by Claire Angel
“Are you sure? When I told her I loved her, she said I was just a friend to her! Can you believe it? She just wanted to travel; she didn’t care about the feelings I had. She’s such a gold digger.”
“I said I’ll sort it out, Brian. Now, go home.”
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry.”
“And, Brian. Apologize to Lisa, and don’t come back drunk again.”
“Okay, I am sorry, Con.”
“Ask my driver to drop you at home.” I didn’t want him to drive while he was too drunk.
I stood against the glass, looking down from my office onto the street. Lisa was standing there smoking a cigarette. Brian walked right past her without saying a word. It was times like these that made me a little suspicious of Brian’s character.
I was working the rest of the day, and I got a call from Kennedy in the evening. “Yes, Kennedy?”
“Deal is final. Sunlit is all yours, Conner,” Kennedy said.
“Great. Thank you.” Just like that, SunLit was mine, and I was desperate to see the girl, Erika, who had been so rude to my brother.
Chapter 4
Erika
Two days later…
“Can you believe this, Erika? There’s news floating around! They really sold this place.” Tia looked concerned and excited as she exclaimed.
She was excited because she was curious who the new boss would be, but concerned at the same time, because I was up for a promotion. That all might change now. I listened to Tia ponder over the countless possibilities of who the new boss would be and whether he would be kind or whether he would be as frugal and strict as the last one.
I was thinking about how I spent countless hours learning how to write with Java right after James switched the firm’s coding language from Python to Java.
“What if I don’t get my promotion?” I was infuriated. After all that work, after all those nights I spent alone. I was already annoyed at what happened with Brian two days ago and then his persistent messages and threats.
“The new boss is on TV, Erika!” I heard Tia’s voice echo through the entire office floor. Everyone was interested to see who it would be. “No way.” Tia gasped at the television. She and I, well, everyone in the office had their jaws on the floor as they saw that Conner Roland, the youngest self-made billionaire in New York City, was the new boss.
“OMG! He is hot,” Tia exclaimed, and she wasn’t interested in the money as much as she was in the physical specimen Conner Roland was. Every inch of his physique looked as if it were hand sculpted. We could tell through the pristine suit he had on. The grey tone of the suit contrasted with his emerald eyes fantastically.
Tia and I both got very excited knowing that Conner Roland was going to be our new boss, but the next moment I was worried because he was Brian’s elder brother. A part of me thought that he must have everything Brian lacked: drive, work ethics, and purpose.
As we all watched Conner command the media with his words and explain his interest in acquiring a software company, everyone was too busy ogling him rather than listening.
“Erika, we have a meeting with this man in a couple hours. I’m going to go get changed immediately.” I could feel Tia’s desperation, her desire for Conner.
“Alright, but try not to embarrass me in the meeting.” I won’t lie, I was thinking about how Conner’s body would feel against mine, how his arms would wrap around me, but I was more interested in the promotion. After all, I had worked so hard for it. I was hoping Brian didn’t tell him about the events of the morning. I really didn’t want that to affect all that I’d worked for. I proceeded to get back to work, to make sure everything was ready for the meeting with Mr. Roland.
Twenty minutes were left before the meeting when Tia arrived, dressed to impress. She had taken her pantsuit off and put on a skirt and a blouse, a deep red skirt that contrasted with her pale legs, and a white blouse that highlighted her tight yet voluptuous build. She was ready to meet Conner, but I was still in my normal work attire, just wearing a simple purple dress, not showing much of anything. I mean, I wasn’t ashamed of my body. I worked hard every day to keep it the way it was, but I didn’t see the need to unnecessarily flaunt it, especially in my first meeting with my boss.
Within a few minutes, there was a hush all around the office as the elevator door opened to reveal every inch of this 6’3” specimen. I would say he was so close to perfection. The way the entire staff just turned and looked at him in disbelief, it was clear everyone knew just how attractive this man was.
He stood there, observing, in the same grey suit. He looked different on television. The cameras didn’t capture every bit of his beauty. His dimples rested under his strong cheekbones, and the slight contour of his nose, the depth of his eyes, how they were so beautiful and emerald, yet filled with so much ferociousness.
I couldn’t help but begin to undress him with my eyes, and suddenly he pointed toward me and said, “Erika and Tia, in my office, now.” There was so much strength in his voice. I was wondering how he knew what Tia and I looked like. And, I hoped he didn’t notice how I was undressing him.
He was with a team of ten to twelve people, but they all left the office after the introduction. Our manager guided our new boss toward his office and he walked inside.
As soon as he got inside his office, Tia and I walked in. He was standing against the window, looking outside, almost as if he was more interested in the construction happening outside than in us.
“Yes, Mr. Roland. You asked for us?” Tia let out. She was clearly under some pressure, but she was standing with her posture as straight as possible in case he looked at her.
“Yeah, I was told you both are working on a new project.” He seemed more interested than our last boss. There was genuine consideration and curiosity in his voice.
“Do you mind if we sit?” I asked. Our project was somewhat intricate, so I didn’t want to stand the whole time, and I knew Tia couldn’t. Not with the thoughts that were brewing in her mind.
