The Boardroom Series – Complete Boxed Set (Boxes 1 – 6) : An office romance turned seductive submission

by Annabel Lucas

  Tess was quiet for a moment before she continued. “He’s different now. He’s here with a purpose, a way to connect with the family he left long ago. The love he had for me is gone. I felt that in Vegas. What remains is connection and compassion. What’s left is a version of how we can love each other.”

  Not quite sure of her role in the mix, Shane listened, grateful for the explanation. “Thank you for telling me.” Tess nodded.

  “Shanie,” Tess said, her tawny eyes filled with remorse. “I’m so sorry I hurt him. Please forgive me.”

  Shane nodded, choosing her words carefully. "If he hadn't had you, he may not have become the man he is today. The man he is with me." Shane's somber eyes softened, and she smiled - a peace offering.

  “Want me to find you an outfit for tonight?” Tess asked.

  Shane crossed the room and kissed her on the cheek. “Yes please, that would be great. Oh, and Ali is coming tonight.”

  "Okay," Tess said, smiling. "Make yourself at home. What's mine is yours." She said, and Shane smiled as she stepped back into the steamy bathroom for a shower.

  Twenty minutes later, Shane emerged from the bathroom with a billow of steam.

  Tess sat at her vanity amongst the bottles, fragrances and palates. Her beautiful eyes were open wide as she curled her lashes. Tess wore a lace top that slightly slipped from one bronzed shoulder. When she stood to face Shane, Shane could see the hem of her cutoff denim shorts just below the white top. Shorty shorts. Her long legs seemed to go on for miles before reaching her feet and coral toenail polish. Simple and beautiful.

  Shane was now the one wrapped in the towel. “I laid out a few things for you. What do you think?” Tess asked

  Shane chose her pair of denim shorts from Tess's collection. They hugged her ass and buttoned well below her belly button. She chose a peach tank top and pullover sweatshirt that matched. The outfit was perfect while being prepared for both the warmth of the California day; she was prepared for the chilly California night. "Want perfume or shoes?" Tess teased.

  "Both please." Shane said hungrily. "I love your shoe closet."

  "Be my guest." Tess offered. Shane took Tess's place and selected a fragrance; while Tess went in search of shoes. Shane sprayed the lovely scent on the hollow of her throat, the inside of her wrists, and on the inside of her thighs.

  Tess emerged with a pair of sandals and handed them to Shane. Shane slipped them on and shook her head, handing them back when they rubbed at her instep.

  "These?" Tess said as a pair of three-inch wedges hung from her fingertips.

  Shane shook her head. No.

  Tess reappeared. “Third time’s a charm.” She said. This time she handed Shane a pair of simple white tennis shoes. Shane slipped into them. Yes.

  “Perfect.”

  "Girls?" it was Ryan. His knock and request for attention came as he appeared in the doorway. "Want to get going?

  Shane nodded and rose to join him.

  Tess turned to him. “Be right there. You two go ahead.”

  Shane slipped passed Ryan into the hall. She was moving toward the kitchen when she realized he’d turned back.

  She could hear him talking and when she turned back, she could see him talking to Tess, his back to the door. "Tess." He said. Shane paused, listening. "Thank you for the bike.” There was a long pause. “It means more than I can say."

  Shane watched as Tess hugged him, her little shape dwarfed by his. Shane's eyes were filled with tears, and she could see Tess's tawny eyes held tears of their own. "Of course. I'm so glad you finally came home to ride it." He hugged Tess again while Shane moved further down the hallway. She wanted him to have the space he needed. He needed to heal from his hurt. He walked down to her and slipped his fingers into hers. She led him outside to the terrace where the world was dark and still.

  He wrapped his arms around her, and she moved her head back to see the expanse of stars overhead. She caught the scent of the sea and burning wood from the wind. The bonfire must have started.

  “Ali is already there with Midnight.” He said.

  Tess joined them looking up at the stars. “I can ride Fawn over. Shanie, want to ride with me?

  Shane nodded her head in response, still staring at the stars. "Of course."

