Trust Game Read online

  “Discouraged already?”

  I sit up straight and see Everett eyeing me. Geez, working around him is going to be difficult and so is what I have to do next.

  “Can I have a word with you in private?” I ask. If he’s already angered by my presence, then we have a problem.

  He smirks. “Sure, but why don’t you come to my office?”

  “OK.” I smooth out my skirt and take a deep breath as I follow him down the hallway. After taking a seat in a chair across from his desk, I take a glimpse around his office.

  It’s different compared to most I’ve been in. There are photos of motorcycles and dirt bikes all over the walls, and he has a black executive desk. The top of it is a light cherry wood.

  His chair is the same cherry color with a cushioned, black leather center. His office is edgy yet distinguished.

  “What can I do for you?”

  “I apologize, but I couldn’t help overhearing some of your conversation with Sarge. I feel it will be difficult to have a successful working relationship if you don’t trust me from the start, so I’m here to see what we can do to fix that.” I’m assertive with my words as I adjust my posture.

  He leans back in his chair and studies me. His palm is resting over his other hand as he drums his fingers. I feel like the man is burning a hole through me, and I’d like to look away from those sexy, blue eyes.

  “I apologize for what you overheard. That wasn’t professional of me. It’s fine that you’re working here.”

  “If there are some duties you’d rather me not take over right away, I’ll respect your decision, but I’m being paid the salary I am to manage your accounting department. I’d like the opportunity to show I’m capable.”

  “Look, it’s not a problem. I was caught off guard when I met you since Sarge hadn’t informed me of who he hired.

  “Along with managing accounting, I’d like you to focus on sorting out a tax issue. We’ll work together on it. Casteel is being audited in sixty days, so I need to be prepared.”

  I smile at him. “Perfect. Taxes are what I do best.”

  Everett studies me further. I feel this need to sell myself to him so he’ll trust me, yet the last thing I want is to be trapped longer in this room with him.

  Rising, he walks to a filing cabinet. His company t-shirt is snug, and his jeans shape his ass perfectly. Stepping in front of me, he lays open a file on the desk and motions for me to stand near him.

  “Here are the forms we received from the IRS. I’ll let you take them to review.”

  Oh, he smells delicious. The scent is a mixture of leather and pine, with a hint of something sweet. He’s towering over me, and his bicep brushes against my arm as he points at some dates. Hurriedly, I attempt to refocus on the papers in front of me.

  “For Christ sake,” he murmurs, sounding irritated.

  Shit, did he ask me a question? I turn my head and peer up at him. He’s staring right at me, our faces less than a foot apart.

  “I’m sorry, did you ask me a question?”

  “No.”

  “OK.” I glance back to the papers, nervous as hell.

  “You–you smell incredible. Damn, I’m fairly certain I’m not supposed to say that to you.”

  The sweep of heat through my body is like a trail of gasoline being lit, but I’m not going to be a play toy for these handsome men running around here, with their sexy bodies and charming smiles.

  “No, you’re not supposed to say that to me.” My tone is one of disapproval, even though the X-rated woman in me is clawing at her cage. Jesus. I tend to have this balance problem, and the best way to explain it is to reference the motion picture rating system.

  My behavior is either G, which means it is suitable for a general audience, where I work diligently to behave like the good girl I should be. Or, it’s X-rated, and I’ve thrown caution to the wind.

  That girl has been on lockdown since college, but the sexual energy from this man tells me he could hold the key. Unfortunately, I never operate in the middle.

  This applies to other areas of my life, as well. I’m either sober or drunk, eating butter or starving, vegging on the sofa or running a marathon.

  I come back to earth and realize Everett is still staring at me. What do I do? “I’ll take these to my desk and review them today.” Grabbing the folder, I dart from his office. The fire alarm has been pulled and is directing me away from the smokin’ hot boss.

