Ash

Sitting at my desk, I kept looking over at her door. I had the perfect view of her office. I could see her silhouette moving against the glass, the shape of her delicate arms and hands as she stretched them above her head only made it harder for me to work.

I stared blankly into space, wondering what she was thinking, if she was thinking about our night together, if my presence made it more difficult for her to concentrate.

Because I couldn't focus on shit.

“So you're the infamous Ash.” A man's voice came in from behind me. Turning around, there was guy peeping his head over the top of his cubicle with a toothy grin on his face. “I've heard a lot about you, you used to work in Chesterfield at Inked Daily, right?”

The man's hair was cut short, reminding me of someone in the military. Buzzed on the sides and flat on the top, he had this stiffness to him that just screamed soldier. He looked to be in his late thirties if I had to guess, with light crows feet at the corners of his eyes, and hair that was starting to turn a mixed shade of salt and pepper.

Nodding, I swiveled my chair a little and leaned back. “That's right. How'd you know that?” I asked, fiddling with the pen in my hand and bouncing it against my lips. My eyes kept shifting between his face and Nola's door. I would be damned if I missed a chance to see her.

She was all I could think about since we met over the weekend. I couldn't get this woman out of my damn head. It was so bad I even jerked off twice thinking about her on Sunday and again this morning before work.

Which was the real reason I was late on my first day, not the traffic. But I didn't think announcing that to everyone would go over well with my new boss.

She is my fucking boss. . .

The fact that I walked into my new job, to find her as my new boss was a complete shock. What were the odds that of all the places and people in this world, I just happened to fuck my new boss and not know it?

The odds had to be astronomical, one in a million chance that we would meet the way we had. I wasn't a man who believed in chance or fate, but the idea was starting to settle.

I met this woman one time, and we had a fucking damn good time together. The way her pussy felt when I was inside her, how warm and wet she had been as we fucked on that balcony, the tiny details of her face and lips, her taste as we kissed; all of it was smothering my brain.

That had never happened before. I never thought about any other one night stands from my past at all. And yet I couldn't shake Nola out of my head. She was stuck there like glue, slipping into every crease and crevice like molasses.

Hanging his arm over the thin, particle-board wall, the guy held out his hand. “Vance Tooley,” he said as I placed my hand in his and shook it firmly. “Word travels. . .” Pausing, he smiled. “And I have a few friends over at Inked. Did you really photoshop a dick pic into the cover of last month's issue?”

A devious smirk teased my lips as I looked away and chuckled. “Rumors, you never know what shit will find its way out.”

“Rumor? I saw the cover, someone was behind it, and my source said it was you.”

Shrugging my shoulders, I flashed him a crooked grin. “I don't know anything about it, but I'm sure the asshole boss had it coming.” My gaze anchored on her office door, fixating on the idea she would come out any moment.

Vance's eyes followed mine as he arched a brow. “Nola isn't who you expected to see as your boss, huh? She's way better to look at than her father was.” His body shivered as he scrunched his face with disgust. “You know she's out of reach to you, right?”

“Oh yeah, says who?” Keeping my eyes plastered to her door, I watched her shadow stalk the room, walking towards the exit, only to turn back and walk away.

Sucking in a breath of air, Vance started counting his fingers. “For one, she's your boss, she fucking runs this place, that in itself cock blocks you. Plus she'd never be seen with, never mind date, one of us regular assholes. The woman probably pisses gold, she'd never look at you as anything more than someone to get her coffee.” Grabbing his middle finger, he continued. “Two, Clint and her have had a thing for a little while now. He's her right hand man around here, you don't stand a chance, no offense.”

Oh yeah? He doesn't have a damn clue.

She has a boyfriend dumb-ass, of course you don't stand a chance.

Or is that a challenge?

Frowning to myself, I hung my head, looking down at my desk. “None taken.” My voice was low and flat. “So, they're together?”

Shaking his head, he dropped down from the wall and stepped into my measly work space. “No, not right now. But it doesn't matter, the guy is fucking loaded. He's a fucking prick, but he's a rich fucking prick. They'll probably kiss and make up by the weekend.”

