“Don’t bother. I’ll ask Violet to help me,” I bit out.
Slamming down the receiver, I inhaled. Even though Vi and I were together, that guy still got on my last fucking nerve. Yesterday, I was tempted to reveal our relationship to him just so he would stop dropping by to stare at her.
“Vi, can you help me with something?” I asked through the intercom.
“I’ll be right there,” she answered. She sauntered into my office wearing a pink sweater and a cream high-waisted skirt. As soon as I laid eyes on her, my dick twitched. Closing the door behind her, she focused her attention on me. “What seems to be the problem?” she asked sweetly.
God, she was beautiful. Surely, Charles Dickens or Ernest Hemingway could’ve penned an entire novel just about the way her lips curved whenever she smiled.
Stirring from my stupor, I finally managed to answer her. “That new update they did on the server keeps moving my files. I thought that would fix it, but Joel just told me they had to reboot the server. So, we have to sort through everything again and re-organize it.”
“Oh, okay.” She rounded my desk and moved to stand next to my chair. Bending over, she grabbed the mouse and leaned toward the computer screen. “It didn’t take me too long to get everything straightened out the first time. Give me a few minutes.”
“Thank you.”
Her index finger clicked furiously as she sifted through all the miscellaneous folders on the computer’s home screen; meanwhile, my eyes raked over her body. The stilt-like heels she wore today made her legs look even longer, and I inched closer, wanting to touch her.
“I wish they would’ve warned us about rebooting the server. I could’ve had this straightened out on my lunch break.” She adjusted her hips, balancing all her weight on her left foot. She held the position for a few minutes, but then I noticed she started to sway. I turned my chair to the side and grabbed her by the waist in an attempt to steady her. But before I could comprehend what was happening, she fell, landing on top of my lap.
“Are you okay?” I asked, my fingers holding onto her.
“I’m so sorry!” She nibbled on her lip hesitantly.
My gaze dropped to her breasts, which were now on the same level as my chin. When I exhaled, my breath poured over her chest, and my hands gripped her waist tighter.
“No need to apologize.”
When I finally lifted my gaze to meet hers, the faint trace of a smile lined her red lips. “I should probably get up.”
I nodded and released her waist. “That would probably be a good idea.”
We had to remain professional here. We couldn’t give into temptation now, or we’d risk our entire relationship. And more than that, we’d be compromising our jobs too.
Retrieving her heel, I knelt before her. “Let me,” I said.
She placed her hands on my shoulders and watched as I gently slid her shoe back on. But my hands didn’t stop there. I needed to pull away from her, needed to put some distance between us, but I couldn’t. Instead, I traced the seam of her stocking all the way up to the back of her knee. She gasped loudly, and I continued upward, finally reaching her thigh.
“Don’t stop,” she begged, her voice nothing more than a whisper.
That simple plea did me in. Shoving up her skirt, I set her on top of my desk. “You’ve been torturing me with this outfit all day.”
“Does that mean you like it?” she asked seductively.
“You know I do.”
Her hand caught mine, placing it on top of her pink lace panties and matching garter belt. “You should take these off.”
“Fuck. Now, I know you’re trying to kill me.”
“Never, I love you too much.”
Leaning forward, I devoured her mouth with mine. Our lips moved perfectly together, dipping and sucking with expert precision. Dropping her hands to my waist, she made quick work of my belt and zipper. Once my pants were in a pile at my ankles I ripped off her sweater and tossed it on the floor.
“Are you sure you want to do this here?” I asked.
She removed my tie and ripped my shirt open. Buttons flew in every direction, falling to the ground like drops of rain. “If you’re not inside me in the next five seconds, I’m literally going to combust.”
As soon as she uttered those words, I was a fucking goner. Jerking her panties to the side, I shoved inside her so hard that the desk lurched forward. My body stilled as she tightened around me. God, I would never get over how good she felt.
Her ankles locked behind my waist, and I drove my hips forward, desperate to get as deep as possible.
“Fuck,” I muttered.
Each time she moaned, I sped up. Vi and I belonged together. If other people wanted to start rumors or make assumptions about us, that was fine by me. Because the only thing I needed was the gorgeous woman in front of me.
“Hunter,” she panted. “Keep going.”
“I plan on it.”
My mouth trailed the length of her neck, sucking on her flesh. She tasted like heaven, and my lips continued to move downward until I reached her breasts.
“Mmm,” she sighed heavily. “Just like that, baby.”
“Does that feel good?” I asked.
She nodded, her hands catching my hair as she jerked me closer. “So good.”
Files and papers tumbled off the desk as I continued moving inside her. I had half a mind to knock everything to the floor so there was room for me to spread her out. But the desire I had to feel her, to fuck her until she came apart in my hands, won out.
“Tell me what you need me to do.”
“Just keep going.”
“Whatever you want.”
