The Executive's Secretary, page 8
“Read it,” Alyssa said from across the aisle.
“I hope you enjoy the theater as much as The Brandfords. Find your best dress and be ready at 7.”
“Oh. Who’s it from?” she asked.
“It doesn’t say,” I said.
“Mystery date!” she squealed.
I laughed and shook my head. “Looks like it.” I glanced at Bryce’s office door. No mystery here.
“I have some reports I have to get to Mr. O’Connell. I’ll be right back.” I grabbed the closest stack of papers and headed into the opulent office.
“Miss Troy, can I help you?” Bryce asked not looking up.
“The roses are from you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh?”
“Nope. That would be very inappropriate and unprofessional,” he said.
“As unprofessional as fucking on that desk?” I asked.
“That is extremely unprofessional.”
“Uh huh.”
“Will there be anything else?”
“Nope.”
“Good. Please, get back to work.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And, Pipe?”
“Yes, Mr. O’Connell?”
“Be ready at 7 sharp. I hate waiting.” He glanced up at me, arching his eyebrows. “You look amazing in blue.”
I smiled and left his office.
“What was wrong with the reports?” Alyssa asked.
“Huh?”
“You still have the reports.”
“Oh, he didn’t like the font I used.”
“Wow, talk about picky.”
“Yeah. He’s such a dick,” I said.
I sat behind the mound of roses wondering how I was going to even get them home.
****
I dug through my closet looking for a dress for perfect for the theater. I was the queen of procrastination and it was already six thirty.
“Why the hell don’t I have one nice, blue, elegant gown? Seriously!” I groaned, picking one dress out of the closet after the other, ultimately tossing them to the side.
I found it in the back. I forgot I ever bought the gown. It was a spur of the moment purchase years ago. I grabbed it and held it up in front of me in front of the mirror. It was chiffon with wide rhinestone straps. The fabric was navy blue.
The dress was perfect.
“Okay. I have a dress. Shoes. Will my magic closet of wanders pop up with shoes?” I crawled on my hands and knees tossing out shoes. Red, black, purple, sparkly silver, stripped, and green. Shoved in the far back was a black box with a big red B on it. “I forgot about you!”
I pulled out the box and lifted the lid. My eyes widened as I stared at the dazzling prize inside. Sparkling blue shoes that matched the rhinestones on my dress.
“Perfect.” I glanced at the clock. 6:40. “Shit.”
I hurried into the gown and shoes.
7:00 sharp a knock came at the door.
“He’s punctual if anything.”
I grabbed my small handbag and hurried to the door. Opening it my jaw dropped. Standing there was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen. Bryce wore an immaculate tuxedo that was tailored to fit his every muscle. He grinned like a goofy teenager on his first date. He ran his fingers through his well-coiffed hair messing it up.
“You look amazing.”
“I look like a slob compared to you. Wow, Bryce.”
“Have you looked in a mirror, Piper? I’ve never seen you look more beautiful than you do now. Blue really is your color.” He held out his arm for me.
I felt like a princess.
Outside a black limousine was waiting for us. Bryce held open the door for me. Once the door was shut, he pulled me into his lap. He wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck, nibbling the hollow of my collar bone. A soft moan escaped my lips as he trailed kisses up to my jaw, along to my ear.
“Mm, Bryce. We’re supposed to be going to the theater.”
“We are.”
“Keep this up and we’re going to have to make a pit stop.”
“We’ll have time to fuck from here to there,” he said in my ear.
“Bryce, that’s all we seem to do anymore. Fuck.”
“Yeah. We’re good at it.” He smiled.
“After.”
“Now.” He persisted.
“After.”
“Alright,” he said, continuing to nuzzle and kiss my collar bone.
“My gown will wrinkle if I stay in your lap.”
“Let is wrinkle a bit. Stay here with me.”
“I am,” I said.
“That’s not what I mean,” he replied. He pursed his lips and furrowed his brows.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“I’ve been thinking a lot.”
“I hope so. You are the CEO of a big company. I would think you use your brain a lot.” I smiled at him.
“That’s not what I mean.”
“Then what?” I glanced up at him.
“I want to be more than just fuck buddies, Piper.”
“Okay.”
“I want us to be a couple,” he said.
Oh God. Is Bryce O’Connell trying to ask me to be his girlfriend?
“A couple? As in a pair? You and me? Me and you?” I asked.
“Yeah. Me and you. We wouldn’t have to hide from the world. We could go out without having to worry about what the office would say. I shouldn’t have to worry anyway, I am the boss,” he said, shaking his head.
“I don’t know, Bryce. That’s a big step. I mean you’re not just a boss, you’re my boss.”
“Does that matter? I have feelings for you. I like you. A lot. More than a lot. You mean the world to me. I want to spend every possible moment I can with you. I can’t seem to get enough of you. You infuriate me and entice me at the same time. I’ve never met a woman like you before.”
“Bryce, I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll be mine.”
I sat there in stunned silence. It was so much. I wasn’t sure what to think or say. We’d known each other for so long but had only been together for such a short amount of time.
“Yes.”
