Chapter 7
Luke parked in front of Jane’s apartment building. He started to unbuckle his seatbelt, and she gave him a startled look.
“You don’t have to walk me to my apartment.”
“Like hell, I don’t,” he said.
“Mr. Dawson, I - ”
“Luke,” he reminded her, “and stop arguing with me. I’m walking you to your apartment.”
He ignored her sigh and climbed out of the car. He took her arm, and she smiled tentatively at him. “I don’t feel dizzy anymore.”
He didn’t reply. He was a little ashamed to realize he had taken Jane’s arm because he wanted to touch her rather than keep her upright if she fainted again.
No one was in the lobby this time, and he followed her up the stairs to her apartment. She unlocked her door and smiled again at him. “Thank you so much for your help today. I appreciate it, and I’m sorry I was so much trouble. Good night, Luke.”
“Invite me in, Jane,” he said.
“I’m sorry?”
“Invite me in, please.”
“Mr. Dawson,” she said with a sigh, “if you’re going to fire me, just say so, all right? I know what I did today was terrible, and I understand why you’re firing me, but I’d rather not drag it out.”
“I’m not firing you,” he said. “But I am coming in to make sure you eat something.”
She twisted a lock of her hair. “I’ll eat dinner. I promise.”
“I know you will,” he said, “because I’m cooking it for you.”
Before she could protest, he stepped around her and pushed open the door. He stepped inside the hallway and groped blindly for the light switch. He found it and flicked it up, cursing when nothing happened.
“Your power is out.”
“It happens sometimes.” She sounded nervous.
Luke, what are you doing? Of course she’s nervous. She was almost raped as a teenager. Do you think she’s okay with you coming into her apartment uninvited?
Fuck! He was a goddamn idiot. He should leave before he made things worse, but his need to make sure that she ate and his weird desire to spend time with her kept him from going.
“Jane, I won’t hurt you, okay?” He said. “I promise. I just want to make sure that you have some dinner.”
She flicked on her phone flashlight and stared in surprise at him. “I know you won’t hurt me, Mr. Daw – Luke.”
“Why is it so cold in here?” he asked as she removed her boots. He followed her down the hallway to the kitchen.
“Uh, my heat isn’t working very well. Mr. Ranson hasn’t fixed it yet.” She chewed on her bottom lip. He was starting to recognize it as a sign of her anxiety, and he studied her in the dim light.
“Is that right?”
“Yes.” She lit the candle on the table. “Well, with the electricity out, I guess you won’t be able to cook me dinner, so…”
“I’m resourceful,” he said. “Go change, and I’ll start dinner.”
He turned on the flashlight on his phone and walked toward the fridge. “Go on, Jane.”
He opened the fridge and held up his phone. It was empty, and he muttered an obscenity before moving to the cupboards. He opened the door of the nearest cabinet and shone the flashlight into it. It was empty as well, and he opened two more. They were just as empty, and he frowned at her. “Where’s your food?”
She bit at her lip again, and he sighed and opened the last cupboard as she said, “Luke, it’s not - ”
“Jesus Christ!” He jumped back and slammed the cupboard door shut before spinning around to face her. “There is a very large fucking rat in your cupboard, Jane.”
A look of fear crossed her face, and she took a few steps back.
“Your cupboards and fridge are empty – unless you count the cat-sized rat – and you have no power or heat. What the hell is going on?” Luke said.
“I told you,” she said, “sometimes the power goes out.”
“Don’t lie to me,” he said.
She pressed her lips into a thin line, and he took her arm. “Tell me the truth.”
“Fine!” She yanked her arm out of his grip. “They cut off my heat and electricity yesterday, and I can’t afford food until payday. Okay?”
He stared dumbfounded at her. “Payday isn’t until the end of next week.”
“I’m aware of that,” she said bitterly. “Can you please go? I’m exhausted, and I want to go to bed.”
“I pay you a good wage,” he said. “You need to learn how to manage your money better.”