“But you said she doesn't date employees.”

“She doesn't, but he's different. Clint is a breed of his own. Rich father who has leverage, a family name that controls half of this damn city. You have the York and the Strauss families, they come from the same world, unlike us.”

I knew his name sounded familiar.

Clint's father was a high profile lawyer, his name was on billboards and the back of the coupon insert in the paper. Garrett Strauss was the go to lawyer for movie stars and musicians, he had his hands in so many pockets he made Rockefeller look like a peasant.

“Money isn't everything, Vance.” Flicking my eyes up to his, I spun the pen in my lap. “Why did they break up?”

“You want my opinion or the rumor version?”

“Humor me.” My eyes found their way back to her door. Nola was standing, her body creating this black hourglass I wanted to break open with my cock. The way her hips moved, the way they swayed back and forth as her hands gripped her sides, it was a fucking turn on.

Images of her bent over the railing flashed through my mind, making my cock twitch and my veins ignite. Her plump ass was the holy grail of perfection, with just the right amount of wiggle as I fucked her from behind.

Not the time big man, not here. Shifting in my seat, I forced myself to picture something else. Old neighbor lady from down the hall, seventh grade teacher with the googly eye. . .

Vance leaned his shoulder against the wall, crossing one foot over the other. “Well, from what I heard, he said she was too jealous of him and his friends, and that she was too clingy, and wouldn't give him the space he needed. I don't know what happened, and I don't even know if it's true, but according to Clint they're working things out.”

Dropping the pen onto my desk, I stood up. “Well, this low-life asshole is going to go greet his new boss face to face.” Winking, I started for her office. “First impressions are everything, Vance, and I'm going to make a big one.”

Vance raised his brows high as he said, “She won't answer her door and no one goes in without an appointment.”

Looking back over my shoulder, I smiled. “Watch me.”

I could feel the eyes of the other people around me as they followed me towards her office. An older woman was sitting behind a desk just outside her door, her head buried in paperwork and holding a phone to her ear.

Lifting my knuckles to the glass, I strummed a quick little beat. Rat a tat tat tat.

The woman at the desk pulled the phone from her ear and covered the receiver. “I'm sorry, Ms. York isn't seeing anyone right now. Ash is it?”

Stepping to her desk, I picked up her name tag. “That's right. . .” Looking at her name, I placed it back down. “Beth.”

Holding up her finger for me to wait, she started talking into the phone again. Looking at Nola's door, I could see her silhouette behind the glass, standing inches from the frosted window.

With Beth occupied, I took my chance. “Ms. York, it's Ash Devoy. I just wanted to introduce myself.”

Beth popped up from her chair, reaching her arm out and flapping her fingers. “Mr. Devoy, I already told you, she's not seeing anyone. We can set you up with—”

The door opened quickly. Nola stood holding the handle, her eyes doing their best to stay normal. “It's alright, Beth, I've got a few minutes.” Fanning out her arm, she guided me inside.

Giving a quick look over my shoulder, I flashed a slight smile at Vance as he stood with his jaw hanging wide open.

Stepping inside, I looked around the room. There were windows lining the back two walls and a large wood desk perched in the center between the glass. A white leather couch and small table with a coffee maker and cups were on the left.

A giant book shelf, filled from top to bottom, was on my right. Mixed between the books were glass awards and plaques, all perfectly positioned and showcased.

Nola closed the door behind me, letting out an audible breath. Pulling the string for the blinds, she let them drop to the ground, blocking the shadows on the glass.

“So—” I started to say, but she threw a finger to her lips to silence me.

Jerking her head towards the windows, she used her body to tell me where to go. Following her, my eyes drifted over her ass, watching it sway side to side in tandem with her hips.

That ass, it's perfect.

Folding her arms over her chest, Nola turned to face me. Her eyes sparkled the prettiest shade of blue as the sun's arms stretched into the window, dancing across her pupils.

