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Offense was the best form of defense, after all.
Max’s PA frowned when she entered the hall, but Georgia didn’t stop. She walked right past the desk, making a beeline for his office at the far side of the lobby. Her heels clattered on the polished wooden floor. The place was big enough to host a pitch-and-put tournament, unlike the cramped hole she’d been shoved into, and that just annoyed her more.
‘You can’t go in there!’ the woman trilled.
Georgia heard shuffling, then footsteps but she didn’t spare the woman a glance. Her stomach was bubbling with the thought of opening his door, seeing him, and having her plans crash and burn. Arguing with his PA would only give her more time to chicken out.
She pushed his door wide and stormed right in. Max was on a call, grinning at something the other person had said. Her heart stilled as she took in his black shirt which was rolled up his forearms, silver tie knotted loosely and his wavy hair pushed back from his face.
Oh hell. She could just clear his desk right now, lie down with her legs spread and ask him to give it his best shot. He’d never looked so casual and relaxed, yet so completely fuckable that everything flew from her mind and her body revved up for his.
His PA was beside Georgia in a heartbeat, then urging her back out the door with a hand on her forearm. Georgia snapped out of her daytime fantasy and glared at the woman. She took a step back.
With an apology, Max ended his call.
‘I’m so sorry, Mr. Briggs. I couldn’t stop her.’
Nothing would have stopped her. Except maybe busted kneecaps, but his PA was too meek to dare.
‘It’s okay, Lucy. Leave us and close the door.’
‘But Mr. Briggs, your next appointment is due soon.’ Lucy wasn’t giving up.
His smile was easy, like this happened to him every day. ‘Tell them I won’t be long if they arrive before this meeting’s over.’
The way he looked at her, like he was down with the plan to screw six ways till Sunday on his desk, left no doubt in her mind about how attracted to her he was. Georgia had to swallow hard and lock her shaky knees so she didn’t abandon her plan there and then and jump straight on him.
Lucy frowned at Georgia before she left. Maybe barging into his office wasn’t the best idea she’d had. With little to no sleep the night before and her body vibrating with nerves all morning, she didn’t want to put this off any longer. Only thing was, now she was here the perfectly polite speech she’d practiced dropped out of her head, like she hadn’t spent an hour going over it, in front of a mirror, to practice keeping the bitchy out of her expression.
Instead all she could focus on was his throat and the flash of skin showing where two buttons had been left undone. A hot flush spread up her neck, and also down, until the tingly feeling in the pit of her stomach came back.
‘Something I can help you with?’ he asked, his eyes flicking down her body.
She fought the urge to tug at the hem of her skirt – though whether to hike it up or down a bit, she didn’t know.
‘What you said yesterday—’
‘Take a seat.’
She did, on one of the chairs at the other side of his desk. Not because he’d told her to, but because her legs had started to shake and sitting would be the safer option. ‘Yesterday when you—’
‘Look.’ Max held his hands up.
Her eyes narrowed and again she had to keep her mouth shut before she said something she’d regret. Eventually. Maybe.
‘It came out wrong, okay? I didn’t come to ask if you wanted to start a fling,’ he said, his expression serious.
Great, now all she could think about was that he didn’t really want her and her lungs cramped. She sucked in a few breaths until the jerky movements faded. ‘What did you mean?’
Max raked a hand through his hair. ‘I did want you to come to the late summer ball with me at the end of the week, and it would be a bonus if you agreed to pretend to be my date. But when I saw the email I wanted to choke all the bastards that had treated you like a blow-up doll and I lost my head.’
Georgia frowned. He’d totally blown her out of the water. Especially now that it sounded like… ‘So you thought offering a few pity fucks might sweeten the deal for me?’
She slammed her teeth shut with a clatter and her gaze dropped to his desk. Eyeing the stapler, she wondered if it would clip her tongue to the bottom of her mouth. Maybe that way she’d be forced to think before she spoke.
‘Georgia.’