“Manage my money better? Excuse me, Mr. Millionaire, but not all of us have money falling out of our butts like you do! I have responsibilities you wouldn’t even begin to understand, so don’t you dare lecture me about how I spend my money. Besides, I’d have electricity, heat, and goddamn food if someone hadn’t made snide comments about my wardrobe. I bought your damn Dawson clothing instead of paying my bills and buying groceries so that I wouldn’t get fired. Now you have the nerve to tell me I’m not spending my money wisely? How dare you. Get out of my apartment, Luke Dawson. Right now!”
He stared at her, so taken aback by her sudden outburst of anger that he was momentarily speechless.
“Leave!” She shoved at him, but it didn’t move him an inch. She made a low grunt of anger and hammered on his chest with her small fists. “Leave right now. Do you hear me? Leave!”
“Jane,” he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ll leave.”
“I’m not upset! I’m angry, hungry, and tired and want to go to bed!” She burst into tears, leaned her head against his chest, and sobbed. He put his arms around her as she buried her face in his jacket and flung her arms around his waist. She clung to him and cried brokenly. He stroked her back and murmured words of comfort until her sobbing had slowed to the occasional sniffle.
“Jane, you can’t stay here,” he said. “It’s too cold, and you have no food.”
“I have no place else to go.”
“Pack an overnight bag, and let’s go,” he said.
“Go where?” She sniffed.
He touched her soft hair before stepping away. “Pack a bag, please. You’re not staying here tonight.”
She sighed but nodded and left the kitchen.
* * *
“Whose house is this?”She asked as he pulled into his driveway.
He shut the car off and grabbed her bag from the backseat. “Mine.”
Her eyes widened. “I can’t stay at your place, Mr. Dawson!”
“Yes, you can.”
“No, I can’t,” she said. “It isn’t proper, and if people at the office found out…”
He gave her an impatient look as he opened his door, and a cold wind blew into the car. “No one will find out. Besides, it’s just for tonight. In the morning, we’ll figure out something more permanent.”
She continued to hesitate, and he frowned at her. “Don’t make me carry you into the house.”
That got her moving, and she followed him to the front door. His home was large, and she studied the art hanging on the walls in the foyer. He took her jacket and hung it in the closet as she slipped out of her boots. Still carrying her bag, he walked toward the kitchen and flipped on the lights.
“Oh my goodness,” she breathed. “This kitchen is amazing.”
“Thanks.” He loved to cook, and when he’d started renovating the house, he’d spared no expense in the kitchen. He rummaged through the freezer section of his fridge as Jane ran her hand over the island top.
“Is this marble?” She asked.
“Yes. Sit down,” he said as he popped something into the microwave. “I’ll make you dinner.”
“Oh, just a sandwich is fine,” Jane said.
“I don’t have any peanut butter,” he said.
She flushed, and he pointed to one of the stools at the island. “Have a seat, please.”
“Let me at least help you.”
He shook his head. “No, you need your rest. Besides, I’m cooking dinner for myself, and it’s as easy to cook for two people as it is for one.”
That appeased her a little, and she climbed onto the stool. Remembering what the doctor said about her being dehydrated, he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and a beer bottle. He opened the water bottle and set it on the island before her.
She drank some water as he took a large swallow of beer before boiling a pot on the stove. He grabbed another pot and began making the pasta”s tomato sauce. While the sauce simmered, he took the meatballs from the microwave and set them on the counter. He heard the soft growl of Jane’s stomach behind him, and, without speaking, he pulled a bag of raw veggies from the fridge and arranged them on a plate before adding a dollop of dip in the middle of it.
He set the veggies and dip on the island in front of her. “Eat up.”
“Thank you.” She reached eagerly for a carrot as he turned back to the stove. He stirred the sauce, tasting it and adding more oregano before adding the meatballs. As they heated, he dumped the spaghetti into the boiling water. He took another swig of beer and turned toward Jane.