“Really?” he asked, holding onto. It was though he didn’t believe that I’d agree to be his.
I’m just his girlfriend now. It’s nothing serious. Right?
“Of course. You’re an amazing man, Bryce; even if you piss me off in the office.”
The car came to a stop in front of the Byham. Before we got out, Bryce held onto my hand and gave me a long, slender box.
“What is this?” I asked.
“I want you to have this,” he said.
I opened it to find a stunning diamond and sapphire heart pendent set in white gold on a white gold chain. “Oh wow.”
“Allow me,” he said, hooking it onto my neck.
“It’s beautiful. Why?”
“I’ve wanted to give it to you for some time but didn’t know when to. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” I said, kissing his cheek lightly.
“We’re here, sir.”
“Thank you, Jerry,” Bryce said, scooting me out of his lap. “After you.”
I stepped out of the car into the well-lit night. A crowd was lined up around the theater waiting for the doormen to let them in. Bryce didn’t lead me to the back of the line though. I’d always wondered if he stood in lines.
A man in a tuxedo opened the door and bowed slightly to us. I had never been inside Heinz hall when it was empty. The ceilings were high and a beautiful. The elegant lines of the original theater could clearly be seen despite the renovations. The 24-karat gold leafing along the molding was exquisite and if it weren’t for the moment of not feeling rushed I would never have had a chance to actually see it. The enormous chandeliers in the center of the hallway shone brightly. I stopped him for a second just to soak up the solitude that I probably would never have here again.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing. I’ve just never really appreciated the beauty.”
“Neither have I.”
“Huh?” I stopped looking around to see Bryce staring at me. He’s being so different. So un-Bryce-like.
“Come on.” He grabbed my hand and led me up a beautiful set of stairs at the end of the long hallway.
The red carpet extended upwards to an even narrower hallway. At the end a red velvet curtain parted slightly to the main hall. The landing we stood on wrapped around leading to all the individual boxes.
“This way,” Bryce said.
“This is so exciting.” I smiled, squeezing his hand.
We stopped in front a large arch that was covered by blue velvet. A smile played at his lips as he pulled the black cord tied around it. Inside was pitch dark. My heart sped up as I tentatively stepped forward. The room smelled amazing, familiar to something I already knew, yet amazing. Bryce caressed my bare arms and kissed my neck. A came on in the distance as a solo violinist and pianist began to play.
He spun me around, taking one of my hands in his and placing the other on the small of my back. We twirled in the small box as the soft music floated up.
Once the music died down the house lights came on and the murmurs of those who were there to see the orchestra flooded the theater. I’d never had my own private playing before. I’d also never had my own Bryce O’Connell.
What is happening to me?
Chapter Thirteen
“Did you enjoy yourself?” Bryce asked, watching me slip my shoes off.
“Yes. It was magical.”
His lips quirked up as he lay back against the pillows on his bed. “It’s a beautiful night.”
“Mm hmm,” I agreed, opening the French doors on his patio.
“You look so beautiful, Piper,” he said. “The way the moonlight glistens off the rhinestones on your gown and the jewels on your necklace. You look like the moon goddess sent here just for me.”
I could feel my cheeks flush. I could feel my entire body heat up.
“You make me feel like the most beautiful woman alive.”
“You are.”
I reached to the back of my gown and unzipped it, letting it fall to the ground. I stepped out of it while unclasping my bra. I slid it off, tossing it to the side while kicking my shoes to corner of the room. I climbed onto the bed, breathing heavily as I kneeled above him. His bowtie undone, his shirt partially unbuttoned, and his erection busting at the seams of his pants. Bryce’s breathing was ragged and fast; a sweat broke out on his brow. I sat in his lap, unbuttoning his shirt the rest of the way. Running my fingers down his stomach, his breath hitched at my touch. I unzipped his pants, allowing his cock to spring free. It was such a glorious sight.
“I’m always so horny around you.”
“I see this,” I said, grabbing his erection and stroking it.
“Mmm, baby.”
I bent down and took the head in my mouth, sucking lightly. He reached down and grabbed my hair thrusting into my mouth. My pussy was instantly wet. I licked his shaft and tickled the head of his dick with my tongue. I moved up his body, trailing kisses as I went until I was finally at his mouth. I could feel his hard cock pressing against my thigh as he pulled me into his lap, slipping his hand between my legs. My body shuddered as he slid two fingers into my wetness, thrusting gently.
“You’re so wet,” he said.
“I know.
I grinded against his touch as he kissed along my jaw to my neck. My entire body quaked as he rubbed my clit, bringing me to orgasm. His cock throbbed against my pelvis as he rolled me over onto my back.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
I let my knees fall to the side as he maneuvered between them. His hard length pushing against my wet slit. He felt so good inside of me. His large cock stretched out my engorged pussy, sending even more shudders of pure pleasure through my body. I gasped as he moved faster, thrusting harder. I arched my hips, meeting his momentum. He grabbed my breasts, squeezing and rubbing. He rolled and flicked my nipples, biting as he continued fucking me.
I yelled out as another orgasm rocked my body. “Yes! Oh fuck yes!”
