Naughty Flings: Twelve Naughty Little Romps

by Alexa Silver

  “You’re right. Again, I apologize.” He winked.

  She felt heat rising up her cheeks.

  A frown furrowed his brow. “You know a lot about me and my family. But, I really don’t know much about you, Jessica.”

  A shot of panic hit her. She’d heard the stories, rumors, and didn’t want another misguided boss-worker entanglement to end her career again.

  In her best nonchalant but firm voice, she offered, “Business is what I do best. I love my job.”

  He arched both eyebrows and then gave a quick smile. “Happy to hear that. Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He moved to the door. “Go have lunch. See you later.”

  Adam ushered her out the door, and Jessica tried not to wobble in her heels. The scent of his cologne filled the air between them, and planted a firm reminder of the attraction she fought hard to suppress. The taste of his lips on hers still lingered. Her heart beat at a slightly higher rate, and she cursed her lack of control.

  She went to her desk to retrieve her purse, and was surprised when Mrs. Samson poked her head out of her door. “Jessica? Would you come in, please?”

  Full of curiosity, Jessica straightened her stance and walked into her boss’s office. “Can I do something for you, Mrs. Samson?”

  The older woman sat on the multicolored sofa and waved at her. “Come in and close the door. I’d like to discuss something with you.” She patted a spot on the couch next to her.

  Jessica closed the door, walked across the plush carpeting and approached Mrs. Samson.

  “Please sit. I hope you don’t mind answering some questions.”

  About her work? “Of course not.” Slight nervous jitters tickled her stomach as she sat.

  “What do you think of Adam?”

  Surprise registered in Jessica’s brain. What should she say? “He’s an excellent businessman. Is that what you mean?”

  “Anything besides that?”

  What did Mrs. Samson want her to say? “We occasionally work together, like I will this afternoon since I’m to help with last-minute items that he needs to do.”

  “Can I ask a personal question?”

  Jessica gulped and the fluttering in her stomach increased. “Certainly.”

  “What do you do when you don’t work? Have any hobbies?”

  Relieved that the question wasn’t as prying as she imagined, Jessica answered, “I spend time with family and friends. Actually, I love to bowl and play bridge.”

  “Bridge? Not many young people seem interested in doing that.”

  “My parents always played and my sister Amy and I learned at an early age.” She shrugged. “Now that they’re gone, Amy and I play with some older relatives.”

  Mrs. Samson’s constant gaze began to make Jessica increasingly uneasy. Had she said too much?

  “I understand how important family is. Besides my sons, I keep busy with the company and sponsoring my charity. I’ll be helping at the auction tomorrow. It’ll be hectic, but it’s for a good cause. Then I’ll relax the rest of the weekend. How about you? Do you have big plans for the long weekend?”

  Jessica squirmed in her seat. Big plans? Her life was full of routines. Boring ones. But, safe ones. “I’ll be cleaning my apartment. I need to de-clutter and get some stuff set aside for my sister’s garage sale next week.”

  Mrs. Samson smiled and let out a sigh. “How thoughtful of you to help. I wonder if I can ask you to help me with something.”

  Jessica nodded. “I’ll be happy to help with whatever you need done.”

  Mrs. Samson took in a deep breath and relaxed back into the sofa. “I knew I could depend on you. This is very important, and no one is to know about this. Especially not Adam.”

  Huh? She stared at her boss and frowned. “What do you want me to do?”

  “I want you to go to the charity auction and buy my son.”

  Chapter 2

  Jessica’s brain took a detour as she tried to gather her wits. Buy Adam?

  For a split second, her heart skipped a beat and then started a rapid staccato against her chest. No. This was something she couldn’t do. No funds, and having Adam around her for a weekend, would severely test her secret desires about him. Their kiss almost undid her control.

  “I don’t think I can do that.”

  “I’ve put Adam in a difficult spot. I’m afraid he’s right about Angela. She’ll be a pain in the ass at this auction. I didn’t think about it before. I need someone to outbid her and insure Angela won’t win.”

