Goosebumps? Oh, yes.Blush? It wasn’t the makeup I put on but the heating up of my cheeks as my head echoed what just happened inside the elevator.I felt my tongue go numb the whole helicopter ride until we got into the restaurant.And the reason is sitting right in front of me, halfway done with his steak. Decently and slowly gnawing the meat while those eyes were glued on me.I audibly swallowed and aided my drying throat with a swig of water.What’s he doing? It’s either he’s high, or he’s trying to make me regret that I slapped his “ticket to paradise” to his face.This isn’t fair!“You never asked anyone to eat lunch with you. Not even your own mother,” I broke the thick silence between us as I gripped the utensils in my hands. “Is this you telling me that you’re dying?”A smirk formed on his lips before he sucked in his inner cheek and poured all his attention on me. “Just in the mood to do so,” he simply answered. “Why? Would you rather join that nerd instead of having a roman
"I gotta run," I muttered and braced myself, but then the window rolled down, revealing the familiar, inviting face of a cute architect. "Mr. Sinclair?""Hi," he greeted with a wide smile. "Do you need a ride?"My lips turned upside down when he opened the door for me, and I hopped in without hesitation. "You saved my life!" I exclaimed and hugged him.I felt him stiffen from my sudden action but eventually chuckled it off and patted my back twice for comfort."I don't have my wallet with me. I couldn't go back to work, and I thought I was just going to walk back to the building and—ugh! That bastard just left me here," I grumbled as I settled myself back in the passenger seat."Mr. Miles?" he asked, confirming who I was referring to."Who else?" I scoffed. "If there's someone I would put a spell on and curse, it would be him. Johnny Miles.""Okay," Stefano slowly uttered, hinting a small smile on his lips. "Uh... you might wanna—here, let me." He leaned closer to me, reaching for the
"Hmm..." I hummed after a sip of caffeine in the morning, my eyes closed.Then I heard a deep chuckle.When I opened my eyes, I found Stefano looking at me in amusement as he took a bite of his breakfast."Sorry, it's just that I get too engrossed in the feeling whenever I drink coffee," I cleared up with a wince, placing the mug down and shrugging."Who doesn't?" he replied and copied the way I sipped my coffee, causing me to laugh at him. "How long have you been working for Mr. Miles, if you don't mind me asking?""It'll be two years next month," I answered, fixing my hairband. "Still new, but for the record, the only one who lasted that long.""Really?""Sir Johnny's been a CEO for three years only, and he changed his secretary more than a hundred times before I came," I explained, owning it as a compliment for myself. "His mother put me on the chair, and I fit right in. Because I have no interest in him. I'm right for the job."He arched his eyebrow. His aura was too bright that I
"Sorry for being an asshole — your boss, John Bailey Miles, CEO of the Miles Shipping Corporation." That was what was written on the card attached to the bouquet.I would've felt bad if it wasn’t for his whole name and title being written below it. I would've felt worse if it were handwritten, but it was printed like a calling card—except it didn’t even have his number.But… he bought me roses. "White" roses.Is the jerk finally trying to graduate from being who he is? I don't think so. He must've just Googled what flowers mean or told one of his "peasants" to do all this for him."At least he apologized," I muttered nasally and slipped the card into my journal. "But he apologized in the most asshole way." I rolled my eyes and tried to focus on my dull workday.I do the same thing every day, and I've already got the gist of it. But today, aside from what Johnny left unattended, I was also blessed with more stress when he locked himself in his office. And yes, it frustrates the heck ou
"Hey, Cassy babe. Which one do you think suits me best?" He lifted two identical ties in front of me, looking overdressed with all his buttons done.I came by his hotel room to remind him of what he had to do today, but I think everything I said just went in one ear and out the other.Without glancing at them, I pointed at the one on the right with my pen."Did you hear what I just told you?" I asked, arching an eyebrow while he chose the one on the left, making me scoff.Why did he even bother asking?"The dinner meeting with Mrs. Walker will start in a few moments. Her secretary gave me a copy of her proposal and—surprise—you didn’t bother touching it," I muttered, picking up the folder from the table. "I read the whole thing, just like you asked.""Uh-huh?" he mumbled, tone completely disinterested."Would you like me to express what I think about it?" I insisted, finally lifting my eyes to look at him—only to find him fumbling with his tie."Tell me something about Mrs. Walker," h
"Almost forty grand, and that was called mercy," I scoffed with sarcastic delight, struggling to hold all the shopping bags in my hands. I shuffled my way toward the hotel veranda and headed straight to my suite.Johnny loves spending money—and I thank him for giving me a decent place to stay. Though honestly, I'd accept anything, as long as I don’t have to share it with him."Thank you for the blessing, Mr. Johnny Miles."I ended my night with a long, happy sigh.It’s not every day I get to buy whatever I want. I didn’t even have to touch the allowance Tamara gave me, and all my wants? Solved.After stripping off all my clothes, I hopped in the shower, then slipped into a robe. I was about to begin my nightly ritual when my phone buzzed.Of course. Johnny.That man just doesn’t know how to make a call."Why would he?" I muttered, smirking. "If he’s trying to give Mrs. Walker crutches." I snorted as I flopped down on the edge of the bed. "She won’t be a ‘walker’ by tomorrow." I let ou