  Maybe I’m making too big a deal out of this. He lost the love of his life, so I imagine getting with me is the furthest from his mind, as it should be. He only said I smell good. I mean, is the statement really that inappropriate?

  Chapter Three

  Everett

  I’m tired when I arrive at work. My mind betrayed me throughout the night as it fantasized repeatedly about Reese. Since Krystal’s death, Reese is the only other woman I’ve dreamed about, and I even feel guilty for that.

  When I enter the store, my baby brother, Travis, signals for me to talk to him.

  “What do you need, Trav?”

  “Um, how old is Reese?”

  “Twenty-six. Why?”

  “She’s only four years older than me. That’s not too bad. Sarge said she’s single, so I wonder if she’d be interested in a younger guy. Her body is sensational.”

  “You can’t date her; she’s a fellow employee.”

  “Since when did we start that policy?” he asks with a frown.

  “Since right now.”

  “You didn’t care when I took Karly out.” He raises his eyebrows like he’s won this battle or something.

  “I don’t even know who that is.”

  “That blonde who worked the counter a few months ago.”

  “Oh, yeah, and she quit. Why is that?”

  His normal cocky grin bursts at the seams.

  “I’m guessing after getting a piece of this awesomeness, she couldn’t handle the distraction every day.” His arms are held out to draw attention to his body.

  “Leave Reese alone.” I narrow my eyes and point at him.

  “I’d think you wanted her if I didn’t know better,” he calls out as I walk away. My body wants her, but surely that’s normal after this long without sex.

  Once in the hallway, I spot Kyle standing behind her at her desk. For some reason, it bugs me. Her intoxicating scent must’ve killed some of my brain cells yesterday.

  I still can’t believe I told her she smelled good. Reese barely left her office the rest of the day, and I didn’t like that, either.

  I’m starting up my computer, when she taps on the door frame. Damn, she looks good in her silky, leopard print blouse and black dress pants, which cling to her sensuous curves. Her blonde hair is up, and the way pieces of it fall around her face make her look even sexier.

  “I would’ve put these tax papers back on your desk before you arrived, but I didn’t know if you’d mind me being in your office without you present,” she says in a formal tone.

  “If you ever need to, it’s fine. Please, have a seat.” I point to the chair directly in front of my desk.

  “I’ve gathered some numbers for the audit.”

  My forehead creases. This audit is a pain in my ass, and it means I’m going to have to work closely with her. “I’ll be out of the office most of the day. Is five too late to meet to go over them in more detail?”

  “No, and since you’re busy, we can discuss it then.”

  “Wait, please stay,” I say a little too desperately, my gaze glued to her green eyes. She nervously glances to the paper in her hand.

  “I haven’t delved deep into it yet, but like the IRS is stating, I see there is a large discrepancy in what profits were reported two years ago, compared to several filed before it and last years.”

  “You discovered that this quickly?”

  “Yes, I briefly scanned your tax returns. Casteel reported roughly ninety thousand dollars less that year.”

  “I’m aware of that.�
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  “Well, do you have any idea why it’s such a large difference?”

  I scrunch my forehead again. Discussing with her what happened that year is the last thing I want to do. Since I don’t answer, she scoots closer to the desk and leans over to the center, holding out her notepad.

  “I scribbled this down, but we’ll go over the prior tax returns, too. See, here is what your numbers were three years ago, two years ago and last year.”

  I stare at the numbers on the paper, but I’m completely distracted by how fucking good she smells.

  “I wasn’t trying to scare you off yesterday,” I say. Without moving, she turns her head and holds my gaze, which surprises me.

  I’m impressed with her attempt at appearing impassive, but I see through it. Reese tips her chin slightly and raises her eyebrows.

  “You didn’t scare me. I was busy working on this.”

  “So, what I said didn’t make you uncomfortable?”

  “It did but only because you’re my boss.”

  “Only that reason, huh?” I ask before I lean closer and breathe her in again. Our cheeks are almost touching, and I feel her breath on my neck as she rapidly takes in air.

