Billionaire Boss (An Alpha Billionaire Romance)
Page 23
I plug my phone in and get showered and ready for bed. I am in a great mood all over again. I love how one short conversation and hearing Jayson’s voice can change my entire frame of mind.
I climb into bed and as happy as I am, I can’t help feel a little lonely. I know I like Jayson. I feel like I can trust him. I don’t want to take things slow—I don’t need to. That one night was all I needed to realize my feelings and his are real. It might be crazy to feel head over heels already, especially about a known ladies man, but stranger things have happened. I fall asleep with these thoughts crowding my head.
* * *
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* * *
I wake in the morning and go to the kitchen to make coffee. I see my phone on the counter indicating I have a text message. Have a wonderful day today, beautiful, Jayson wrote very early this morning.
I can’t wait to see him again. I wish I didn’t have to work again today.
I go about my morning routine and decide I should look through the class schedule. Now that I have a little more motivation to get back to working “regular” hours, I feel more determined to at least start making an effort. If I wasn’t working nights, I could spend more time with Jayson. It may not be the most mature reason to start looking, but I’ll take whatever incentive I can to get the ball rolling.
I make notes on what sounds interesting and decide I should probably meet with my advisor again before I enroll in any more classes. I look up his information and send him an e-mail asking to make an appointment.
I finish my coffee and get dressed for work. I’m out the door with enough time to enjoy my walk to the restaurant without rushing. I get there just before the lunch rush and am set up and ready when the first of the crowd begins filing in.
I’m thankful for another busy shift, but I know Jayson should be trying to call me about now and there is no way I can take his call. I figured that would be the case when we spoke last night, but didn’t want to make a big deal of it. I’m disappointed I won’t get to speak to him, but I’m too busy to think about it.
I’m delivering coffee to one of my customers when I think I see Jayson out of the corner of my eye. I assume my mind is playing tricks on me, but when I look up again, there he is.
Jayson is sitting at the bar with a lunch menu in his hand and I see him talking to the daytime bartender, Brooke. She is looking at him like most women do—like she wants to tear off his clothes and ride him like a pony. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but she is definitely flirting.
I find myself about to get jealous when Jayson catches my eye and turns toward me, completely disregarding Brooke for a moment. He gives me a smile and a little wave just to let me know he’s there. He understands I can’t leave my tables to come over and talk now. I smile back and try to focus on my customers, which is difficult knowing Jayson is watching me.
I notice Brooke walk back to bring him a drink and take his lunch order, paying less attention to him now that she knows he’s here to see me. I’m serving the few tables I have left, hoping they finish up so I can spend a few minutes with Jayson on my break between shifts. I keep sneaking glances at him and see he is playing with his phone and drinking an iced tea. Brooke delivers a burger to him at the bar and I catch her dramatically leaning over to set his plate down and give him a nice view of her breasts. He doesn’t pay her any mind so I give her a silent fuck you, bitch, in my head. I can’t remember the last time a guy made me jealous and I like Brooke—but I can’t help my reaction.
Jayson is working on his burger and I’m bringing the check to the last of my tables. I clean my section and reset it so all I will have left to do once they pay is this one table. I order a club sandwich from the kitchen so it will be ready when my table leaves. They eventually pay and get up to leave and as soon as I thank them I quickly clear and clean the table. I go to the bathroom to wash up and then to the kitchen to get my lunch. I walk over to the bar and sit next to Jayson, who only has a small portion of his lunch left.
“Fancy meeting you here,” I say as I place a napkin on my lap.
“I tried to call but realized you were probably busy. I thought I would come down here on my lunch break to see you for a few minutes, instead,” he answers, dipping a fry in ketchup and stuffing it into his mouth. “Besides, I miss you.”
“That’s sweet. It’s barely been thirty-six hours since I saw you. You can’t miss me that much.”
“I know. It’s crazy. I never thought I would be that kind of guy.”
