The Executive's Secretary, page 7
“I can assure you that it is definitely coming to something.”
After a lot of mental screams at my brother, he finally looked up. His face was lit up and I could tell he was having the time of his life. He waved to me and broke free of his new found fans.
“Piper! You came,” he exclaimed, wrapping me up in a big hug.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. How often do baby brothers have big art debuts?”
“I’m just so glad you’re here. I’m so nervous, and I have no idea what to do.”
“You seem to be doing just fine, kiddo,” I said, motioning to the crowd who stared at a particularly interesting piece full of blues and yellows.
“It’s amazing. They actually love my paintings. Can you believe it?”
“That is something else, Devon. So, which one is mine?” I asked, nudging his ribs.
“There is a special one here just for you,” he said.
“There is?”
He pointed across the gallery to a far wall. It was a small wall with a single painting in an elaborately carved gold frame. A light shone on it lighting it in a way that made the paint come to life. I gasped when I what he had painted.
A girl riding through a meadow on a white horse, her hair flowing behind her as her bare feet skimmed the top of the wild flowers. Trees on either side kept them heading straight toward the sun and toward adventure. There was nothing but open space ahead of them. They were free.
“Do you like it?”
“Devon, it’s amazing,” I whispered as a single tear slid down my cheek.
“I hoped you would. It’s my favorite in the entire collection.”
“You’re such an amazing brother.”
“You’re an amazing sister. You’ve always been my inspiration.”
“I see you’ve made your way to his crown jewel. There is so much emotion behind this piece. So much attention to this girl and her horse. The way they are riding free through the meadow. Nothing holding them back, no saddle, no fence, nothing but the open field,” Michael stated, walking toward us.
“Devon was just telling me about it.”
“Do you know anything about it?” Michael asked.
“A bit.”
“It’s remarkable. It’ll fetch a fair price.”
“I’m sure it will and whoever buys it will have one of the pieces of art I’ve ever seen.”
“Devon, before you get to comfortable walking around with your sister I wanted to let you know I just got word a very big investor may be dropping by unannounced.”
“Oh? Who?”
“Bryce O’Connell.”
I nearly choked on the glass of champagne that had been handed to me as I crossed the gallery floor. “I’m sorry. Did you say Bryce O’Connell?”
“Don’t you work for that guy?” Devon asked.
My heart was pounding too hard in my ears for me to hear him very well.
“Piper? Did you hear me?”
“What?”
“I said don’t you work for him?” he repeated.
“Um, yeah. I work for Bry- Mr. O’Connell.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! You can point him in the direction of this lovely number,” Michael said, winking at me.
Oh shit! Do I really want Bryce to have a permanent piece of me in his house? Why the fuck is he showing up here? What the fuck!
“Yeah sure.”
“He better be careful, or I may steal from him.”
My eyes shot open and my head snapped toward the man.
“I’ve been looking for a new secretary, and you seem to be the entire package, my dear. Brains, beauty, and perhaps some humor.”
“Perhaps,” I muttered.
I stumbled to one of the benches and sat down, quickly finishing off the glass of champagne before flagging down another penguin suited waiter.
“Slow down there, sis. What’s the problem?”
“Bryce O’Connell. That’s the problem,” I said, sipping the second glass marginally slower.
“What’s wrong with him? Besides everything you tell me. He can’t be that bad outside of work, can he?” he questioned.
“He’s not. He’s fantastic. He’s wonderful. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man.”
“I’m confused.”
“I spent the night with him, Devon. Last night. That’s why I was late. I had to go home and shower after spending the night with Bryce O’Connell. My boss. Now he’s showing up here.” I wanted to throw up.
Is he following me? Holy crazy stalker!
“How could he know you were going to be here?” Devon asked.
“I don’t know. I thought we parted on good terms, so I don’t know why he’s going all creepy stalker. We even talked about continuing what we have after our little fling last night.”
“Ew, Piper. Don’t talk about it like that. Just say visiting. For my sake, please.”
“Fine, but that doesn’t change the fact he’s coming here.” I began to fan myself with my hands. It was getting harder to breath.
“Maybe he decided he wanted to visit an art gallery.”
“Maybe, but what if he thinks I’m stalking him? Fuck, Devon. What do I do?”
“You calm down first. This is not how Piper Troy acts. Quit the blubbering. Act like a grown-up and grow a pair of fucking nuts. If you can’t see him out in public when you’re not visiting each other how the hell are you going to work with the man?”
He asks valid questions. Damn Devon and his sensibility.
“I haven’t thought much about all of that,” I muttered.
“Obviously. Piper, why would you start something with someone you work with? Especially your boss?”
“I don’t know,” I answered.
“Are you leaving early?” he asked, clasping and unclasping his hands.
There was no way I was going to abandon my little brother because Bryce was being weird and crazy. “No. You need me. I’m staying right here with you.”
“You sure you’ll be alright.”