  At the stables, Tess mounted Fawn, and somehow Shane found herself riding bareback behind Tess. Ryan picked out a mare she hadn't met yet. Delila was a stunning Arabian princess. He led her out of the barn, and she followed; obedient, and in love. Her lovely neck arched high, as her white coat shimmered in the moonlight. Shane watched as he mounted her with the same skill as Tess and Ali. Tess followed Ryan as he led them away from the barn.

  Shane took in the trees around her, watching the valley floor change as they climbed the hillside to the peak where they would begin their descent to the beach. Tess stopped for a moment at the top, letting Ryan gain a bit of distance in front of them.

  Riding Fawn with Tess was different than riding with Ali. Tess felt slender and slight. This ride was so different from the first. She was excited, and instead of holding on for dear life, she found her hands at home on the curve of Tess's hips.

  Ahead of them, Shane watched as Ryan leaned forward on Delila’s back as she neared the sand. Shane heard him whoop as Ali had; and the horse took off across the sand. She was so involved in the sight that she almost missed the tensing of Tess's body as she leaned forward, mimicking Ryan’s actions. Shane moved with her at the last moment, gripping the pony with her thighs as they flew across the beach to join Ali and Ryan.

  Fawn slowed her gait as she reached the other horses. Ali held his hand up to her, and she went to him easily. He took her reins while Ryan reached up to help Shane down.

  She slid into his arms as she had done with Ali, but he didn't let her go when her feet reached the sand. She hugged him tight as Ali led Fawn away, with Tess still riding high on her back.

  Ali tied Fawn beside the other horses and waved them over. He'd built a fire on the sand. A pile of driftwood sat nearby as a future fuel. The white rocks he'd pulled from the grassy hill surrounded the fire.

  “Ali!” Tess exclaimed clapping her hands. “This is perfect! Just what I wanted.”

  He grinned at her and turned to Ryan. "I know." A colorful tapestry lay over the white sand; the same white rocks that surrounded the fire held down the corners. It was laid out with the dinner he'd cooked over the flames, shrimp, corn on the cob and baby potatoes dripping with butter. A loaf of bread lay in the center of the "table", and two buckets of ice held chilling wine. Shane recognized the label.

  At least one was the brand she and Ryan always chose.

  Ali turned to Shane and Ryan, “you guys hungry? I’m starved.”

  “God, yes,” said Shane. “This smells delicious.”

  Tess turned to Shane, "It is. This is his specialty. Wait until you taste it."

  An hour later, Shane sat curled up against Ryan, the warm sand beneath her, the fire warming them against the cold California night. Her belly was full, and the wine had given her a steady buzz. The others talked and laughed, reminiscing while she drifted in and out of the conversation.

  When their conversation grew quiet, she turned to Ryan, reaching back to stroke his cheek and draw him near.

  "I love it here." She said, and he laughed.

  “I know, honey. I love it here too.”

  Shane listened as her eyes grew heavy, warmed by the fire and soothed by the waves. She fell asleep listening to their quiet conversation and laughter.

  When she woke, it was to the sound of crashing waves. She was shivering in the chill of the night air and turned into Ryan for warmth. The fire had turned to embers, and the heat died with it. The white stones meant to keep the fire in shone in the moonlight. Beyond the burning embers, Shane could see the shape of a sleeping couple, limbs intertwined. Tess and Ali.

  She sought his warmth, and Ryan's arms tightened. Closer. She wanted to be closer. She kissed him again, unsu
re if sleep had deserted him. His lips were soft and open as she took his mouth in hers and intertwined her legs with his. Her free hand slid under his t-shirt. His skin was hot, burning with the desire she meant to wake in him. With her caress, he began to wake.

  While his mind was sleepy, his cock was not. She felt him stiffen against her belly. She pressed into him, rolling him onto his back. His body moved easily under her hands, warm and malleable. She straddled his hips, moving over his hungry cock. The rough denim of her shorts ignited her desire as she moved her hips against him. He began to respond, his kisses no longer sleepy or lazy.