“Yes, I’m sorry. Take a seat.” He gestured toward the two chairs placed for clients in front of the mahogany desk.
Instantly my eyes caught the ring he wore on his middle finger, a plain band. “Is he married?” I thought to myself, completely disregarding that it wasn’t on his ring finger. On top of that, he was one of the billionaires in the country, and it was difficult for a successful man to hide his personal life.
Tia and I sat down, and as I began to tell him about our project, he seemed to look a bit more interested. That’s when he finally turned to us and began to unbutton his coat. It looked like it was Armani, simple yet refined. There was no need for anything else. It hugged his body, revealing each contour of his form. He pulled it off, showing off his wide chest, his strong shoulders, and his narrow waist. He was in far better shape than Brian. They were leagues apart in every regard. His crisp, pressed, white shirt stuck to his body as if it was tailored to wrap around each inch of his body. I would have preferred him without it.
After placing his coat on the rack that stood next to his desk, he stopped me as I continued on about the project. I could feel him looking right into my eyes, with no regard for Tia.
“Erika, join me for dinner tonight.” I could tell it wasn’t a question. It was more like an order.
Chapter 5
Conner
I was waiting for Erika to respond. Honestly, I was completely oblivious of Tia, who sat next to her. I didn’t care much about Tia’s presence. I had plans with Erika, to find out just what Brian meant when he said she was a gold digger. The plan was simple, to have her in awe by letting her have the lifestyle she desired, to spoil her with expensive dinners, trips around the world, give her everything she wanted, and even the things she didn’t know she wanted, and in the end, rip it all away, leaving her the same way she left my brother, Brian.
“Miss Jackson, is that a yes or a no?” I knew she’d say yes, but I was getting tired of waiting. As her lips parted I alre
ady knew the answer.
“No, I don’t think it’s appropriate, sir.” I was surprised by her answer. This was the first time anyone had said no to me, but I doubted she was serious.
I looked her dead in her eyes, rested my hand on the windowsill, and said, “I’ll send a car around for you at 7:30. Dress nice.”
I won’t lie, she looked beautiful. She was just around 5’7, confident enough to not need to wear heels. Her dress fit her perfectly, but a bit too modest for my taste lately. Her full lips parted once again as she opened her mouth to speak, and I was stunned by her perfect teeth. “Okay.” That’s all she said. That’s all she had to say.
I grabbed my coat and hung it over my right shoulder, picked up my briefcase, and proceeded to walk out of the office. “Nice meeting the two of you. Erika, until later then.” I smiled at them both cordially.
On my way out of the office, into the elevator, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about how I wanted Erika right then and there in that office. Her perfectly taut ass that I couldn’t get off my mind. The fabric of her dress just conformed around her hips, and I wanted to bend her over the desk, hike up her dress, and fuck her.
Chapter 6
Erika
“Um, what was that, Erika?” I was as surprised as Tia with what just happened.
“I have no clue.” I genuinely didn’t know. How was I supposed to know what Conner Roland wanted from me?
“He didn’t even look at me. I changed my dress and makeup for him,” Tia said, and I could hear the tiniest bit of jealousy in her voice.
I couldn’t help but keep eye contact with Conner as he walked into the elevator. He turned around and smiled at me just as the doors closed, leaving me breathless.
He was so handsome. I wanted him.
I knew I had to be professional, so I said no at first, but I wouldn’t have been against him taking me right there in that office. In fact, I would have loved it, to hear him moaning my name.
“Shouldn’t you go get ready for your date?” I could feel the air heavy with envy as Tia crassly enquired.
“It’s only four, I have some time. I’d like to get some work done before then.”
I didn’t know if I was being stupid or if Tia was. Tia stormed off and all she could say whilst she walked away was, “Don’t fuck this up. You won’t get another opportunity like this again.”
I really didn’t know what she meant. Was she talking about how attractive Conner was? And that’s true, I didn’t think I would ever meet anyone better looking.
Maybe she was talking about settling down with him, because then I’d never have to work another day in my life. But, I didn’t want that. I loved working. I loved every bit of my work since I was a child. Programming was my passion, and it’s the best way for supporting my parents.
It was already six and my work was already complete, so I thought it would be best if I went home and got ready for my date with Conner. It’s New York, so I didn’t have a car to drive. It was dumb to try and find parking in the city. So, I went straight down to the taxi rank, got into a yellow cab, and went home.
“You seem flustered.” It’s like the cab driver could see through my guise. I was insanely flustered and scared.
“Oh, no. I’m alright, thank you.” I mean, I couldn’t tell this man that I had a date with Conner Roland, and I didn’t want anything more than his perfect form against mine.
“Is this really a date?” My mind kept playing with me since Conner had asked me to dinner.
I silently waited till I got home. When I reached home, I paid the cab driver and walked up the stairs into my apartment.
What I should wear? Something professional? Or something casual?
I started to ransack my wardrobe, looking for the right dress to wear, which looked nice and decent at the same time. What does ‘nice’ even mean for someone like that? I didn’t own any Prada or some big brand dress.
