“You could call it mother’s intuition,” she laughed. “Tell me what happened.”
“I tried to tell her this morning, but she wouldn’t listen. Alex was here, and she just wanted to get the day over with. When I finally told her, she freaked.” Chad took another drink from his glass. “I also called in a favor, so we could get the cosmetic line in for Christmas. She thought I was trying to prove a point to her or something. I can’t wrap my head around it.”
“Are you sure about that?” His mother questioned. “You’re a smart man, Chad. I think you can figure this one out. I don’t think it’s as deep as you believe it is.”
“I’m not sure what to do, Ma.”
“Think on it,” she said. “Sober up and come home. See you soon, Honey.”
The phone went dead. The silence hung in the air, suffocating him. He wanted another drink. He wanted to forget. But he needed Devyn.
What was he supposed to do? Let her get fired because their bitchy boss had an axe to grind with her? No. Fucking. Way. He just couldn’t seem to shake his mother’s words.
Why had she freaked out like she did?
Then it hit him. The realization slammed into him. He wanted to hurl, recalling their countless conversations where she avoided her past. Avoided talking about her family. Her pride. Her drive.
“Devyn, you’ve got to be kidding me,” Chad groaned into the void of his tiny office.
He was in love with the most stubborn, prideful woman he’d ever known and there was only one way to get her back.
He had to wait.
18
Devyn walked into the office holding the small box containing Chad’s gift. The one she had spent hours on trying to decide what would be best for him. She felt silly when she thought about all the time she spent trying to find the perfect gift.
She walked through the crowd of people searching for his face. The gift exchange was already over. She didn’t mean to be late, but she also knew there was no way she could face him in front of everyone. He had to know it was her. She was the one who drew his him name.
Someone’s hand wrapped around her bicep, turning her around.
Penelope was standing in front of her. Her mouth fell open, trying to find the right words to apologize to her friend.
“You’re totally late, Boss.”
“Pen—”
Penelope put her hand up, flipping her long hair over her shoulder. She pressed her lips into a thin line before shoving a box out to Devyn.
She stared down at the box, looking at the neatly wrapped box with a big green bow with a piece of cardstock stuck on top. She took the box into her hands, pulling the card away.
Merry Christmas, Boss.
This should be the last note. I know Christmas is your least favorite time of year, but I got you something special like you.
Devyn pulled the lid off the box revealing a leather bound journal with her name engraved at the bottom. She opened the cover, staring at the cream paper. Her mouth fell open.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “Alex found the note in my office.”
“I’m not angry.” She was lying. Devyn could see her eye twitching.
“I would be angry if you weren’t.” Devyn squared her shoulders, staring her friend in the eyes. “You deserve better. I’m going to be better. I’ll be a better boss and a better friend. So on Monday, I’m giving you that raise.”
Penelope’s lips twitched into a warm smile, “Well, a girl can’t argue with that.” She glanced across the room. “Why aren’t you with your man?”
Devyn’s eyes followed hers, finding Chad standing across the room. His gaze was icy, and reminded her of everything she had to lose.
“Because I fucked up.”
“Then why are you standing here with me? Go fix it.”
Penelope gave her a hard shove, and Devyn stumbled before putting one foot in front of the other. She hoped like hell she wouldn’t lose her courage. She would be able to show him how bad she wanted to fix things between them even if it meant facing Alex’s wrath.
His eyes grazed hers and instead of the scowl she expected, his face softened at the sight of her. Relief flooded her, but things weren’t right yet.
He started toward her, leaving whoever he had been talking with alone.
“Hi,” her words were soft. Blood rushed to her face. “I’m late.”
“I can see that.”
“I brought you this.” She extended her hand to him, holding out the gift to him.
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” Chad’s voice was stern, a piece of the old Chad breaking through the sweet expression.
“Yes I did.” Devyn pushed the box into his chest. “I’m your Secret Santa.”
His eyes widened. Chad’s lips parted as he recalled their shopping trips and the constant whining. Reality crashed into him. “That’s why you didn’t want me to be with you?”
Devyn nodded, letting the box slip from her fingers. He ripped at the paper, exposing the cloth beneath the wrapping. Chad opened the box and pulled out a tie covered in bright, big Christmas bulb lights. The series of colors was an eyesore, but she knew he would love the red and green bulbs that covered the tie.
His eyes lit up in the same way she had hoped they would, but he was torn. Devyn watched his expression, trying to read him to know what to say next.
“I don’t understand,” he shook his head.
“I’m sorry,” Devyn said, taking a step toward him. “I’ve grown up being so independent, so when you tried to help me, I just flipped out. I tried to pretend I was upset you lied to me. I mean, I was upset that you lied to me, but I wasn’t as upset about it as I seemed. I was just looking for an excuse because I was terrified of what would happen if I let you get closer to me than I already had. Then I saw you do this really great thing for me and help me in a way no one has ever helped me before, and I just didn’t know what to do. So I ran.”
“Kennedy, you really are going to be the death of me, aren’t you?” Chad’s smug smile made her heart skip a beat. He snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her into him.
