Double Boss Me: A Billionaire MFM Romance

by Juliet Woods

  “Tyler, what happened to your everlasting optimism?” I say, trying to hide my sarcasm.

  Katie throws me a look.

  “All right, all right, I'm sorry,” I concede. “Look, it's going to be all right, Tyler.”

  “No, no it's not. I fucked everything up, man,” he growls.

  “You? If anyone should be blamed, it should be me for letting the software go to market with bugs in it,” I say, shaking my head in frustration with myself. “But really, let's try not to put the blame on anyone.”

  “It's all over. You're right, Austin, I'm a failure and we're going to lose the company,” Tyler says. “And I'm afraid I'm going to lose you too, Katie.”

  “What?” Katie asks, surprised. “Why on earth would you think that?”

  “Because I'm a fuck-up. Why would you want to be with someone like me?”

  “Because I really care about you, Tyler,” Katie says, squeezing his arm. “Of course I'm not going to leave you!”

  “Really?”

  “Really. It's going to take a lot more than some snags with the investors to make me walk out on us,” she assures him.

  He burrows his head into her arms and I have to fight back a smile.

  “Wow, Tyler, I have to say I'm impressed with your new-found concern for the company – and this new sensitive side,” I say, clearing my throat and feeling a little awkward. “But don't fret. We may have found a way to get out of this mess after all.”

  He turns on his heels to face me again. “Oh yeah? Shit, you should've told me before I went all dramatic there!”

  “And miss that performance? How could I?” I smile.

  Katie rolls her eyes. “So, moving on...”

  “We have a potential new investor,” I blurt out. “One Jack Brice. He's expressed his interest in the company.”

  “Really? Why now? Doesn't he know about our ruined reputation with the software failures?” Tyler asks.

  “Yeah, he knows all about it. This is what he specializes in – coming in when businesses are in trouble and helping to turn them around by changing things up. And making a lot of profit.”

  “Isn't that kind of like profiteering?” Tyler asks.

  “Yeah, the dude's kind of a scumbag, and he apparently is very demanding and difficult to work with. But we don't have a lot of other options right now. He's helped other companies in times of need.”

  “Hell, we can deal with a scumbag if he can save the company,” Tyler says, perking up. “Yes! We are back in business!” He holds up his hand to me in a high five.

  “Not so fast. Save your high fives for when he signs on,” I say, sighing. “He's only expressed interest.”

  “Right,” Tyler says, worry crawling over his face again. “So what do we have to do now?”

  “Woo him. Convince him that this is the kind of place where he wants to put his money. Give him a tour of the office, show him the new apps the developers are working on. Most of all, paint a picture of a really united, on-point office environment. Show him that we're all about hard work and team spirit, that we're a well-oiled machine, all working together to churn out quality products. That our little slip-up was just a one-time thing, never to happen again.”

  “All right, that shouldn't be too hard, because it's all true,” Tyler says. “We'll just have to brief the team leaders about what talking points to emphasize, right?”

  “Exactly,” I say. “Make sure we're all on the same page.”

  “Is that going to be enough?” Katie asks. “I mean, what is this guy really about? We need to know how his mind works so that we can cater to him.”

  I look at Tyler and smile. “Isn't she amazing?”

  He nods enthusiastically, in agreement.

  “You're brilliant,” I say to her. “And that's exactly right. I've been talking to a buddy of mine in Sacramento who worked with this guy. Turns out Mr. Brice is very up-to-date with technology but totally out of touch with modern culture. He's old-school, traditional, and hates what he considers the modern loss of social values.”

  “Sounds like a stick in the mud,” Tyler says.

  “Yeah, pretty much,” I say. “I'm guessing he feels left behind by a lot of social change and prefers the old way of doing things. And from what I hear, he's a real sexist pig.”

  “Ugh,” Katie groans. “Keep me away from him.”

  “Well,” I begin delicately. “I was hoping you would make an appearance. A very important appearance.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Well, my buddy says he has a thing for hot young assistants serving coffee...”

  “What?! That's not my job. I'm not a secretary from the 1960s.”

  “I know, I know, but just this once?” I almost beg. “And... could you maybe do it in a sexy outfit?”

  Now she looks offended. “Are you serious, Austin Murphy? You want me to objectify myself for some chauvinist pig?”

  “Just a little?” I cringe, knowing that I'm asking a lot of her. “Not that nightie we gave you, of course, but maybe just wear a skirt a little shorter than usual, and heels a little taller?”

  “It might be hard for us to concentrate on the meeting,” Tyler says, amused.

  “It might be hard for me not to spill hot coffee on all of you,” Katie retorts.

  “I know this is asking a lot,” I say.

  She gives me a look.

  “All right, it's asking too much, you're right,” I agree. “But it may just be the thing to push him over the edge and sign on the dotted line, you know? He's this sleazy old-school type who can't resist a hot young thing like you. I know it's horribly objectifying, but would you take one for the team? Just this once?”

  Katie sighs, sending the strand of hair hanging in her face flying. “I guess. Just this once will I do it, though. God, I can't believe I'm actually agreeing to this debacle.”

