Tempting the Boss

Braedon Taylor my father’s frat brother, the company CEO, and twenty-three years my senior, which according to him means I’m off-limits.

I disagree.

Now we’re on a company retreat where I flaunt my bikini clad curves and tempt him into doing what we both really want - each other.

I think he’s finally going to admit his feelings when he backs off, leaving me naked, alone, and completely devastated.

But then he catches me flirting with other guys, and I meet a new side of him—a possessive side that lets me know exactly how he feels.

Is this a tropical tryst or more?

And if it’s more, what’s everyone else going to think when we get back at the office—to include my father?

!! Formerly titled Hot CEO Summer !!

“Oh my God, this is the most beautiful place I've ever been.”

Sariah laughs. “It is amazing, but is it the most beautiful you've ever been?”

Giggling, I hoist my bag onto my shoulder. “Well, it helps that it's free.”

“Welcome to Paradaiso.” A man and a woman approach us, placing fresh leis around our necks. The heavenly scent of plumeria wafts up and teases my nostrils, gifting me the first of what I hope will be many memories from this amazing, company-paid weekend. 

I've only been with the firm for seven months, surpassing intern status to become a full-fledged employee a little over four months ago—and I'm not supposed to be here. Yet, somehow, I lucked out and got invited, anyway. I think it's because I signed a three-year commitment; otherwise, I wouldn't have been eligible until they had employed me for at least eighteen months. I have coworkers who didn't qualify, but lucky me, I got the golden ticket.

Not that I asked a lot of questions when I got the invitation. I didn't want them to realize they'd screwed up and take this amazing vacation away from me. Or maybe they want to instill a sense of company loyalty by giving me this opportunity? A four-day sabbatical, all expenses paid, definitely buys my attention—but I love my job, I love my coworkers, and I love my pay and benefits. So why would I leave?

I'm a graphic artist. I graduated nine months ago from SCCU with no job prospects in a market rife with self-made entrepreneurs. My dad wrangled me into an interview with Taylor and Morvick—which I rocked—all because the CEO, Braedon Taylor, is a fraternity brother of his from twenty-four years ago.

I’d only met Braedon a few times over the years before becoming his employee. I was nineteen the first time and home from college for the summer. My dad introduced us at a BBQ at the house, and I was instantly smitten. Braedon is not only hot, especially for an older man, but he has the swagger and sex appeal college boys can’t compete with. His smile held a wicked promise, but it was the way his gaze drank me in that had my insides quivering with need. He didn't openly flirt with me, not in front of my dad, but I caught him checking me out a couple of times, which was enough to fuel many fantasies over the next semester.

I met him again later that year at a holiday party. He wished me a Merry Christmas and then promptly kept his distance, even though I felt his eyes on me all night long. Then again, two years later during spring break, when I had my sights set on graduating school. I was dating Ian at the time with plans to follow him to Texas after graduation, but Braedon said something to me that night that changed my plans and feelings.

* * *

“He's not right for you.” Braedon entered the kitchen while I frosted cupcakes. Ian was outside with my parents and friends, leaving us alone.

I glanced up, licking the frosting off my finger. His eyes heated as he sucked in his breath. It was at that moment all my past feelings and fantasies roared back to life. But with them came two and a half years of frustration, embarrassment, and unrequited love. “What?”

He gripped the counter between us and leaned his wide chest forward, pinning me in place with only a look that bespoke all kinds of wicked needs. “He's a boy and not nearly good enough for you. Yet you plan to follow him and his career? You deserve better than that, Rivka.”

“I do?” Part of me wanted to remind him of the time I threw myself at him and he told me I was too young. Too sweet. Too innocent.

Well, I wasn't so innocent anymore and not feeling very sweet at the moment. Jesus, fantasies of climbing his body like a jungle gym rushed front and center, and if my dad hadn't been twenty feet away, I might've been brazen enough to act on it.

“Yes.”

“And what do I deserve, Braedon?”

His gaze roamed over my body, heating me from the inside out. I hoped this would be the moment he'd admit his desire, but instead, he leaned back and let out a heavy sigh. He ran his hand over the salt and pepper scruff on his jaw and shook his head before turning away, muttering under his breath, “The world, Rivka.”

He left the party minutes after that, leaving me a jumbled mess of conflicting emotions. I broke up with Ian before graduation, knowing deep in the pit of my soul Braedon was right, and came home instead of moving to Texas. After spending a few months job hunting and finding nothing, my dad suggested I reach out to Mr. Taylor. I had refused, claiming I didn't want to use any kind of weird nepotism to get my first job.

My dad made the call anyway, and I took the interview, never once seeing Braedon during the hiring process. Actually, I hadn't glimpsed him in the office once in the last seven months, but I think that's because he works in a different building.

Or maybe it's because he avoids me like the plague.

Either way, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being equally excited and nervous about seeing him while vacationing in paradise. Did he bring a girlfriend? Some super-hot swimsuit model to hang on his arm while lounging at the pool? It'll hurt to see it if he did, but it might be the balm I need to get over this massive crush I have for him.