The Boss

by J. L. Perry

  Once we’re inside the apartment, he places my suitcase down. “Make yourself comfortable, I’m just gonna have a quick shower. I’m all sweaty from the gym.”

  “I like you all sweaty,” I say, getting up on the tips of my toes and brushing my lips against his.

  “I like you all sweaty, too,” he replies with a chuckle as he wraps his arm around my waist and pulls my body towards his. Although he never replied to my text, and is yet to tell me exactly how deep his feelings run for me, I swear I see love reflecting in his beautiful brown eyes as he gazes down at me.

  When his lips meet mine, the kiss is soft and sweet. Not hungry and desperate like they usually are.

  I moan into his mouth when I feel him growing hard against my stomach. Does this man have any idea how much he undoes me?

  When our kiss finally ends, he rests his forehead against mine. “I don’t think I’ll ever get my fill of you, Miss Scott.” You have no idea how happy that makes me. I don’t want to ever lose what we have.

  I think we’re going to be okay.

  I pace the main room of Harrison’s luxurious, penthouse apartment as I wait for him to get out of the shower. I can’t seem to relax. The butterflies that have settled into the pit of my stomach are unnerving. In my heart, I know this isn’t the end of our drama.

  I’m startled when I hear the loud ringtone of his phone coming from the other side of the room. I walk over to the long wooden entry table by the door. My uneasiness intensifies when I see Michelle’s number flashing on the screen. She must’ve finally noticed I’m missing.

  Picking it up, I head towards Harrison’s bedroom. I don’t feel right answering it, but I’m curious to see what she wants. She’s either checking up to see if I’m here, or worse, she’s calling to say Ethan’s on his way back over.

  I’m momentarily stopped in my tracks when I enter his room. He’s standing by the dresser with a towel slung low on his hips. The strong muscles in his back flex as he rifles through one of the drawers. He literally takes my breath away.

  He stops what he’s doing when he hears the phone ringing, swinging around to face me. “It’s Michelle,” I say, holding it up in the air.

  A grim look settles on his face as he walks towards me. I hate that. I wish everyone would just butt the hell out and leave us be. He forces out a smile as he takes it from my hand.

  “Hey.” His eyes lock with mine briefly before he turns and makes his way back towards the dresser. “Yes, she’s here.” He pauses as he listens to whatever she’s saying. I wish the call was on speaker so I could hear the conversation as well. “Sure . . . okay . . .” I see his shoulders slump, and I know whatever she’s just said isn’t good news. “I kinda expected this would happen.” I stalk across the room and wrap my arms around his waist, resting my cheek on his back. I have no idea what she just told him, but I want him to know I’m here for him. “Alright.” He turns to face me again, and the sadness I saw in his eyes earlier is back. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” he says. “Oh, and Shell . . . I know it’s probably not going to make much difference, but can you tell Ethan I’m sorry for keeping this from him.”

  When I rest my head against his chest he places a soft kiss on my head. I can feel his rapid heartbeat against my cheek. He has nothing to be sorry about. If anything, Ethan should be apologising to him. I tilt my head back and meet his gaze when he ends the call.

  “Are you okay?” I ask, giving him a sympathetic look.

  “She’s not coming into to work tomorrow. Ethan has forbidden her.” He exhales a large breath as he steps away from me. I stand there, rooted to the spot, as he turns and walks towards the bed. My heart hurts for him as I watch him sit down on the side of the mattress, burying his face in his hands. He’s hurting, and I can’t express how sad that makes me. Why is my brother doing this?

  “Harrison.” I cross the room and take a seat beside him. “I’m sorry,” I say as I place my hand on his leg. I can’t help but feel responsible. “You know Michelle is her own person. She never lets anyone tell her what to do.”

  He just shakes his head. “How can I make things right with Ethan?” When he turns his face to meet mine I can tell he’s on the verge of tears. The devastation I see tears me apart.

