by MacKay, Cali
By the time Marshall knocked on her door, her nerves were getting the better of her, not just because she was always a hot mess when she had to fly, but because she was going away with him, and she knew the rules were about to change. It didn’t help that she still didn’t know what the hell they were doing. Part of her knew it could be a huge mistake to sleep with him again, especially when she was growing more attached to him with each passing day. But another part of her would happily jump into his bed in a heartbeat since sex with Marshall was amazing and unlike anything she’d experienced before.
She opened the door and found him standing there, looking heart-stoppingly gorgeous in jeans, a cranberry tee, and a worn leather jacket to ward off the chill of the brisk spring day. He leaned in and kissed her cheek like they were old friends, filling her head with his masculine scent. “Are you ready, sunshine?”
Something about having him so close sent her into a near panic, making her second-guess going on this trip. Because one thing was certain—she now knew she’d never be able to resist him for a whole week, her resolve already weakening. “I am, but…I don’t know. Maybe you should go without me. I don’t do so well on planes, and just think of all the work I could get done without you around to distract me and drag me off to breakfast.”
His brows perked up as if not quite believing she was going to go down this road. “Harper…I need you with me. And this conference is exactly what we need for inspiration. It’ll help us narrow down what direction to take our next product line in, and at this point…you’re my muse and I need you by my side. If you’re scared of flying, I promise to do all I can to distract you.”
She let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding and glared at him. “That’s what I’m afraid of, Marshall. I know the sort of distraction you’re talking about and I’m telling you right now—I’m not sleeping with you again. I can’t. So if that’s what you’re thinking is going to happen, then you can guess again. Am I clear?”
“What’s clear, my sweet girl, is that I’m going to thoroughly enjoy myself during this trip.”
***
Harper tried to slow her breathing as Marshall’s private jet taxied the runway and the engines revved in preparation for taking off. Although this was a far cry from Josh’s little plane, she still couldn’t help the panic she felt inside, her pain and heartache coming to life once more. This might be a larger plane than the one Josh had been in when he crashed, but it could still fall out of the sky all the same. “I hate this part, Marshall. I never should have come with you. There was no need for it.”
“Look at me, Harper.” Marshall shifted in his seat and brushed her cheek, his brow furrowed with worry as her eyes burned with threatening tears. “It’ll be okay, love…you have my word. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Some things aren’t in your control.” She sounded as panicked as she felt, but then he was kissing her, slow and sweet, forcing her to focus on him, so that her fears and worries faded in his kisses.
He was making it so she could think of nothing but him, the memories of the time she spent naked in his arms playing out in her head. Her body craved him, ached for his touch, and left her desperately wanting him to take her again, even if she knew it would only complicate things further.
His tongue found hers as his kiss deepened, her fingers gripping the soft cotton of his tee as she held onto him. And though his kisses eventually slowed, he continued to hold her close, cradling her to him and enveloping her in the safety of his arms. “There you go, sweet girl… That wasn’t so bad, right? We’re up.”
And so they were. She let out a ragged breath, and though she knew she should sit back in her own seat, instead she nestled in deeper in his arms. “I know I shouldn’t be doing this—and I don’t want you reading more into it than what it actually is, which is me just being stupidly chicken shit about flying. But you’re warm and muscular, and you feel safe and smell good.”
“Whatever you need, I’m here for you, Harper. I mean it.” He ran his hand down her hair and kissed the top of her head as she settled deeper into his embrace, his steady and strong heartbeat soothing her.
A ragged breath escaped her lungs as the tension in her muscles slowly slipped free. “I don’t know your ex at all, Marshall, but…man, she must be an idiot to mess things up with you.”
He let out a small laugh and leaned his cheek against her head. “So then why do you keep fighting what’s between us, instead of giving in to it? Because there’s definitely something there, Harper—even if it’s nothing more than a bit of fun. You can’t deny it.”
She sat up out of his arms, just enough to be able to look up at him. “I’m not denying it—but you’re also my boss, you’re in the middle of a nasty divorce with a woman who’s a bitch, which means you’re likely on the rebound. And that’s not even counting all of my issues.” How could she let Josh go when he was still suffering, confined to a wheelchair, the pain unbearable? She already felt guilty enough about sleeping with Marshall. “Trust me when I tell you, I’m not a good bet either.”
“Harper…are you looking for something serious? Because those issues only matter if you are—and that would be fine if that’s what you need at this point in your life. I get that.” He brushed her cheek with his thumb, his touch gentle and his eyes kind. “But if you’re not, then why not enjoy ourselves? I can’t remember the last time I had such a fun night—and I really like you…in case you hadn’t noticed.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “Believe it or not, I did actually notice.”
Everything he’d said was true. All their issues only mattered if there was more to their relationship than sex. And at this point, she didn’t think she was capable of giving her heart to anyone, even if her body was desperate for some attention. And that meant that this thing with Marshall could be perfect.