  He let her take charge over him. It had not been this way since the first night in her bed. His hands roamed over her ass and up her back, shifting her hips as he rose to meet her. He moved with her as she ground against him, hips circling, and her desire intensified. His hands were on her waist, under her shirt, seeking skin as she had. Her hoddie suddenly too hot. She unzipped it and cast it aside into the sand. She wore only shorts and the thin tank top. Her tight high nipples visible through the light fabric. Shane rocked against his length as his hands found her breasts. He lifted her body with his hips as he squeezed. Shane let her head fall backward, arching into his touch, her body on fire. She wanted to take him on this beach, to please him.

  She intertwined her fingers with his and pressed his hands back into the sand as he had done in the barn. His fingers tightened, but he obeyed as she held him down. Moving her hips against his, she felt his cock hard and huge, bound by his jeans. She kissed him as he rose to meet her with his mouth and his hips. She slipped down, rubbing her body against him as she pulled his t-shirt out of his jeans. She left open-mouthed kisses across his belly and chest. Her hands were on his skin. She moved over him, back up to kiss his mouth before she began her descent.

  She tasted salt on his skin as her mouth moved on his neck, lips against the hollow of his throat. He swallowed hard, pulse racing. She moved down, tasting, her lips against his belly, while her hands worked at the button of his jeans. His breathing increased as she slid the zipper down and wrapped her fingers around his cock.

  She wrapped her fingers tightly around him, barely able to circle his girth. Shane squeezed as he pulsed against her palm and tasted the tip of his cock with her tongue. She felt him inhale, held captive by her hand. Shane licked him again and blew across the top of his now moistened cock before she brought her lips down and took him into her mouth. He shuddered beneath her. She worked him with her hand and her mouth, taking him deeper and deeper until his cock met the back of her throat.

  His fingers were in her hair, holding her head gently, his hands riding her as she bobbed. Tears burned her eyes, and his grip became stronger. His legs trembled, holding back the desire to fuck her mouth. She stroked him harder and sat up, breathing in the cold night air as she took him in both hands, stroking him from base to tip. His dick, slick in her hands made her wet, wanting him inside her. His fingers were on her shorts, unbuttoning it, the zipper loose now. He sought her the way she'd sought him. Pulling her up into his arms and kissing her, his fingers moved against her clit, moving through her folds. With a single move, he rolled her onto her back pressing her into the sand as it molded to her body. Her shorts slid away. She slipped her hands inside his jeans, just in time to feel his ass flex as he entered her. Deep and slow he fucked her on the beach, primed by her mouth, needing her pussy. She let go, feeling the climax rise with the waves as he kissed her. Gentle orgasms went on and on as her body moved with his; in time with the waves. When he came, he said her name, and it brought her higher. "Shane, Shane, Shane."

  They slept through the night on the beach. When she woke in the morning, Ali and Tess were gone, and the embers no longer glowed.

  CHAPTER 4

  Photoshoot

  R yan and Shane crept in through the unlocked terrace door. Ryan went to her room to shower as Shane wandered through the quiet house. “Tess?” She was reminded she was nowhere to be found. “Tess?” Shane called down the hall. No answer. Shane wandered through the house, tapping on doors until she heard movement from behind Tess’s door. “Tess?” She called again knocking. No answer. Shane turned the knob and pushed into the bedroom, encouraged by movement in the bathroom. “Tess?”

  “Shanie?” Tess called as she popped her head out of the bathroom. Jesus, she was gorgeous.

  "Wow," Shane said, the word escaped her lips without permission. She laughed. "I mean, Tess." She tried again to find the words, and they failed her. Wow.

  Tess wore a white dress. It was tied at the nape of her neck and had a plunging neckline that showcased her ample breasts. Shane watched as Tess stepped out of the bathroom and twirled. The dress had no back. It was cut down to her hips, revealing the lovely line of her spine and the curve of her waist. The skirt flared as she turned and then settled back around her slender legs. So Marilyn Monroe. Tess wore white sandals with sandy colored wedge and leather straps that crisscrossed her feet. Her toes matched her nails with a simple French manicure. Her eyes glowed, the tawny golden essence set off by the dress, her lips a moist kissable shade of pink.