“Yeah. I’m not going to let anyone take away such a great night from you. Especially not my boss.”
“Good because he’s here.”
“What? Where?”
“There.” He pointed to the front door where the well-dressed Bryce O’Connell walked through. A small group of people flocked to him immediately, cameras flashed, and I walked in the opposite direction.
“Good luck.” I waved to Devon, turning a corner of the one wall in the room.
I’m hiding from the man I fucked last night. Why is the man I fucked last night at my little brother’s gallery showing?
I stared at a swirled mess of orange, purple, red, and blue. The canvas was about eight feet tall and seemed so angry. I could only guess it was done right after Devon moved out of mom and dad’s house. Right after he dropped out of university and told them he was going to be an artist.
“This is one of my favorites.”
“I’m sorry?” I asked, looking at Michael.
“This piece. It’s so raw and full of emotion.”
“Devon was going through a rough time,” I replied.
“That’s when the creative vision tends to come out,” he answered.
“Your brother is a talented man.”
“I know. I’ve always seen his talent. I just wish our parents would come around and realize this isn’t just some phase of his.”
“In due time.”
“Perhaps,” I muttered, glancing around for Bryce.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
“Yeah I’m fine.”
Out of the corner of my eye I saw the dark blue, well-tailored suit and shiny shoes of Bryce.
Fuck.
“Will you excuse me? I need to use the restroom.”
“Of course,” Michael said.
I kept my head down and looked around for any sign of a women’s restroom. Somewhere safe to hide until Bryce left.
“Are you avoiding me, Piper?”
“Bryce.” I sighed.
“Why are you all the way over here?”
“I’m appreciating the art,” I said.
“Why are you here?” he asked.
“I told you I was coming to my brother’s gallery showing. Why are you here?”
“DT is your brother?”
“DT? Who the fuck is DT?”
He handed over a tall, slim, smooth sheet of paper. On it was the Gallery on Nine logo and my brother’s art work.
“Devon is DT. You had no idea that I’d be here.”
“How would I know?”
“I don’t know, Bryce.”
“Piper, don’t think I’m going all crazy stalker on you. I do enjoy local art. I purchase some occasionally.”
“Oh God. I’ve done it again. I’ve made myself out to be a total asshole.”
“Pretty much,” he muttered, walking away from me.
“Bryce.”
“What?”
“I’m sorry. Again.”
“Mmm hmm.”
“Don’t hold it against Devon. He’s an amazing artist. Even if his sister is a total twit.”
“I can see he’s great. There are a few pieces I wouldn’t mind owning,” he said, continuing his walk.
“Good.”
“Are you going to join me?”
“Oh, yeah, of course.”
“Which is your favorite?” he mused as we walked slowly about the room.
I could feel all eyes on us.
“Bryce, he is my brother. I love all of them.”
“I know he’s your brother, but you must have a favorite.”
“Honestly?”
“I am asking you,” he said.
“That one,” I replied, pointing to the painting of the girl on a horse.
“Why that one?”
“It’s so free. It’s almost as though he captured the moment we were able to escape from the tyranny.”
“I see.”
“His use of colors. The expression on the girl’s face. The happiness on the horse’s.”
“You get him, don’t you?” he asked.
“I like to think I do,” I answered.
“Come on.” Bryce grabbed my hand and led me to Michael and Devon. “You sister is a master salesman. I’ll take that piece on the far wall.”
“Really?” Devon stared at him slack jawed.
“What Devon means is of course you want that one. That’s his crown piece of the entire exhibit. His lovely sister inspired it.”
“You left that part out,” Bryce whispered to me.
“I don’t like to brag.”
“I’ll take it. What’s your price?”
Devon glanced at Michael who had dollar signs in his eyes. “Let’s go talk in my office.”
“When I get back we’re going to dinner.” Bryce kissed my cheek as he followed Michael across the gallery.
“I don’t know what you did but you’re amazing.”
“You’re welcome,” I muttered, watching the amazing man walk away.
Chapter Eleven
“What happened to you on Friday?”
“I ended up talking to Mr. O’Connell and when I went to find you, you were gone,” I whispered across the aisle to Alyssa.
“That’s not what his friend said.”
“Well his friend was mistaken,” I snapped.
“Calm down there, killer,” she mumbled.
I chewed on the inside of my lip as I watched his door. It was almost seven thirty and he hadn’t called for me once.
Odd.
“Good morning, Piper.”
“Hi, Robby.”
“I have the reports Mr. O’Connell wanted.”
“Great,” I said, taking the stack of papers from the man.
“What are your plans for lunch?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. Why?”
“I was wondering if you wanted to grab something from somewhere.”
“Oh, well I don’t know.”
“She’d love to!” Alyssa said, jumping out of her chair almost knocking all of her papers over.
“What?” I asked.
“You’d love to get lunch. You always eat at your desk. I can cover for you for an hour,” she said, a big smile spreading on her face.