“Where were your clothes, anyway? Weren’t you cold?” I asked as we stepped into the elevator.I was bundled head‑to‑toe, but he stood beside me in nothing but board shorts and a towel slung over one shoulder.What. A. Tease.“I’m the hottest man on earth,” he purred, winking.Right—no wonder I was sweating like hell.Ever since we had left the pool, I had felt his eyes soaking me in. Suspicious? Oh, please, no.The elevator dinged. Two women stepped in. Their gazes glued themselves to Johnny, and they giggled when he flashed a smile.“There’s a party on the rooftop—everyone’s invited,” the blonde chirped, while the brunette blatantly simped over my half‑naked boss. I shrank into the corner.“Sounds fun,” he said.The doors slid open on my floor, and I slipped out like a breeze, bee‑lining for my room. I didn’t even check whether Johnny followed.The jerk had oceans of time for women; he would forget a plain Jane like me in a heartbeat.Man‑whore.I scoffed and shoved my door open—only
I groaned as the buzzing beside the bed yanked me out of sleep.Fumbling around, I found a phone—not mine."Galactic Dic group chat?" I mumbled, blinking and rubbing my eyes. I had to squint at the screen like a grandma.This is definitely not my phone.The latest message, from someone named Captain Extortion, said: "Yo, 'Panty Collector' missed rooftop drinks last night. Who's the lucky girl, Johnny?"—followed by a flood of crying GIFs.Wait... what?I tossed the phone onto the bed just as Johnny been puked out by the bathroom, robe around his waist, towel in his hair.Our eyes met.He grinned, smug and annoyingly satisfied. He looked so proud—dripping with that post-sex confidence. I could already tell he was dying to mock me about finally sleeping with his secretary.Guess I’m getting fired."Sleeping Beauty’s up," he said.I yanked the blanket to my chin, holding it like a shield as he walked over.His scent—fancy hotel shampoo and something expensive—went from my nose then straig
“Respect in the workplace. That’s the most important part of working for this corporation. And that was entirely your idea, yes, Mr. Miles?”Doctor Weathers, a woman in her late fifties, directed her attention toward Johnny. She peered over her sleek rectangular glasses, hands resting gracefully on her lap as she sat on the long sofa.Her strict, stern, serious aura brought out a sweat all over me. I suddenly felt so hot—even with the air conditioner on.“I did?” Johnny replied, unsure. Or basically just clueless about the policies, ethics, protocols, or whatever else. Because for real—it was Tamara and her power moves that shaped the company. Johnny? He just kept it breathing with minimal effort. Or should I say… with his "magic".After what happened in his office, I thought I was going to lose my soul.What those expensive people saw? Scandalous. It was wrong—a really bad sight. Total eye-sore.Now I’m branded as a low-grade woman. And HR-approved behavior? Miss T’s idea. Not mine.
The plane landed safely. What’s not? My sanity. It flew right off my head the moment Johnny locked us in that damn cabin—and it hasn’t come back since.And honestly? It ruined my whole day.Jetlag? Nah. More like sexlag.I had to show up at the office totally sleep-deprived. No time to pick an actual outfit, so I just threw on whatever my hands landed on.“That would be your third cup.”I yelped when someone spoke from behind me just as I was adding ice to my coffee, sending it splashing in every direction.When I turned, I saw Stefano wincing. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” he said.“It’s okay. I’ve had way too much coffee. That’s probably why I’m jumpy,” I chuckled, grabbing some napkins to clean the mess.“You sure you’re okay?” he asked, with that sweet, worried tone as he stepped in to help.I shrugged. “Yeah, why not?”“I don’t know… you just seem a little off today,” he replied, tossing the napkins into the bin and grabbing a cup for himself.“Maybe it’s my outfit?” I glanc
Did I pass out? I saw darkness for a second there.When my eyes fluttered open, I thought I was in hell.I was lying on a fancy-ass soft bed that probably cost more than my entire education. Daniel was fanning me dramatically with a silver brochure while sipping his iced espresso.“And she lives,” he announced with a two-syllable enunciated laugh. “For a second there, sweet Cassidy, I thought your post-orgasm shame took you out permanently,” he teased, grinning widely.“Post—what? Excuse me?” I sat up so fast I almost headbutted him. “I… I fainted because of the sun. Not because of your—your filthy assumptions.”Daniel let out an amused hum, tossed the brochure, and it landed on the floor before he strolled over to the cabinet where the liquor was stored.“Where are we?” I asked, clutching my still-throbbing head.“Fifteen minutes mid-flight,” Johnny answered, and I turned toward him—only to find him lounging on the armrest across from me, wearing that smug, triumphant smirk. “And for