“I sure hope not,” she purred and bit her lip. “I guess Christmas isn’t all that bad.”
A smile stretched across Chad’s face. “I guess that means we’re going out to dinner.”
“Actually,” Devyn said hesitantly. “I have a better idea.”
Devyn pulled Chad away from the party tugging him closely behind her. His legs moved quickly, taking long strides to match her increasing speed. Her heart pounded against her chest as they rounded the corner toward her office, to the room that started all of the madness between them. Getting that office had given Chad a reason to hate her and try to stay away, but it was the same place where all of the walls came tumbling down. She hadn’t stopped thinking about the way he had taken control since that moment, and she doubted she would after the way she had started to feel for him. They stopped at the door, his arms curling around her waist, pulling her closer to his body.
His hot breath sent chills down her spine. Devyn’s hand curled around the doorknob and twisted. The door swung open and every step they took led them back to this room.
Devyn pulled Chad inside before shoving the door closed and locking it behind them. She didn’t even bother to turn on the lights before she curled her arms around his neck and kissed him.
He tasted like vanilla icing and whiskey. It was a combination she would have never made, but she couldn’t think of anything that tasted more right. His hands moved fast. His fingers wrapped around her thighs and lifted her up to him. She wrapped her legs around his waist, welcoming the way her panties pooled at his touch. A soft moan escaped her lips and she fought the urge too faint in his arms.
“Devyn,” Chad growled. His voice was different than the other times. It was needy. Hungry. He wanted her just as much as she wanted him, but this time he was ready.
He moved quickly, walking toward her desk. He shoved her onto it, her ass connectin
g with the cool faux marble top. She flinched before the sting of cold was replaced by the warmth pooling in her belly. Chad’s fingers trailed the edge of her dress, teasing her with the memory of the last time they came this close. She wrapped her legs around his lower half, pulling his hardness close to her sweet spot. She wanted him more than she wanted anything else in this world.
“If you tease me again Mr. Weeks, I don't know what I’ll do with you,” she purred, batting her eyelashes up at him. Devyn could only see a portion of him. His face was lit by the moonlight shining through her large windows behind her desk. Someone could be watching, but she didn’t care. All she cared about was getting him inside her.
Chad leaned in close, shoving the dress up around her thighs. She gasped when his erection grazed her. She chewed her bottom lip, muffling the cries building in her chest. The friction of him against her could send her over the edge if she let it. She had been holding in her desire for him for too long. His lips grazed her ear moving quickly, trailing along her skin.
Her skin tingled at his touch as his lips explored her body. He kissed her face. Her lips. Her jaw. Her neck. Her head swam and the dizziness from earlier returned, turning her brain to mush.
Devyn trailed her fingers over his shoulders and down the front of his shirt. She let each finger touch the buttons leading to the button of his pants. He stiffened at her touch, but she kept going.
“I’ve been waiting too long for this moment,” she muttered, tugging at the button on his pants.
His hand engulfed her wrist, stopping her movements.
“Slow down,” he shook his head at her. “And try to enjoy it why don’t you?”
His teeth were shining in the moonlight. Damn. She never realized just how much she craved his touch until he let his hand fall away from hers. A void formed in her belly.
“Touch me,” she begged, pulling his shirt. Forcing his body closer to hers.
Chad shoved his hand into her hair, thrusting her head back. Devyn gasped from the sensation. He leaned closer to her hovering above the soft skin of her throat. His ragged breaths fell on her neck, and she fought the urge to scream. His lips stretched in a smile, enjoying the way she squirmed in his arms.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his lips finally connecting with her neck. Devyn panted, wrapping her arms around him. She tugged, hoping to pull him against her without any luck. She wiggled beneath him, urging him to come closer.
A deep rumble came from Chad's throat. He was laughing. He pulled his face away from her throat and stared down at her.
"Why can't you just relax?" He cooed, tracing the outline of her face with his hands.
"How am I supposed to relax when you have me like this?" Devyn huffed, slumping against the desk.
Chad's other arm wrapped around her lower back, pulling her close to him again before picking her up. He cupped her ass in his hands and traded her positions.
Devyns knees hit the cool top. She towered over him, resting against his hard erection.
"Is this what you wanted?" He was teasing her. There was no way in hell he was going to let her control this, but Devyn figured she was better off trying.
"Yes, actually." She placed her hands square on his shoulders before softly kissing his lips.
He moaned against her mouth. His hands crawled up her thighs, teasing her. He knew exactly how to make her want everything he could ever give her plus some. His palm flattened against the small of her back.
Devyn gripped fistfuls of his hair. Chad gasped, opening his mouth to her. She slipped her tongue inside, exploring the sweet taste. She had craved his kiss since their moment on her couch.
His hands snaked up her back, wrapping her hair in his fist. He tugged, pulling her lips away from him. She moaned louder than before.
Chad cocked his head at her, taking in the sight of her exposed neck and the way her dress clung to her breast. He lifted her, clearing the desk in a single motion before laying her against the desk top. He looked at her like she was a feast prepared especially for him. His fingertips grazed the edge of the dress before ripping it away.