  “You're the best,” I say, squeezing her and lifting her off the ground a bit, to which she responds with a delightful little squeal. “We owe you big-time.”

  “Yes, you do,” she smiles. “We can talk about that later.”

  “Well, I hope this all works,” Tyler says.

  “I do, too,” I say, exchanging a nervous glance with him. Looking at Katie, I smile and try to convey optimism. “It will work. It has to.”

  Chapter 22

  Katie

  I decline Austin and Tyler's offers for a ride home. It would be so much nicer and faster than the subway, but I know my mom is itching to meet my boyfriend – singular – and I don't want to risk a run-in if they drive me home. I am just not ready to verge into that territory of having her meet one of my two boyfriends. And forget about explaining both of them. At least not now.

  My thoughts on the subway ride are all jumbled up. First is the worry about the state of the company, and apprehension about the meeting with Mr. Brice tomorrow. Underneath that is my revulsion at having to use my body as a negotiating strategy. That is just so against all my beliefs about women being on the same playing field with men. I hate the idea of objectifying myself to get a man to do what we want. But I'm willing to do it for Austin and Tyler. I guess that just shows how much I care for them.

  I call Michelle and give her the scoop, and she's actually excited about it. Leave it to her to think sexualizing myself to win a business contract is a fun adventure. I laugh at how different the two of us are. But honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's the fresh perspective she gives that makes our friendship so interesting. And of course, I rely on her as a friend and confidant. I feel a rush of gratitude for the most important people in my life – my mom, my best friend, and of course Austin and Tyler, who seem to become more important every day.

  After chatting with her, my thoughts turn to the way Tyler looked this afternoon – so distraught and worried. I always thought he was a fun-loving guy who never got too worked up about anything. Seeing his face all twisted up in agony about losing the company – and about losing me – was
touching. It was nice to see another side to him. The vulnerable, sensitive side.

  It means a lot to me to know that he really cares for me.

  I smile, thinking of it, a little later as I sit down to dinner with my mom. As usual, she can tell something is up.

  “Thinking of your new man, Katie?” she asks, smiling.

  I blush. “Um, no,” I try to lamely cover it up.

  “It’s okay, sweetie,” she says, slowly cutting up her steak. “You can tell me about him. You don’t have to hide. I think it’s great you have someone special in your life.”

  I groan on the inside. I hate keeping things from my mother.

  “Thanks, Mom, but there’s not much to tell,” I lie. “We’re just taking things slowly, you know.”

  “Katie, you know you can’t lie to me,” she smiles. “I see right through all that. I’m your mother.”

  She’s right. I’ve never been able to lie to her – for long. She always seems to figure it out eventually.

  I try to play it off, though. “Oh, Mom, it’s not a big deal, really. I’d just rather not hype up something that may not be real yet.”

  “I understand,” she says, patting my hand. “But I’d love to meet him sometime, just the same.”

  I nod, taking a bite of my baked potato, and try to think of something to change the subject to.

  The rest of the meal is a little strained. After I clean up, I head back to my room. I know my mom means well, but I wish she wouldn’t pressure me to tell her everything sometimes.

  As I pace back and forth in my bedroom, I realize that it’s more than my mom’s pressure that’s bothering me.

  I’m so frustrated that we have to hide.

  I care so deeply about Austin and Tyler, and I want to be with them openly. I want my mom to meet them. I want to go out on a date, in public, with both of them. I want to have fun like a normal couple, with both of them at the same time.

  I’m not sure how much longer I can keep up this hiding.

  But what can be done about it? We all work together. They are the CEOs of the company, and they can’t really risk bad publicity.

  And what would my mom think? I cringe and turn red thinking of her meeting my boyfriends – plural.

  Sighing, I go to my closet. Now I have to worry about degrading myself to impress some jerk who’s stuck in the last century. It irks me to no end that I have to do it, but I know it’s worth it if it gives us an advantage in getting the company back on track.

  I push through the clothes hanging up until I see it – a short, super tight pink skirt. I bought it a few years ago, back when I was a bit smaller. The last few years I’ve put on a few pounds, mostly in my hips and butt.

  I try it on. Yep, this’ll do. It’s not obscene, but it’s definitely more risqué than my usual office attire. It’s pretty tight on my butt, and I have a feeling that this douchebag investor will like it. I shudder just thinking about it.

  I pair it with a black, close-fitting top I usually wear to go out with Michelle, and finish the look with heels that are a little too high for work.

  I look at myself in the mirror, and I’m actually a little surprised at how hot I look.

  I take a selfie and text it to Michelle.

  “Look at what I’m wearing to work tomorrow,” I write.

  My phone beeps almost immediately.

  “Damn girl! No wonder you have those two studs wrapped around your little finger.”

  I take off the getup, shaking my head at the lengths I’ll go to for these guys. I sure hope our little plan works on the investor.

  As I climb into bed, I think about how much I’d like Austin and Tyler to peel those clothes off my body. I close my eyes, hoping that we’ll have reason to celebrate after work. And maybe my two sexy bosses will do just that.

  Chapter 23

  Tyler

  After a restless night’s sleep, I drag myself into the office, ducking my head down and avoiding meeting anyone’s gaze.