Her lips folded in this awkward smile as she said, “Ash, let me start by just saying that I had no idea who you were the other night when we—” Her hand came up, gently brushing her lips, and I wondered if she was thinking about how it felt when we kissed.

I could still taste her on my tongue, I could still feel her body around my cock. If I could feel all that, there was a chance she could too.

“And if you had, would that have changed anything?” I asked, taking a small step closer. The urge to be near her was too strong to ignore. I had to be able to smell her perfume, to feel the heat off her body, to sense the electricity that flowed between us as it jumped from her skin to mine.

Her lips pursed as she thought about my question. Shrugging a shoulder, she hugged herself tighter. “Yes, of course it would. I would have had more control over myself, things  wouldn't have gone that far. You need to realize that wasn't me that night. I had a little too much to drink and—”

“What if I told you that it doesn't matter either way?” I asked, not letting her finish.

Her brows furrowed, creating the cutest little crinkle at the top of her nose. “It should matter, because I'm your boss, that changes everything. What happened needs to stay between us, period.” Throwing out her hand, she cut the air in two. “No one can know about it, I have a reputation to keep here. If everyone knew, they'd think you were getting away with shit, and no one would respect me.”

“Plus you have a boyfriend, so there's that too.” Veering my stare, I tried to anticipate her reaction. I wasn't sure if she'd get pissed and fire me on the spot or refuse to acknowledge the statement all together. The woman didn't really owe me shit, she didn't have to explain herself at all.

“Whoa, hold on a minute—” Fumbling with her bottom lip, she let her eyes dart to the window. “I don't know what people are saying, but I don't have a boyfriend.”

“So you and Clint aren't a thing? There's nothing between you two at all?”

“God no!” she snapped, her jaw crooking in disgust. “There was barely anything there to begin with. We dated—briefly, very very briefly, but it's been done for months now.” Her body shivered, a visible tremble as she tried to shake her memories of being with that man out of her head. “I just want to forget it all, that's what I want.”

“That's good to hear.” Reaching out, I cupped her elbow. “I'd be happy to help you forget.”

Taking a step back, she held up open palms. “Ash, look, we had one night. . .” Pausing, she left me right then, going inside her head. “One very amazing night.” Her voice trailed off as she plucked her lip and batted her lashes. “But it ends there, it has to.”

“Give me one good reason why, one reason that makes sense and I'll walk out that door and act like we never met before today.” Tilting my head, I waited for her to come up with something. But I knew there wasn't an answer she could ever give me that would push me away.

I felt something that night and I know she did too. There was no way I'd be able to forget her or the feelings that she left me with.

We were here now, some force outside our control had brought us back together. That had to mean something. There was no way I could have this woman in my head twenty-four seven, then meet her like this without it having any purpose at all.

Nola's chest lifted and fell in quick bursts, her eyes searching my face as she tried to pull something out of thin air that was believable.

“I'm your boss, that's all you need.”

Taking a long step in, I brought us chest to chest. “That isn't going to cut it. I need something more than just an I'm your boss line.”

Our bodies were so close, millimeters apart. I could feel her chest as it expanded to take in air, I could see the vein in her neck as it pulsed, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I wanted to nibble her throat and lick her lips, I wanted to feel her tits pressed against my chest and her ass in my hands.

Flaring her nostrils, she exhaled hard. “This isn't up for debate.” Wriggling her fingers at her sides, her shoulders perked. “I don't need to give you an answer at all, you're lucky I even gave you that. What are you going to do, smear my name and tell everyone what happened?”

Smirking, I raked my fingers through my hair. “I'm a gentleman, remember? Do I look like an asshole?”

Hanging her head, she twisted her toe into the floor. “Look, I enjoyed what happened, I really did. But it's wrong, you work for me. Nothing like that can happen ever again, it just can't. It was a mistake on so many levels and it's wrong.”

“It's only wrong if you want it to be wrong.” Wrapping my arm around her waist, I yanked her into my chest. “Nothing about this is wrong, Nola.” Gently, I ran my fingers over her hair, tender and precise. “You know what is wrong?” I asked, tugging the ends of her silky locks.