  Why it’s different with Reese than any other woman I’ve met the last two years, I’m not sure, but getting to know her is more appealing than discussing my past.

  “It doesn’t matter if that’s the only reason or not. You’re my employer, so it’s a discussion we shouldn’t be having,” she says softly and unconvincingly.

  Pulling back a few inches, I stare into her stunning eyes. They’re telling me that what we should do and what she’s desiring are two different things. My gaze shifts to her lips. They’re full and wet, and I want my mouth on them.

  “Do you know why there is a discrepancy?”

  “I have no idea and haven’t researched it. It wasn’t the responsible thing to do, but I’ve had a lot to deal with since. I’d rather not discuss it today.” Our skin is still a breath apart, and she hasn’t moved away.

  “Disclosing everything might help me figure it out, so I’d appreciate it if you would share with me sooner rather than later. You need to be as prepared as possible when meeting with the IRS.”

  I grab her face gently but swiftly and plant my lips on hers. She opens her mouth, letting my tongue in, but as quickly as she does, she pushes me away.

  “Oh, lord, what is happening? I need to go.” She’s on her feet, holding her hand over her forehead.

  “Reese, I’m sorry. I–I don’t know what else to say. Please don’t leave.” I’m up next, alarmed from her reaction.

  “Um, I’ll see you at five.” Never making eye contact again, she flees my office.

  This is why I didn’t want a woman working here. I’ve been sex deprived for almost two and a half years. Like I’m not going to want to kiss her when she’s inches away from me, looking gorgeous and smelling that fucking incredible.

  I have to get the hell out of here. She said she’d return at five, so at least I didn’t run her off completely. Although, she might feel differently after having time to dwell on it.

  Reese is brave if she sticks around, and that will make her more irresistible. I want to taste those plump lips and that tongue again, for much longer.

  Reese

  It’s five o’clock, so I’m promptly walking to Everett’s office. Kyle and Sarge have left, so the hallway is dark and quiet, which only ups my anxiety.

  My stomach is churning, and I need to get a grip, but my boss freakin’ kissed me on the second day of work! And I liked it. What does that say about my professionalism?

  “Hi.” I stand at his doorway, with a self-assured pretense.

  “Come in and have a seat, and shut the door please,” he says, barely glancing up and gesturing to the chair in front of him. I sit down, and after a few seconds, he sets some papers he was looking at off to the side.

  “Mr. Casteel–”

  “Don’t call me that. I’m Everett or Ev.”

  “See, this is a problem. We have to have a professional relationship, and I’d like to repair the breach we had with that earlier. I know your whole staff is … well, lacking in that department, but I need professionalism to continue working here.”

  He smirks at me. What a piece of work.

  “First off, Reese, my employees are always professional when they need to be. As soon as I met you, I figured you took your work seriously. You don’t need to prove that to me.” He’s quiet for a minute, staring at me intensely. “I retract my apology for kissing you.”

  My mouth falls open. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” The damn corners of his lips twitch, while his so-called professionalism and audaciousness duel it out. “Are you going to share your ridiculously unprofessional reasoning for this?” I purse my lips and cross my arms.

  “I liked it and didn’t get to finish.”

  My eyes want to bug out of my head as my face warms. “Is this why you have almost no female employees? You run them off?”

  His smirk disappears. “What transpired between us this morning has never happened before, but I definitely want it to again … with you, Reese.”

  “I’ll stay until I find another job, and then I’m out of here.”

  Everett

  She springs toward the door, and I can’t let her leave like this, so I’m in front of her by the time she reaches it. “Mr. Casteel, let me out.”

  “It’s Everett, and can you tell me that you didn’t want me to kiss you?” Her gaze falls to her feet. “If you weren’t working for me, would you push me away?”

  Her eyes are covered as she presses her thumb and fingertips against her forehead. Reaching out, I lift her chin. “Reese, look at me.” Moving her hand, she stares into my eyes. “Trust me; no matter how you answer, your job is not in jeopardy.”

