I stormed into the office, still reeling from the effect of Mr. Stranger - aka Mr. Jeremiah, my new boss. Annoying doesn't even begin to describe him.
My mind wandered to Layla, my partner in crime. I hadn't talked to her in ages, but I knew she'd be thrilled to hear about my new boss - the billionaire head of the Donovan Group.
I snapped back to reality, remembering I had work to do. I rescheduled meetings and sent emails, my hands numb from typing. When I finally checked the time, it was already 4:30 PM. Joy.
I knocked on the CEO's door, and that velvety voice sent shivers down my spine. "Come in." I entered, and he scanned me like a prized meat. I could get used to this.
Jasmine, his sister, was still on her phone, oblivious to the tension between us. I felt a pang of jealousy, but reminded myself - one-night stand, Laura!
"When you're done spacing out, let me know," he said, snapping me back to reality. "Sorry, sir," I replied, still getting used to calling him that. "I'm done with rescheduling, and I sent those emails. "I think I'm done for the day, and I'd love to take my leave, sir," I said in a slightly annoyed and pained voice. Yes, I spaced out, but it wasn't intentional! I don't like him talking to me like that.
"What the hell, he's your boss," a voice in my head reminded me. Or else you're thinking of you guys becoming a thing? Ewww, I quickly snapped out of it.
"I'll take you home," Jeremiah said, offering me a ride home. A billionaire? Nah, that would be too much of a disturbance, I thought.
"I'll be fine taking myself home, sir," I replied, trying to sound confident.
"I'll take you home myself," he retorted. "No, I'm fine going on my own, sir."
"I don't like repeating myself, princess, and you know it. I'm taking you home, and that's final. I'm your boss, and I'm offering you a ride home - it's an order, not a request," he said in a velvety tone, making me stare at him in disbelief.
Just then, Jasmine chipped in, "Let big bro take you home, Laura. Today is your first day, and you've worked very hard. The least you can do is let someone take you home." Big bro? I thought to myself, realizing Jasmine was Jeremiah's younger sister. No wonder they looked so alike!
Jasmine pouted, and I nodded my head in approval, trying to hide my annoyance. "That's what I thought," Jeremiah said, making me boil inside.
"Go and take your bag; we're leaving in three minutes," he ordered, making me scurry out of the room like a mouse. My heart was pounding, and I didn't even know why. My boss is about to take me home? I packed my bags and waited for about a minute before the door opened, and he came out with Jasmine.
I felt Jasmine sense the tension on my face and gave me a knowing smile. I was still lost in thought when a velvety voice chipped in, "We don't have all day, Miss Cole. Let's get going." He said with a mischievous grin, making me wonder what I'd gotten myself into. Here's the edited version:
"What have I gotten myself into?" I thought, with that we entered the private elevator with Jasmine. The tension between me and my boss was palpable, like a knife could cut through it.
As we descended, Jasmine was busy on her phone, but I was lost in the citrus-woodsy scent that filled the air. Suddenly, a hand on my lower back jolted me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see Jeremiah's blue eyes gazing directly at me.
I tried to speak, but he whispered, "Is there a problem, princess?" in my ear. I coughed loudly, and Jasmine asked if everything was okay. I quickly assured her it was fine.
The elevator stopped, and we exited into a private garage. Jasmine got into the back seat of the luxury car, while my boss gestured for me to sit in the front. I felt like I was in trouble, but I obeyed.
As we drove off, I wondered why he didn't ask for my address. I didn't dare ask, not wanting to spark any conversation. The ride was already intense enough.
Suddenly, a hand pressed down on my thigh. My eyes widened, and I looked up to see Jeremiah focused on driving, acting like nothing was happening. I felt a rush of heat, remembering the previous night.
I faked a cough to distract him. "Umm, Mr. Jeremiah," I whispered, trying to sound audible. "You didn't ask for my address." He gave me a sharp look, his voice low and husky. "Be audible, Miss Laura."
I felt like killing him, but I knew I couldn't. He's a billionaire, and my boss! "Sir, you didn't ask for my address," I repeated, trying to sound calm.
He chuckled and replied Laura, you submitted an application to my office, and I'm pretty sure you filled out a form that required your address, so quit asking me questions. We're almost at your place, as you can see." He didn't remove his hand from my thigh, but instead, gripped it harder.
I felt like we were the only ones in the car, as Jasmine was busy on her phone. I prayed for the awkwardness to pass, and the next five minutes felt like an eternity.
He pulled up to my apartment, and I was sure the security guards would be impressed by the luxurious car. "Laura, you can get out now, or better still, come home with me," he said, looking at me like a predator eyeing its prey.
I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and waved goodbye to Jasmine. "Thanks, boss," I said, trying to sound casual. He smirked and replied, "See you at work tomorrow."
I entered the elevator, ignoring the security guard's admiring gaze. I collapsed onto my bed, exhausted. "Gosh, my life took an unexpected turn," I thought. I had a one-night stand with the CEO of the Donovan Group, the most eligible bachelor in LA, and it turned out he's my boss!
After a quick shower and changing into PJs, I ordered pizza and called Layla to come over. "We have a lot to talk about," I told her.