Chapter 4
ROWAN
I perched my sunglasses on top of my head and walked up the stairs to the sundeck in search of my best friend. Dylan was lying on a lounger at the far end, overlooking the bow, apart from the other guests. I wandered over and sat down on the empty lounger beside him.
Promoting Andrew had been an intelligent, rational decision. Either that or I’d royally fucked myself over.
My business relied on my experience and education but also my gut, and this situation was no different.
I was honest when I said Andrew was qualified to work as my assistant, and my decision to move him into this role made perfect, logical sense.
And instinctively I knew that he would be excellent – his attention to detail and his attentiveness with Dylan confirmed it.
Now I just needed to ignore my body’s wayward reaction every time Andrew came near me, and everything would be fine.
“Did you apologize to Andrew?” Dylan asked as he glanced up from his book.
“Yes,” I replied with a sigh.
“Did he agree to fill in for Ravi?”
I looked over at my friend and nodded. Dylan sat up and whipped off his sunglasses.
“What’s going on, Ro? Call me crazy, but it seemed like you were pissed off that Andrew was paying attention to me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be dramatic, Dylan.
I’m just being my usual irascible self. You know us billionaires, we’re all cranky bastards.
” There was no fucking way I was admitting my physical reaction to Andrew.
Dylan would laugh his head off. “I told you earlier I’m stressed from work, and I’ve been unhappy for a while now.
I guess I’m taking it out on other people. Or person, in this instance.”
“Really? Is that all?” Dylan asked in that slow drawl of his as he leaned against the lounger and slowly tipped his straw cowboy hat back. “I wonder if Andrew’s single?”
“What?” I turned my neck so quickly I felt, and heard, a loud pop.
Dylan’s bark of laughter rang out, and the other guests looked our way. “Not for me. I still tend to lean towards the ladies.”
Lean? Since when was there any other option for Dylan but women? This day was just one bloody surprise after another.
“We’re going to discuss what you just said at some point, but for now let’s enjoy the quiet afternoon. And stop trying to read my mind like an annoying psychic. Andrew is an employee, and that’s all. Can we move on to another topic of discussion?”
“Of course,” Dylan whispered. “Here comes your boy now.”
“He’s not my boy,” I growled. My cheeks heated, but I blamed it on the sun.
Andrew approached with a tray of snacks.
My heart pounded out a furious rhythm in my chest as I surreptitiously stared at the beautiful man headed my way.
His wide smile was the first thing that captured my attention, and I couldn’t for the life of me look away.
I wondered how his full lips would taste, how they would feel against my own.
I glanced up at his dark eyes, our gazes holding to each other just a fraction longer than was usual between a boss and an employee. He’s an employee, remember that, Rowan.
“Can I get you gentlemen anything?” Andrew asked in his smooth Southern manner, breaking through my lusty daydream.
Dylan removed his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “Nothing for me, but Rowan here desperately needs a long, tall drink . I’ve never seen him so thirsty and overheated before.” Dylan smirked at me, and I ground my teeth together but remained quiet.
“What would you like, Rowan?” Andrew asked as the wind whipped his black hair around his temples.
“Yes, Rowan,” Dylan replied with a dirty grin. “Tell us what you’d like right about now?”
I glared at Dylan as I imagined several evil ways to get back at my friend for his ridiculous antics.
“Sparkling water with lime, please and thank you,” I replied calmly without making eye contact with Andrew.
“Nothing harder ? Maybe something sweet and sinful ?” Dylan asked, and I took a deep breath to avoid smacking him upside his head. Like he deserved.
“Mojito? Or a banana daiquiri? It’s my specialty,” Andrew asked innocently, and my face burned hotter.
“Go for the banana, Ro,” Dylan encouraged and winked at me.
“Just the water. A bottle and two glasses please and thank you.” At this rate, I’d need a whole case of water to cool myself down.
“My pleasure.”
“No doubt,” Dylan whispered, but luckily Andrew was already walking away.
I sat back, mesmerized by Andrew’s round arse in those tight navy shorts. I mentally rolled my eyes. Grow up, Rowan. You’ve seen hundreds of arses.