When I was just about to give up, I remembered something my mom had once told me. “When in doubt, just go for a black dress. You look stunning in black.”
Thanking my mother’s wise words, I found just the right one. I had completely forgotten that I had folded a black dress in the back of my closet. It was a gift from my Dad from a couple years ago. It was a simple, spaghetti strap dress, that came just short of my knees. The zip in the back made it easy to slide in and out of.
My mind kept pondering the many ways the night could go. I was expecting just a simple dinner and some drinks. But, I was still not sure if it was a date or if he had to discuss something about the project. Maybe all the rich people, especially billionaires, work day and night.
Chapter 7
Conner
“Lisa, get something for me to wear tonight, and then get a reservation at CUT.” I was unbelievably excited for something that I knew couldn’t go far. After all, she hurt Brian, my brother.
“Of course, sir. Will there be anything else?” she asked.
“Nothing else. You can take the rest of night off.” I hung up and got into the car. I was finally getting home after what seemed like an obnoxiously long 24 hours of work.
As I opened my door and entered my apartment, I was impressed by Lisa’s efficiency. She had already prepared my suit for the night, like every other time. I went into the shower and shaved my body, to make sure I was immaculate for Erika.
After I finished, I took a shower and headed toward my clothes. I began with my underwear. Lisa was nice enough to even have them pressed. I felt a bit obnoxious slipping into my briefs. I wondered what Erika would think of all of this. If Brian was being honest, she’d love it.
I didn’t want to look too serious. It was for an evening of pleasure and playfulness. I wore my shirt that conformed to my physique as I looked in the mirror, knowing Erika would be impressed. Finally, I pulled up my tailored black pants. I couldn’t stand even the slightest slack in my pants. I put on my belt, my watch, my ring, and proceeded to leave. I walked past my bedroom into the study, opened my safe, and pulled out some money.
I texted Erika that I would be there shortly and grabbed a couple of condoms from my desk drawer. I tucked them into my wallet and left to get Erika. It was exactly 7:30 when I reached her address. I was surprised that she was already waiting. I loved how punctual she was. I got out of the car and opened the passenger seat. I didn’t usually drive, but I wanted us to be alone for this occasion.
“You look beautiful, Erika.” I couldn’t help but stare at her. She looked magnificent. I was struggling to not take her upstairs into her apartment and have my way with her.
“Thank you, Mr. Ronald. You look pretty dapper yourself.” I smiled at her as she smiled at me.
“Please, call me, Conner.” I knew that she would indulge my request. As I began to drive us to CUT, almost fifteen minutes later, Erika asked to stop the car.
“What happened, Erika?” I was confused, and I really didn’t know what would come next. “Are you okay?”
“I forgot my purse. Can we please go back? I hope you don’t mind. I was so lost finding a nice dress to wear for my date.” Her face flushed red when she realized her words. I tried to hide my smile, and I wished I could kiss her red flushed cheeks.
Also, I was a little shocked, as I couldn’t remember the last time anyone even brought up the thought of paying for anything when I was around. Immediately, I realized it might all be a ruse. She might just be saying that just to impress me. “It’s alright. You won’t need it tonight.” I began to drive again.
Chapter 8
Erika
“I would prefer it if we could go back and get it. I don’t think it’s right for you to pay for everything.” I could tell that Conner was confused, and I was sure anyone had never said that to him before. I meant it, though.
He replied simply, “Erika, I asked you to dinner.” That was true, he did ask me out.
“You promise to let me take you out next time, then?” I asked as I looked toward him.
“So, there’s already a next time?” He smiled. He was being playful, but I was serious.
“I’m serious, Conner. Promise?”
He looked me dead in the eyes as he said, “I promise.” That one declaration alleviated all the guilt I was feeling.
Now, I could go back to enjoying a date with Conner Ronald. I noticed his ring even more now. It was slightly tarnished, as if it had been with him for quite some time.
“It’s my grandfather’s.” He caught me staring. I was already embarrassed.
“If you don’t mind me asking, why do you wear it?” I didn’t expect the reply, after all he was Brian’s brother, and Brian had never brought up his grandparents.
“I wear it because when I left for college my grandfather gave it to me and told me it was his lucky charm. I’m not superstitious, but I trust him.” I couldn’t help but fall for him even more. A man that can have anything, chooses to wear something too old. He really did love his family.
At this point, I was very curious about where Conner would take me. I couldn’t stop thinking of the kind of places he regulars. I was expecting him to take me to a fancy restaurant where I went with Brian a couple of times.
“You smell great, Erika.” I couldn’t find the words to reply, and I just smiled shyly.
I struggled to tell him that he too smelled magnificent. That subtle scent surrounded him, it was definitely spiced basil and sage. “You, too, Conner.” That’s all I could say. I felt like such a moron for lusting over him and not telling him how sexy he smelled, like a cold winter day, cool and somber.
I wanted to continue our conversation, and I was also curious whether he knew about the events that had transpired between Brian and me. I kept thinking of ways to approach the topic.