Chapter 2 (Everett)

I looked at my watch.

It was already 6:30. I should probably head home and grab something to eat, but there was still so much to do: documents needed to be signed, emails needed to be sent out, and memos to be  written. The life of a CEO is never contained in the nine-to-five stereotype.

It’s not always easy.

Sure, the money is good, but is it worth the stress and sleeplessness?

Suddenly, my phone buzzed on my desk. I flipped it over to see my mother’s name flashing across the screen.

I thought about ignoring the call, but guilt quickly forced me to answer.

“Yes?”

“Everett! I’m so glad you answered.” As usual, my mother’s voice was chipper and full of life. She had always been charismatic, making everything seem larger than life. It was probably why she was such a good businesswoman and why my father had married her in the first place. Their relationship had never been one of love, but more of pragmatism. It seemed to work. After all, I turned out alright.

“Is there a reason you called?” I asked. I hated small talk and the faster she got to the point, the faster I could get back to the tasks I needed to complete. And the faster I did that, the faster I could get home to my bottle of whiskey. God knew I needed a glass right about now.

It had been a long day.

“I just cooked dinner. Your favorite. What do you say you drop by? It’s been a while since your father and I last saw you.”

“Mother, you know how busy I am.”

“It’s the holidays; you shouldn’t work so hard. You need to enjoy the moment before it passes you by.”

Every year, she would always give me the same spiel. I think it bothered her that I rather spend my Christmas alone than with company.

“I’m just doing what needs to be done.”

Silence.

I could practically see her frowning on the other end.

“Can you please try to make it tonight? I’ll keep a plate warm for you.”

“Mom, don’t bother. I know I won’t be able to make it.”

“Everett. You need to make time for family.” She protested.

“Maybe later in the week. I need to go now.” Before she could nag me any further, I hung up the phone.

I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes.

Family.

I had always wanted one but had never found the right woman. Every time I thought I got the one, she would stab me in the back. In the end, I just stopped trying.

But I still needed a way to continue my legacy. I needed a son. And for that, I needed a woman who’d be willing to give me one.

Tanya.

She was perfect for the task. Loyal, hardworking, and healthy. Plus, she had wide, child-bearing hips. I had no doubt that she’d handle the pregnancy with ease, all while keeping things platonic. I could pay her a generous lump sum for it, and no one would be the wiser for it.

I grinned, imagining what it would feel like to plunge myself between those thick thighs. I won’t lie, Tanya had turned me on from the first time I saw her. She had the sort of body that made me want to sink my teeth into her – to grab her by the hips and make her scream. But I had managed to keep things professional. I didn’t think it would be wise to fuck my assistant and get myself into trouble.

That’s why I would be doing this the smart way – with a contract.

The last thing I needed was a messy lawsuit on my hands.

Knock. Knock.

“Come in,” I answered, knowing it was her. Even though she had worked for me for five years now, we had seldom been together in the same room after hours. Usually, she went home as soon as the clock struck 5:00 PM. I didn’t mind. She was efficient and organized about her job, and there was rarely a reason for her to stay behind.

She stepped inside.

Damn.

Almost instantly, there was a rush of blood from my head to my cock as it twitched to life at the sight of her. It didn’t help that she was wearing the pencil skirt I loved so much – the one that hugged her curves to perfection. Plus, her white blouse was somewhat see-through, giving me a hint of the purple lace bra hiding underneath.

Sometimes, I wondered whether she dressed like that so that she could tease me.

“Here you are, sir.”

I nearly smirked. I had always loved the way the word ‘sir’ just rolled off her tongue. That word just sounded so right coming from her lips. I loved it.               If only I could hear her screaming it at the top of her lungs, as I pounded into her all night long.

Maybe, soon enough, that would no longer need to be a fantasy.

But I knew I’d have to build up to that point.

After all, I couldn’t just abruptly ask her to be the mother of my child. She would surely think I was a madman, no matter how much money I threw her way.

“Thank you,” I answered, getting up and taking the suit from her, hanging it up in the back. “I appreciate it.”

Her eyebrow twitched, cheeks growing redder as she gave a slight nod. “You’re welcome.”

“Would you like some coffee? Or tea maybe?” I asked, turning on the coffee machine.

“Oh?” She tilted her head in confusion. “Sir?”

“It’s cold outside, I thought you might want something to warm you up,” I whispered, walking up to her, a sly grin on my face.

Her blush grew deeper, avoiding my gaze.

I nearly chuckled, finding her shyness cute.

“Tea…” She answered, ever so meekly.

“Hmm… I didn’t hear you, dear.” I said even, though I had heard her just fine. Carefully, I placed my finger under her chin and tilted it upwards. When she looked into my eyes, I moved my hand onto her cheek, palm pressing against it as my thumb caressed her skin. I held her in my gaze for a moment, leaning down.

In reaction, her eyes started to close, and her lips puckered, preparing for a kiss.

I smirked. So she wanted me too? Excellent! Maybe this would be easier than I thought.

Ding!

The kettle finished boiling. I left her standing in a daze as I poured the hot water over fresh tea leaves. “Milk or sugar?” I asked, looking over my shoulder at her.

“Um… sure.”

I turned, adding a splash of milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Already, I could almost smell her excitement, a sweetness that lingered over the room. It had a powerful effect, making me want to pounce on her right then and there.

But I kept my composure as I handed her the mug of tea. “Careful, it’s hot,” I said, sitting on the couch beside her, so close our knees were touching.

The air around us was tense with energy.

I could feel it getting stronger and stronger. The attraction between us was undeniable. I don’t know how we could have ignored it for so long. I guess we were both much too pragmatic, putting work before emotions. It was one of the reasons why I liked her. She was my kind of woman.

But I needed to take this one step at a time. If I moved too fast, my whole plan would be ruined.

I walked along my thin tightrope, careful not to fall.