His voice dripped with command and she couldn’t not meet his eyes again. They were hard, just like his expression. Shit, she’d gone too far. Then his tone changed again.
‘You’re very beautiful. From the first day I came here and saw you get out of that little red car, I wanted you. Then you leaned in and kissed that…’ Max’s jaw tightened. ‘Guy. I was pissed off because I was attracted to you and I had no idea if you were serious with the guy. I tried to keep away as much as I could after that.’
She couldn’t do anything except blink at him. To have him say he wanted her…
Her heart was going too fast, pumping hot blood around her body, including the inappropriate parts. She had to squeeze her knees together, but it didn’t stop the pulsing between her legs. He’d no doubt used that low, seductive tone on purpose, probably knowing it made women melt. Well, she was damned if she’d let him see the effect it had on her; she was nobody’s pity ride.
She’d never been this turned on, or pissed off.
‘Knowing you’re single now makes me want you more. And I know you want me too. It’s pointless trying to deny it.’
She had to stop her jaw from dropping. The arrogant, condescending, pigheaded ass. There was no way he could know what she felt. She didn’t know what she felt.
‘How can you be so sure of yourself?’
Irritation bubbled just under the surface. She knew this conversation was getting dangerous, because her hand itched to slap that self-assured smirk right off his face.
‘I know when a woman’s checking me out. And right now? Your cheeks are flushed, your pupils are dilated and you’re squirming in the seat like you need something between your legs. It’s obvious you want me.’
Max spoke the words with such confidence, she wished she could force the lie out that she’d never thought of him in that way.
What the hell was she doing anyway? She was here to end this conversation for good, preferably in a way that meant she still got to keep her job. Briggs wasn’t exactly her dream, but she was left alone to get on with her work. And it had perks, like the huge discounts on the amazing clothes and shoes. She never imagined fucking the boss would be a perk she couldn’t have.
Still, it was time to say what she came here to. ‘What you said yesterday was inappropriate and offensive. It crossed the line and broke sexual harassment laws put in place for a reason.’
The smile slipped and his expression hardened. His blue eyes glinted like chips of ice and she shrunk back into the chair. Not because she was scared, but because she was suddenly melting on the inside, wondering what hot angry sex with him would be like.
Would he tear her blouse open, popping the buttons? Rip her skirt right up the slit for easy access? Bend her over the desk, teasing her with his fingers while he pounded into her, pushing her toward her first-ever orgasm? Her clit throbbed as her lacy panties soaked through.
Forcing herself back to reality, she realized it would probably be the same as sex with any other man. A huge bitch-slap colored with disappointment.
‘I won’t harass you, Georgia, but I will have you in my bed. That’s a fact, and not just because I want to fuck you so bad. You want me, too, and you need a man who isn’t a selfish bastard.’
‘Please, you have no idea what I need.’ She meant the words to slice through him, but her ability to castrate a guy with her tongue had deserted her. His comments made her breathy, almost pant, and she squirmed a little at the way heat arrowed right between her legs.
The smile came back. ‘I know exactly what you need.’
Max rose, then rounded the desk. He hauled her to her feet by her shoulders, but despite the speed he moved her it didn’t hurt. His palms were gentle cupped around her arms and he pulled her close. A glance down was all she needed to see how hot he was for her. How much he really did want to fuck her. A little wordplay and he was half-mast. Her lacy boy shorts were soaked.
She had to pull back and not just because he was her boss. In the scheme of things, that didn’t matter. Max would know if she faked it. He didn’t seem the type who needed his ego stroked with her moans. His was so inflated with over-confidence she had no doubt he knew how to deliver on his promises. What he was suggesting they do was too tempting.
But it didn’t mean he could get her off. She was strong, despite the way his proximity screwed with her senses. And she had her pride. Maybe she wouldn’t be a pity fuck, but she would just be a tool for him to face off against his ex, or maybe even get her back. Georgia would just be a screw to fill the gap.