  “I have to outbid her?” A small headache began to form across her forehead. Jessica sank back into the softness of the sofa’s cushions as her heartbeat returned to normal. She couldn’t figure out what else to say.

  “Angela was engaged to Adam seven years ago. He found her with another man and broke the engagement. She’s been miserable to him ever since.”

  That had happened before Jessica had joined the company. Rumors and gossip always swirled around the building. Jessica lowered her voice and decided to be honest. “I—well, can’t afford the auction.”

  “The money’s not a problem. I’m going to give you $10,000 to put in your account. That should cover your entry fee, bidding, and whatever you two do over the weekend. Go out. Have fun. Make Adam show you a good time and earn his auction status.” She held out a check she’d already written and handed it to Jessica.

  Bewildered, Jessica sought to reason with Mrs. Samson. “Are you sure this would be okay with Adam?”

  Mrs. Samson stood. “We’re the only ones who will know about this. Please don’t tell him. I think he’ll be relieved just to be with someone he knows. I’ll run interference for you and make sure he doesn’t suspect anything.” She placed the check in Jessica’s hand and stood. “Now go to lunch. Lord knows he’ll continue to complain about the auction when you get back. Just help him finish what has to be done. And take the day off tomorrow. You’ll need the time.”

  Jessica walked out of the office, wondering if she’d be able to eat. The butterflies pirouetting in her stomach didn’t seem to be amused at the thought of stopping for lunch. All that ran through her mind was the auction, and upcoming weekend. She stared at the check held firmly in her left hand.

  She would be buying Adam the next night.

  He’d just admitted he didn’t know much about her. Her personal life had been kept private. Would their comfortable camaraderie in the workplace translate into a friendly atmosphere outside of work, especially after their loss of control and sensual kiss?

  Under the cold, calm exterior she displayed at work lurked the lusty heart of a woman itching to possess his body and attention, even if just for one night. Or, now, one long weekend.

  After grabbing a sandwich and drink, she ate quickly as her mind whirled. Her well-planned weekend had changed dramatically.

  *****

  Bolstered by a minute amount of courage, Jessica let out a ragged sigh once she entered Adam’s office.

  “Hi, Jessica. Please have a seat. We need to review the Creneau contract and make sure there are no mistakes. That French office doesn’t seem to tolerate any hint of imperfection. I witnessed the CEO firing a manager because he missed a deadline by one hour.” He shook his head.” Poor guy tried to explain he’d been in the shipping department handling a delay. Well, at least that’s what I think he said. My French is a bit rusty.”

  “I’ll start reading.”

  Jessica noted that Adam read quickly, faster than she did. Sitting so near him created constant images of them together. He smelled wonderful, and the sideways glances he gave her sent heated shivers throughout her body.

  She let out a deep sigh as she realized how long the contract was. And that reviewing all the contracts would take most of the afternoon.

  “Bored already?” Adam joked.

  Embarrassed by her lack of professionalism, Jessica quickly replied, “Oh, no. I’m sorry.”

  Adam rocked back in his chair. “Relax, Jessica. We’ll get this
all done today.”

  He winked and she hoped a flush wouldn’t stain her cheeks.

  “Not a problem.” She stared at the screen, but the words didn’t register. Was she betraying his trust by trying to hide the fact that she’d be buying him the next night?

  How would he react as her escort for an entire weekend? Lusty desire to spend that weekend with him in her bed paraded through her head. Damn. Could she ignore her common sense and let her passion lead the way?

  *****

  Adam checked the computer screen again, thanking the heavens for Jessica’s work ethic and constant attention to detail. She seemed focused, while his mind kept wandering. Their kiss rocked his world. The burning desire to share more with her, let passion loose, filled his thoughts. One lusty kiss led to nagging curiosity about what was behind the business façade she presented.

