Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
ELENA
By late afternoon Friday, I’ve had one heck of a week. The kind that makes my office smell like burnt coffee and despair.
I click End Meeting on the Zoom window and sag back in my chair, done with another candidate.
Francis Stalworth’s interview is done, and he won’t be getting the job. He’s just another walking LinkedIn profile with the personality of a beige cardigan.
“My biggest weakness is that I care too much,” he had said.
I nearly ended the interview on the spot.
Before I can even groan, my boss—Greg, Mr. human embodiment of a half-price sweater vest—pokes his head in.
“Great work this week, Elena,” he chirps, holding a paper cup like he’s presenting an Olympic medal. “Coffee for you. Thought you might need a boost.”
It’s lukewarm.
Classic.
“Thanks,” I say, accepting the cup that probably came from the lobby cafe no one likes.
He glances me up and down.
“You look nice today. Big Friday plans?”
I stiffen.
Please don’t ask. Please don’t ask.
He smiles like he absolutely is about to ask.
“So…big date?”
“No,” I say too fast. “Just, you know…relaxing. At home.”
Oh, maybe texting my trainer. Nothing big. I’ve been too busy this week to even look up.
Greg nods like I’ve said something profound.
“Well! Keep up the good work. These candidates won’t interview themselves!”
He laughs like he’s said the funniest thing in the world and disappears.
I resist the urge to bring the coffee straight to the sink and dump it.
Once he’s gone, I check my phone, but there’s nothing.
Not a single message from Colt, even after I had to reschedule our session for yesterday. Just a thumbs up.
I tell myself this is normal, since he’s twenty-seven. Maybe we have different communication styles.
He’s probably at the gym doing ridiculously hard things with his ridiculously perfect muscles.
I put my phone face-down so I’ll stop being pathetic.
Next candidate: Matt Dolstrom.
The folder stares at me with terrible energy.
“Who even names a child Matt anymore?” I mutter, flipping the file open.
I force myself to read over his resume and pretend to be a functioning adult, since this one will be in person.
When I’m halfway through, a soft knock hits my door.
“Come in,” I call, not looking up. “Thanks for coming in, Matt. Have a seat.”
I catch the presence of someone in a suit, and the chair scrapes on the ground. I let in a soft inhale.
I keep reading aloud automatically, in a haze. “So Matt, why don’t you start by telling me a little about—”
I finally look up.
And the sentence doesn’t just die.
It collapses, combusts, and ascends into Heaven.
Colt.
COLT.
In my corporate chair.
In my corporate office.
Wearing a fitted button-down and suit coat that should be federally regulated.
And he’s smiling.
Actually—no. He’s smirking.
“Hi,” he says, leaning back like he owns the place. “I’m Matt Dolstrom.”
My jaw unhinges. “Wh—why are you—how—CO—”
He raises a hand. “Shh. I’m starting a new line of work.”
A beat passes, and I’m tongue tied, to say the least.
“Corporate. You inspired me.”
I blink so hard I might pull a muscle.
“You’re WHAT?”
He slides a very fake resume across my desk.
Plain as day:
Matt Dolstrom
Objective: Corporate things.
Skills: Various.
Oh, he’s enjoying this.
I narrow my eyes. “How did you…wait. Matt Dolstrom is your… corporate avatar?”
He winks, exaggeratedly. “Every hero needs an alter ego.”
I want to fling myself out the window. “Not sure this is a good idea.”
“Not sure?” he says, clasping his hands together like a CEO of chaos, “Aren’t you going to… interview me first?”
I take a steadying breath. He is out of his mind. Completely, beautifully out of his mind.
But two can play unhinged.
I flip to a blank page of my notebook.
“Fine,” I say coolly. “Let’s begin.”
His smirk sharpens.
“Great,” he murmurs. “I’m very…employable.”
My thighs clench.
This is illegal.
This entire interaction is illegal.
“So, Matt,” I say, crossing my legs to regain dignity, “tell me, what special skill sets do you bring to the position?”
He pretends to think, tapping the side of his cheek.
“Well, I have excellent stamina.”
My pen clatters to the desk, and I clear my throat.
“And,” he continues, far too innocently, “I can be extremely…hands-on. I’m definitely willing to come…into the office.”
I choke on air.
“Also,” he adds quietly, leaning forward, “I take direction well…when needed.”
“Ah. Okay.”
“And other times? I like to take control.”
Heat floods my neck.
“Mr. Dolstrom,” I manage, “I think you might be an HR problem.”
He smiles, slow and wicked.
“Do you…like HR problems?”
“I do NOT,” I lie, sweating through my blouse.
He glances toward the door, then back at me.
“You look flustered, Elena.” His voice is low.
“I am NOT flustered.”
