Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
I probably won’t.
There’s always been something about Marley. I couldn’t pinpoint it, but knew she was trouble. It seemed like overnight, she went from the annoying little girl to a beautiful young woman, blossoming into her own. When we were in college, I found myself developing a slight crush on her, even from afar. It was annoying, yet I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about her. That’s part of the reason I stayed away from Cameron and Merlot. I didn’t want to risk running into Marley, or worse, her brother figuring out I found her attractive. Staying away meant I wasn’t tempted to do or say something I shouldn’t. Out of sight, out of mind was key.
I think that’s what was so alarming when I saw her with Cameron the other day. Her hair was darker, her cheekbones a little sharper, and the shape of her body curvy. She took me by complete surprise, and now all of a sudden, that crush is back, alive and all-consuming.
I want to get to know adult Marley, to learn what makes her tick and smile.
I want more.
“Mr. Morrison, your four o’clock is here,” Jane says through the speaker, causing dread to fill my entire body. I haven’t been looking forward to this meeting since it was scheduled on Monday. I’m hoping I misread Jeanie’s body language and intentions earlier in the week, but I know I didn’t. I’m an expert at reading those fuck-me signs from women; some I’ve even taken up on their offers.
But never at work.
I glanced through her online employment file earlier, sent to me from HR. She’s not been with the company too long. In fact, she started as the marketing assistant. There were a few complaints by the then-director, who had a few concerns about inappropriate comments Jeanie made about directors within the company. HR followed up the complaints with an investigation and a series of verbal warnings about keeping the workplace professional. When the director quit unexpectedly, Jeanie applied and was given the position, based on job performance and a recommendation from the restaurant manager.
Odd.
My immediate opinion is she’s a little nutty. Clearly, she uses her sexuality to get what she wants, and I’m guessing that includes the recommendation in her file. I’ll definitely need to be on my toes with this one.
“Mr. Morrison,” Jeanie coos as she enters the room, quietly closing the door behind her.
“Miss James,” I greet professionally, not stepping around my desk to greet her.
She sashays toward me and takes a seat across from me. The first thing I notice is the amount of cleavage she’s showing. Normally, I’d drink my fill, but not today. Not from her. “I’ve been working on the press release and media kit, introducing you as the new CEO of Morrison Hotels. I was hoping I could get your approval,” she sings, leaning over to pull a portfolio out of her bag on the floor. The motion gives me a full peepshow down her top, and I quickly avert my gaze. Closing my eyes, I dig deep for the ability to remain calm. If I can just get through this meeting, I’ll have a little time to finish up here before I need to meet Cameron.
Jeanie is up and walks around my desk, opening the portfolio folder and setting it in front of me. When she leans over to point at the letter, she practically sets her boobs on my upper arm. “This is your bio, which I wanted to run past you,” she whispers, slightly turning and grazing her tits against my shoulder.
I move away and glance at the paper. “This couldn’t be emailed? I thought you worked with Jane on this?” I ask, unable to mask my annoyance.
She giggles. “Oh, I did. She’s the one who sent me your headshot and background. I just wanted you to see it all put together before I sent it out.” And then she touches me. Her nails glide over my bicep and dig into my flesh. “Oh my gosh, you’re so strong.”
I jump up, my chair crashing into the wall behind me. “Jeanie,” I start but am cut off.
“Yes, Eli?” she whispers, stepping up and pressing her body against mine. Her hands reach up, her fingers threading into my hair.
“You’re fired.”
It takes a second before my words sink in. “What?” she gasps, her jaw dropping.
“Today is your last day.”
“But…”
“No buts. I haven’t given you any indication that I want you to touch me,” I state, moving away from her.
“I saw it in your eyes,” she argues, but I’m already shaking my head in disagreement.
“No, Jeanie, you didn’t. I’m not sleeping with you.”
She advances once more, the smile that would probably be considered seductive crossing her painted lips. “Well, if I’m not an employee anymore, then what’s the problem?” she asks, pressing her body against mine once more. I’ll admit, the packaging is nice, but it’s just not something I want to get myself involved in.