Not Another Billionaire (Not Another Romance)

by R. L. Kenderson

  Tessa spun around. “Mr. Crawford. I was just going to lunch. If that’s okay?”

  I frowned. “When have I stopped you from going to lunch, Tessa?” Putting emphasis on her name might remind her that I wanted her to call me Seth.

  She chuckled nervously. “Never. But I didn’t know if you needed anything from me before I left.”

  “Nope. I was actually going to tell you that I was going to lunch myself. I should be back in an hour or so.”

  Tessa’s friend cleared her throat.

  “Sorry. Alexis, this is my boss, Seth Crawford.” She glanced away and back to me, as if embarrassed. “Seth, this is one of my good friends, Alexis.”

  Alexis stepped forward and held out her hand. “Good friend and business partner.”

  Hearing the term business partner was a temporary blow to the gut, but I quickly recovered. “Business partner?” I asked as I shook her hand.

  “Yes.” Alexis beamed. “Tessa and I are opening up a bakery and café.” She turned and grabbed the white box she had been carrying earlier and opened it toward me. “Would you like to try one? I brought extra in case Tessa wanted to share.”

  Inside were a dozen cupcakes in a rainbow of colors. The yellow ones were the first to catch my eyes though.

  “I should say, would you like to try one, except the lemon cupcakes? Those are Tessa’s favorite, and you just might lose a limb if you take them from her.”

  I looked over at Tessa, who rolled her eyes.

  “Yes, they’re my favorite, but you made two. I can share, but I’m sure Mr. Crawford would rather have chocolate or peanut butter or something else.”

  I plucked a lemon one right out of the box. “Nope. Lemon is my favorite.”

  Tessa’s jaw dropped, and Alexis said, “I told you,” as she tipped her head toward her friend. “None of our other friends like that flavor much, so she’s used to getting them all to herself.” She elbowed her friend. “But isn’t it nice to find someone else who likes the same thing you do?”

  Tessa narrowed her eyes. “As long as he doesn’t eat both.”

  I laughed. “I promise not to touch the other one. But this one definitely belongs to me.” I ran my tongue along the top of the cupcake, circling the lemon candy at the tip before sucking it into my mouth. “Mmm.” I looked up at Tessa and grinned. “I licked it, so it’s mine.”

  Alexis grabbed Tessa’s arm, but neither of them said a word. They both stood there as if they were in shock.

  I checked my watch. I didn’t have time for any more chitchat. I needed to get going.

  “I’d better head out, so I’m not late. Nice to meet you, Alexis.” I lifted the cupcake. “Thank you for the dessert.” I looked at Tessa. “Like I said, I’ll be back in an hour.”

  I pivoted on my heel and headed for the elevator. Once inside, I took a bite of my cupcake.

  It was delicious.

  If everything was this good, then Tessa and Alexis might have a shot at opening that bakery and café.

  I hoped things worked out better for the two of them than it had for John and me. It was quite the coincidence that I had met Tessa’s business partner on the day that I was going to visit mine at the cemetery.

  Tessa

  Once the elevator doors closed, Alexis finally let go of my arm.

  “Oh my God. Did you see the way he—”

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” I interrupted with a hand in the air. “He’s my boss.”

  My boss, who had just licked the fronting on the cupcake like it was a pussy and circled the lemon candy on top like it was a clit before sucking it between his lips.

  The tingling between my legs was unnecessary and way out of line. I absolutely could not be thinking about Seth like that.

  “Tessa, why didn’t you tell me your boss was gorgeous?”

  I shrugged. “Is he? I guess so.”

  Alexis burst out laughing. “You’re full of crap.”

  “I know he’s good-looking, okay?” I admitted. “You remember how I told you about the first time I met him?” I hadn’t forgotten his thick biceps and muscular body even though I tried to pretend I did. “He looks even better under that suit. It’s not fair.”

  “I can’t wait to tell the rest of the group about him.”

  “No, don’t.”

  Alexis scrunched up her nose. “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. I just don’t want them to tease me. It was already a big deal with my even taking this job.”

  “They wouldn’t tease you.”

  I sighed. “I know. At least, not a lot. I just don’t want to make anything out of it.”

  “Okay, I won’t say a word.”

  “Thank you.” I narrowed my eyes. “Besides, you owe me after giving away one of my favorite cupcakes to someone else.”

  Alexis had started baking when she was married to her ex-husband as a way to escape the reality of being stuck with him. So, even though it hadn’t worked out with him, we would have probably never known she was so good in the kitchen if they’d never been married.

  She laughed. “Getting to watch your boss lick the cupcake like it was a vagina was completely worth it. I have no regrets.”

  I shook my head sadly. “You just had to say it, didn’t you?”

  “You were already thinking it anyway.”

  Thinking about it and putting it in my memory bank for later when I was alone with my vibrator.

  “We are on a dating strike,” I reminded Alexis. “The club.”

  “Dating, yes. Masturbating, no. Actually…sex, also no.”

  I clenched my jaw. “You’re not having sex with Seth,” I said much more firmly than was needed.