Yet, something told her she’d be playing a dangerous game, and she knew, as sweet and sexy and smart as Marshall was, she could easily end up with a confusing mess on her hands. And that was a problem, which certainly meant all those other issues suddenly became major concerns.
“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, sunshine?” His thumb brushed her lips, making her breath catch and her heart race. She’d always found it such an erotic thing…as if he was claiming her mouth as his, as if he was reminding her of the things that mouth had done.
Yet she couldn’t tell him what she was thinking, couldn’t tell him that it’d be so easy to want more between them, so easy to fall for him. It was ridiculous to even go down that road when she was still so broken over Josh, and she and Marshall had only just started this thing between them. But she found herself suddenly wanting so much more for her life.
Josh had pushed her away, wanted no one around so he could mourn the life he’d once had—and she was nothing but a reminder of all he’d lost. But those three years alone to mourn her relationship with Josh had taken their toll, and now…Marshall had reminded her that she had a life to live.
But falling for him would be stupid when he was in no position to let this be anything but casual sex. And one thing was quickly becoming clear—she hadn’t really ever been a casual kind of girl when it came to matters of the heart, and that seemed to be holding true when it came to Marshall. Not to mention the tiny little fact that he was her boss.
“What’s going on in my head is that this is still a bad idea. I’ve worked too damn hard to build my reputation as an engineer who knows her shit, just to have it all ruined because I’m sleeping with the boss.” There might be more to it than what she was saying, but it was still true. She knew the rumors were already flying around the company…and she’d seen the looks they were giving her. Even Todd was looking at her like she’d stolen a position he was entitled to—and she’d always had a great working relationship with him. “People are already whispering to one another and looking at me like I’m the Whore of Babylon, especially after you promoted me to a position half of the
m would murder for, when I haven’t even been with Clio a year. They think I’m trying to sleep my way to the top—and let’s face it, that’s exactly what it looks like from the outside looking in.”
His brow furrowed with anger and his eyes blazed fierce. “That was my decision, and mine alone, Harper. You’ve more than proved yourself and your skills on other projects, not to mention your latest design. So if anyone gives you any problems, you tell me. Am I clear?”
She loved that he was so protective of her, but she knew that having him fight her battles would only make things worse. “No one’s said anything to my face, but you know what it’s like—and the last thing I need is for you to come to my defense. But…it’s why this thing between us is a mistake.” Among other things.
“It’s one thing for you to not be interested in me, but if you’re saying no because you’re worried about what other people are going to say, then that’s not fucking acceptable.” He shook his head, and let out a deep breath between clenched teeth. “And you should know better than to let other people dictate how you live your life.”
“This is my career, Marshall. What the hell am I supposed to do when you lose interest? Just go back to my cubby and pretend that nothing happened? How the hell can I even continue to work for Clio?” She knew he understood the problem, but was just choosing to ignore the reality, because he wanted to continue what they’d started.
“You can—and you will, Harper. People know you’re good at what you do, and what you do in your personal life doesn’t change that.” He let out a frustrated sigh and stole another kiss, his lips lingering on hers. “I know this isn’t easy for you, but fuck…it’s been days since you were in my bed, and I haven’t been able to think about anything else. That one night wasn’t anywhere near enough.”
“Well, it’s going to have to be. You knew from the start that it was only a one-time thing.” If she gave in, she’d only want more—a lot more than he was currently able to give her. And she knew that would be the case because the truth of the matter was that the mere thought of him sent her heart tripping over itself, and their night together had been running on an endless loop in her head, no matter how hard she tried to push it out of her head.
“I want this one week with you, Harper. Just you and me, naked in my bed, and I’m not taking no for an answer. I know you want this as bad as I do, so I’m not going to let you talk yourself out of it.” His eyes blazed with a determination that sent her pulse skittering straight through to her core. “There won’t be anyone else from Clio at this conference, and then once we get back, I promise not to ask you for anything more if you decide you want to put an end to it.”
“Marshall…I can’t.” A week in his bed would guarantee her nothing but a world of trouble and heartache when she was already so close to falling for him. It’d be one thing if they’d just met, but they hadn’t—she’d had nine months to develop feelings for him, feelings that were now amplified by the dangerous little game they were playing.
“You can and you will, Ms. Jones. Because I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Chapter Nine
Marshall swore Harper was making it so he couldn’t think straight. What had started as a bit of a fun distraction with a gorgeous and smart woman was quickly becoming a need that refused to be extinguished or ignored. And though she hadn’t agreed to give him this week together, he was a determined man.
Not having her again just wasn’t an option.
Maybe Claire had left him completely fucked up. But he was starting to think that his need for Harper had absolutely nothing to do with his other problems. Because it was clear that there was more to it than her simply being a distraction from his divorce and the trouble Claire was stirring up.
Harper stifled a scream as the plane took a dip and shook as they hit some turbulence. With her still in his arms, he held her tightly to him. “It’s okay, love. It’s just a bit of bad weather. It’ll pass.”
“I know…” She took a deep breath, though she was so tense, he swore she’d be sore for days if he couldn’t get her to relax. “It’s silly, but…I just had a bad experience, I guess.”