“You’re blushing.”
“I am NOT.”
“You’re adorable.”
I kick him under the desk. He just grins wider.
No pain or shame, just ego.
“So,” he asks softly, “did I get the job?”
I bite back a laugh. “Pretty short interview if you ask me. And what job is that, exactly?”
He holds my gaze, looking dead serious. “The one where I get to see you…more often.”
My breath catches, right as the doorknob rattles.
Greg sticks his head in.
“Elena—oh!” He blinks at Colt.
“Oh wow. Strong candidate! Great jawline. Bet you’d be great for sales! Love that you made it in person!”
He gives me a thumbs-up. “Sorry to interrupt! We’ll discuss later!”
Colt is choking back a laugh as the door closes.
I cover my face.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I whisper. “This is a little bit of a violation. You’re going to get me in trouble.”
He leans in, voice low enough to melt metal. “I’m going after what I want.”
“And that is…?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
“You,” he says, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine.
Before I can react, he stands up from his seat and walks around the desk, his presence commanding and confident. I watch him, my heart pounding in my chest, as he comes to stand behind me. His hands rest on the arms of my chair, and he leans down, his breath hot against my ear.
“You have no idea how much I’ve been thinking about you,” he murmurs, his voice a low growl that sends a wave of heat coursing through me.
I can’t find the words to respond, my mind a whirlwind of desire and anticipation.
He takes that as his cue, his hands sliding down to my waist, lifting me effortlessly from the chair and setting me on the edge of the desk.
The cool wood beneath me contrasts with the heat radiating from his body as he steps between my legs.
“Colt,” I whisper, my voice shaky as I look up at him, his eyes dark with need. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but…”
“Shh,” he murmurs, his fingers trailing up my thighs, pushing my skirt up as he goes. “Relax. You seem stressed. Let me take care of you. Boss.”
His words send a thrill through me, and I can’t help but nod, my body already aching for his touch. I lean back, my elbows propping me up on the desk, as he hooks his fingers into the waistband of my panties, sliding them down and off, leaving me bare and exposed.
He looks at me, his eyes filled with hunger, before dropping to his knees in front of me. My breath hitches as he spreads my legs wider, his fingers tracing the sensitive skin of my inner thighs. I can feel the anticipation building, my body tensing as he leans in, his breath hot against my core.
The first touch of his tongue sends a jolt of pleasure through me, and I gasp, my fingers gripping the edge of the desk.
He takes his time, his mouth exploring, teasing, driving me wild with every flick of his tongue.
I can feel the tension building, the coil in my belly tightening as he brings me closer and closer to the edge.
“Colt, for goodness sake,” I moan, my voice breathless as I arch my back, pressing myself against him. “I can’t stop you. I want it. Please…”
He looks up at me, his eyes dark with desire, before redoubling his efforts, his fingers joining his mouth, pushing me higher and higher until I can’t take it anymore. With a cry, I come undone, waves of pleasure crashing over me as I tremble beneath him.
He stands up, his eyes never leaving mine as he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
“You taste incredible,” he murmurs, his voice thick with need. “Been thinking about this all week.”
Before I can catch my breath, he’s unbuckling his belt, pushing his pants down, revealing his hard length. I bite my lip, my eyes widening at the sight of him, the size of him making my heart race.
“You’re doing this here,” I whisper, my voice filled with awe. “This is so hot.”
He grins, a wicked glint in his eyes as he steps closer, positioning himself at my entrance. “Yes. And you’re perfect,” he says, before thrusting into me, filling me completely.
I gasp, the sensation overwhelming, as he begins to move, his hips driving into me with a powerful, commanding rhythm.
The desk creaks beneath us, the sound of our bodies coming together filling the room.
I can feel the tension building again, the heat between us intensifying as he takes me, claiming me, making me his.
“Oh my God,” I moan, my voice a desperate plea as I wrap my legs around him, pulling him closer, deeper. “Please…”
He leans down, his mouth capturing mine in a fierce kiss as he continues to drive into me as he fucks me on my desk. “You ready to come for me, baby?” he growls against my lips, and that’s all it takes.
With a cry, I come undone again, my body convulsing around him as he finds his own release, his groan of satisfaction filling the air. We collapse together, our breaths ragged, our bodies slick with sweat, the desk barely holding us up.
As we come down from the high, I can’t help but smile, my heart filled with a mix of exhilaration and contentment. He looks at me, his eyes soft, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
“You’re incredible,” he murmurs, his voice thick with satisfaction.
I grin, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “We do make a pretty good team.”
And in that moment, I know that this is just the beginning of our adventure together. Despite the risks.
I wouldn’t change a thing. Because with Colt, every moment is worth it.
“So,” Colt smirks. “Did I get the position?”