“That’s it, baby!” Bryce shouted as his body stiffened and he filled me.
He collapsed on top of me, breathing heavily, as the cool breeze blew in through the open doors. I ran my hands through his hair as my eyes closed. I was exhausted. Bryce’s soft snoring was a relief. I wouldn’t have to move and we could just go to sleep.
“Bryce,” I whispered, nudging him a bit.
“Hmm?” he groaned.
“You’re crushing my chest.”
“Oh, sorry,” he said, rolling off me.
He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his body. He nuzzled my hair and kissed my neck before his breathing turned into the soft snore again. I pulled the sheets up around us and sank into a deep sleep.
I open my eyes to the hazy morning light and cold morning. The room is a great deal cooler than the previous night and the bed is empty except for Mr. Jingles, who found it perfectly acceptable to curl up on my stomach.
“Good morning,” I said, scratching the cat’s soft head.
He purred in return as I looked around for Bryce.
“I hope you don’t mind if I move you for a moment,” I mumbled, shifting him to the side as I climbed out of the bed.
I grabbed a pair of Bryce’s sweatpants and a sweatshirt out of his drawer and went in search. I simply had to inhale to know where he was and what he was doing. My bare feet were silent on his hardwood floors as I padded silently to the kitchen. I peeked around the corner watching as he whisked a big metal bowl, sliced potatoes, and fried sausage.
Suzie fucking homemaker he is.
“Are you hungry?” he asked without looking up.
“How’d you know I was here?” I asked back.
“I live alone and Mr. Jingles doesn’t make that much noise when he walks around.”
“I’m starving.”
“Good. I’m making waffles.”
“You surprise me more and more, Bryce.”
“How so?” he asked, pouring batter into the maker.
“You cook, you showed me what it’s like to be a princess, and you’re not a complete dick. You’re surprising.”
“And you’re not so infuriating either. Want to start the coffee?” He winked.
I smiled and shook my head. “Sure.”
“Do you need to go home to get ready for the office?”
“Yeah. I’ll have to leave after breakfast,” I said, yawning and leaning against the wall.
“If you want you can keep some things here,” Bryce said quietly.
“What was that?” I asked my eyes shooting open.
“You can keep things here. A toothbrush, make-up, some clothes. So you don’t have to rush around in the morning.”
“That’s kind of big, Bryce. Keeping things here,” I said, pouring two cups of coffee.
“It’s not that big. It’s not like you’re moving in just keeping a few things here for mornings when we have to be at the office.”
“I guess that could be alright.”
“Finish up and I’ll drop you at your place. After work pack an overnight for the weekend.”
“Why?”
“Be sure it’s for somewhere warm,” he said, sipping at his coffee and pulling a waffle off the maker.
“I’m lost, Bryce.”
“We’re getting away from here for a few days.”
“Just like that?” I asked.
“Do you have a passport?” He narrowed his eyes, his brows stitching together.
“Yes, of course.”
“Good.”
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
“You’ll find out,” he said, pouring more batter, watching me closely.
“I don’t like surprises.”
“Get used to it.” He placed two plates on the breakfast bar and motioned for me to sit. “Eat.”
“Yes, Sir.” I cut my waffle and shoveled in a forkful.
“Sir. I like the sound of that.”
I glanced up at him and rolled my eyes. Bryce smiles wickedly as he tore a piece of sausage of his fork. He appeared mildly amused. He tucked a stray strand of hair that got loose behind my ear. I closed my eyes and my breath hitched at the feeling of his touch. I turned my head into his hand. My heart raced and my blood pumped. I could feel the primal urges swell inside. I wanted him again. I needed to have him. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time.
“Stop.” I reached up and pulled his hand away from my cheek. I held it in front of my face before kissing is gently.
“Why?”
“I have to get home. We have work.”
“Remember that I am the boss.”
“I’m not. I’m your administrative assistant,” I said, swilling down the coffee. “I have to be at work on time. Unless you want gossip at the water cooler.”
“You’re more than just my assistant.”
“Why have you changed so much?”
“Does a man need a reason?” he asked, for the first time in days not looking me in the eyes.
“Yes they do, Bryce. Especially you.”
He sighed heavily and dropped his silverware, his chair scraping heavily against the tile of the kitchen floor as he pushed it back. He got up and stalked down the hallway without saying a word. My cheeks flushed. I didn’t know what to think.
What is his problem?
I sat in my seat pushing a piece of waffle around in the syrup pool that had formed in the center of the blue, square plate I’d been eating from when Bryce emerged from the bedroom. He wore a grey, well-tailored suit that hugged every muscle and curve of his body. A lavender tie finished off the outfit, lighting up his eyes. They were full of fire.
“Let’s go. I’ll drop you at your place.”
“You’re angry,” I stated.
“You keep questioning my motives.”
“Why shouldn’t I? In all the time I’ve worked for you, you’ve never shown any interest in me until now.”
“Because I’ve never wanted to be with one of my employees before,” I shouted, slamming his fists on the dining table.
“Why me though? I keep asking and you can’t give me a good answer.”