“It’s not silly. Everyone has issues from their past that they have to deal with.” Just like he had to deal with the fact that he always had to be the best, because no matter what he did, his father always saw his kids as disappointments, as not good enough, and had no problem voicing his feelings on the matter. “Which is exactly why you should let me distract you, Harper.”
She sat up out of his arms and ran her hands down her face, looking exasperated. “I can’t give you a week, Marshall…things between us are already so complicated—at least it feels that way on my end. And a week with you would only leave my life even more messed up than it already it is.”
“Harper…I know I don’t know you well at all, but if you have issues you’re dealing with and I can somehow help, then I’m happy to.” He had more money than he’d ever be able to spend, and if her problems were money-related, then he’d do whatever he could to take care of the matter for her.
“It’s just…personal stuff. And it’s nothing I want to talk about. Besides, you have enough problems of your own with your ex wreaking havoc and making your life miserable.” She chewed her bottom lip, her grey eyes darkening. “Were you at least happy at one point?”
Marshall wasn’t quite sure how she’d turned things around on him, but he supposed that if he wanted her to open up to him, then he needed to do the same. “I was—or at least I thought I was. But the truth is that I don’t think she ever loved me, and the person I fell in love with didn’t ever really exist. It was all an act. I was never anything but a meal ticket to her, and I don’t think there was ever a time in our relationship when she wasn’t cheating on me.”
And yet, despite having his heart betrayed, he was still looking for happiness.
“You deserved better than that, Marshall.” She slipped her hand into his, and nestled in against his side. “I’ve never understood people like that. It’s so hard to find happiness. You’d think that once you have it in your grasp, you’d do all you could to hold onto it.”
“I suppose she wasn’t ever happy—though I doubt she was really looking for happiness anyway. I was just too stupid not to see it.” It was the one and only time he’d fallen for someone’s lies. Never again, though. “It’s why you don’t have to worry about this becoming serious, Harper. I know you’re worried about that—but you don’t need to be. I’ll admit that I want you something fierce, but it’s just a hunger that’s looking to be fed. I’m not looking for anything more from you—especially if you’re also not looking for anything serious.”
“I’m not, Marshall. But…” She took a huge breath and let it out with a shake of her head. “But you’re sexy, and charming, and you’re really sweet, and that can be a dangerous combination. It’s been awhile since I was…involved with anyone seriously. And I’m not looking for any sort of relationship, but…it doesn’t mean that I don’t run the risk of falling for you if I give in to what you’re asking for. And that’s not a chance I’m willing to take. This trip needs to be about work. Nothing more.”
“It’s just one week, Harper. I swear, I can almost guarantee I’ll manage to be a big enough jerk and push your buttons enough to make sure you’re happy to be rid of me.” He bit her lip, doing all he could to hold himself back and not drag her into the private suite at the back of the plane. “One week, Ms. Jones. I’m a determined man. And then we can both go back to denying the attraction between us.”
She all but groaned in frustration as she tried to push him away. “I can’t, Marshall. I’m sorry, but there’s no way this will work, even if it is just a week. And when we get back from the conference, I want my old job back.”
“And I want you as my assistant—as my muse—and I won’t take no for an answer.” No fucking way. Why did it suddenly feel like instead of things moving forward between them, they were instead moving back? But if i
t was about work, then that’s what he’d try to appeal to. “I’m offering you an amazing opportunity, Harper. You’d be able to pick and choose the projects you want to work on, help me decide the direction to take our product lines in.”
“But not because I’ve put my time in with the company and proved myself, but rather because you want to fuck me.” She let out a groan of frustration. “Don’t you see the problem?”
“What I see is an engineer who came to me with an amazing idea, and probably has plenty more ideas where that one came from. No one else has done that. No one else has taken the initiative to develop a project they weren’t assigned to and has come up with something that’s completely out of the box.” Didn’t she see how incredible she was? What an asset she could be? “I’m not saying I don’t want to fuck you, Harper—because clearly I do. Once was nowhere near enough. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not remarkable at your job and that you’d be a bigger asset to Clio if you were working with me on innovating our products.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, Marshall, but…” Her shoulders slumped as she wrapped her arms around herself. “I’m still not sure I’m the right person for that particular job.”
He couldn’t believe he was going to voice his suspicions about the mole, but he had to get her to see just what was at stake. “What if I told you there was more to it? What if I told you that I needed someone I could trust with the innovations we’d be working on, because I suspect someone is leaking information to our competitors?”
“You can’t be serious, Marshall. Really?” Her eyes went wide and then she slowly shook her head to clear it. “Who would do such a thing?”
“I wish I knew. But it’s why I need to try to figure out what’s happening. If I can take control of where we take our product lines, and limit who comes in contact with the designs until we’re ready for production, I can try to contain this.” The problem was he had no real proof—just one too many design similarities. It had gone from feeling like bad luck to something that occurred too frequently to be simple coincidence.