Hell. No. Max’s place was solely in her fantasies, where he could almost make her come with just a look. That way was safer: it meant he’d never know how much of a freak she was.
She pushed out of his hold and knocked the chair over as she backed toward the door. ‘Sex doesn’t do anything for me apart from burn a few calories. I work for you, but that doesn’t mean you can treat me like an easy lay.’
His jaw ticked and his eyes flamed in a way that made her want to go to him, drop to her knees and ask for instructions. Maybe unzip his fly, take him into her mouth so hard and fast he’d see stars.
Jesus, what was wrong with her?
‘I’m beginning to think nothing about you is easy.’
She reached for the door handle, needing to get out before she crossed his office and let him do all the things he told her he would. Her body was alive with something hot and dangerous, something that made her want to lash out, give it to him hard, just to see him punished.
Which cooled her off. Where was all the insanity coming from?
‘You’re right, I’m a contrary bitch. Remember that next time you try to tell me what I need.’
Georgia was out of his office before he had a chance to reply. She slammed the door behind her and headed for her hobbit hole, ignoring Lucy’s startled expression. Her legs were shaking, her whole body trembling, and she had a flush like she’d just come down with a fever.
‘He’s wrong, he’s so not what I need,’ she muttered as she stormed down the corridor to her office, scowling at the fact she couldn’t even lie convincingly to herself. She slammed the door of her cubbyhole closed and slumped against it with gritted teeth. Adrenaline ripped through her veins alongside a whole truckload of pissed off. Not to mention the fact her body was vibrating, almost begging to be touched.
Georgia grabbed the hem of her skirt and tugged it around her hips. She wasn’t gentle about sliding her hand into her panties, less so about parting herself and rubbing her fingers over her flesh. She was soaked, burning hot and the little nub had swollen. But all the rubbing, all the building, went fucking nowhere. As usual.
She stifled a scream and righted her clothing. How the hell did she expect any man to make her come when she couldn’t get the job done herself?
* * * *
They both needed time to calm down and Max had given it to her. Two days had passed since he’d contacted Georgia, despite the fact he’d wanted to go straight to her office, lay her down on the desk and teach her a lesson they’d both enjoy.
Again he’d made a mess of asking for this favor, which was seriously screwing up his plan to pay that bastard Marcello back. If he couldn’t convince everyone he’d moved on from Clarissa – despite her rubbing her new relationship in his face, when it came time to drop Marcello the other designers could get antsy and walk. If Georgia could just pretend to be besotted with him for a few functions, that’s all it would take.
The end-of-summer ball his father had organized for his precious designers was fast approaching and the perfect chance to put his plan into action. As he pulled up outside, Briggs decided to use a different approach with Georgia that might get her to agree.
Time to turn on the charm. Something he’d long since lost patience for. Public humiliation would do that to a guy.
On the way through the store, he practiced a little on his staff. The sales women returned his smiles with a chorus of Good morning, Mr. Briggs. By the time he reached Georgia’s side of the building, with a coffee one of the girls had given him on the way, his smile came easier, though he knew he’d have to freeze it in place for this meeting.
Georgia’s door was open, but he didn’t barge in. Just as well since she was bent over an open drawer in the filing cabinet. A dart of heat bolted south and he gritted his teeth. Now was not the time to be appreciating her curvy ass covered in cream silk. Even if he could imagine it without the threads. Blood pounded into his cock and he had to take a deep breath to fight the barrage of arousal.
Shit, had it just been too long since he last had sex, or was it knowing she was available now – at fucking last – that made her more attractive?
Max knocked on the door. She straightened and whirled around. His breath caught as he took her in from head to toe.
Georgia always had an elegant beauty about her that stunned him every time he saw her. Today it was the cream silk clinging to every slender curve of her body, the way her hair, curling slightly at the tips, fell loose around her shoulders, the understated make-up enhancing those huge green eyes, and her deep-red pout that when parted against her wrath could almost bring him to heel.
Maybe it was the fact she dressed like a lady and he wanted to screw her in his office, with her fire and anger and unhidden lust.
