Table of Contents
My Naughty Boss
Copyright and Disclaimer
More From Charlotte
About The Author
My Naughty Boss
A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance
By Charlotte Grace
Copyright © 2017 Charlotte Grace
Copyright and Disclaimer
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2017 Charlotte Grace
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Contents
My Naughty Boss
Copyright and Disclaimer
My Naughty Boss
More From Charlotte
About The Author
Chapter 1
Sophia
Public Relations Consultant needed immediately. Expertise required to finesse an executive who can’t stand the press. To put it bluntly, this job requires the patience of a saint. Do not apply if you can’t stand up to a CEO who needs you, but really doesn’t want to need you. Please apply with these considerations in mind. Excellent pay and benefits. Inquire at [email protected] for additional details.
I almost spewed coffee all over the table when I read this job posting. Dear God. I’d never seen an ad like this. I set my coffee down and swallowed my laughter. I was sitting in a high-end coffee shop in downtown Manhattan, frequented by Wall Street executives and the like.
I read the advertisement again. To make it even more amazing, the website where I came across this posting was only for high-end public relations positions. You couldn’t even gain access to the site without being invited after recommendations from prior employers. Most of the ads made me want to gag, they were so hoity-toity about what they needed. Don’t get me wrong. I loved my job. I ran a small Public Relations Consultation business. I was my own boss in some ways, yet I worked for the companies that hired me to clean up their messes. I thrived on stepping in when companies needed help turning their public image around, but they usually tried to make it seem as if the image problems were a public misunderstanding and nothing to do with the company. This advertisement was brutally honest.
Chandler International was owned by the legendary Lucas Chandler, known for his brilliance as an engineer, inventor and investor. He had revolutionized sustainable energy production and was reputedly one of the wealthiest men in the world. He was also known for his thin patience with the media. He was the quintessential handsome, sexy CEO who got pissed off when the media paid attention to his social life. I’d read about his latest blow up when he walked off the set of a live interview.
Thus far, Chandler International had eschewed hiring a PR firm to help manage these issues. Lucas Chandler openly disdained the need for it. However, it appeared his company wanted him to find a way to make nice with the media.
I quickly clicked out of the screen and did a search for Lucas Chandler. One click, and I was staring at a man who was ridiculously handsome.
Dark hair, piercing green eyes, and a body made for sin. His suits looked as if they were in love with him. My pulse kicked up a notch just looking at a picture of Lucas. A siren blared in the far reaches of my mind. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to throw my hat in the ring for this job if my boss-to-be was so fucking hot he made me wet just looking at his picture. Especially given the reasons why I was currently between consultations. I ignored that siren and batted those worries away.
I loved a challenge.
***
“Ms. Dawson?”
I glanced over to see a Danny James stepping out of one of the closed doors in the suite where I’d been waiting. As Mr. Chandler’s personal assistant, he’d been part of my interview here. I smoothed my skirt and uncrossed my legs, standing quickly. I couldn’t say I knew why, but Chandler International had hired me for the consultant contract.
I approached him, slipping my purse strap over my shoulder and holding my hand out. “Yes. Nice to see you again, Mr. James.”
“Just call me Danny,” he said as he shook my hand quickly.
Danny looked to be in his mid-20s with dark blond hair, brown eyes and a fit body. He was dressed in jeans and a lavender button-down shirt. He eyed me for a moment, cocking his head to the side.
“So, did Suzanne give you a heads up on Lucas?” he asked.
I nodded. “I suppose so. She explained he's completely opposed to hiring a PR consultant, but that the board is insisting.”
Danny flashed a rueful smile and lifted his shoulder in a shrug, leaning his hips against a narrow table against the wall in the small waiting area. The space was all sleek surfaces and soft colors. The walls were painted a dove gray with the chairs to match. Abstract watercolors hung on the walls. I didn't know if the colors were intended to be soothing, but at the moment I was too keyed up to relax. I was anxious to meet Mr. Chandler and hopefully prepared to deal with his attitude. Though Suzanne, my contact in HR, had been somewhat tactful, she’d made it clear I needed to be prepared for him to make my job difficult.
“I wouldn't say he doesn't want to meet you specifically, that is. It's more that Lucas prefers not to deal with PR. If he had his way, he wouldn't do any interviews, or deal with any of this. But he needs to stay in the good graces of investors. He abhors the public’s interest in his personal life. Follow me. Lucas won’t be available for another few minutes.”
“Lead the way,” I replied with a nod, tamping my anxiety down.
I was anxious to get to my initial meeting with Mr. Chandler. I figured once that was over, I would be able to focus on what we needed to do.
Danny gestured me through the still open door, and we stepped into another hallway. Chandler International’s Manhattan offices were in a high-rise in central downtown. They occupied an entire floor here. I’d done my homework and knew that Manhattan was not the main location for the company with their main offices in Silicon Valley. No surprise there, given that they were a cutting edge technology company. We walked down a hallway lined with watercolors and outdoor photographs. My heels clicked on the glossy wood flooring.