  He’d never failed to notice the soft contours of her lips as they curled into a smile. Now, he remembered nibbling on her lower lip as they embraced. Jessica’s soft, heated body had been flush against his for a few brief moments of pleasure. Her eyes held secrets. Her body swayed ever so slightly whenever she walked, and the back view always shot a dagger of lust straight to his groin.

  Did another man enjoy those rounded curves he’d love to explore? A tinge of jealousy sparked at the notion that some other man was in her life. But, she never hinted at her private life. It seemed to be off-limits as a topic of casual conversation.

  And, they’d only shared a kiss. One probably misguided kiss, unwanted by her.

  What the hell was he thinking? No doubt she’d heard all the gossip and rumors about his social life. After breaking his engagement, he’d been somewhat wild and nonchalant in dating, giving little care to what others thought.

  Sitting so near to her made his head spin. She smelled of roses, fragrant and fresh. Adam sneaked a peek at Jessica. She seemed lost in thought, staring at the screen as if scrutinizing every letter of every word. The simple rise and fall of her breasts as she read triggered another pang of desire shooting through his system.

  Hell. She wanted no part of him. And after Barry’s fiasco and his grabbing her hours ago, she probably figured the Samson brothers were the last men she’d ever want in her life.

  “I need something else to drink. Can I get you anything, Mr. Samson?”

  Jessica’s voice interrupted his wayward thoughts. “Uh, yes. Would you get me some coffee, if there’s any left in the conference room?”

  “Certainly.”

  He watched her leave, her hips gracefully shifting in a sea of blue material of her skirt.

  He slumped in his seat and again rubbed his temples.

  Beautiful.

  But, untouchable.

  Chapter 3

  Nervous jitters careened up and down Jessica’s body. She’d signed in at the auction and carefully took paddle number 66 to a table located near the back of the room. Intending not to give Adam a look at her while she bid, Jessica hoped to calm her nerves while staying in the shadows.

  Five other women shared her table, and Jessica felt under-dressed. Furs and diamonds enhanced their beautiful gowns, while her simple green sequined dress paled in comparison. She wore a short, white satin jacket that cried “outdated” among the fancier outfits surrounding her.

  “You have lovely hair. Wish I could get mine to shine like that.”

  The comment by the woman dressed in a garish multicolored gown to her left startled Jessica. “Thanks. I-I try to keep the natural color without adding anything but some highlights.”

  “If I didn’t color mine every two months I’d be as gray as my mother. You’re lucky. My name’s Louise.”

  Feeling slightly less awkward, she responded, “I’m Jessica.”

  The women browsed their brochures. “This is my first auction, Jessica. How about you?”

  “Me too.”

  Bidding on anyone in particular?”

  “I, uh, thought I’d see how it’s done and maybe jump in at some point.”

  Louise laughed. “Good idea. They’re all handsome guys, but I have no idea how this works. Maybe after Bachelor Number One’s auction is over, I’ll feel ready to bid.”

  Champagne was brought to the table and poured into their glasses. Jessica watched the bubbles fizz and pop and wondered if her elation at buying Adam would fall flat too, as quickly as the champagne would disappear.

  *****

  Adam checked his watch for the umpteenth time. He and the other bachelors milled about behind stage, waiting their turn on the auction block. So far, Angela hadn’t made an appearance, but he knew she’d be flashing her insincere smile at everyone soon. He looked at the nine men ready and willing to escort a strange woman for a weekend. Or were they unwilling players, like him? He knew a few and all nodded at each other but otherwise spent the time checking mirrors and fixing crooked tuxedo bowties.

  He wished he were anywhere else, enjoying some quiet time alone. A sneak peek through the curtains to the stage verified what he figured. He couldn’t see much past the stage lights. Women at tables crowded the room, but features were shadowed. Angela floated to the podium as a regal dignitary, along with the night’s auctioneer. With an opening speech to the crowd, she talked about the charity, gave the bidding rules, and readied those eager to bid.

  One by one, the bachelors set foot onstage, and were auctioned. Adam wasn’t sure if it was Angela’s tantalizing descriptions of each man or the way each smiled and paraded in front of the crowd that drove the bidding into a frenzied array of paddles being hoisted into the air. The crowd exploded into applause when each man walked onstage, and when the bidding was over.