  Shane found her words as she moved across the room. “Gorgeous! I love the dress, where did you get it?”

  Tess waived away the complement, but Shane could see the pleasure in her eyes. "Oh," She said softly. "Steven sent it."

  "Of course, he did. Where else would you get a dress like that?" Shane laughed. Steven owned Tess's favorite shop in Vegas- The famed Boutique.

  Tess was delighted. It was evident she was enjoying the day and they’d barely begun. “Want to know what I’m wearing underneath?”

  Shane laughed. “I really do.” She said giggling.

  Tess winked at her. “Nothing. No room for panty lines here.” She said, turning her back to Shane in a sexy show and tell, “and certainly no room for bra straps.”

  Tess moved into Shane’s space now. Her voice low “How was your morning?”

  It was Shane’s turn to fight the smile and blush that rose to her cheeks. “Amazing.” Shane cast her eyes to the floor, barely able to ask. “Did we wake you?”

  Tess laughed. “Only a little. We didn’t want to…interrupt.” She teased. We came back to the house after you were both asleep.

  “Yesterday I thought he missed me.” Shane confided. “Now, I know he missed me.”

  Tess nodded leaning in for a kiss. “He did miss you. He told me.” Tess’s lips were warm, and soft; and delighted her almost as much as her sentiment.

  A combination of a startled laugh and cough came from the doorway, interrupting the moment. Shane's eyes flew open, and she turned, startled.

  Ryan stood in the doorway, “You darling girls, are supposed to be getting ready.”

  Shane began her protest while Tess pouted. They'd slept late, and she still hadn't showered.

  Ryan was unmoving. “Girls, please. The photographer will be here before you know it. They’re running a little early – of all things. Penny wanted to have extra time to scout out the place.”

  "Okay, okay. Sorry." Shane said, giving Tess a quick kiss then moving past Ryan with one for him as well. "I'll hurry."

  She could hear Tess as she made her way down the hallway to her room. “You didn’t even say anything about my dress.” There was a pause. “What do you think?”

  She heard the fondness in his voice when he spoke. “I think you look amazing.”

  Tess's voice came next, sounding pleased. "Thank you." She said, and Shane closed the door to the sound of Tess's laughter.

  Shane smiled as she stepped into the steaming shower. She lathered and rinsed, lathered and rinsed until her curls squeaked through her fingers. While she washed away the remnants of the beach, Shane turned over the day’s coming agenda in her mind. She’d heard about Penny. She was renowned in her field. Shane had helped Ryan review photographers, and they'd gone through hundreds of samples together. She was the one for the job. Ryan wanted to capture the sacred feel of the valley
, the winery, and the age-old structures. From there, he'd given her license to do her thing. Penny was aware that the house, ocean and horses were at her disposal.

  Shane climbed out of the shower and dried off. She moved through her bedroom and found an outfit that suited the coming event. This she had packed for. She slipped into her tailored slacks and a silk blouse. She wore a black silk thong and a push-up lace bra beneath. Ryan would love taking these off. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and smiled. Pleased. Her hair loved California as much as she did. The curls she battled in the Mid-west hung beautifully down her back, holding their shape, immune to frizz. Shane pulled on her boots and gave herself one last glance in the mirror.

  Satisfied, she went in search of the others. Her shower had been quick, but the photographers had been faster. As she crossed the warm terracotta stone floor in the kitchen, she could see them. Ryan was talking to two women and a man. They stood around the pool, surveying the layout. Shane's belly rumbled. The kitchen had an aroma of something heavenly, but she dismissed her growing hunger to follow the murmur of conversation. Through all the correspondence, she and Penny had created a nice rapport, and she was excited to meet her. Ryan caught sight of her and waved her in.

  “Penny, this is Shane.” He grinned. “She’s the one who took care of all the details that got you here.” Penny laughed and held out her hand.

  “Hi, Shane. So nice to meet you in person.”

  Shane smiled at Penny. “Nice to meet you too.” Penny was dressed comfortably in an oversized button-down shirt and Capri pants. She had short strawberry blond hair that curled around her makeup-free face and set off her bright blue eyes. Shane liked her immediately.