Danny gestured me into a doorway at the end of the hallway. We stepped into a suite with another small waiting area. He led me into an office, gesturing for me to sit down in a leather chair and sinking into the chair opposite me. He leaned back and looked to me, his brown eyes warm and perceptive.
“So, you were obviously crazy enough to apply for this position after the ad,” he commented with a wry smile.
I couldn't help but smile in return. “I don't know if it was crazy, but I like a challenge. It was definitely one of the more interesting ads I've seen.”
Danny flashed a grin. “I wrote it. I know Lucas quite well, and I figured we needed to be blunt about what this position entailed.”
“How long have you worked here?” I asked.
Danny drummed his fingertips on the armrest of his chair. “Three years. I knew Lucas before he made a ton of money.” He was quiet for a beat and then leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Here's the thing. Lucas might come across
as a jerk, but he’s not. He just doesn't like this part of what he does. Keep in mind, he's a good guy underneath. Your job is to not be afraid to stand up to him, and to give him very clear guidance on how to deal with the media when he has to. I’m sure you're aware he’s not particularly keen on public relations.”
At his pause, I nodded. “When you work in public relations, it's your job to know where the perception problems lie. If I understand Mr. Chandler…”
Danny cut in. “Lucas, just call him Lucas.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded firmly.
“Okay, from my understanding, the board has encouraged hiring a PR Consultant, despite Lucas’s opposition to the idea.”
Danny nodded firmly. “Absolutely. He’s going along with it because I think he might be ready to admit he needs to stop playing defense. I’m of the opinion if we find the right person—and I’m hoping that’s you—Lucas will realize you can ease the burden of this part of his work for him. All he wants to do is engineer better and more sustainable energy production. You will come to see he’d rather keep all of his attention on the work that matters. He is beyond annoyed he needs to negotiate deals and raise funds for new ventures. That means managing his image. Don't let his attitude get to you.” Danny paused and glanced at his watch. “Let’s go meet him.”
He stood quickly and led me out of his office and through the small waiting area. Knocking quickly on the door beside his office, he opened it and gestured me through.
I followed Danny into Lucas's office. As I’d have expected, it was large and spacious with the same dove gray walls and soft gray leather furniture throughout the offices. Rather than a desk, a large drafting table sat in front of the windows with papers scattered across it and flat screen monitors mounted on either end. This was clearly a working office, not for show. Lovely artwork adorned the walls with more photographs of the outdoors and watercolors.
Lucas was on the phone, looking out the windows. Chandler International’s offices were on the top floor of this high-rise. Of course, there was a spectacular view of Manhattan. You could even see the Statue of Liberty and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. He finished his call and spun in his chair.
One look at him, and my pulse lunged. I’d somehow talked myself into thinking I wouldn’t be affected by him, despite how ridiculously handsome I knew him to be. I had been so very, very wrong. Sweet hell. He made me hot all over. His physical presence was potent. His straight dark hair was rumpled, as if he’d run a hand through it a few too many times. His piercing green eyes landed on me immediately. I could feel him sizing me up. I willed my pulse to slow down, but my breath hitched at one look into his eyes. Much as I wanted to look away to gather myself, I held his gaze. They’d hired me, among other reasons, for my alleged capacity to be able to stand up to Mr. Chandler, so I couldn’t be afraid to look at the man.
He stood and rounded the table. His energy felt coiled tight. He wore jeans and a rich blue button-down shirt, the color setting off his green eyes. Every inch of his muscled frame was easily visible. His strong shoulders filled out his shirt, and his jeans hugged his muscled legs like a lover. He approached Danny and me where we stood by a small table with a circle of chairs.
“Lucas…Chandler,” he said, adding his last name as an afterthought as he reached out to shake my hand.
Oh my God. Even his voice was sexy. Low with a subtle gruffness, it sent a shiver through me. When his palm closed around mine, his touch was a hot shock. It traveled up my arm and radiated through my body. His grip was strong and firm.
“Sophia Dawson. Nice to meet you,” I managed, thankful he didn’t know me well enough to know my voice didn’t usually sound breathy.
“Likewise,” he said with a nod. “Have a seat.”
Chapter 2
Lucas
Sophia Dawson sat across from me. I’d expected to hate her on sight. Instead, I found I could look at her all day. Her auburn hair hung loosely around her shoulders. Her wide brown eyes held mine, her expression careful. I sensed she wanted to look away, but she wouldn’t. I’d seen the stupid ad Danny drafted, so I knew she must assume she needed to hold her ground with me. The moment my thoughts spun in that direction, annoyance flashed through me.
“Danny tells me I should call you Lucas. Is that so?” the tempting Sophia asked.