“What?” Looking up at me, her eyes were wide, scanning my face for every answer she didn't have. She looked lost, trapped in this battle between what she wanted and what she thought was the right thing to do.

Lowering my lips to her ear, I whispered. “How I'm going to drop you on your desk and fuck you right now.” Gripping her waist tighter, pressed my body against hers, forcing her to step backwards.

Nola didn't resist, she didn't shove me away and tell me to get out. Her eyes gave me permission to take her, to make her mine, to have her how and where I wanted to.

Shoving the stuff on her desk to the side, I lifted her off her feet and sat her on the top. Her legs wrapped my hips as she moaned a soft, quiet moan that only I could hear. Digging my fingers into the small of her back, I pulled her ass closer to the edge.

There was no other word to describe what I felt right then other than savage. I took her outside and I wanted to take her inside. I wanted to claim every inch of her body, no matter where we were, as mine. I was a ferocious beast, ready to devour its prey.

“I don't ever want to hear you say this is wrong.” My words hung in the air between us as she held her breath for a long second. “Nothing about us is wrong and it never will be. When I want something, I take it, when I need something, I make it mine.” Driving my head into the curve of her neck, I bit her beating flesh. “And, Nola York, my mind is made up, you're mine and mine alone.”

Scraping her nails down my back, she clutched the fabric of my shirt as she tipped her head back and closed her eyes. Her grip was dangerous, piercing my skin through the fibers.

Nola didn't protest my demand, she didn't refuse me of what I wanted. There was no battle of words flowing out of her mouth, telling me she wasn't mine to claim.

“I don't know how you do this, Ash. How you make me throw out everything I've stood for and give in without even having to think about it.” Sliding her fingers up my back, she traced the thick muscles, tickling over my neck and driving them into my hair.

“Don't ask questions, some things just are, and I think we're one of those things.” My lips found hers, fusing us together. “Let us be one of those things, Nola.” My voice growled out as it forced its way into her mouth between licking tongues and heavy air. “Can't you feel what I feel?”

“I know I haven't stopped thinking about you,” she said between kisses. “You've been in my fucking head every minute since we met.” Nola kept kissing me harder and more unhinged as her hands tangoed with my belt and button.

Breaking the button free, she didn't pause, shoving her hand down my pants and tearing my cock free. Pushing her panties to the side, she held my swollen crown against her wet lips, tracing her fingers over the pulsing veins under the thin skin.

Scooting her ass on the desk, she clutched my hips with her thighs and held me in place.

Curling my fingers under her ass, I pulled her so close to the edge she'd fall if I let her go. I didn't let go, I never wanted to let go.

Slamming my cock inside, Nola's head fell back as she captured the scream that was about to escape and forced it back inside her lungs. Biting her lower lip, she arched her back, allowing my dick to go deeper, to penetrate her to the core.

Her moans became louder, so I kissed her, I kissed her to silence her, to stifle the noises she was losing control of. Our lips tangled as her hands raked my scalp, messing up my hair. Swirling my tongue around hers, my heart beat erratically, drumming so hard I thought it might break free.

Thrusting in, I whispered. “I couldn't get you out of my head either.” Pulling out, I bit her bottom lip as I spoke. “And I never want to, I like you there.”

Pump after pump, I fucked the goddess of my dreams, the woman who had stolen my thoughts. She had somehow found her way into every image and thought I had.

When I closed my eyes she was there, when I opened them she was there. I saw her face on every woman I had passed by on the street and heard her voice whispering into my ear in the dark.

Nola was a drug—my drug.

The tips of her nails pierced my skin, sending violent goosebumps over my body. I could feel my balls start to draw up as her thighs quivered and her back jolted upright. With one final thrust, my dick stilled.

The orgasm filled my body, making my muscles stiffen and my length pulse violently. Nola's legs dropped off my waist, her eyes relaxing and amused by my little office distraction.

“I can't believe we just did that.” Standing up, she grabbed some tissues off her desk and handed me a few to clean up. Adjusting her skirt, she ran her hands through her hair and the pad of her fingers under her eyes and around her lips. “How do I look? Is my makeup messed up?”