  I’m kind of a mess today. Full of worry and uncertainty about the future of our company, the business we built from the ground up and poured all of our time into the last decade.

  But most of all, I’m worried about Katie. And I’ve never felt like this about a woman before.

  I’m terrified of losing her. Scared she’ll finally see that I’m just a spoiled, immature kid pretending to be a grown-up. Worried that she’ll wash her hands of both me and Austin, or worse – stay with Austin only and throw me to the wind.

  I make a beeline for my office and get everything ready for the day. Just wasting time until I have to face everyone.

  I try to push all the fears and doubts out of my head and focus on what needs to be done for the day. Suddenly I realize how much I’ve changed. I’m no longer the overly-confident, cocky guy I’ve always been. I’m feeling all kinds of emotions that are foreign to me. Why? What’s happening to me?

  Could I be in love?

  As soon as the thought enters my head, it hits me. Of course I am in love with Katie.

  There’s nothing wrong with me – I’m just torn up over the first woman I’ve ever loved.

  I’m so stupid for not seeing it before now. I guess this is all pretty new to me and I’m not sure what to make of it. But I know it’s true. I do love Katie. She’s all I want, all that matters to me in this world.

  Not even the company is as important to me as Katie is. She’s everything. I laugh to myself, seeing how blind I’ve been all along.

  So this is what love is.

  But do I tell her I love her? What if she doesn’t love me back? How could I go on not hearing her say the same thing back to me? Maybe it’s better if I wait a while.

  All these thoughts are swirling around my head when I hear a loud knock on my door, followed by Austin barging in. Guess I’ll have to figure all this out later.

  “Hey, man, are you ready for this?” he says, looking a lot more collected than I feel. “Brice will be here in an hour.”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I sigh.

  I decide to throw all my energy into the task at hand – getting this investor to sign. I don’t know if Katie would actually leave us if we fail, but it sure wouldn’t help matters. So I decide that we have to make this work.

  “Katie just texted me that she’s running late – there was a mechanical problem with the train this morning. But she’ll be here in time for the meeting,” Austin says, looking at his watch.

  “All right, let’s go over our game plan one last time,” I say.

  And before I know it, the two of us are shaking Jack Brice’s hand in our conference room. Katie’s still not here, which I know is worrying Austin – and me, too, to be honest.

  Austin was right about him being a scumbag. Something about this guy is off. Everything about his whole persona screams sleazy. After meeting him, I’m actually glad Katie isn’t here. Seeing this guy, I feel an urge to protect my princess from him. Our princess.

  We all have a seat and make some small talk for a moment.

  As if on cue, in walks Katie looking almost as hot as she did in the bikini she wore in Mexico. My breath gets caught as I look at her, and Austin stops in mid-sentence as she saunters in the room wearing sky-high heels, a low-cut top, and a pink skirt that hugs all her curves and leaves little to the imagination. My eves flash over at Jack Brice.

  It’s obvious he likes what he sees. He looks her up and down, his eyes lingering on her chest and hips. A look of self-satisfaction crawls over his face. The guy is practically drooling over her, his eyes filled with lust. I feel heat growing in my face, and I want to punch him out for looking at Katie like that.

  “Jack Brice, this is our assistant, Katie,” Austin says, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

  “Hello, Katie,” Brice says, not moving his eyes from her ass.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Brice,” Katie says in a breathy voice. “Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea, soda?”

  “Co
ffee, please, Katie,” he says.

  “Could I have a black coffee, too, Katie?” Austin asks.

  She nods her head, then looks at me, silently asking if I want anything. I shake my head no, slumping down in my chair. I can’t believe we thought this would be a good idea.

  She turns and walks out the room, and we all stare after her. It’s like we’re all in a trance watching this beautiful woman walk away. Brice shifts in his seat. After she closes the door behind her, he pushes some air out of his mouth and breaks the trance by saying, “She seems like a hard worker, that one. I bet she likes to have some fun too, right, fellows?” And he twists his disgusting mouth into some sort of a grin.

  Austin clears his throat and doesn’t respond. I can tell he doesn’t like this piece of shit any more than I do.

  “Getting back to the reason we’re meeting today,” Austin begins, “we have some data that I think you’ll be interested in...”

  I fade out at this point, my thoughts shifting back to the way Brice undressed our little Katie with his eyes. I consider running out and getting the coffee myself, but I know I have to go along with this charade.

  Soon another tap at the door announces Katie’s return. She walks over to Brice, carrying a tray. Bending over with her ass right at his eye level, she slowly places the coffee in front of him. He leans back, enjoying the view of her impeccable, round ass without shame.

  We all watch in silence as she delivers Austin’s coffee, and smiling, walks toward the door, her heels clicking all the way.

  “Thanks Katie,” I say weakly.

  Brice makes a little grunt after she’s gone, and gives us a knowing wink. I grip the armrests on my chair until my knuckles turn white.

  “Now, what were we talking about?” he asks, chuckling.

  “I was telling you about the new projects we have in the works,” Austin says, somehow managing to maintain professionalism at all times. I don’t know how he does it. I’m fuming.