I slipped on my mirrored sunglasses, and with my eyes now hidden, I allowed myself to peruse the rest of Andrew’s body all the way up to his face.
I watched how he interacted with my guests as he toured the sundeck, handing out towels and taking drink orders.
Charles, the usually uptight bore, laughed loudly in response to whatever Andrew said, which was a miracle in and of itself.
There was something warm and unpretentious about my newest employee that drew people in. I surmised that I was no exception.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I said to Dylan as much as to myself.
Dylan turned on his side. “I have never, in all the years we’ve known each other, seen you get flustered over anyone. Not your usual fuck buddies, not even when you met Jojo.” Dylan’s head motioned toward Andrew. “Too bad he’s an employee. That puts you in quite a pickle.”
“Thank you for your succinct piece of wisdom, but I’m not going to cross that line.
Bad enough I still have the press following me around from my last relationship.
The last thing I need is to be caught with my pants down, literally, and with an employee no less.
I can just see the salacious headlines now,” I whispered as blood pounded in my temples.
I desperately needed to stay calm so I could focus on the deal that should be occupying all my attention.
“I’m fully capable of controlling myself. I’m thirty-eight, not eighteen.”
“I was joking around, Ro, but there is serious shit to consider.”
“I am fully aware.” I turned to Dylan. “I’ll find a diversion tomorrow night, and everything will be back to normal. Problem solved.”
“Rowan.”
I sighed and forced myself to meet Dylan’s green gaze.
“You better know what you’re doing.”
“Nothing is going to happen. Let’s move on.
” I paused, eager for a change in subject.
My eyes, however, had a mind of their own and sought out my assistant while he was serving another round of drinks.
Owen approached Andrew and grew closer to the younger man the longer they stood there.
Shaking my head, I forced my thoughts - and gaze - back to my friend. “Talk to me about your book.”
“My autobiography.” Dylan snorted. “Apparently, washed-up alcoholic actors are still in demand when it comes to telling the sordid tale of their life. My agent lined this up since I haven’t had a TV or movie offer in over two years, but I have to work with a ghostwriter.”
A familiar cologne wafted over me, and all my senses went on high alert.
The source of the enticing scent placed two glasses of sparkling water and the bottle on the table in between the loungers.
I murmured my thanks but refused to look at Andrew, turning my attention to my friend instead. See, I can do this.
“Well, that should work in your favor. A ghostwriter will help to structure the content and make sure the story flows properly.”
Andrew stepped away, and my body finally relaxed into the cushion.
Dylan swung his legs over the side of the lounger to face me and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “Yeah, ’cause all those benders in dirty motels with other addicts makes for nice bedtime reading.”
Dylan’s sarcastic comment underlined the unvarnished truth. “Are you sure that writing this book is the right option for you? You’ve been sober for two years, and visiting those dark places, even if by memory, might not be the best thing for your health and well-being.”
Dylan clasped his large hands together so tightly his knuckles whitened.
“I need to do this, Ro,” he replied quietly.
“My finances are in bad shape. I haven’t worked in over two years, and with alimony payments, I don’t have a choice.
They paid me a sizable advance, and I start working with the ghostwriter in a few months. ”
“Why didn’t you tell me about your finances? Let me help.”
Dylan held up his hand. “Stop right there. That ain’t happening. I made my mess, and I’m figuring a way out.”
“But…”
“Ro, I’m fine. I talked to my therapist and my sponsor, and I’m going ahead with the book. Maybe once my truth is out there, the press will get bored of chasing me and I’ll feel better.”
Or worse, I thought worriedly, but I kept my mouth shut. I knew my friend all too well, and Dylan’s stubborn edge meant he wouldn’t budge on this no matter what I said.
Sure enough, Dylan stretched back out on the lounger, grabbed his hat, and placed it over his face. Discussion closed.
I reluctantly turned back to the other guests and noticed that Owen was still standing near the railing pointing at something on the horizon and once again talking to Andrew, who was listening intently.
I stifled the urge to interrupt them, selfishly wanting Andrew’s attention for myself. Listen to yourself, you fool!