  I rub his back with my hand as I rest my head against his arm. “Everything will work itself out, Harry.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince him or myself. I know my brother though, and I know how much he values Harrison’s friendship. I’ve never seen him this mad before, but I hope when he calms down he’ll see how ridiculous he’s being.

  Well, I pray he does.

  When I get out of the shower, I get dressed for work. I didn’t tell Harrison, but when we got home last night, Ethan forbad me from working with Harrison as well. But there’s no way I’m letting him stand in my way. That’s one of the reasons I packed up and fled. I didn’t fancy fighting with him this morning when I tried to leave the house.

  Leaving my feet bare, I pad out into the kitchen. I can smell the delicious aroma from here, so I know Harry is cooking us breakfast. Just being here with him is showing me a side to him I never knew existed. As if he wasn’t already alluring enough.

  Neither of us got much sleep last night. Numerous times during the night I woke to find Harrison lying on his back staring at the ceiling. And at 2am I found him missing from the bed completely. He was in the main room with his hands in his pockets staring out at the city skyline from the floor to ceiling windows. Even with his back to me I could tell he was troubled. It worried me. We spent the next few hours losing ourselves in each other, trying to forget the mess we were now facing. I hope what we have is strong enough to survive what’s to come.

  “Morning,” I say, walking up behind him and wrapping my arms around his waist.

  “Morning.” When I place a small kiss on his back, he turns in my arms. I hear him inhale when he buries his face in my hair. I’m not sure what his fascination is with that, but I don’t bother calling him out on it. He’ll just deny his was sniffing me, he always does. “Are you hungry?”

  “Starved,” I answer as I raise my head and brush my lips against his.

  He smiles in return but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. I wish he’d open up and talk to me. He can play this down as much as he likes, but I can see he’s struggling.

  “Sit. I hope you like Spanish omelettes.”

  “I didn’t know you could cook?” I say, taking a seat at the breakfast bar.

  “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” I bet there is. Although he was a constant in my life growing up, he was always very reserved and never talked about himself.

  I watch as he grabs two plates and places them down in front of me. My eyes continue to follow him as he goes back to the stove to grab the frying pan off the hotplate. “It smells delicious,” I admit as he cuts it down the middle with the spatula, dividing the omelette between both our plates.

  I don’t hesitate in picking up the fork. I hope it tastes a good as it looks. “Mmm,” I moan as I cut off a small piece and pop it in my mouth. My mum cooks a mean omelette, but this even rivals hers.

  “You like?” he asks as he places a mug of coffee in front of me. I could get used to this. I’ve been fending for myself for the last three years at uni, so it’s nice to have someone wait on me.

  “It’s delicious. Almost as delicious as you.”

  He chuckles as he comes to sit beside me. “You’re cute,” he says, placing a kiss on the side of my head.

  “Where did you learn to cook like this?”

  He shrugs as his gaze moves down to his lap. “I didn’t really have a choice.”

  I place my hand on his thigh, giving it a squeeze. I know he had a shitty childhood. I’m not entirely sure how bad it actually was, but there was a lot of rumours circling around town about his parents when we were growing up. It’s not something he’s ever talked about; not with me anyway. I remember stumbling across mum, dad, and Ethan talking in the kitchen onc
e. My mum was crying. ‘Poor Harrison,’ I heard her say. ‘We’ve got to do something to help him, he’s just a kid.’

  To this day, I have no idea what that was about, but soon after, my parents practically adopted him as part of our family. He was practically a permanent fixture in our home and came on all our family vacations. He spent more time at our place than he did at his own.

  “You’re one of the good ones, Harrison Williams,” I say with conviction. Apart from his devilishly good looks, and a body made of pure sin, he has so many other redeeming qualities. Not only does he have a beautiful heart, he’s a doer . . . a fighter . . . and a survivor. I’m so proud of him and everything he’s accomplished despite the odds. I know my family is as well.

  “I’m glad you’re here, Han.”

  “There’s no other place I’d rather be.” And that’s the truth.