“Jane, are you…”
He stared in surprise at the empty veggie plate. Jane was licking dip from her finger, and she gave him a look of shame that made his stomach tighten.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “That was rude of me to eat all the veggies.”
“It’s fine. Would you like more?”
“No, that’s good,” she said. “Um, dinner smells delicious.”
“Thank you. It’s pasta with my famous meatballs.”
“Famous?” She said with a small smile.
“Well, not world famous, but family famous,” he said.
She laughed. “You like to cook, huh?”
“Love it, actually. When I was younger, I almost went to culinary school.”
“Why didn’t you?” she asked as he set the island with plates and cutlery.
“Amy wanted to start a clothing line but had no interest in the business side of it. I saw her potential and wanted to help her achieve her dream, so I went into business instead.”
“That was very selfless of you,” she said.
He shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable with the way she was looking at him. “Not that selfless. I’ve made a lot of money from Amy’s dream.”
“She really is very talented.”
“Yes, she is,” he replied. “I’m sorry about commenting on your clothes like I did.”
She shrugged and stared at the plate in front of her. “It’s fine. My clothes are awful, and I should dress better for my job.”
There was an awkward silence as he finished making the pasta. He scooped some onto both plates, spooned the sauce and meatballs over it and sat across from her. She inhaled deeply before giving him a tentative smile. “It smells delicious. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
They ate in silence. He had piled Jane’s plate high with spaghetti, but she only ate a little before pushing it away and giving him an apologetic look.
“It’s delicious. I’m just full, and my stomach…”
He didn’t need her to finish the sentence. He should have considered that she probably hadn’t eaten a real meal in who knew how long. Pasta wasn’t exactly a great meal to give someone who was starving.
“It’s fine.” He started to put the leftovers away and waved her off when she jumped up to help. “No, sit and relax.”
She sat quietly as he loaded the dishwasher and wiped down the counters. He turned around just in time to see Jane yawning. It was only eight, but she looked exhausted.
“Ready for bed?” he asked.
She blushed as he said, “I have a guest room for you to sleep in.”
“Right, of course,” she said.
“Okay, follow me.”
He grabbed her bag, and she followed him out of the kitchen. “This is the living room.” He pointed to the doorway to their right and waited as Jane peeked her head inside. He stopped at the next door. “My office.” She also checked it out, and he pointed out the guest bathroom and the formal dining room before they went upstairs. His bedroom door was open, and he paused. “This is my room.”
He expected her to only glance into it like she had the others, and his damn cock stirred when she stepped right into his room. Jesus, he was in trouble if Jane standing in his room made him horny.
He followed her in reluctantly and folded his arms across his chest as she studied the room.
“It’s very nice,” she said. “I like the fireplace.”
“Thank you.”
When Jane’s gaze fell on his unmade bed, he suddenly and fervently wished he had made it. It was way too easy to imagine her crawling between the rumpled sheets, her body naked and ready for him.
His cock was hardening, and he cursed under his breath. “Come with me, and I’ll show you the guest room.”
“Yes, Mr. Dawson,” she said.
His dream came roaring back to him, and he turned around abruptly. There was no way he could hide the bulge in his pants after that. Fuck! Was she trying to kill him?
“I told you to call me Luke,” he said more gruffly than he intended.
“I’m sorry.”
He was beyond tempted to turn around and pick up from where they left off with that kiss yesterday. He clenched his hands into fists. Forgetting that she was his PA, she was also exhausted and probably scared. He was an asshole.
“Mr. Daw – I mean, Luke, did I do something wrong?” she asked.
“No,” he said, “of course not.”
He left his bedroom, hoping like hell she followed him. He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard her soft footsteps. He shoved open the door and stepped aside. There was no way in hell he was going into the bedroom with her. He didn’t trust himself not to do something incredibly inappropriate.
She slipped by him and studied the room. “It’s lovely,” she said.