  All too soon, his name was called. With a heavy sigh, and bolstering his courage, he muttered under his breath, “It’s for charity. One weekend,” and walked to the podium.

  Angela gave him a sweet smile laced with hatred. Her sarcastic look didn’t escape his attention, but obviously no one else caught it.

  After she read his description, she got off stage and sat near her mother. Then, she grabbed a paddle.

  Shit. She was going to bid.

  The auctioneer started bidding at five hundred dollars. Adam tried hard to decipher who was holding up paddles, but except for those seated right in the front, like Angela, he couldn’t see faces.

  As the auctioneer increased his sale price, paddles kept rising in the room. Once the price got to five thousand dollars, most paddles disappeared.

  Except for Angela’s and one in the very back of the room. All he could see was a woman in a glittering multi-colored dress and paddle number 66. Please keep bidding.

  Interesting enough, he noted some discussions going on between his mother and Angela’s mother, and finally between Angela’s mother and Angela. Angela’s faced turned uglier each time her mother spoke, but she kept bidding. She had just bid seven thousand dollars for him, and the auctioneer asked if the lady in the back would bid eight. Thank God her paddle went high in the air.

  Adam quickly focused on Angela. Once again, her mother spoke to her and Angela vehemently shook her head no. Without another word, Mrs. Watson grabbed Angela’s paddle and shoved it under her ample rear on her chair.

  The look on Angela’s face was priceless. Anger clouded that smiling façade, and Adam knew she was fuming with rage inside. He figured she was trying to decide whether or not to give up or try to grab her paddle and continue bidding.

  With a huge sigh of relief, Adam realized his prayers were answered. Angela folded her arms in front of her and with a bang of the auctioneer’s gavel, Adam had been won by bidder number 66 for eight thousand dollars.

  Angela made her way to the podium as all the bachelors once again got on stage. She thanked the crowd for their generous donations. The winning bidders were asked to go to a side room off the main area to complete their transactions.

  The men were ushered off the stage to a room with a bar. Each would be called to meet their winner, once he’d been paid for.
>
  Adam relaxed, and didn’t care who he’d be escorting. He’d be gracious and handle anything, as long as Angela wasn’t involved. He grabbed a glass of champagne and slumped in a chair at a table.

  *****

  Jessica looked around the room, and spotted Mrs. Samson. With a quick wink, the older woman smiled and continued speaking to a group of women with her.

  One by one, the winners paid and their escorts were ushered into the room. Laughter and smiles were everywhere, but Jessica’s nerves were on alert. She’d be next to pay and then Adam would know she was paddle number 66.

  Angela eyed her with disdain as Jessica handed in her paddle. “Oh. You’re the one who outbid me.” Her words dripped with anger.

  Annoyed, Jessica replied pleasantly, “Guess I am. Who do I write the check out to?” She gave Angela a false smile.

  “KC Hope for Kids. We don’t like returned checks, by the way,” she added with sarcasm.

  Jessica stopped writing and glared at Angela. “Are you insinuating my check will bounce?”

  “No. Just stating a fact.”

  Jessica finished writing the check, ripped it out of her checkbook and handed it to Angela. “Here. Where’s my escort?”

  Before Angela could answer, Mrs. Samson joined them. “So is this the lucky winner who won my son?”

  With a total lack of enthusiasm, Angela replied. “Eleanor Samson, this is,” she made a point of scrutinizing the check, “Jessica McCall. Excuse me, I need to find Adam.” With a sharp scrape of her chair, she pushed back away from the table and left without another word.

  “I’m nervous about this. What if Adam finds out about our deal and is angry?” Jessica’s nerves dangled on fine threads.

  “He’ll be relieved. Trust me. You’re the best thing that happened to him tonight. Angela will be her usual sarcastic self to him right now, but once you two get out of here, neither of you will have to deal with her.”