  I dial Ethan’s number for the umpteenth time. Unfortunately, he’s declined every single call. If only he’d hear me out. I know I have a bit of a reputation with women, but things are different with Hanna. She’s changed me and everything I’ve ever believed. I could’ve sworn I wasn’t the settling down type, but she makes me feel differently. Things I thought I was incapable of feeling. It’s actually crazy just how much she’s turned my life upside down. In a good way, of course. I can see a future with her, and believe it or not, I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anything before in my life.

  Tossing my phone on the desk, I scrub my hands over my face. I’m not sure if I can mend the rift between us, but I’m gonna try my damned hardest. He’s more than just my best friend, he’s my brother. He’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and he’s helped shape me into the man I am today. Without the love and guidance from Ethan and his family, lord knows where I would’ve ended up.

  All I know is that I need him in my life, just as much as I need Hanna.

  “Are you okay, Harry?” My head snaps up to find Hanna standing in the doorway of my office, watching me. I can see the worry etched on her beautiful face and I hate that.

  “I’m fine,” I lie. She has her own problems, she doesn’t need to be burdened down with mine.

  Pushing my chair back, I tap my leg and force out a smile. She’s fast becoming the light in the darkness that’s threatening to consume me. I’m not sure how I’d cope if I lost her too.

  Closing the door, she saunters her way towards me. When she’s within reaching distance, I pull her down onto my lap. A smile tugs at my lips when she wraps her arms around my waist, snuggling into me. I close my eyes and let her scent envelope me. She’s my happy place. I need her more than she’ll even know.

  “Promise me you’ll stay,” I whisper into her hair, as I try to swallow the giant lump that has risen in the back of my throat. I know it’s unfair of me to even ask her that, but she’s all I have now.

  Lifting her face off my chest, her pretty blue eyes meet mine. She just stares at me for the longest time as I await her answer. The longer it takes, the more anxious I become. I don’t want to be alone. If I lose her too, I’ll have nothing . . . no one.

  I try to will the tears back, but it’s no use. I’m powerless to stop them. I hate myself for showing her my weakness. Men don’t cry. I learnt that when I was a kid. I was about four the first time I saw my father hit my mother. It was horrifying and I’m not ashamed to admit I cried. I was both shocked and scared. What kid wouldn’t be? They’d always have vicious arguments, but this was the first time I’d ever witnessed the physical side.

  It was also the first time my father laid his hand on me. He backhanded me so hard in the side of the head, it knocked me off my feet. I still remember his words like it was yesterday. “If I ever see you cry like a girl again, I won’t be held responsible for what I do.” It was the one and only time he ever saw me shed a tear. If I ever felt the need to do it again, I’d always hide in the bottom of my wardrobe and shed silent tears, even if he wasn’t home. I was just a kid. I didn’t know any better.

  “Oh, Harrison,” she says as she wipes one of the stray tears that leaks from my eyes. I can’t even remember the last time I got this emotional. Shame fills me as I go to turn my face away from her, but she grabs hold of my face and stops me. Leaning forward, she gently places her lips on mine. “I’m not going anywhere,” she whispers against my mouth. Holding her tight, I deepen the kiss. I need this connection with her, more than she’ll ever know.

  I have a burning desire to tell her how much I love her, and how much she means to me, but I’m a coward. I’ve never said those words to anyone before.

  Two days pass and there’s still no breakthrough in our situation. Hanna’s still staying with me, but for how long who knows. I’m still getting the silent treatment from her brother. All my attempts to contact him have been ignored. Yet, according to Hanna, he’s busting his balls trying to contact her. It’s only a matter of time before she caves, and that’s what I’m afraid of. The last thing I want to do is come between her and her brother. But I’m also scared once they start communicating again, he’ll convince her I’m not the right man for her.

  Maybe I’m not, but fuck me, I want to be. My past might not be much to go on, but Hanna’s different. She’s the first person to ever make me feel like I can actually do this, or want to for that matter. I know I’m capable of loving her, because I already do. I’d never hurt her, well not intentionally, and I’ll give her everything she’s ever wanted if she’ll let me, that I’m sure of.