  She’s trembling as she bites the corner of her bottom lip. “I wouldn’t push you away,” she replies softly. Sensual eyes tilt up at me, and along with the uncertainty, I see excitement in them.

  “Then I won’t let you. You’re the first woman I’ve wanted to kiss in over two fucking years, so I’m taking what I want.”

  I’m still holding her chin when I press my lips to hers. She doesn’t push me away as our tongues meet. The heart I thought was shattered and unrepairable is pounding in my chest, blood coursing through it at lightning speed.

  Our tongues are stroking faster and harder, and the physical contact throws the desire I have for her to full throttle. Taking hold of Reese’s hips, I turn us and push her against the door. My fingers thrust into her thick hair, causing it to fall as I shove my body forward.

  Groaning, I grip it hard as her hands latch onto my waist. “Fuck, the way I want you is maddening,” I say before my tongue is probing its way back in.

  Lust has my cock not backing down, throbbing to be against her tight body. Reese’s lustful whimpers permeate more than my mouth, suggesting a desire in her to be ravished, and god I have to be the one to do it. I want to fuck her right here–right now.

  Chapter Four

  Reese

  Is this a fantasy come true or a nightmare? Our tongues collide, and his dick is hard against me. No man has ever exhibited this profound desire for me, and it has my body wet and eager. Two months without sex has been difficult.

  Hell, if I’m the first woman he’s wanted to kiss since his wife died, then he probably hasn’t had sex, either, so this is likely only sexual frustration.

  No, no, no. He loves someone who I could never compete with. I try to push him off, but his lips are the only thing he’s willing to move.

  “No, Everett. We can’t do this. You’re my boss, and you love your wife.”

  “What are you talking about?” he asks breathless.

  “I heard you speaking with Sarge.”

  “I … it’s been over two years.”

  “Exactly. Your brand new accounting manager should not be on the receiving end of your pent-up sexual frustration.”


  “Reese, I could’ve been with a woman at any time since, but I haven’t been attracted to anyone until you.” His alluring, blue eyes are searching mine, looking for the confirmation that I believe him, but it doesn’t matter.

  “I’m not having meaningless sex with my boss.”

  He moves his face to the side of mine, his mouth hovering right at my ear. “It would be far from meaningless. I know it’s irrational but you want it, too. I feel it.”

  In seconds, I’m out from under him and squeezing my way out the door. I grab my purse and run to my car. Although administrative staff have left, the store is open until eight, so a few customers and employees witness my escape.

  I’m shaking as I start my car. The large garage doors are open to the maintenance bays, and a few of the guys are staring at me from inside. Seeing only males is making me crazy.

  OK, Reese. Get it together. I’ll start looking for something else tonight. I’ll hire them a new person right away, so they won’t be entirely deserted. How will I explain in interviews why I left this job so soon?

  This is all Craig’s damn fault. My ex decided two months ago that I wasn’t the woman he was destined to spend his entire life with, so he saw no point in us continuing our relationship and felt I should move out immediately.

  After crying over it for a day, I realized I felt the same. We’d been living together for two years, dating for three. All at once, I needed more income to live on my own, so I began looking for a job that paid more. This one did, so I jumped on it.

  Why did he have to touch me? Why?! I throw my head back against the seat. I need my sister. Rummaging through my purse, I find my phone and dial her as I drive.

  “Hey, chick. How’s the new job going?” Becca asks.

  “I kissed my boss!” I yell into the phone.

  “No way. Oh, this is some good shit. Get over here. I have ice cream.”

  “I’m going to be homeless, destitute, worthless—”

  “Tell me he’s hot.”

  “More than hot. I’ll be there in twenty.” I swing by my apartment and throw on some sweats and a t-shirt. Looking in the mirror, I put the hair Everett had his way with into a ponytail.