Page 32 of Hot for the Boss

“What were you going to do? You had to deal with four grown men willing to get on their knees and beg for your business.”

I jog around and slide in beside her. “You’re not wrong. They didn’t even stifle their groans when I said Stratus wouldn’t be making a decision until the first of the year.”

Nia smirks. “I’m surprised no one offered you a blow job to hurry your decision.”

“They looked desperate, and I’m pretty sure it crossed their minds. But, um…” I shake my head. “Not my type.”

“You mean you’re not attracted to beards, plaid shirts, and a more-than-passing knowledge of Java programming?”

“Not even a little.”

Her laughter fills the car, and I realize that, if I’ve heard the sound before, I don’t remember it. I haven’t amused her much over the years. Worked her a lot? Yes. Frustrated her a lot? Probably so.

But tonight we’re not at work. And the fact we’re on a date seems surreal. Though she’s been my assistant for years, that circuit-frying encounter in her dressing room scrambled my brain so much that my thoughts about her no longer compute the way they used to.

This morning, she greeted the arriving contractors with a smile. Instead of absently thanking her while preparing to get down to business, I had to ruthlessly restrain my fantasy of stripping off her dress. As she showed them to the conference room and brought us all coffee, I forced myself to act as if I have no idea how it feels to have every inch of my cock buried inside her. And when one of my visitors eyed Nia like a prime slab of beef, I had to bite back a possessive growl.

Fast forward ten hours. Now, she’s not merely my assistant, but also my girlfriend. I can shed the professional straightjacket and treat her like a woman. Except…I’m unsure how to proceed.

As we pull away from the curb, I focus on the plan I’ve been concocting since Sunday and connect my phone to my sound system. Rush hour is tapering off. Keeley’s recommended tunes calm me and fill the silence.

The first I’ve never heard. Blink 182 is a band I’m familiar with, but not this song, which is appropriately titled “First Date.” It’s got a punk rock vibe and it’s kind of catchy and fun.

Nia bounces in her seat, seeming to like it, too. “Keeley nailed this one. From everything you’ve said, she sounds cool.”

“She is, though she’s somewhat hippie and quirky. Maxon is usually very serious, so they’re interesting together. From what I gather, he was a complete bastard before they met. Now, they seem really happy.”

Before she can comment, the next song begins. It’s another unfamiliar tune, not that I’m surprised. I usually prefer silence, and I’ve never cared what everyone else is listening to. According to Keeley’s cheat sheet, this one is “fallingforyou” by The 1975. It’s a mellow song with an unexpected beat and a slightly sexy vibe. It’s one I’d listen to again, especially when Nia turns to me with a glance that makes me wish we’d stayed at her place.

When the male vocalist sings that he touches her leg, I do the same. On contact, my body jolts. My heart lurches. I squeeze her thigh when he croons that he doesn’t want to be just her friend. I relate to that.

Then he admits he’s falling for her. Is that what’s happening to me?

I let out a steadying breath. It can’t be. It’s too soon, and I won’t fall in love again. I’ll commit to a relationship of mutual trust and respect, especially since the benefits with Nia are incredible. But that’s it.

“I like it,” she says at the end. “Who is the band?”

I hand Nia the page Keeley emailed. “Here’s a full list.”

She scans it. “Eclectic. I don’t know half these songs.”

“At least I’m not alone in that.” I shoot her a wry grin as another tune starts. “But I’ve heard this one.”

“‘You and Me’ by Lifehouse? Yeah.”

It’s an earnest song about a guy who’s realizing he feels more for a woman than he once thought. He sounds confused but mesmerized by her.

Join the club, pal.

The simple melodic strains of the guitar end the song as we arrive at our destination. I park the car near the front door and hop out to retrieve Nia. She steps from my gray sedan, then looks around. “The Living Computer Museum? This is where you’re bringing me?”

“You said to pick something I enjoy. I actually come here a lot.” Especially since Becca’s death. She always hated this place, but I appreciate the peace and the orderly surroundings.

Nia gives me a slow nod as she takes everything in. “All righty.”

I smile as I lead her forward. “It’s a lot more interesting than it sounds. I promise. Give it a chance.”

She glances at the sign beside the door, then stops mid-step. “They’re closed.”