Her eyes narrowed and she folded her arms across her chest. ‘What do you want?’
Max made sure the charming smile was still in place and stayed right where he was. Any closer and he’d want to touch her. ‘To apologize.’
Her lips parted and for once Georgia Lewis seemed lost for words. His smile was easier to hold as he spoke. ‘I was an ass. I shouldn’t have said those things to you.’
She let her arms fall to her sides, but he didn’t miss the way she squared her shoulders.
‘Before you say anything, I want to clear something up.’
This time he did enter the room, then closed the door. Suspicion tightened her expression, but he only leaned back against the wood, keeping space between them. Last thing he needed was one of the big-mouthed sales assistants hearing this.
‘I didn’t suggest you pretend to be my girlfriend in exchange for sex because I felt sorry for you. I hadn’t meant to say it at all, but the second I read your email I wanted to be the guy to show you what you’ve been missing. Call it my inner caveman taking over my mouth.’
Though she looked bewildered, she opened her mouth to say something. No doubt give him hell. He held his hand up.
‘Let me finish. It was inappropriate and not the way your boss should behave. If I didn’t think you were interested I wouldn’t have said a word. The thing is, whether you want to accept that part of the deal or not, I’d still like you to come to the ball with me tonight. I’ll pay you overtime, will even let you pick whatever dress you want from the store and I won’t push you for anything else. You have my word.’
Her throat worked and he ignored the shiver that ran through him wondering what it would have felt like if she’d done that around his dick. Hauling his head out of his pants, he focused on her frown, hoping that didn’t mean she was about to shoot him down again.
The thing was, he needed her to do this for him. Though he’d caught Georgia eyeing him up in the past, he’d never gotten the same vibe from her as he had from other members of staff who were attracted to him. There didn’t seem to be a needy bone in her body, and that was perfect, because a real relationship wasn’t something he wanted again.
‘I don’t understand why you can’t ask someone else. I doubt you’re hard up for a date.’
Her cheeks flushed with pink and he fought back a laugh at her admission. ‘I don’t want to ask anyone else. There’s no one I can trust to do this. You come in every day, leaving your personal life at the door. Well,’ He cocked a brow and she shuffled from foot to foot, remembering the email, ‘most of the time you do. I never see you gossiping with the others and you’re stunning. How could I not ask you?’
Max couldn’t believe how easy it was to say all this to a woman. He hadn’t dated since Clarissa, but being with Georgia was different. There was attraction, but not one she wanted to act on. Yet. But that was all there was between them. No pressure, no risk of falling hard and being rejected. Just pure lust.
And he knew she felt the same, so he wasn’t going to give up hope they could have a little fun. Friends and colleagues with benefits and clear boundaries. And he’d make sure he left her satisfied every time..
Finally, she spoke, ‘I’m not sure. I’ll need time to think about it.’
The smile froze on his face. ‘It’s tonight.’
Her glare would have had a weaker man bolting out the door.
‘Friday’s girls’ night.’
He held his hands up at her clipped tone. ‘Look, think about it. Like I said, you can take whatever you want from the store and I can pay you overtime. I’m only asking for tonight.’
She folded her arms again, but her expression smoothed a little. ‘And the next function? That’s in a fortnight isn’t it?’
Yeah, and there were also a few dinners and shows in the upcoming weeks, but he didn’t need to freak her out by telling her that now. ‘Let’s just see how tonight goes.’
Her jaw tightened. ‘I’ve not agreed to go.’
Max decided not to push further, but left her with something that may tempt her. ‘I have a meeting I need to get to. If you decide to come, email me and I’ll let the sales girls know you’re coming down. Sky’s the limit.’
Excitement glinted in her eyes and she pursed her lips like she was trying hard not to smile.
‘I’ll let you know soon,’ she said and the excitement was there in her voice too.