Her teeth grazed the edge of my jaw. I slammed into her until her entire body writhed against me. A rush of pleasure shot up my spine as if I’d been drenched in gasoline and set on fire. Vi’s head fell backwards as she moaned my name.
“Hunter.”
“Do you like moaning my name as you come?” I questioned, sucking on her lip.
“Yes.”
I slid my tongue inside her mouth, claiming it for my own. Her hands curled around my neck as she pulled me deeper into the kiss. All my muscles tensed at the prospect of my impending release. I rocked into her a final time, and her body clenched tight around me. She muttered my name as she came, her orgasm igniting my own. Chills scurried down my back, seeping into my veins. Every time I came inside her, I didn’t believe it was possible for it to feel any better. And every time, I was wrong.
Closing my hand around her chin, I leaned in and planted a tender kiss on her lips.
“Vi, can you do something for me?”
“Of course.”
She tried to move, but I held her in place, wanting to stay inside her as long as possible.
“Will you move in with me?”
“What?” she asked, surprise evident in her tone.
“I know we haven’t been together long, but I want to be around you as much as I can. We can live at your place or mine, it doesn’t matter to me. All I care about is you.”
Her mouth curled into a shy smile. “You’re sure?”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I love you.”
I stared into her blue eyes. When I came to Boston, my life was a mess, but all of that changed the moment I met Vi. She confided in me, revealed her darkest secrets, and I loved her all the more for it.
“Your place. I want to live in your apartment.”
“You do?”
“Of course I do,” she laughed. “But I have one condition.”
“Naturally.”
“I want more bookcases.”
Smiling, I nodded. “I’ll get you whatever you want.”
“I just want you.”
Her mouth closed around my bottom lip, softly sucking on my flesh.
The sound of a phone ringing made both of us jump. Vi picked up my office line, holding the
receiver up to her ear. “Hunter Desmond’s office. How may I help you?” Her eyes widened into saucers as she turned to stare at me. “Okay. Yes, I understand. We’ll be right there, Mr. Beakman.”
Fuck.
Sliding the phone from her hand, I hung it up.
“What did he say?”
“He wants to speak with both of us as soon as possible.” Her voice faltered slightly.
Sensing her fear, I pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. “Did he mention what about?” I asked.
“No. But he sounded kind of pissed.”
Fastening my pants, I walked over to the closet and pulled out a new shirt. “We’ve been really careful. No one has ever seen us together, so there is no need to overreact.”
“You’re right,” Vi agreed, adjusting her skirt.
“Whatever happens, I’ll take care of it.”
Her hand caressed my cheek as I finished with my tie. “I know you will.”
When we finished dressing, Vi and I rode the elevator up a floor. Setting my hand on the small of her back, I ushered her down the hallway and into Beakman’s office. The sound of my heart thundered between my ears, pulsing at a deafening level.
Beakman’s shrewd gaze landed on us as soon as we crossed the threshold.
Clearing my throat, I folded my arms over my chest. “You wanted to see us?”
“Yes,” he answered, capping a pen. “Something has recently been brought to my attention.”
“And what might that be?”
Beakman sighed and pressed a button on his phone. “Rhonda, I need you. Now.”
Rhonda hurried through the door to his office, quickly closing it behind her. Then she moved to sit in an armchair positioned next to Beakman’s desk.
Rhonda offered Vi a slight smile before turning her attention to me.
“I have heard from another employee that the two of you are engaging in a sexual relationship,” Beakman announced.
“I bet I can guess who made that complaint,” I replied. “Joel.”
“He said he stopped by your office nearly twenty minutes ago, and that your door was closed, but two different voices could be heard. He reported the voices belonged to you and Ms. Vaughn, and the nature of your conversation was intimate . . . very intimate.”
Sweat pooled on the inside of my palms. Fucking Joel.
“There’s a simple explanation for all of this,” I began.
“I’m listening,” Beakman replied.
“It was my fault,” Vi piped up.
My head snapped in her direction. “That’s not true.”
“Hunter, I mean, Mr. Desmond wanted to keep our relationship strictly professional, but I kept throwing myself at him until he finally gave in.”
Rhonda and Beakman glanced at one another in surprise.
I stepped forward, looming over his desk. “She’s lying. If anyone here has a reputation for sleeping around the office, it’s me. I’ll pack up my things and leave without another word, but only if Ms. Vaughn is able to retain her position at this firm.”
“Don’t listen to him!” Vi shouted.
“Enough,” Beakman yelled. “Answer this question, are the two of you engaged in a sexual relationship? Yes or no?”
“Yes, but it’s so much more than that,” I confessed. “I love her more than anything.”
“More than your career?” Beakman questioned.
“Yes.”
“Violet?” Rhonda asked.
“I feel the same way about Hunter. I love him.”
Rhonda grinned as if she’d just hit jackpot at a casino. “I thought so.”
