Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
“Thanks. I’ve got to go.”
“Don’t drool in front of the boss unless he likes that kind of thing.” We both fight the giggles because someone woke up on the right side of raunchy today.
“Don’t worry. I’ll behave.” It’s not like I would ever make a fool of myself over a man. I never have, and I never will. Although, I’m not sure if Mr. Hardwick is the exception.
At twenty-two, I’m too busy trying to be independent and out of my parents’ clutches to give in to some boy. My parents were super strict about me staying away from the opposite sex. So much so that I was homeschooled and then finally went to an all-girls high school.
When I’d gone to college, they were upset that I didn’t pick a strictly female program. Until last year, I had no idea why they were like that, but it’s not because they didn’t want me to sleep around. They didn’t want to risk me falling in love and having kids.
As if I’d ever fall in love with anyone. I’d been to college and met several guys who were considered swoon-worthy, at least until they spoke. None ever truly enticed me enough to say more than hello or banal civilities. Hell, I never went on a date. It’s pathetic, but at least I met my besties, and we’re all single together. When it comes to kids, I totally want them when I met the right man, but so far, I’ve only met boys.
Now, Lincoln J. Hardwick isn’t a boy. From every image of him online, he’s all man. In fact, that’s the reason I woke up late. I tossed and turned all night, thinking about my first encounter. My dreams went from fear and nervousness to pure, unadulterated lust. I woke up covered in sweat, and thoughts of my boss were vividly imprinted on my brain. When I woke up, it took a few minutes to gather myself and realize that I had missed my first two alarms.
Every picture of him online shows a handsome scowl. It’s insanely confusing how hot the man could be, yet he screams unapproachable. He’s like a wild animal, so attractive yet dangerous.
He’s never photographed with a woman by his side, but it’s easy to see the women on the periphery that are staring at his pure masculine sex appeal. Six-foot-four, broad shoulders, muscles pressed firmly against his expensive suit. I couldn’t forget when he stood up and caught me by surprise. The manliness just pours off him, reminding me of Henry Cavill, powerful and sexy.
His short black never looks out of place, and his scruffy facial hair is perfectly manscaped. It could make any red-blood female pant. I want to run my hands along it and wonder if he’d bite me for trying. I’m scared because I do not know how things will go this morning or if this is the day, I’ll embarrass myself.
The entire train ride from my apartment to downtown Chicago, I go over every scenario, nearly sending myself into a panic attack when I think I’ll be canned the second I step into the building. I’m going to be late and I heard that’s why he fired his last assistant.
I’m stopped at the front desk by security, and my heart starts pounding hard. “Ms. Flowers. Here is your new card with the security clearance.”
“Thank you,” I say, trying to hide the fact that I thought I was getting escorted out of the building.
“Good luck,” he says. As I walk away, I hear him mumble, “You’re going to need it.”
He’s a jerk, but he’s probably right. I need all the luck possible when dealing with Mr. Hardwick.
When I get to the top floor, his office door is closed, which spares me a few minutes to pretend I’ve been here longer than I have. I try to make the desk look a little more the way I’d like it while I wait for the email with the necessary login information, so I check my phone and see messages from Marilyn and Bill in IT. I answer hers first because once I start working, I won’t stop until I’m done with a project.
Have a great day, Ms. Executive Assistant!
Thanks. I’ll let you know how it goes tonight.
“Late and texting,” a low growl comes from the shadow that just appeared in front of my desk. My eyes shoot upward to see my new handsome boss scowling down at me.
“Sorry, Mr. Hardwick.” I quickly toss my phone into my purse.
“Don’t be sorry, just don’t let it happen again. Is this why you missed submitting the document inside Davis’s presentation?” he questioned, sexy brow arched.
It takes me a second to process what he said because I can’t stop looking at his strong jaw that’s smooth. Damn, he looks good either way. “Goodness, he said that?” I gasp, speaking so low that I’m surprised he heard me.