“I have that effect on men,” I reply in a sarcastic tone.
Jayson smirks. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s that I know I can’t have you so I want you that much more.”
I blink. “Wait. So once you have me, then the thrill is gone and you’re done?”
“Absolutely not. I’ve already had you, remember? I just want more. Plus, you’re a pretty cool chick to hang out with, so you have that going for you too. And you’re gorgeous. Should I go on?” he asks, making me giggle a little as I take another bite of my sandwich.
“Not now, but I’m glad you appreciate my many winning qualities. So, how has your morning been?”
“Pretty long already. Morning meeting, lots of paperwork—nothing too exciting. This is definitely the highlight of my day,” Jayson tells me finishing his burger and taking a swig of his tea. “Are you off tomorrow?”
“I am,” I answer. “Too bad you have to work.”
“I’m getting a lot done today. Maybe I can arrange to leave early.”
“If not, I can see you after. I was kind of missing you too, to be honest,” I admit. “I’m glad you came in for lunch.”
Jayson smiles. “Me too.” Brooke brings his check over and smiles at us when she places it down.
“I got this one,” I say, reaching for the bill.
“No, you don’t,” Jayson tells me, grabbing it first.
“All right, then, but that’s silly of you,” I reply. “I’m sorry, but I have to get back on the floor. I’m not supposed to break for this long.”
“That’s okay. I have to get back to the office, anyway. You can call me tonight. I don’t mind if it’s late. I liked talking to you before I went to sleep last night. Made my dreams pretty sweet.” He winks at me as Brooke returns his check for him to sign.
“Cool. Then I will call you later,” I respond, stepping off the bar stool. “Thanks for coming.”
“See you later, beautiful.”
Jayson made my entire day by stopping in. I love that he wanted to see me enough to take the time to come by, more so that he’s not afraid to show it. He could play hard to get if he wanted or not let me know he cares so much, but he’s not and that makes me like him that much more.
I bring my plate into the kitchen and go back to the bar to get my drink. Brooke catches my eye and walks over.
“Who’s the hottie?” she asks.
“He’s my boyfriend.” I answer, calling Jayson that for the first time. I don’t even know if it’s official, but Brooke doesn’t need to think otherwise.
“Oh, good for you. Well done, he’s super-hot,” she replies, wiping the bar down.
“Thanks. I think so too,” I say and leave it at that. We’re friendly, but not close enough to get into too much more. I also saw the way she was looking at Jayson. It makes me feel more protective than usual. I wonder if that’s something I’ll ever get used to—being with a man who women are always ogling.
It isn’t long before the dinner crowd starts shuffling in. I’m back in my work groove but I can’t shake Jayson from my thoughts. I don’t want to wait anymore. I want to take our developing relationship to the next level. I liked calling him my boyfriend and I feel pretty sure now that he would love to have me as his girlfriend. It was his suggestion to slow things down, but he did it for me. It may only be a couple of days since we had our talk, but I know what I want now. I believe in him and feel secure in his feelings for me.
The night drags on, even though the restaur
ant is busy and I’m thankful I only have a couple of tables left before I can start closing out for the night. I begin cleaning my section and doing whatever I can to speed things up so when they’re done I won’t have much left to do. Both tables order dessert and coffee and I’m sure my tips will reflect my lack of patience.
I just want to go home and call Jayson. I miss him, even though he was only here a few hours ago. Plus I want to tell him how I feel and see what his reaction is. I sense that he won’t want to let things move so quickly for fear that I will have second thoughts. I have to make him believe that I won’t.
After what feels like an eternity, my tables are finished and their bills are paid. I clear them off and reset once again and I’m ready to go home. I say a quick goodnight to everyone and disappear out the doors.
I walk quickly to my building, wave to the doorman, and impatiently press the elevator call button several times.
I sit down and pick up my phone to call Jayson and put it back down at once. I can’t call him. I need to talk to him face to face. I need him to know that I’m absolutely certain with how I feel. I take a few gulps of my water, pick my purse and phone back up, and leave.