  I smile when she sneaks in a kiss before the doors of the elevator open. As hard as it can be, we act professionally in front of the rest of the office. Behind locked doors though, that’s a whole other story. She makes me so happy, but I hate that our happiness is marred by the fallout with Ethan. Like me, she puts on a brave face, but I can tell she’s struggling.

  “I’m gonna go make us a coffee,” Hanna says, when we exit the elevator.

  Without looking, I can feel the eyes of the rest of my staff on us, so I just nod before turning towards my office.

  “Good morning,” I hear the moment I place my leather briefcase down on my desk.

  “Shell,” I say, spinning around. Relief flood through me when I see she’s dressed in her usual office attire. “You’re back.”

  I’m already crossing the room and pulling her into my arms before she has a chance to reply. I was positive I’d lost her. “Of course, I told you I would be.” She wraps her arms around my waist. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

  “You know I’d never do that, I’d be lost without you.” My voice cracks slightly as I speak. I’m so happy to see her.

  Drawing back, she places her hand on my cheek. “Give him time, he’s just upset and not thinking straight.”

  I sigh at her words. He’s more than upset. “I never meant for this to happen . . .” I shake my head before I continue. “I hate that this is what’s become of us. I miss his friendship, but I’m not prepared to give Hanna up . . . I’m in love with her, Shell.”

  Her face lights up at my admission. “I’ve know that for a while now . . . for a few years, actually. I’m so glad you two have finally gotten your shit together. I used to see the way you looked at her when you thought nobody else was watching, and her you. Nothing gets past me, Harrison Williams, you should know that by now.”

  “Of course it doesn’t,” I chuckle. “You’re like a regular Sherlock Holmes and ball-buster all rolled into one.”

  “I’m not a ball-buster,” she says, slapping my chest. When she stops laughing, she sighs. “Okay, maybe a little. But it’s for your own good.”

  “I’ve been fighting this for so long,” I admit, shoving my hands into the pockets of my trousers. “I tried my best to stay away from her for Ethan’s sake. In the end, I just couldn’t do it anymore.”

  “I think you’ve both been fighting the inevitable. Despite what Ethan says, you two are perfect for each other. Deep down he knows that too. He’s just hurt. He feels like you�
��ve betrayed him.”

  “I know. He has every right to feel that way. That’s why it was so hard for me to tell him.” My gaze moves down to the floor. “How is he doing?”

  “Truthfully, not good. He misses you, but he’ll never admit it.”

  Makes two of us.

  “I still can’t believe how well you can cook,” Hanna says, placing the plates in the dishwasher. “You’ve been holding out on me, Mr Williams.”

  “There’s not much I’m not good at,” I reply with all seriousness, as I slide my arms around her waist and rub my semi-hard cock against her arse.

  “Is that so,” she says with a laugh. “Tickets much.”

  “I’m just being honest.”

  She turns in my arms and brushes her lips against mine. “I’d agree with you, but I don’t want to give you a big head.”

  “My head’s big enough already,” I say, pushing my hips forwards. “And I’m not talking about the one on my shoulders either.”

  She throws back her head and laughs. It’s nice to see. Neither of us have been doing much of that the last few days. “You’ll get no complaints from me there.”

  I place a soft kiss on her nose. “Have I told you how much I love having you here?” I’m not sure how I’m going to cope when she has to return to uni in a few weeks.

  “Yes, this morning when you had me pinned against the wall in the shower,” she replies with a smile, “but feel free to tell me again.”

  “I love having you,” I whisper against her mouth. When I pull out of the kiss, I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Listen, I’ve got to go out for a little while. Do you want to come, or stay here?”

  “Where?”

  “I run a self-defence class one night a week.”

  “You do?” she asks as her eyes widen.

  “I do . . . at the community centre in town.”

  “Wow. How did I not know this?”