“Geez thanks Alyssa. How awesome of you?”
“So, lunch?” Robby asked. His face lighting up.
I sighed inwardly and put on my best fake smile. “Yeah. Lunch.”
“Great. I’ll meet you downstairs at one.”
“Okay.”
“Miss Troy!” Bryce’s booming voice came from beyond his doors.
“Duty calls.” I grabbed the reports and hurried away already thinking of a way to get out of the lunch.
“Yes, Mr. O’Connell?”
“It’s seven thirty.”
“Yes,” I answered.
“Why did it take me calling you into my office for you to get in here?”
“I don’t know what proper protocol is for post sex workplace office entering is,” I responded, clutching the reports to my chest.
My heart was thudding against my ribcage. I swore he could hear it.
“You are such a fuckable mess.”
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“You heard me, Piper.”
“I-I…”
“Stop stuttering and get over here.”
I approached the desk keeping my eyes on Bryce. He seemed different. There was wildness about him. I could see a hunger take over. Once I was within arm’s reach he grabbed my hips and pulled me close. His reports scattered, raining down around us.
“It’s going to take me forever to organize those.”
“Fuck those reports. I don’t really need them.”
“Then why have them printed?” I asked.
“Because I can.” He smiled, unbuttoning my blouse.
“Bryce!”
“What?”
“We’re at work.”
“Yes. In my office.”
“This is very inappropriate.” I reminded him as he pushed my skirt up over my thighs.
“So?”
“Do you think we should do this right now?”
“Yes, I do,” he said, pushing my skirt up to my waist.
“Bryce,” I moaned.
“Mmm, baby.”
I reached down and grabbed his already stiff cock. I bit my lip, working his button and zipper. He groaned as I let it spring free from the confines of his pants. I slid off his desk and to my knees, holding the glorious dick in both hands. I took the tip in my mouth and started to suck softly. Bryce grabbed a handful of my hair as I took his full length. I worked his shaft while he leaned back in his chair. His body shook and quivered while I was just thrilled with myself.
I took his glorious cock out of my mouth and slid my panties off, dropping them on his desk.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“You want to be so naughty in your office, we’re going to be downright filthy,” I whispered in his ear.
“Oh god,” he groaned.
I knelt above him, admiring the living Adonis that was Bryce O’Connell. He held onto my hips as I sat on his dick, slowly bouncing up and down. He pursed his lips; his eyes rolled to the back of his head and moved his hands up my back. He stood suddenly, holding onto me as he laid me on his desk. My ass hung over the edge while he stood over me. He held his cock, stroking it before thrusting into my wet pussy.
“You’re so wet,” he said.
“You make me wet.”
“I haven’t even touched you, Piper.”
“You don’t need to. You drive me wild, Bryce.”
He bent over, burying his face in my breasts as he fucked me on his desk. He held onto my waist, kissing my neck and my titties. I pursed my lips and bit my tongue, trying to keep quiet. The last thing I needed was for the entire office to hear Bryce and me fucking on his office desk.
“I’m going to come, Piper.”
“So am I.”
I could feel the shudder of ecstasy taking of my body. The rush of pure relief came over me as I reached my climax.
“Oh fuck, Piper!” he said as loudly as he dared into my hair.
A knocking at the door sent my heart right into my throat.
“What!” Bryce shouted.
“Can I come in, Bryce.”
“Not right now, Andrew.”
“What? I thought we were sitting down to discuss the merger with Sandpepper’s?”
“We will. Give me a few minutes,” Bryce barked back.
“Alright. I’ll be back in ten.”
“Great.” He rolled his eyes, pulled out of me, and cleaned himself up. “I’m sorry this is so quick.”
“We’re at work. Of course, it’s quick,” I said.
“I mean so rushed.”
“Bryce, stop.” I kissed his cheek and straightened out my suit. “Here are the reports you wanted. I’ll be in the bathroom. Forever.”
“Piper.”
“Happy meetings.”
“Piper!”
“Good-bye.”
“Piper.”
“Yup,” I said, pulling the door shut behind me.
“What took so long?” Alyssa asked, as I walked past her desk.
“I dropped the reports. Had to reorganize them.”
“Right there?”
“Yeah. Right there. He’s such a dick.” I continued walking right to the bathroom.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Bathroom. Now. Sorry.”
I closed and locked the door behind me. My heart was pounding in my chest.
What the fuck am I doing?
Chapter Twelve
I stopped in front of my desk the following morning staring at the floral mess that overtook it. There were roses everywhere.
“What is this?” I asked.
“I was going to ask you that,” Alyssa said.
“When did those get here?”
“They were here when I got here.”
“Why? Who? What?” I asked.
“Don’t ask me,” Alyssa said. “Who are you mad at?”
“A lot of people. I’m always mad. God look who I work for.”
“Did he make you really mad?”
“Every day.” I dug through the flowers until I found an envelope. “Found a card!”
