Desperately needing a caffeine boost, Peyton stopped at a vendor to grab a coffee on her three-block walk to Xavier's office. Thinking about his job offer had kept her awake all night and she was dragging this afternoon.She breathed in salty, damp air from the Bay and smiled as she passed others strolling by. The Financial District was alive with business people and tourists alike, and she enjoyed the buzz. Restaurants, shops, and skyscrapers blended together in a mishmash of unique. Sunshine filtered through a thin cloud cover, and she got a little more pep in her step. It was a gorgeous day and, despite leaving work early to meet with Xavier, she was free tonight. She had a date with Thor and her couch via Netflix. Maybe she'd make it a threesome by adding Ghirardelli. Though she'd been shocked by Xavier's offer, it couldn't have come at a better time. With Harrison announcing his senate bid next week, it was now or never to get out. She'd loved working for him and his wife, plus
"I'm going to be blunt." At his nod of encouragement, she skimmed through the list in her head. "First, you have a number of employee incentives and turnover is pretty low. However, there are a couple things I'd suggest to boost morale, such as a Christmas office party and a company-wide family picnic. Two events split through the year to show appreciation."His brows lifted as if he'd not thought of such a thing. "I can do that."Hm. Obviously, he was willing to put money into his staff, understanding happy workers meant productivity. Points for him. "Second, this is a corporation, but there's no trace of individuality in the building. The steady stream of visitors and business coming through the doors are met with nothing. I think adding subtle touches would make a world of differenceframing newspaper articles about Gaines Industries for the lobby, a splash of color here and there, prints of the city, photos of those you help. That kind of thing.""Consider it done." No pause. No
Two Years Later...Finished with his late-morning meeting, Xavier strode across the hall and into Peyton's office, only to stop short. More than half the room was littered with balloons and flowers. Since her domain was a mirror to his and roughly five-hundred square feet, that was saying a lot. And, best he could tell, she wasn't here.Just as he was about to search through the rubble to see if she was buried underneath, she walked in. The clack-clack of her black heels hit the floor and he followed the path up her toned legs, past her fitted red dress to her hair. At the office, she always had it pinned up in a severe knot, which made him long for another charity event to see the champagne waves trail down her back. She glanced over the rim of her glasses at him. "Hey, favorite boss."He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to ignore the naughty librarian fantasy she evoked. "I'm your only boss and what the actual hell is all this?" It looked like Valentine's Day had throw
Xavier kept his mouth firmly shut on that one."You're being unreasonable." She straightened, her pretty eyes pleading. "I'll be with you and Kate, plus other friends besides Joseph.""And your apartment complex doesn't have security." He shoved his hand in his pocket and vigorously rubbed his thumb over the engraving on the coin she'd given him. Two years had felt more like two decades, they'd grown that close. It would kill him if she were hurt because of his quasi-celeb status. "You're in danger outside of this building.""X" "No. I'm pulling the boss card. We talked about this on day one. I don't screw around with safety." Christ, especially hers. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Working this closely with me puts you at risk. I'm shocked it's taken this long for something to happen." He moved to her desk and picked up her phone, then waited for Fern to answer. "Get Joseph up here now.""Yes, sir."Hanging up, he leaned against her desk in front of her and crossed his arms
Peyton unlocked her apartment door and went to step inside, but Joseph put an arm in front of her. "Hold up. Wait here." He strode into her tiny living room, set his large black duffel bag on the floor, and glanced around, then moved into the adjoining kitchen. Seemingly satisfied no one was lurking, he disappeared down the hall. "Clear. Come in. Lock the door."Biting back a sigh, she did as he asked and dropped her purse on the small entry table. Heading to the kitchen, she checked her cell for calls. A solid set of arms wrapped around her from behind and a hand clasped over her mouth. The phone fell from her numb fingers. Heart pounding, she wiggled to get free, but he had her trapped. Panic clutched her throat. "Breathe, Peyton. Get out of the situation."Right. Closing her eyes, she channeled what Joseph had taught her. With a feral cry, she jabbed her elbow into his ribs, stomped on his in-heel, and thrust her foot toward his ankle. Using the full weight of her body, she
A half hour later, Xavier still hadn't arrived. Disappointment began to weigh heavy on her shoulders. She glanced at the door again which Joseph, of course, noticed."He'll be here, Peyton."She wasn't so sure. Xavier hated crowds and he'd already given her a gift. Knowing him, he was holed up in his mansion watching CNN. She had no idea why it bugged her. Yeah, they were friendly and did things outside of work sometimes, but it wasn't as if he was more than her boss. Lord knew, she made him socialize enough because of Gaines Industries. The rest of their group returned and ordered a round of drinks. She was too caught up in their discussion of the hottest bartender to notice Xavier stood beside her until she'd hopped off her stool and nearly plowed into him. He was casual in jeans and a fitted black t-shirt that emphasized his lean, muscular build. A dark five o'clock shadow covered his wide jaw, giving him a seductive edge, and a strand of chestnut hair fell over his forehead,
With Joseph assisting a very inebriated Kate off the elevator, Xavier hoisted a tipsy Peyton closer to his side and followed. She staggered and he nearly went down, but caught them both in time.Outside the gals' respective apartments, Joseph glanced between the two doors as if torn. "Let me get her inside and I'll be right back.""Take your time. I'll be with her." Xavier nudged his chin at Peyton.Kate giggled and buried her face in Joseph's chest. "You're not staying?"He glanced at the top of her auburn head. "Not while you're three sheets, Red. Another time, definitely."Both women laughed and swayed. Peyton pointed at Joseph. "He's got a thing for redheads. He told me so."Xavier ran his tongue over his teeth and glanced at his bodyguard. "At least they're happy drunks.""Rodger that." Somehow, Xavier managed to dig Peyton's keys from her purse and unlock the door, while Joseph did the same with Kate's. Peyton halted over the threshold. "How did these get here?" Her he
Footsteps sounded behind him, and he turned. Joseph studied the photo over Xavier's shoulder. "You don't smile like that very often."He grunted and replaced the picture. "That's why I hired her. She finds the human factor the world can't see."Moving to the sofa, Joseph sat and stretched his legs. "She asked me today if, after working so closely with you, I ever found myself attracted to you."Xavier laughed and took a seat on the other end of the couch. "And you told her no. I'm not exactly anyone's type." Take rich and good-looking out of the equation, he wouldn't have a leg to stand on. None of his relationships worked out for that reason. It had taken him a year to let Joseph scratch under the surface to see the real him as a friend. Women were more complicated."No, I said you weren't my type." Joseph's brows arched. "I'm more interested in why she asked. Perhaps she's been battling some attraction herself?"Dipping his chin, he narrowed his eyes. "Derail that thought tra