  Alexis bit her bottom lip and laughed. “Seth, is it? Not Mr. Crawford?”

  I lifted a shoulder. “He told me to call him by his first name.”

  My friend’s expression turned serious. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to have sex with your boss. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

  “Thank you.” I did not even want to imagine how that would affect my work life.

  And I didn’t want to admit it, but picturing Alexis with Seth put an uncomfortable pit in my stomach.

  “I don’t promise to not think about him while masturbating though.” Alexis grinned.

  “You’re horrible.”

  She laughed again and picked up her purse. “Let’s go eat. We can talk about handsome men.”

  “Yes, let’s go to lunch. Handsome men can wait though.”

  I didn’t want to think about my boss or his tongue or his tongue on me anymore today.

  It’s a good thing I’m only here for eleven more weeks. There was no way I could do this job more than that with the inappropriate thoughts I was already having.

  Chapter Ten

  Tessa

  A week later, I was settled into my new job. Seth had been in and out of the office all week, so I felt like I had talked to him more on the phone than in person, which was fine with me.

  This morning had started out like any other until a couple of employees rushed to the boss’s office to see him. They went in and shut the door. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but they got quite loud. I didn’t think anyone was in trouble, but something was definitely going on because Seth was on the phone with the door shut the rest of the day.

  If I hadn’t gone out and gotten him a sandwich, I didn’t think he would have even eaten. And I was too afraid to leave my desk in case Seth needed something from me.

  It was a little before two o’clock when he threw open his door and shouted, “We’re in.”

  I jumped up from my chair. I had no idea what he was talking about, but going by the grin on his face, it was good news. “Congratulations.”

  “I need you to call Jayden, Leeann, Guy, and Tiffany and tell them to come to my office ASAP.”

  “On it,” I said, already reaching for my phone.

  Seth turned to go back into his office but stopped halfway and faced me again
. “Shit. I almost forgot. Book two tickets to San Francisco for Sunday. First class.”

  “One-way or round trip?”

  “Round trip. Set the return date for Saturday morning. That should be plenty of time.”

  “Got it.”

  Seth went back into his office, and I called the four people he had requested. I didn’t understand why Seth needed them, but they already seemed to know what was going on.

  After hanging up, I pulled up Seth’s preferred airline, per Jill’s notes. I’d forgotten to ask what time he wanted to leave, but there was only one flight with two first-class seats available anyway. Except, when I got to the information part, I didn’t know who the other ticket was for. Seth had called four people over, but he hadn’t told me who was going with him.

  The office door was open, so I went to the doorway and knocked.

  Seth looked up from where he was standing his desk.

  “I’m sorry. I forgot to ask, who is going with you to San Francisco?”

  When he didn’t respond, I continued, “I found two tickets for Sunday that leaves a little after six in the evening, but I only have about fifteen minutes to get them. Do you need to talk to everyone before deciding?”

  Seth stood. “I apologize. Did you have plans on Sunday and next week?”

  Oh. Does he expect me to be in the office on Sunday? Or does he think I am going to not do my job because he won’t be here?

  Either way, I knew trips were a part of the job description and that I might have to work weekends.

  I shook my head. “No. I can be available whenever you need me all week.”

  “Good. Because I need you to put the ticket in your name.”

  “My name?” I squeaked.

  “Yes,” he said as he sat back down. “You’re my assistant, and I need you to go to San Francisco to assist me. I can’t do this by myself.”

  “Don’t you want someone who knows what they’re doing to go?”

  He laughed. “I need them here.” He looked me up and down. “And you seem to know what you’re doing just fine.”

  I didn’t think he meant the comment in a sexual way at all, but I felt a pulse between my legs nonetheless.

  This attraction was why I didn’t want to go to San Francisco alone with him and why I had been fine with talking to him on the phone more than in person. How was I going to be around him for almost a week with no buffer between us?

  He raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem?”

  “Oh, no. No. I will go and book the tickets.” I moved to return to my cubicle.

  “Oh, Tessa?”

  “Yes?”

  “Don’t forget the hotel too.”

  “Right.”

  “And make sure you get me a suite. We’re going to need some space to work.”

  I swallowed hard. Does that mean he wants me in the same room as him?

  “When you make the reservation, make sure you tell them to put your room close to mine, so you don’t have to run around the hotel, going back and forth.”

  My shoulders sagged. That answered that question.

  I went back to my desk just as the four people I had called minutes ago came around the corner. They didn’t even glance at me as they headed for Seth’s office.

  After the door closed, I finished booking the flights and did a Google search for San Francisco hotel suites. Of course, there were a dozen websites that popped up, so I went by reviews and took a guess at which hotel I should call.

  With the phone ringing in my ear, I quickly grabbed my cell and sent Alexis a text.

  Me: I just found out I have to go to San Francisco with my boss for almost a week. Just the two of us!

  “This is Catherine. How may I help you?”

  “Hello. I realize this is last minute, but I need to book one of your suites, starting on Sunday.”

  “One moment while I look that up.”

  “Thank you.”