I leaned back in my chair and nodded. “Yes. I find it obnoxious to have the people I see daily call me Mr. Chandler.”
She swallowed and crossed her legs. I had to force my eyes away from her legs. I considered what to say. I hadn’t the least interest in PR. In fact, I’d have been content to tell the media to go straight to hell.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “I'm sure it's been made clear to you that I don't really want you here,” I said.
I wasn’t one for wasting time dancing around uncomfortable topics.
Sophia didn’t miss a beat. “I’m aware of that,” she said smoothly.
Danny shook his head and rolled his eyes. “I told her I wrote the ad. She was crazy enough to apply, so obviously she's aware,” he said with a grin.
I didn’t know what I’d do without Danny. Not only was he a fantastic personal assistant, he was a friend and had been for years. I trusted him completely. I couldn’t help but smile at his comment. “You made me sound like an asshole.”
“Well, you can be when it comes to the press,” Danny countered quickly. “That's why you need Sophia.”
I glanced to Sophia and leaned back into my chair. “So I do. Need you, that is. My board doesn't appreciate my attitude with the press. I keep trying to tell them we have plenty of money, but they're greedy and they want more. Normally, I would ignore them, but I’m starting to realize perhaps it might be better if I had someone else take care of the media for me.”
Sophia watched me quietly. I could’ve lost myself in her eyes. A rich, chocolate brown, her gaze was almost hypnotic.
Restless, I stood abruptly. “I'll send you the details of an upcoming interview. I'd like a summary of your recommendations. I'd also like you to vet any interviewers in advance and ensure certain questions are off-limits. My personal life and that of anyone in my family is completely off limits.”
I started to turn away, but her voice spun me back.
“Excuse me.”
When I turned, she was standing. “You do understand that your refusal to discuss your personal life only creates more curiosity about it, correct?” she asked.
I beat back the anger rising inside and nodded sharply. “I do, but I don't like it. If you can’t manage that, then what’s the point?”
She didn’t back down, although I could see a flicker of anxiety in her eyes. “No one likes it, but perhaps if you let me help, you can control the narrative rather than allow the press to spin their own.”
“Perhaps. But I don't want to talk about my former fiancé and that's the only thing anybody ever asks about. That and my father. I’m sure you’re aware we don’t speak,” I explained, not caring that my words came out sharp and staccato.
“I understand, but perhaps if you answer a few questions, people will stop asking them,” she added.
I was momentarily distracted at the sight of her blouse stretching across her breasts when she took a deep breath. So distracted, my cock twitched.
It was like a hitch in a step for my brain before it kicked into gear again. That annoyed the hell out of me. Focus wasn’t one of my problems.
I stared at her for a moment before spinning around and stalking to the windows. I fixed my gaze on the ocean in the distance, its waters ruffled by the breeze. Despite the fact I had enough sense she was probably right, I didn’t care to answer just now.
Danny murmured something and then started to escort her out.
***
I listened to the rhythmic click of Sophia’s heels on the floor as she walked out of my office. I turned before I heard the door open. Because I needed to see her once more. She was b
eautiful, her auburn hair swinging back-and-forth where it fell halfway down her back. She'd worn a fitted blouse and skirt. Perfectly respectable. Yet, on her, the utterly unremarkable outfit was somehow naughty. She had curves for days, and I could hardly keep my eyes off of her. Her hips swung with each step.
“Sophia,” I said, her name coming out unbidden from my mouth.
She paused by the door as Danny held it open for her and glanced back to me. My instinct to speak her name had been drawn forth because I wanted to see her face once more. But now I needed to say something. Fuck.
“Thank you,” I managed, letting myself soak in the sight of her.
With her wide brown eyes paired with her auburn hair and fair skin, she was beyond alluring. She had a scattering of freckles across her nose, and her face was heart-shaped with full lush lips and a slightly crooked smile. My willful eyes lingered over the full curve of her breasts pulling the buttons tight across them. Hell, I did not want a PR Consultant, and I certainly didn't need one who made me hard simply by existing. Apparently, that's what I had though. I should've told Danny to put in the ad that the applicant needed to be someone entirely boring in looks. The absolute last thing I needed was a gorgeous woman here all the time.
Sophia’s eyes locked with mine, and I could’ve sworn I saw a flash of desire in them. “Thank you. I'll wait for the information from you.”
Danny gestured her out, and I called to him at the last moment. “I'll see you in a few minutes please.”
Danny nodded and then left. I turned back to the windows, willing my hard cock down. I took a few deep breaths and stared out over the skyline of Manhattan. After a moment, I heard my door open and close again. I spun back, sinking down into the chair by the windows.
“Jesus, Danny. What the hell am I gonna do with her?” I asked.
Danny grinned. He was savoring the fact that the board had insisted I hire a PR Consultant. He strode across the room and slid into the chair across from the table.
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