.

  “There’s no harm in taking a look. Besides, I need to see what I’m dealing with here.”

  “What do you mean? What’re you dealing with? I’m the one working with them.”

  “Exactly. I’m the best friend, and I see that gleam in your eye. I need to see the man who has caught your attention.” She points at me accusingly.

  “They all have,” I admit. “They’re all gorgeous. The Riggins genes are strong and on point,” I say, draining the rest of my margarita.

  “Even their last name is sexy,” Hadley says, her fingers flying across the screen of her phone. “Holy shit,” she breathes. Tearing her eyes from her phone, she looks across the small high-top table we were lucky to snag. “You work with all of them?” she asks, turning her phone so that I can see the screen.

  There, in all their sexy glory, are the Riggins brothers. Conrad loaded the new images yesterday. “That’s them.” I nod, lifting my glass to my lips, remembering that it’s empty.

  “I’ll go grab us a couple more. You hold our table.” Hadley slips off her chair, exchanges her phone for her small clutch, and makes her way toward the bar. Unable to resist, I reach for her phone, type in her password, and take a look at my bosses.

  I’ve learned a lot about the brothers this week. Gail is rather chatty and offered up information freely. I know that Conrad and I are the same age. That Marshall is, of course, the baby. Grant is a people person, while Owen keeps to himself, and in Gail’s words, Royce carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. I’ve witnessed how hard the five of them work, and the dedication that each of them holds to the family business.

  “Sawyer?”

  I turn to look over my shoulder to find a smiling Marshall. “Hey.” He leans in for a hug. I don’t hesitate to return it, which surprises me. I’m not exactly in the habit of hugging my boss. Especially the slimeball Phil.

  “Fancy meeting you here,” he says, stepping back. “Are you alone?” he asks, looking at the seat that Hadley just left.

  “No. I’m here with my best friend, Hadley,” I say as the woman herself slides back into her seat and pushes a fresh margarita across the table to me. “Marshall, this is Hadley. Hadley, this is Marshall, one of my bosses.”

  “No,” he groans, rolling his eyes playfully. “Not one of your bosses.” He switches his beer to his other hand and offers it to her. “Marshall Riggins, a friend of Sawyer’s.” He winks.

  “Nice to meet you, Marshall. Join us?” Hadley offers.

  “Yeah, let me call Conrad and tell him where to find us.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket and taps the screen. “Yo, where are you?” he asks. Placing his beer on the table, he covers his other ear to hear better. “I found Sawyer. Yes, that Sawyer. We’re at the high-tops near the bar.” He ends the call, slides his phone back in his pocket, and grabs his beer from the table. “He’s on his way.”

  “Hello, ladies,” Conrad’s smooth voice greets us. He doesn’t wait for an invitation, sliding into the chair across from Marshall. “Sawyer, who’s your friend?” he asks, eyeing Hadley.

  “This is my engaged, very-much-in-love-with-her-fiancé, best friend, Hadley. Had, this is Conrad, another one of my bosses.”

  “Just Conrad, lose the boss. We save that title for our older brother Royce.” He grins, offering Hadley his hand.

  “So, is it just the two of you tonight?” I ask them. I don’t know if I could handle all five of them at once. Who am I kidding? I don’t know if I could handle Royce being here. The other four, a piece of cake.

  “Yeah. Grant left this morning to go to Idaho to check on things there, Owen probably has his nose buried in a spreadsheet, and Royce I’m sure is either at the office or in his home office. He never stops,” Marshall says.

  “I thought Grant was leaving on Monday?” I ask. I’m suddenly panicked that I messed up the schedule.

  “He was, but shit hit the fan there last night. The guy in charge has gone AWOL, and we need to get things in order. He caught a flight out earlier. We dropped him off on our way here,” Conrad explains.

  “Well, I’m glad you could join us. We’re celebrating Sawyer’s first week at her new job. It only seems fitting that the two of you join us for a toast.” Hadley smiles at each of them.

  “Oh, we’re celebrating, but we need shots.” Marshall is out of his chair and headed toward the bar before any of us can object.

  “How was your first week?” Conrad asks.

  “Good.” I nod and offer him a smile. “Gail and Sam have both been great.”

  “That’s right.” He nods. “I forgot that Sam was training you from home.”

  “She is, and it’s been so helpful,” I tell him.

  “All right,” Marshall says, setting a shot in front of each of us. He lifts his in the air and waits for us to join in. “To Sawyer. Welcome to the Riggins family. May your journey be long and prosperous.” He smirks and tosses back the shot.

  From across the table, Hadley giggles and throws back her shot. Conrad does the same, and I realize all eyes are on me. Bringing the glass to my lips, I down it, and smile at them. “That’s so good. Doesn’t even taste like alcohol.”

  “Nope, but trust me, it’s in there. You ladies want to dance?” Marshall stands and grabs Hadley’s hand, pulling her to her feet. She gives him zero resistance as she follows him out to the dance floor.

  “Am I going to have to save his ass for that later?” Conrad asks, motioning his head toward his brother and my best friend.

  “No. Derek and Had are tight. He knows she’s not going anywhere, and vice versa. They’ve been together for years.”

  “Good. What about you? Anyone I need to worry about wanting to kick my ass if we join them?”

  “Nope. Just me.” Definitely not your brother.

  “You plan on kicking my ass?” he asks with a smile tilting his lips.

  “Depends, you think you can keep up?” I take a couple of large drinks of margarita until it’s gone, and stand. “Show me what you’ve got, Riggins.” I’m probably playing with fire, drinking and dancing with my new bosses, but the guys are nice and friendly. As long as it stays
that way, there shouldn’t be an issue.

  “Oh, it’s on.” Conrad finishes off his beer, leaving the empty on the table, and places his hand on the small of my back, leading me to the dance floor. Once we’re in the crowd, close to Marshall and Hadley, he places his hands on my hips, and we begin to move. Over the course of a couple of songs, I somehow end up with Marshall, and Hadley with Conrad. The guys are a blast to be around, and I soon forget that they’re technically my bosses.

  “I need a drink,” I say over the loud music. Hadley nods, and we motion to the guys that we’re headed to the bar. They nod in agreement and follow us, helping us move our way through the crowd.

  “Two margaritas, two bottles.” Conrad points to the beer of the guy next to him. “And four shots, something fruity for the ladies,” he tells the bartender, sliding his black Amex across the bar.

  We down our shots, and take our drinks with us back out on the dance floor. We repeat this same process more times than I can count. Finally, the bartender announces last call, and we realize we’re all too drunk to drive.

  “I’m calling D-Derek.” Hadley grins.

  “Fuck,” Marshall mutters. “Grant is usually who we call. He’s more laidback than the others.” He looks over at Conrad. “Owen or Royce?”

  “Owen,” they say in unison.

  I feel my shoulders relax that they didn’t choose Royce. I tune them out and try to focus on Hadley and her conversation with Derek. He’s picked us up before, but it’s been a long time, a very, very long time since we’ve let loose like this. And I did it with my bosses!

  “Am I getting fired?” I blurt the question.

  “No. Why would you even ask that?” Conrad asks.

  “You’re,” I drunkenly wave my hand in the air toward them, “you’re my bosses, and I’m drunk.”

  “You’re not on the clock, Sawyer. Besides, it’s a free country. You can drink if you want. You’re of legal age. You’ve done nothing wrong,” Conrad assures me.