I was already in the lobby before the clock struck twelve. At noon. I'm no princess, there’s no prince on a white horse, and definitely no magic. Just me—and my awkward self. I stood next to a chair, both hands clutching my luggage and everything I bought with Johnny’s money. From where I stood, I could see my faint reflection in the glass wall. I was still wearing that bright maxi dress, but I’d thrown on some lovely printed leggings and a purple cardigan. My hair was up in a neat, low bun, and of course—my glasses. Honestly, I could say I’m a head-turner in this getup. But everyone kept crunching their noses and shooting me judgy looks. People… “Cassidy North!” Ugh. That familiar annoying voice came from behind me. I didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was. Daniel Miles. Johnny’s older cousin. If Johnny’s bad, Daniel is the worst. “Come on, girl. Give Daddy Danny a big hug!” He threw his arms open and wrapped me up in them before I could escape. “I missed you! Yo
I groaned as the buzzing beside the bed yanked me out of sleep.Fumbling around, I found a phone—not mine."Galactic Dic group chat?" I mumbled, blinking and rubbing my eyes. I had to squint at the screen like a grandma.This is definitely not my phone.The latest message, from someone named Captain Extortion, said: "Yo, 'Panty Collector' missed rooftop drinks last night. Who's the lucky girl, Johnny?"—followed by a flood of crying GIFs.Wait... what?I tossed the phone onto the bed just as Johnny been puked out by the bathroom, robe around his waist, towel in his hair.Our eyes met.He grinned, smug and annoyingly satisfied. He looked so proud—dripping with that post-sex confidence. I could already tell he was dying to mock me about finally sleeping with his secretary.Guess I’m getting fired."Sleeping Beauty’s up," he said.I yanked the blanket to my chin, holding it like a shield as he walked over.His scent—fancy hotel shampoo and something expensive—went from my nose then straig
“Where were your clothes, anyway? Weren’t you cold?” I asked as we stepped into the elevator.I was bundled head‑to‑toe, but he stood beside me in nothing but board shorts and a towel slung over one shoulder.What. A. Tease.“I’m the hottest man on earth,” he purred, winking.Right—no wonder I was sweating like hell.Ever since we had left the pool, I had felt his eyes soaking me in. Suspicious? Oh, please, no.The elevator dinged. Two women stepped in. Their gazes glued themselves to Johnny, and they giggled when he flashed a smile.“There’s a party on the rooftop—everyone’s invited,” the blonde chirped, while the brunette blatantly simped over my half‑naked boss. I shrank into the corner.“Sounds fun,” he said.The doors slid open on my floor, and I slipped out like a breeze, bee‑lining for my room. I didn’t even check whether Johnny followed.The jerk had oceans of time for women; he would forget a plain Jane like me in a heartbeat.Man‑whore.I scoffed and shoved my door open—only
"Almost forty grand, and that was called mercy," I scoffed with sarcastic delight, struggling to hold all the shopping bags in my hands. I shuffled my way toward the hotel veranda and headed straight to my suite.Johnny loves spending money—and I thank him for giving me a decent place to stay. Though honestly, I'd accept anything, as long as I don’t have to share it with him."Thank you for the blessing, Mr. Johnny Miles."I ended my night with a long, happy sigh.It’s not every day I get to buy whatever I want. I didn’t even have to touch the allowance Tamara gave me, and all my wants? Solved.After stripping off all my clothes, I hopped in the shower, then slipped into a robe. I was about to begin my nightly ritual when my phone buzzed.Of course. Johnny.That man just doesn’t know how to make a call."Why would he?" I muttered, smirking. "If he’s trying to give Mrs. Walker crutches." I snorted as I flopped down on the edge of the bed. "She won’t be a ‘walker’ by tomorrow." I let ou
"Hey, Cassy babe. Which one do you think suits me best?" He lifted two identical ties in front of me, looking overdressed with all his buttons done.I came by his hotel room to remind him of what he had to do today, but I think everything I said just went in one ear and out the other.Without glancing at them, I pointed at the one on the right with my pen."Did you hear what I just told you?" I asked, arching an eyebrow while he chose the one on the left, making me scoff.Why did he even bother asking?"The dinner meeting with Mrs. Walker will start in a few moments. Her secretary gave me a copy of her proposal and—surprise—you didn’t bother touching it," I muttered, picking up the folder from the table. "I read the whole thing, just like you asked.""Uh-huh?" he mumbled, tone completely disinterested."Would you like me to express what I think about it?" I insisted, finally lifting my eyes to look at him—only to find him fumbling with his tie."Tell me something about Mrs. Walker," h
"Sorry for being an asshole — your boss, John Bailey Miles, CEO of the Miles Shipping Corporation." That was what was written on the card attached to the bouquet.I would've felt bad if it wasn’t for his whole name and title being written below it. I would've felt worse if it were handwritten, but it was printed like a calling card—except it didn’t even have his number.But… he bought me roses. "White" roses.Is the jerk finally trying to graduate from being who he is? I don't think so. He must've just Googled what flowers mean or told one of his "peasants" to do all this for him."At least he apologized," I muttered nasally and slipped the card into my journal. "But he apologized in the most asshole way." I rolled my eyes and tried to focus on my dull workday.I do the same thing every day, and I've already got the gist of it. But today, aside from what Johnny left unattended, I was also blessed with more stress when he locked himself in his office. And yes, it frustrates the heck ou