  I checked my phone while I waited.

  Alexis: Oh my God. That’s so quick. Is it for business or pleasure? ;-)

  I snorted.

  Me: Of course it’s for business.

  Alexis: I know. But a part of me was hoping you’d say it was for both.

  I laughed just as Catherine came back on the line.

  “It looks like our presidential suite is available. Does that work for you?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “How many nights?”

  “Till Friday, so six nights.”

  “Name?”

  “Seth Crawford.”

  I heard Catherine clacking on her keyboard from the other side of the phone as Alexis texted me again.

  Alexis: You know a part of me is hoping you have sex with him since I can’t.

  Me: Oh my God. I can’t have sex with my boss!

  Alexis: What if he wasn’t your boss?

  I thought about this. Seth was hot, and he did things to my body, but he was the richest of the rich and could get any woman he wanted.

  Me: Fine. I would let him do dirty things to me. Like really dirty.

  Alexis: I knew it!

  Me: But it’s not going to happen. Even if he wasn’t my boss, the man probably has women knocking down his door. He doesn’t need me.

  Or want me, I was sure.

  Alexis: Don’t sell yourself short.

  Me: I’m not. He’s rich and gorgeous. I live comfortably and am pretty at best. Not to mention, my hips put me outside of supermodel territory, which is what he probably dates.

  Alexis: You’re gorgeous, but besides that, I have a really good idea.

  Me: Do I dare ask?

  Alexis: Yes.

  Alexis: I’m going to make a dozen lemon cupcakes, and I’ll to give you extra lemon frosting for you to “accidentally” spill on your vagina. Then, you can ask him to lick it off you.

  I burst out laughing just as Catherine said, “Okay, your room is almost booked. Are you going to be joining him?”

  “Yes,” I managed to say through my amusement. “I’m sorry for laughing in your ear. My friend just sent me a funny text.”

  “No worries, miss. It doesn’t prevent me from doing my job.” I could hear the smile in her voice and appreciated her good nature.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re all set. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

  “No, thank you. That is it.”

  “We’ll see you on Sunday. Have a safe trip.”

  “You too.” I laughed again. “I mean, thank you.”

  I hung up the phone and read my text again.

  Me: Oh my God, you are horrible.

  Me: That’s not going to happen, but I will take the cupcakes though.

  Alexis: How would you get them on the plane?

  Me: Now, you’re telling me no? It was your idea.

  Alexis: That’s when I was trying to get you laid.

  Me: Thanks…I guess.

  Alexis: Do you want me to come over on Saturday and help you pack?

  Me: Yes, please. I’ve never been to California.

  Alexis: I’ll be over in the morning.

  Me: Thank you. You’re the best.

  Chapter Eleven

  Tessa

  Sunday afternoon, my brother and Bree dropped me off at the airport, so I wouldn’t have to leave my car in long-term parking.

  Zack popped the back of his SUV and got out of the car with me.

  “You don’t have to help me,” I said as I pulled my carry-on out of the back.

  He lifted my suitcase out and set it on the ground. “It’s what brothers do.”

  “Thanks.” I gave him a hug.

  Zack and I had never been that close, but we’d become closer when he started dating my friend.

  “And thank you for the ride.”

  “Happy to help.”

  We carried my stuff to the curb, and Bree got out.

  With a hug, she said, “Have fun in California. Try to sightsee a little.”

  “I will. I
don’t know how busy we’ll be with work, but I’m going to try to relax when I can.”

  She squeezed me again and let go.

  I slung my carry-on over my shoulder, grabbed my suitcase handle, and entered the airport.

  Seth and I were flying out of Delta, so I made my way over to the check-in area and looked around for him.

  When I didn’t spot him, I checked my phone to see if I was early. I was right on time, but maybe he was running late.

  While I kept a lookout for my boss, I noticed a guy standing about ten feet away. His back was facing me, and he had his head down as he leaned against a pillar. One leg was crossed over the other, and he seemed to be waiting for someone, just like me.

  He had on a fitted dark gray T-shirt that showed off the muscles in his back and arms. And his dark jeans looked like they had been made to fit him. His ass was sublime. I sighed, a tad jealous I wasn’t going on vacation with him. He was tall, muscular, and I tried not to stare as I waited for him to turn around, so I could see if his front side matched his backside. I also wanted to see who he was going out of town with. Someone as beautiful as him, I imagined.

  After about five minutes, I started to wonder if I had come to the wrong area. We had agreed to meet early, so we would have plenty of time to get through security, but I could see the line was outrageously long from where I was standing, and I was starting to worry we’d have to rush. Even the hot guy wasn’t enough of a distraction for my concern anymore.

  I pulled out my phone again and found Seth’s number.

  As the phone rang in my ear, I turned to the hot guy once more. Whoever he was leaving with today hadn’t shown up either, and I might as well enjoy his butt for a few more minutes.

  He still had his head down, but he shifted enough that I saw his own phone in his hand. He hit a button and lifted it to his ear.

  I chuckled as I realized we were both possibly going to be talking to our flying partners at the same time.