“You're glowing and that color looks beautiful on you.” Running my thumb across her chin, I pinched it between my fingers and leaned in to kiss her. “I don't want you to worry about what everyone else thinks. I know what's at stake for you, we can keep this hush hush for as long as you want. . .” Pausing, I smirked. “Or until the rumors start, whichever comes first.”

Smiling, she tugged her bottom lip into her mouth. “I think that would be good for now.”

“Alright,” I said, running my fingers through my hair to straighten it. “I need to get back to work so my boss doesn't get pissed at me. You need to stop trying to seduce me, Ms. York, for Christ sake, we work together now.”

Giggling, she started fixing her desk. “Yeah, that's exactly what happened here.”

“You know I'm not just some sex toy, you need to take me out to dinner too.” Pointing at her, I walked towards the door. “Tonight, seven o'clock, meet me at Sergio's.”

“It's a date,” she said, her cheeks still flushed the sexiest shade of red.

“It's a date.” Repeating her words, I opened the door and closed it behind me. My eyes were on the floor as I took a step forward, unaware of the man in front of me.

“What the hell do you think you're doing?” Clint's voice scratched its way into my head, making me cringe.

“I was apologizing to my new boss for earlier.” Lifting my head slowly, my eyes stopped on his. “She was happy I took the initiative too.”

Oh and I fucked her, my cock wanted to apologize too.

Clint's jaw ground down as he let out a quiet growl. “Look, I know what you're doing, and I'm putting a stop to it right now. I'm going to tell you this one time and one time only; stay away from Nola.”

“Yeah, I don't want to be a dick here, but you don't get to give me orders. I'm pretty sure she's my boss, not you.”

“If you think I can't fire you, you're fucking stupid.” Taking a firm step in, Clint bumped his chest against mine. “I saw the way you looked at her, I know what's running through that fucking head of yours.” Poking my chest, he spoke through clenched teeth. “She's mine, keep your hands to yourself and we won't have a problem.”

Is he fucking serious?

Balling my fists at my sides, I took in a slow breath through my nose. I was ready to fucking lay the guy out. But I wasn't going to do that, at least not yet.

“Back up,” I barked as my lids lowered and my chest puffed. “I know you don't want me to embarrass you in front of everyone.”

The two of us stayed static, neither one wanting to step down. We were eye to eye, shoulder to shoulder, but he didn't fucking scare me.

“Clint,” Nola snapped, forcing us both to look at her. “Don't you have work you should be doing?” Her leg kicked out to the side, eyes firmly set on his. “I don't pay you to patronize our new employees.”

Clint's eyes hardened as he looked back at me, the vein in his forehead was twitching like a parasite under the skin. I was tempted, oh so fucking tempted, to snatch a pen off Beth's desk and pop that fucking creature free.

Leaning into my ear, he whispered. “This is your only warning, stay away from her, Ash. She's mine, everyone around here knows it.”

“Not a chance in hell, Mr. Strauss.” I whispered back, jerking my shoulders slightly and making him flinch. “Don't make a fool of yourself, Clint.”

“You're not even through your first day, you might want to watch yourself.” Pointing at me, he started to turn and walk away. “I'm fucking warning you asshole, I'm always watching.” Clint looked between Nola and myself, backing down the hall, his body stiff and rigid.

Smirking, my lips folded into a sick grin. “Sounds creepy, I wouldn't go around announcing stuff like that.”

“Ash,” Nola chirped, letting out a loud sigh. “Go back to your desk, you have work to do too.”

Looking in her direction I gave her a tender smile and nod. Starting for my desk, I glanced down the hall in time to watch Clint snap his head over his shoulder, his face contorted into a scowl. Giving me the middle finger, he disappeared around the corner.

I didn't give a damn what he wanted. He wasn't a threat to me, he could whine and cry all he wanted about losing his woman.

But he couldn't stop me from making her mine, he couldn't control what I did or the choices Nola decided to make.

I wasn't going to take orders from a stuck-up suit who already had his chance.

I was making her mine.