The CEO & I

He crosses his arms over his chest. His muscles tense and flex.

Okay, now, I am gulping for air.

“What in the hell did they warn you about? I’m not dangerous,” he says staring at me like he wants to punch something.

My body is trembling with nerves and if I keep going, there’s no telling how he’ll react, but I have no choice as I’ve come this far. Might as well go all the way. “They didn’t say you were dangerous. They told me you won’t hire women that are even remotely attractive or unmarried.”

He nods thoughtfully. “They’re not wrong. I didn’t know other people knew about that, though. I’ve never said anything to anyone. It’s a personal rule.”

“I guess other people noticed. The woman told me it was because all these young girls end up falling in love with you and acting unprofessional. And they’re distracting to you. So I made sure to dress as frumpily as I could to get the job.”

Luke stares at nothing, like he’s lost in thought. His expression is unreadable. I assume this is the calm before the storm and brace myself for the inevitable explosion of anger. It doesn’t come. Instead, his blue eyes bore into mine, trapping me in his gaze. “Are you even married?” he asks in a deathly calm voice, which is even more chilling than when he is throwing a tantrum.

“No,” I confess, before quickly adding, “I’m good at what I do, Mr. Remington, so I don’t see why my marital status, or appearance should prevent me from performing a job that I am perfectly qualified for.”

For a few seconds more, Luke continues staring at me. Then he throws his head back and laughs. “That was clever, Miss. Emerson,” he says. “Well played. Whoever that woman is at the staffing service, she was absolutely right. I wouldn’t have hired you if I knew what you really looked like.”

My stomach flutters at his words. He thinks I’m pretty! Suddenly, I’m conscious again, of how naked we both are. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to lie to you. I just really need this job.”

He waves my apology away. “Are you kidding? You saw a problem, and you found a creative solution. I like that. What’s that old saying? Dress for the job you want. In this case, the job you wanted required you to dress like a clueless librarian.”

“So you’re not mad?” I ask tentatively.

He laughs again.

The sound is deep and rich. It sends waves of warmth echoing through my body.

“Not at all.” He steps toward me. “You’re a good assistant. I would have missed out on hiring you if you hadn’t done what you did. You found a way around my rule, and I’m glad you did.”

“About that rule,” I say, clutching my towel hard. “What’s that about?”

He dips his chin. “I’m a man of big appetites, Jade. When I see something I want, I claim it. That goes for business and for pleasure, but I try to keep those two worlds separate. At work, I need to be focused and professional. No distractions.”

“Sure,” I reply, trying to hide the quaver in my voice.

“I’m not immune to the charms of beautiful woman. It’s only natural. And look at me.” He gestures at his body.

Well, since he’s giving permission…I quickly take the opportunity to stroke him with my eyes. Mmm.

He continues, “I’m a good-looking guy, so it’s only natural that women gravitate to me too, but it’s a recipe for disaster if I satisfy my needs with one of my employees, things get complicated quickly. So that’s why I have my rule.”

“But I’ve seen a few pretty girls in the company.”

“They don’t work for me directly. The rule only applies to women I work closely with on a daily basis. Like my personal assistant.” He looks me up and down, not hiding what he’s doing. “We’ll be spending a lot of time together, Jade. A lot of late nights. A lot of one-on-one meetings. I can’t have that kind of temptation around.”

My heart skips a beat and refuses to steady. Did I just hear what I heard? I laugh nervously. “Good thing, I’ll never be a problem like that, then. I’m not really your type.”

He takes a step closer to me.

Instantly, I feel the heat from his body drying my skin.

“That’s where you’re wrong. Right now, you are extremely…tempting.”

His words send a shiver through me. My nipples harden beneath the towel. His eyes lock with mine, sending an electric current through me. “Mr. Remington—”

“Luke,” he says softly.

My lips part and I feel my chest tightening.

He frowns suddenly and looks away. “Good thing we have too much to do on this trip to get distracted. Finish getting ready. We need to be on top of our game tonight.”

With that, he exits my bedroom and closes the door behind him.