Since he was ninety percent sure she’d go with him, he decided it was time to leave before he said anything to get her worked up again. He opened the door, stuck his hands in his pockets and turned his back to her. He looked over his shoulder to see if she’d taken the bait and caught her staring at his ass with her lower lip trapped beneath her teeth. He wanted to grin, wanted to tell her she could have all of him if she wanted it, but forced himself to leave.
Max had no doubt he’d have Georgia where he wanted her. He just needed to tread carefully.
Chapter 3
‘I can’t do it,’ Georgia told her friends.
Eloisa’s eyebrows almost hit her hairline. ‘You’ve got the dress, the shoes, the clutch and the jewelry. I don’t think he’ll be thrilled if you changed your mind now.’
Georgia looked down at the midnight-blue dress. She was worried her skin would look too pale in poor lighting, especially since she was a week late on her spray tan. She’d been tempted to get one on her lunch hour, but orange wasn’t sexy. Pity the tinted moisturizer hadn’t done much but give her a light glow.
But that was the least of her worries.
A car was due to pick her up any minute to take her to the ball and she was sweating off all her make-up.
‘Georgia, you agreed to go. If you’d told us first we could have talked you out of it, but you never said a word.’ The look Shey threw her made her feel like a spoiled brat, getting everything she wanted then deciding she didn’t anymore.
Which was pretty much true.
Georgia hadn’t told them until she got home. Max had been so unlike himself that she’d believed he wouldn’t push her, which had put her on a downer until he’d dangled pretty clothes bribes in front of her. She’d been excited about the prospect of shopping in Briggs with no price cap, and really what was one evening for a dress that cost more than she made a month? And there was more than that; she got the matching shoes and accessories any girl would forego her hairdryer for.
After doing a mental inventory of Briggs’ stock, there weren’t many functional brain cells left to think about ulterior motives. The doubt hadn’t kicked in until she left work and bumped into Max getting into his car. He’d winked at her and told her he couldn’t wait for tonight, but it had sounded way too suggestive.
It had all clicked into place for her then. He’d told her a load of bull so he could get her to go with him. Get her exactly where he wanted her, then turn on the sexy. It was getting harder and harder to resist him, but she would. After all, it was only one night…
Shey topped up Georgia’s wineglass and she swallowed half in one go. The buzzer sounded and she said, ‘Don’t let him in. I’ll meet him downstairs.’
‘You need to put your foot down with him,’ Shey said. ‘Unless…’
Georgia turned on her, ‘Unless what?’
‘Come on Georgia, you go on and on about how hot he is. Maybe fucking him will put you off him for good.’
‘And you said he was pretty clear on what it would and wouldn’t be, so there’s no real risk,’ Eloisa added.
Great, now they were both ganging up on her. Georgia stormed over to the door, snatching her clutch from the coffee table and handing Eloisa the glass as she passed. ‘You’re both idiots.’
‘We love you too,’ they chorused.
The buzzer went off again but Georgia didn’t wait for it to be answered. She took the elevator down and used the time to compose herself. She may want him, but not enough to embarrass herself further by sleeping with him. Whatever his agenda for needing a date to these functions, she’d treat it like she would any other day in the office. He was her boss, whether she stood by his side or not.
So by the time she strolled through the marble lobby, she was resolved. At least until she opened the door and got a load of Max in a tux. She thought there was nothing hotter than Max in a charcoal suit, with one of his silky ties and his hair all askew – not that it was neat at the minute – but this was worse…Much worse.
The black suit hugged every inch of him, highlighting every bit of delicious sculpted muscle. His waistcoat was a deep purple and the shirt beneath was black too, not white. The effect it had against his tan skin was so hot her heart even missed a beat or two, but it didn’t stop her blood from sizzling.
His eyes were stormy blue as they raked her over. ‘How the hell do you expect me to keep my hands off you when you look like that?’
Best. Compliment. Ever.
Georgia couldn’t help her grin any more than she could help her attraction for this man. She wanted his hands on her, right here, right now. Pity that wasn’t part of the deal tonight. Although…
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