Boss of Me

“I’m helping Taron with the grill.” He looks back toward the trees. “Any special requests?”

You on a cracker. I cough a little giggle out of my thought, and he looks down at me.

“Did you want something?” His voice is not angry today.

Oh, it’s just too easy. “I’m sure whatever you have works for me.”

Dean does a very poor job hiding his snicker, but Patton takes it in stride. I don’t. I feel my face flushing hot. I might be a little buzzed, but I’m not drunk enough to flirt with him in front of everybody and not be self-conscious.

Patton’s brow lowers, and he glances out toward the water “If you do get in, watch out for that kid. He’s riding that wave runner in the swim zone.”

“I don’t think we’re getting in the water.” Sandra smiles up at him. “But we’ll be safe.”

I watch through my dark shades as my sexy boss makes his way back to the grill. His ass is so fine in those shorts. Sandra’s chuckle snaps me out of it.

“What?” I look up at her, wondering what I missed.

“They could light the grill with the chemistry between you two.”

My eyes go wide. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I look around quickly to make sure no one is listening.

“Don’t worry, everybody has their own problems. My job is to keep an eye on the office, and trust me.” She leans closer. “I’m getting an eye full.”

I force a laugh. “There’s nothing to see. I’ve only been here three days, and I’ve been doing my best to learn and catch up—”

“You don’t have to be defensive with me. Patton Fletcher is one hell of a sexy-assed man, and trust me, he’s noticed you, too. I’d love to see him blow off some steam. I have a theory he needs it bad.”

Warmth blooms in my stomach at her words, but I won’t admit it. “I’m just trying to do a good job.”

She takes a sip from her orange and white striped straw, giving me a wink. “You’re doing an excellent job.”

The sound of a motor growing louder draws our attention, and Jerry glides up to the pier in a speedboat. “All aboard!”

Dean is off his feet at once, skipping over to the cruiser. Once inside, he lifts what looks like a small surfboard over his head. “Wakeboarding! Let’s do this!”

I look over at Sandra, who’s getting out of her chair. “Are you going to try it?”

She laughs, shaking her head. “I’ll ride on the boat, but I’m too old to risk breaking my neck.”

“I don’t want to lose my top.” Pushing out of the chair, I follow her.

“That would definitely cause a commotion.”

As soon as we’re all onboard, Jerry steers us out into the middle of the lake. We pass the wave runner still getting too close to the shallows, and I see it’s a pre-teen boy. He doesn’t even slow down before taking a hard turn and shooting off towards the other side of the lake. He’s going so fast, the wave runner looks like it’s hovering over the ripples.

Dean prepares to get on the wakeboard, and Sandra takes the wheel while Jerry makes his way to where I’m standing in the back.

“What do you think of your first company picnic?” He smiles and reaches for my waist.

“So far so good.” I smile and step to the side, avoiding his embrace.

Why does it seem the guys you don’t want to touch you are always so eager to get handsy?

He runs his eyes up and down me, biting his lip. “Classic pinup.”

“I don’t know if I’d go that far.” I look down at my full-coverage, white bikini wishing I’d brought my dress.

“Want another drink? I’ve got beer here in the cooler.” He lifts the lid, and I see Coronas mixed with Budweiser’s and Bud Lights.