“That door leads to the bathroom,” he said. “If you need anything in the night, just…”
What exactly would she need in the night? The only thing he wanted to give her was a slow fucking, and that was the last damn thing on her mind. There was no way she felt the tension between them, and even if she did, she would chalk it up to him being a jackass again.
“Okay, um, thank you again, Luke. I promise I’ll be out of your hair in the morning,” Jane said.
“Good night, Jane.”
“Good night.”
He shut the door before he could do something stupid like beg her to join him in his bed. His cock still hard and lust pulsing in his belly, he stalked down the hallway to his bedroom. He stood in his bathroom and contemplated having a cold shower before throwing his clothes in the hamper and brushing his teeth. He was climbing into bed when he heard the faint but unmistakable sound of the guest bathroom shower. He groaned and flopped onto his back to stare blankly at the ceiling.
Jane was in the shower. She was in the shower, and she would be very naked and very wet. Maybe she was running soap over her body at this very moment. Maybe she was sliding that soft hand of hers between her thighs and…
Fuck! He needed to stop this. He moved restlessly in the bed as forbidden images of a naked Jane flickered through his head. Maybe he should knock on the door and ask if she needed help. He could wash her back and that small but delectable ass of hers. He threw back the covers and gripped his erect cock. He rubbed it roughly, picturing Jane leaning against him while the hot water flowed over their bodies. He would cup her breasts and tease her nipples until she was begging him for more. When she was breathless and needy, he would slide his hand to her pussy and caress her swollen clit until she cried his name and came all over his hand. He would lift her, brace her against the wall and make her take every inch of his cock until her hot, tight wetness completely consumed him. He would take her fully and leave no doubt in her mind that he was claiming her as his and his alone.
His hips arched, and he came all over his hand and his stomach. He threw his arm over his mouth to muffle his loud groan as his orgasm swept through him. When the pleasure faded, shame took its place, and he jumped up and hurried to the bathroom. He cleaned himself up fast, irrationally worried that Jane would come charging into the room and demand to know why he had masturbated to the sound of her in the shower. He threw the cloth into the hamper and climbed back into bed. Jesus, he was a pervert. A much more relaxed pervert, but still a fucking pervert. With a loud sigh, he rolled onto his side and closed his eyes.
* * *
The guest bathroomconnected to her bedroom had a large walk-in shower. Jane hesitated briefly before brushing her teeth, undressing and starting the shower. She was tired but restless and hoped the hot water would help relax her. She washed her hair and rinsed it before scrubbing her body.
Her mind wandered to her boss. He had seemed tense and a little irritated with her, and she leaned her forehead against the shower wall and let the hot water beat over her back. She shouldn’t have gone into his bedroom, but she couldn’t resist. She wanted to see it, wanted to check out his bed like a horny teenager. Apparently, a full belly and a warm place to sleep had brought her libido roaring back to life.
Good. Let’s talk about that kiss yesterday, her inner voice said.
God, had it only been yesterday? It almost felt like a lifetime ago.
Once you’re done with your shower, why don’t you accidentally wander into his bedroom? Tell him you got lost in his giant house.
She scoffed inwardly. Her boss already thought she was an idiot, and despite the kiss they shared, he wasn’t interested in her sexually. How could he be? She was too skinny and too poor and –
“Jane?”
She whirled around. Luke was a dark shadow through the foggy shower glass, and she clapped her arms over her breasts.
“Mr. Dawson? What are you doing in here?”
The door opened, and her eyes widened. Luke was as naked as she was, and her eyes dropped to his cock. It was erect and standing proudly out from his body. She licked her lips and took a nervous step back as he crowded into the shower with her. It was a large shower, but he was a big man, and there were only a few inches of space between her naked body and his.
“Mr. Dawson?” she whispered.
“I told you to call me Luke, remember?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Turn around, Ms. Smith,” he said. “I thought you could use some help washing your back.”
She hesitated before turning around. “Thank you. That’s a very…kind offer.”
“I’m a very kind man,” he said. She jerked when his warm and soapy hands rubbed her upper back briskly. “Hold still, please.”
