Layer by Layer (Riggings Brothers 1)

I move to stand, and I’m surprised when he lets me. Although that’s short-lived when his hands land on my hips. He turns me to face him and lifts me from the floor, setting me on his desk. “I missed you this week,” he says, circling his arms around my waist.

“You’ve been busy,” I say, placing my arms around his neck.

“I don’t like it.”

Ah, broody Royce. “Well, there’s not much we can do about that. You’re a big boy now with a multi-million-dollar company to run. It can’t all be fun and games.”

“Sassy,” he says, pressing his lips to mine.

“Hey, Royce.” I recognize as Marshall’s voice as he walks into Royce’s office.

“You didn’t lock the door,” I hiss.

He grins. “I’ve got nothing to hide.”

“Me!” I shriek. “Me on your desk specifically.” I try to stand, but he’s not willing to let me go. Instead, he tilts his head to the side to look at his brother. “What’s up?”

“Sawyer, have I told you how glad I am you’re here?” Marshall asks.

“What?” I turn to look over my shoulder.

“This guy. He’s much more relaxed when you’re around.” He points at Royce.

“Until my time with my girl that I’ve been missing all week gets interrupted by my little brother. What’s up, Marsh?” Royce asks with no heat in his tone.

“I have the final mock-up of the new marketing campaign for Idaho, the rebranding of sorts. Thought you might want to take a look at it.”

“Sure, send it over, but I doubt I’ll get to it before Monday,” he says, running his hand up and down my back. I’m not even sure he realizes that he’s doing it.

“You’re taking the weekend off?” Marshall asks, and his surprise is more than evident in his voice.

“Yes.” Royce’s gaze is locked on mine. “I’m taking the weekend off. In fact, Sawyer and I are heading out early.”

“I can’t. I have some letters I need to finish for Grant,” I tell him.

“What about me?” Grant asks from behind me.

I give Royce an “I’m going to kill you for putting me in this situation at work” look, and his grin only grows.

“Sawyer and I are heading out, starting our weekend early,” Royce explains.

“She doesn’t want to go. She has some letters she’s typing for you,” Marshall adds.

“Yeah, but I asked you to date them for midweek next week. So, they don’t need to be done today,” Grant tells her.

“Haven’t you ever heard do today’s work today, because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring?” I ask, exasperated with the Riggins men in the room.

“It’s all about balance, sis,” Grant says. I’m not looking at him, but I can hear the smirk in his voice.

“See, babe. It’s all good. Go close down and do what you need to do. We leave in thirty.”

“Royce—” I start, but he presses his lips to mine, effectively shutting me up.

“Please. I miss you.”

He gives me the saddest look I’ve ever seen. “Pouting Riggins?”

“If that’s what it takes, yes.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Fine, but this is not going to become routine. I’m still an employee of this company. I can’t just go making my own hours.”

“You can when you’re mine.”

I don’t have a reply for that. Especially not with two of his brothers within earshot. Instead, I push back on his shoulders, and this time he lets me. With his hands on my hips, he lifts me from his desk. I ignore all three of them as I leave his office and make my way back to my desk. I try to act irritated and hide my excitement at the same time. I’ve missed him too, and I can’t wait to spend some time with him.Chapter 20RoyceWhen I told Sawyer we had plans this weekend, what I meant was I wanted to stay locked away at her place or mine, shutting out everything but the two of us. I should have been more specific because when my brother called and said everyone was going out to the lake, Sawyer chimed in and told him we would be there. It’s not that I don’t want to see my brothers or my parents, but seeing her at work and not being able to hold her is torture. Last week, I had to practically drag her out of the office early. This week, I had hoped to do the same, but it didn’t happen. Instead, Sawyer stayed to help me with a few reports and ordered us dinner. We were at the office until after seven last night.

I promised her no more working on the weekend—that I had plans for her, and she was all mine. All of that is true, and I should have been more specific. I should be lying with her naked body next to mine. Her bed or mine; I’m not picky. Although I admit, I do enjoy having her at my place. It feels more like home when she’s there. Instead, we’re headed to my parents’ place for another Saturday of sun and fun on the lake.