* * *
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* * *
I walk the short distance to the busy avenue my street crosses with and hail a cab. I arrive at Jayson’s building just over ten minutes later. I pay the driver, take a deep breath, and get out.
I stand outside for a couple of minutes to collect my thoughts and try to figure out exactly what I’m going to say. I know the general idea of what I want to tell him but haven’t really planned anything specific. I wish he didn’t have a doorman so I could just surprise him at his door, but I guess coming here at this time of night will be enough of an ambush.
I walk inside and give the doorman my name and Jayson’s apartment number. He calls to let him know I’m here and get the okay to let me up. He hangs up the intercom then gives me a smile and bids me goodnight.
The elevator is already waiting on the lobby level so I get in. On the ride up, my anxiety kicks in. I hope this isn’t the dumbest idea ever. I also hope Jayson doesn’t mind me stopping by unannounced, but I have the feeling he won’t. I’m still not sure how I’m going to start the conversation, but I feel confident something good will come to mind when I see him.
I arrive at the eighteenth floor and the doors open. I walk toward Jayson’s door and just as I’m about to knock, it opens.
Jayson is standing in the doorway and my jaw drops at the sight of him. He looks like he just stepped out of the shower and is wearing nothing but a pair of gym shorts. I’ve seen him without clothes before, but that was different. We were already in the heat of the moment, so I didn’t get to give his body the full attention it deserves.
His chest is solid and covered in muscles that lead down to toned abs. His waist is lean and outlined by the Adonis lines that lead down to his manhood. I continue to work my eyes down, but he interrupts.
“Did you come by for a reason, or are you just going to stare at me all night? Either way is fine with me.”
I look up and my cheeks flush. I grin nervously. Maybe seeing him in person was not the best idea.
“Sorry. I just wanted to talk to you. I hope it’s okay that I came over unannounced. I just didn’t want to talk on the phone.”
“Would you like to come in?” Jayson asks, opening the door wider.
“Sure. Yes.” I’m completely rattled. He looks delicious and I think I’m going to have a harder time than I thought coming up with what to say. I step inside and Jayson closes the door behind him.
“Is everything okay, Ashley?” he asks me. I think it’s a combination of me surprising him like this and my lack of speech that are making him nervous now.
“Yes.” I answer. “I just… I wanted to tell you how I feel and thought it would be better to say in person.”
“This doesn’t sound good.”
“No! It’s nothing bad. I just…” I break off. I wish he had some more clothing on. I really can’t think straight with him looking like that.
I look up at him and lose all control. I may have come here to talk, but suddenly I have nothing to say.
I lunge forward and wrap my arms around his neck. I tilt my head up as he looks down, and before he can say anything, I plant my lips onto his. I kiss him passionately, parting his lips softly with my tongue.
Jayson puts his hands on my waist and pulls me closer into him. He slowly moves them up my torso and over my breasts, then settles them on my cheeks. He pulls me closer, kissing me deeper. I unwrap my hands from around his neck and place them on his shoulders, gliding them down his thick upper arms and over his muscular chest, feeling every part of his body I can. I slide my hands further down until they are resting on the edge of his shorts. I begin to ease them down over his hips, but Jayson breaks our embrace and backs up.
“Hey. We can’t, Ashley. I’m sorry,” he breathes. “Trust me, I want to…” He looks down at his erection. “…but we shouldn’t.”
“We should,” I insist. “That’s what I came here to tell you.”
Jayson laughs. “That you want to have sex with me? I already know that.”
“No,” I sigh. “That I like you. A lot. That I want a relationship. That I don’t need to take it slow—I know for sure now.”
“It hasn’t been long, Ashley. I would never do anything to hurt you, but I need you to be positive you can trust me. I don’t want you to rush. I don’t want to ruin what we have going for us.” Damn him for being able to think right now.