Owen reached up and ran a hand over Andrew’s shoulder. What the fuck? Before I knew it, I’d leapt up out of the lounger.
Andrew deftly moved away from Owen’s touch. I had a mind to push Owen overboard, but unfortunately there were far too many witnesses.
“Owen,” I greeted him as I drew closer. “Enjoying the view up here?”
“Surprisingly, yes,” Owen replied as he glanced over at Andrew, who was picking up empty glasses and heading back down the stairs. I took a deep, calming breath and wondered if it would be terribly bad manners to punch Owen in front of my other guests. Most assuredly.
“My staff are off-limits.” My blunt words loudly mocked my own bourgeoning desire. Outside of that, I wanted to make it crystal clear that while I needed to close the deal for Owen’s properties, I wasn’t prepared to sacrifice my employee for it.
“There’s no harm in looking. Or talking.”
“Yes, but touching is not allowed. You’d do well to remember that.”
“Can’t blame a man for trying.” Owen shrugged, and the sun glared off his bald head. “Are you ready to talk business? That is the primary reason why I’m here this weekend.”
“Let’s have that discussion in my office. My regular assistant won’t be joining me, so Andrew has kindly stepped in. I trust you will behave accordingly.”
“Of course.” Owen smirked, and the expression made my discomfort ratchet up a few notches. I didn’t have to like Owen to do business with him, but something about the man’s attitude chafed.
“Feel free to head to my office on the main level in a half hour. I’ll have one of the stewards show you the way.”
“Perfect. Let’s see what you have to offer.” He gave me a long once-over before turning and walking to a nearby lounger, stretching out to face the sun. Arrogant prick. I headed down the stairs and entered the interior lounge to search out Andrew, but he wasn’t at the bar or in the kitchen.
Instead, I pressed the intercom buzzer. “Andrew, could you please meet me in the lounge?”
“On my way.”
My mobile buzzed, and I sat on one of the large sofas, reading my messages. Work notifications were piling up, and my blood pressure increased in tandem.
“How can I help you?” Andrew asked as he wandered into the room and stood in front of me.
“Are you all right?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Andrew replied calmly.
“I’m sorry Owen touched you. I’ve spoken to him.”
“It was nothing, I…”
“It’s not nothing,” I stood up until we were face to face, eye to eye. So close that I could see the tiny flecks of gold in Andrew’s deep brown eyes. “No one should touch you without your consent. Please let me know if it happens again, and it will be dealt with.”
Andrew’s expression shuttered. “Thanks, but I’m entirely capable of handling those types of situations myself. It wasn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last.”
“It’s the last time it’s going to happen here,” I bit out.
It dawned on me that I wasn’t taking my own advice, and I was standing in Andrew’s personal space.
Rearing back suddenly, I lost my balance.
Just as I started to fall, strong hands gripped my biceps, and I was righted.
The warmth of Andrew’s hands branded my skin and set off a rippling shockwave that coursed through my body. Talk about horrible timing all around .
Andrew held firm and rubbed his thumbs over my skin, the innocent touch causing my stomach to somersault.
“Are you okay?” Andrew asked as he released me.
“Just embarrassed at my clumsiness.” I crossed my arms and rubbed my biceps, the skin still tingling. “Thank you for catching me.”
“No problem. Is there anything else?”
“We have a meeting with Owen in my office in…”—I looked at my watch—“twenty-five minutes. I’ll need you to take notes. Trust me when I say he’s on his best behavior.”
“All right. Would you like me to change out my uniform?”
“God, yes,” I replied, imagining Andrew stripping out of those tight shorts. “I mean, yes, that would be appropriate.”
Andrew nodded, and I quickly turned and walked away, taking the stairs two at a time to reach my suite, rushing into the adjoining loo.
Contrary to my usual preference for hot baths, a cold shower was now in order.
Stripping down, I jumped under the icy spray, and scrubbed my arms vigorously to remove any trace of Andrew’s touch.
I had a gnawing feeling there would be many cold showers in store for my foreseeable future. And if that didn’t work out, there was always the icy hose on deck.