“Yes, Mr. Dawson.”
He squeezed her right ass cheek, making her twitch and moan. “Luke. Try not to be so forgetful, Ms. Smith.”
She wanted to apologize, but both his hands were on her ass now, and his strong fingers were kneading and squeezing her flesh. It felt amazing, and it took all of her willpower not to lean back and rub herself against his dick.
“Lower your arms,” he demanded.
“Why?”
He made a snort of impatience. “Enough questions, Ms. Smith. Do as you’re told, please.”
She dropped her arms and gasped when he cupped both her breasts. He soaped them before tugging on her nipples. They beaded into hard points, and she gave in and leaned against him.
“Luke, please,” she moaned.
“Ms. Smith,” he chided, “behave yourself.”
She forced herself not to rub against the very hard cock pressing against her ass.
“I’m simply trying to help you bathe, but I get the feeling you’re enjoying this more than you should.” He pulled on her aching nipples. “Are you wet, Ms. Smith?”
“Why don’t you check for yourself?” She was shocked by how bold she was, but she needed him. Needed him in a way that she didn’t understand but didn’t want to ignore.
“Maybe I will,” he teased before rinsing the soap from his hands. His hand passed over her flat stomach. “Open your legs.”
She spread her legs with an eagerness that embarrassed her. Luke’s hand slipped between her legs, and she moaned when he rubbed at her clit. She bucked her hips against his hand, and his soft groan of approval made her shudder all over.
“Such a pretty pussy,” he said before kissing her neck. “So wet and,” he pushed one thick finger into her pussy, “tight.”
She thrust her hips against his hand as he rubbed her clit with his thumb. “After you come, I’m going to take you back to my bedroom,” he whispered hotly into your ear. “You’re going to lie on your back in my bed and spread your legs so I can fuck you. Do you understand, Ms. Smith?”
“Yes,” she whimpered as pleasure filled her entire body.
“Say it,” he demanded.
“I – I’m going to spread my legs and let you fuck me,” she moaned.
“That’s my good girl,” he said approvingly.
His thumb was rubbing against her clit, his finger thrusting in and out of her tight pussy, and she clutched at his arm helplessly. Her orgasm was starting deep in her belly, her stomach tightening with pleasure as he sucked on her earlobe.
“Come for me, Ms. Smith. Right now.”
His demand brought on her climax, and she shouted his name as her back arched and pleasure rushed through her entire body.
Jane shook and shuddered, her fingers rubbing furiously at her clit as the last of her climax swept through her. Her eyes widened, and she yanked her hand out from between her legs and made a low moan of dismay. She was alone in the shower, and she stared blankly at her hand before grabbing the soap and scrubbing at her naked body. Oh fuck, she had just masturbated in her boss’ house while he slept in the next room. What was wrong with her?
She froze and clapped her hand over her mouth. Shit! Had she said his name out loud as she came? Had he heard her? What if he heard her? What if he knew that she was…
Jane! Snap out of it! He didn’t hear you over the shower, for God’s sake. Just chill out.
Her heart thudding in her chest, she finished soaping up before rinsing clean and shutting off the shower. She toweled herself dry, shuddering a little when she ran the towel over the sensitive flesh between her legs. Despite her orgasm, she was still feeling achy and unsatisfied. She needed Luke’s hard body on top of hers. She needed his warm touch and his hot mouth, and his dick. Maybe she could knock on his door. Maybe she could tell him she was having trouble relaxing and ask him to help her sleep by giving her a good, hard fucking. Maybe he would let her climb into his bed and spread her legs so he could -
Stop it, Jane!
Yes, she needed to stop this madness. She forced the image of being naked and under her boss out of her head and dressed in her flannel pajamas before shutting off the bathroom light and climbing into the bed. It was deliciously comfortable, and she curled onto her side. The last thing she remembered was being confident she’d never fall asleep, but she slept deeply within five minutes.