“I’m not rushing,” I reply. I really want to scream “just fuck me already!” but I don’t think that will get the point across the right way. “I have thought of nothing else for days. I believe your feelings for me are true. I trust you. I care for you, and every minute we’ve spent together has been amazing. What else is there to wait for?”
“Only if you’re sure, Ashley. You know I don’t want to stop this right now, but I don’t want to lose you over it, either,” Jayson admits.
I look up into Jayson’s eyes. “You won’t. I promise.”
“You’re sure?”
“I am,” I say almost in a whisper. I feel as if I’m promising so much more to him at this moment.
“So you’re mine now, right?” he asks with a sly smile.
I nod at him. “Yes.”
Jayson grabs hold of my hair and pulls down, exposing the nape of my neck. I gasp as he kisses and sucks on my flesh, working his way up.
“Tell me you’re mine, Ashley. I need to hear you say it,” Jayson whispers into my ear.
“I’m yours, Jayson,” I reply in a small voice.
Still grasping my ponytail, Jayson begins to kiss my neck again, more aggressively now. He’s pulling my body by my hair, forcing me to take small steps backwards as he continues to suck on my neck and under my chin. By the time he reaches my lips I am backed up to the row of his floor-to-ceiling windows. Jayson quickly turns me around so I’m facing out, overlooking the city as he kisses the back of my neck.
I feel Jayson grasp the hem of my t-shirt and he crouches down. He starts lifting my shirt up and kissing and sucking his way up my back as he does. His hands glide slowly over my arms as he pulls my shirt up over my head, and then over my hands and drops it to the floor. Jayson uses one hand to unhook my bra and instead of taking it off, pulls that too up my arms, caressing me as he slides it up. He keeps my bra around my wrists and twists it tight enough to keep my hands together, pressed against the window, holding them up with one of his strong hands. He wraps his free arm around me, pressing his body up against mine. I feel how big and hard he is through his shorts as he begins to kiss my neck again.
Jayson cups my breast with his free hand and whispers in my ear, “I’ve imagined fucking you so many different ways. I can’t decide what to do first.” He tweaks my nipple between his fingers and pulls it firmly. I moan and he spins me back around to face him, still
gripping my hands that are entwined over my head. Jayson looks at me with a mischievous smile. He kisses me hard on the lips and grabs my breast in his hand. He is pushing his body into mine as we continue to kiss, our tongues deep and warm in the other’s mouths.
His cock is so hard pressing into my hip, his hand aggressively massaging my breast. My nipples are pert and erect so that Jayson is using them to pull me closer into him, making my knees weak. I want to grab him. I want to touch him everywhere, but I can’t. He has my hands tied above my head and is still holding them there.
Jayson pulls his lips off of mine and begins kissing under my chin, then my neck again. He bends slightly and starts working his way down, gently sucking and biting. He takes one of my nipples in his mouth, sucking it in and running the tip of his tongue over it. He does the same to the other and starts kissing and nibbling my breasts, making his way to the middle of my chest before sucking his way down the center of my belly. He lets my hands drop, grips the elastic waist of my pants, and skillfully pulls them down around my ankles. I lightly step each leg out and rest my bound hands over his shoulders. He gets onto his knees and looks up into my eyes.
Jayson kisses the front of my panties then extends his tongue out, pressing it hard enough that I can feel its heat and dampness through the silk of my underwear on my skin. His tongue finds the slit in my lips and slides slowly back and forth, parting them as much as they can through the fabric as he does. Jayson more forcibly sticks his tongue into me so it’s almost inside, but still not touching my bare skin.
I pull his face closer to me as best I can with my hands in their position. He looks up at me again, holding my gaze, and slowly drags his tongue up above my panties and over my belly and continues. When he reaches my chest, he takes my hands in his again and slowly lifts them up over my head as he continues to lick his way up. His tongue creeps back under my neck, over my chin, my lips, and into my mouth again.