He pulled her panties away from her center and a rush of heat washed over her.
Devyn grabbed his shirt, pulling him close to undo the buttons. One by one his shirt came undone, exposing the chiseled structure of his abdomen.
Holy fuck, she ran her fingers over his stomach, memorizing the way his body curved.
"Please," Devyn whimpered. "I don't think I can take much more before I explode."
"Oh, Kennedy." He leaned in close, inhaling her scent. He hovered over her, the hardness of his erection making her crazy. "That's just what I’m hoping for."
"Then please do it," Devyn said, raising her voice. Her body ached for release. She wanted to feel him in ways she never imagined she could before.
"As you wish," Chad said as he dropped his pants to the floor. His penis was even bigger than she imagined. She swallowed hard.
He slipped a single finger inside her. Then another. Her body ached for more. She rocked against his motions, taking everything she would give her.
"Please more," she said, reaching with her free hand to grip the hard length of him.
"You sure?"
"Ye—,"
Chad cut her short, shoving his length inside her. The world stopped. Her entire mind froze and all she could feel was his hardness pulsing inside her. He thrust into her, covering her mouth. He stretched her, making her eyes water at his girth. She tried to cry out, but his hand muffled her.
Devyn's wide eyes stared up at him as he thrust deeply into her.
“Oh god,” Devyn muttered.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment,” Chad said in her ear. His ragged breaths added to her building pleasure. Devyn was on fire. She could feel him on every inch of her, the sweetness of his kiss and the rough grip of his hands waking every demon she had tried to hide. There was only one way this night could end. She had already started up the mountain.
Her employee. Her bully. Her future was standing in front of her, taking her in long strides. He moved fast, pressing her hard against her desk. She tried to keep up. She couldn’t move her hips fast enough to keep his pace.
Chad’s wrapped his free hand around her throat, squeezing. Devyn moaned again, so close to her climax she didn’t know how much longer she could wait.
She wanted him now.
She needed it now.
“Faster,” she panted.
Chad lifted her leg, spreading her. He opened her up to take his entire length. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head and her pussy tightened around him.
“Come for me,” he whispered, picking up his speed.
And she did. Devyn melted into him, giving her body over to him to use as he pleased. She gripped the edge of the desk as her orgasm rushed through her.
He pumped into her. His cock pulsating with each thrust. He was breathless, watching her come undone beneath him sent him over the edge and Chad exploded. His entire body numbed and froze.
Chad collapsed onto her, taking in her scent mixed with his. Devyn’s arms wrapped around his neck, pulling his body close to hers.
“Let’s go home,” Devyn whined.
“The party just started,”
“Why would I want to be at this lame party when I could go home with you.” Her eyes shined looking up at him.
Epilogue
One year later
DEVYN QUIT MAXI’S A month earlier. She was sick of Alex Girdler’s impossible demands. Alex had only gotten worse since Chad’s favor got them a single shipment of Jamie Ray’s holiday line. She wanted to fire Devyn, and as badly as Devyn wanted out of her position, she decided to stick it out a little longer.
It had all been worth it though. Alex’s unreasonable demands had made Devyn even more determined to make something of her own, so when Chad offered up the idea of the two of them opening up a comic store on the other end of town, she couldn’t pass up the op
portunity. Devyn wanted to live her life for herself, not for someone who didn’t appreciate what she brought to the table.
She peeled the sticker from the window letting the words shine in the early morning sun.
The Time Warp.
Devyn folded her arms, looking at the vinyl sticker on their building. Pride beamed on her face.
Chad was hanging a grand opening sign.
With Chad’s marketing experience,Chad was running the social media for their comic book store. The presence online had tons of people in their area excited that a “nerd store” was coming so close. At least that’s what Chad had been calling it. She found his comic stash under his bed when he had been in the shower.
“What do you think?” His arm slid over her shoulder.
“It’s perfect.” She smiled up at him. “It’s ours.”
Her heart thudded at the words. It’s ours. Even after getting serious with him, she still felt her belly flip at those words.
“I have one more surprise to show you inside.”
He took her hand and led her into the dimly lit comic store. He flipped a light at the front door. Devyn’s eyes grew wide, the pride radiating off her. All of this was hers. Theirs.
“What’d, you want to show me?”
She grazed the aisle of comic books, letting her fingers trail over the single issues sitting on the rack. She turned back around to the entrance.
“Devyn,” Chad started, dropping to one knee.
Her hands covered her mouth, muffling the small cry that had tried to escape her lips, “Chad what—”
His eyes welled. “Devyn hush. Don’t ruin this.”
Her expression shifted, the attitude back front and center. “Me?”
“Yes, you. I love you, dammit,” A single tear slipped over the rim of his eye. He opened the box in his hands. Devyn stepped forward, getting a better view of the box. “Marry me.”
“Is that a request or a demand?”
Her heart skipped a beat, waiting for his answer. Her smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Chad jumped to his feet, wrapping his arms around her waist, letting his lips crash against hers.
His Secret Santa Page 9