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)
“Anything else?” I ask. I need to put some space between us. I have to stop thinking of him as sexy. That’s not only unprofessional, but this is Eli.
“Yes, actually.” He reaches for a small stack of papers on his desk and then stands, stepping around the large piece of mahogany wood and taking the vacant seat next to me. He turns toward me, and our knees brush. Something that feels like a shock works its way through my system. His eyes dart to mine, which tells me he felt it too. He clears his throat but makes no move to alter his position, leaving his knees pressed against mine.
I don’t move either.
I’m not going to think about why.
“I have a list here of all the staff. It’s an HR file, but I wanted to work through it. I think we should implement some sort of merit system for years of service. I was thinking in five-year increments? Marketing is not just for our customers but our staff as well. I want happy employees which in turn will make this place run better, and we can better serve our customers.”
“That’s a great idea and will do great for employee morale.”
He nods, a small smile pulling at his lips. “I was also thinking that this needs to be displayed where guests can see it. Sure, many won’t pay much attention, but it’s important to showcase our staff.”
“I agree,” I say, making notes, my mind already racing with ideas.
“I’d like to work closely with you on this project. I’m giving you the lead, but I’d like for you to keep me in the loop every step of the way.”
“Absolutely.” This is a far cry from serving drinks at The Wine Cellar. I’m giddy with excitement that I get to keep this job, and Eli seems to be fine with us working together.
“Let’s have a standing meeting twice a week. Jane can set it up on my schedule. In the meantime, be thinking of gifts that we can award for each level of service. Every five years, the reward should be more desirable. Something for the staff to look forward to.”
“Got it,” I say, scribbling notes on my notepad.
“Great. I’m excited to have you here.” He stands, and I follow suit, only I’m too busy watching him and stumble over my heels and begin to fall. His strong arms reach out and grab me, pulling me into his chest. “I’ve got you,” he says, his voice gravelly.
I look up at him to say thank you, and my breath hitches. The gold flakes in his hazel eyes are vibrant today as he looks down at me. “S-Sorry,” I stumble over my words. I should pull away, but he’s not making a move to release me, and to be honest, it feels good to be pressed against him.
Wait!
This is Eli.
My boss.
What the hell am I doing?
Placing my palms flat against his chest, I push back, and although it appears to be reluctant, he releases me slowly.
“You good?” he asks.
“Y-Yeah. Sorry again. I’m not usually this clumsy.”
“You’re fine.” His heated eyes roam over my body. “I mean, it’s fine.” He clears his throat.
“I-I should go.” I point to the door. “Back to my office. To work,” I say like an idiot.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He reaches his arm out as if he’s reaching for me but quickly drops it.
“Positive. I’m going to… um, go get on your calendar. And I’ll get right on you, Mr. Morrison. I’ll get right on this, Eli. This.” I can feel my face flame. “I’ll get right on this.” With that, I turn and stalk out of his office. I wave at Jane and give her a wide smile that I know she can tell is forced and fake as hell. Jane is a smart woman. I’ll call her later, or better yet, I’ll send her an email to get on his calendar. I’m not going to that side of the floor unless I have to. This meeting has proved that I can’t be trusted. Me, my mouth, or my traitorous body that suddenly thinks Eli is the best news it’s heard or seen all year.
Chapter 7
Eli
I’m hard.
So fucking hard, it hurts.
My skin still tingles where she placed her palm against my chest. My dick recognized and appreciated the contact immediately, even if it was felt through my shirt. Now, as much as I try to tell him it’s not appropriate, since she’s my new employee, he doesn’t seem to care. He’s anxious and ready, throbbing in my pants.
I plop down in my chair and run my hand through my hair. I hear the knock but don’t glance up, since I already know who it is. Instead, I take a deep breath and try to forget the way her sweet lavender scent stirred up something in my chest it had no business stirring.