“You called it.” Suddenly, Beakman’s countenance changed. “While we don’t prohibit romantic relationships in this office, we do forbid relationships between an employee and their direct superior.”
“You have Mr. Bartlett to thank for that policy,” Rhonda muttered under her breath. “Thankfully, Bob and I have come up with a solution.”
“Hunter, you have handled every single challenge I’ve thrown your way. Your mind is one of the sharpest I’ve seen in a long time, and we would hate to lose you. That’s why Rhonda and Violet will be switching positions.”
“Wait, what?” Vi asked, clearly confused by Beakman’s suggestion.
“I am going to be stepping in as Hunter’s secretary, and you will be acting as Bob’s,” Rhonda answered.
I grabbed Vi’s hand, interlacing our fingers. “Seriously?”
“Yes. We want both of you to continue working at this firm for the foreseeable future,” Beakman replied. “That includes after you become a paralegal as well, Violet.”
“You’re sure?” she questioned.
“Absolutely!”
Extending my hand to Beakman, I waited for him to shake it. “Thank you so much, sir. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“You’re welcome, son. And just so you know, Leo Galterio called me earlier today and explained everything that happened in Chicago.”
“He did?”
“I got off the phone with him an hour before the two of you stepped into my office.”
“I can’t believe it,” I replied.
“I’ll let the two of you get back to work. Tomorrow, Rhonda and Violet will switch desks.”
“Thank you so much,” Vi added. “Both of you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie,” Rhonda replied.
“Thank you again.” Closing the door behind us, I breathed a sigh of relief. When we first stepped into Beakman’s office, it was as if the ground was falling out from under us. But in a second, that sense of panic transformed into elation. I grabbed Vi’s hand again, leading her back to the elevator. As soon as we were alone, I picked her up off the floor and spun in a circle. “I can’t believe all that just happened.”
“Me neither.” She beamed down at me, and my arms tightened around her. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to finish up this day so you can take me home.”
“I know what you mean,” I said, sliding my hands down her waist. Slowly, her face lowered until her lips pressed against mine. “Your bed or mine?”
“Ours.”
A grin tugged at the corners of my mouth as I held her. Ours. The word reverberated through my mind, euphoria expanding the inside of my chest. And fuck, the word was like music to my ears, especially when it came out of the mouth of the woman I loved more than anything.
Wasted by Marian Hill
Lies by The Black Keys
Cocoa Hooves by Glass Animals
Wiped Out by The Neighbourhood
Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey
New Person, Same Old Mistakes by Tame Impala
Not Alone by Sara Bareilles
Fangs by Little Red Lung
All The Things Lost by MSMR
I Feel Like I’m Drowning by Two Feet
Infinity by The XX
The Night We Met by Lord Huron
I’ve Got To See You Again by Norah Jones
Big Jet Plane by Angus & Julia
Afraid by Sarah Fimm
Hey Now by London Grammar
Delicate by Damien Rice
Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac
Fire In My Bones by Fleurie
Love Like Ghosts by Lord Huron
Call Out My Name by The Weekend
Twisted by Two Feet
As always, I want to thank my parents and my sister, Steph, for their unwavering support and love. None of my books would be possible without you! I also want to give a huge shout out to my editor, Tamara. I am beyond blessed to send all my stories to you, and I can’t wait to see what we work on in the future! To my betas, Suzy, Brittany, Mychal, Miranda, Kendall, Samantha, and Jeff, y’all are amazing and I truly appreciate all of you taking the time to read my work! You guys rock! Tiffany, how can I ever thank you enough? You read the first sentences I had the courage to write down and everything in between. Thank you for being my best friend, my ride or die. Without you, I never would have found my voice.
Lindsey, you have always been a huge supporter of my writing, and your encouragement means the world to me. Thank you! Scott, thank you for being my writing companion! I am so grateful for all your help, insight, and words of encouragement. I also want to say a huge thank you to Will. You put up with so much from me and you continually push me to chase my dreams! Thank you, I love you always.
Contemporary Romance:
I Know Better (By Your Side Series: Book One)
You Deserve Better (By Your Side Series: Book Two)
Paranormal Romance:
Seeds of Eden (The Concilium Series: Book One)
Read the story of how Terayn and Ryan first met in the third book in the By Your Side Series: Not Without You
A.P. Watson grew up in the small town of Estill Springs, Tennessee. Growing up in a rural town allowed her imagination to run wild, and she soon began making up stories in her head at a young age. This storytelling eventually transformed into a love of writing. She is an avid reader, enjoying a variety of genres and authors from Jane Austen to Charlaine Harris.
When she isn’t reading or writing, A.P. spends the majority of her time dancing. She has been taking pole dancing for the last four years and couldn’t be more in love with the sport. A.P. has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from East Tennessee State University and is currently working on obtaining a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing. She has over six years of experience as a critical care nurse. She currently resides in Johnson City, Tennessee with her adorable pup, Elle.
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Burning Violet Page 24