Rockin' the Boss Read online

  “I thought, if you are in agreement, we’d stay at a condo that belongs to a girlfriend of mine. She travels extensively. I’m sure she’d be more than happy to let us use her place.”

  “That sounds fine. When do you want to leave?” His deep brown stare roamed over my body, a grin curving his luscious lips.

  I shifted in my seat, trying desperately not to notice. “Day after tomorrow suit you?”

  Chapter Two

  “Ashleigh…” Max called out to me. He must have noticed I seemed to be somewhere else. He appeared to be aware of the attraction between the two of us and more than interested in pursuing it.

  “Yes, I’m sorry, what were you saying? The idea of this venue has my head spinning with ideas.”

  “I was saying how I love your plane, much nicer than flying commercial.” Max chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement as I looked at him out of the corner of my eye.

  “One of the perks of having family money. The plane is part of my father’s fleet. I simply lease one from him, let his firm worry about all the maintenance and such, and I receive a bill once a month.”

  “So you were able to get in touch with your girlfriend? We’re staying at her place?” I couldn’t help but notice how he looked me up and down from where he sat.

  “Yes, she’s in Hong Kong and was happy to accommodate. I think we’ll be able to move around much more discreetly this way.” I glanced over at him and forced myself to look away as I shivered, naughty thoughts filling my head at the idea of being alone together for an extended period of time.

  Upon arrival, we took a taxi to our home for the next few days. I immersed myself as I checked my iPhone for messages. I turned toward Max and noticed out of the corner of my eye that he was doing the same.

  “I imagine your girlfriends aren’t happy when you leave town without them,” I prodded to get some sort of a rise out of him.

  He grinned in my direction as he glanced up from his cell. “I’m not involved with anyone, Ashleigh.” He was still smiling as the cab stopped in front of our building. Holding the door open, he extended his hand to assist me out.

  As we entered the apartment, I threw my oversized, Louis Vuitton bag on a chair in the living room and walked toward him. “Let me show you to your room.” We walked down the hall, and I opened the door to the guest room. “I hope this will be okay.”

  “It’s fine,” he replied. I caught him eyeing the feminine decor. “I think I’ll freshen up after that long flight.”

  “Okay. I’m going to call the office and check in.” I smiled and tried to walk away seductively.

  A short time later, Max reappeared, clad in jeans and a T-shirt. Still wearing the clothes I had on when we left Atlanta, I sat in front of the sliding glass door leading outside to a small deck. I didn’t hear him as he entered, but detected the marriage of his aftershave and cologne.

  “You decided not to change?” he inquired, moving in my direction.

  The hairs on my arms stood on end at his close proximity. “Oh, no, I guess I lost track of time.” I picked up a glass of sparkling water garnished with a lime slice. “The fridge is stocked with beer if you want one.”

  “Thanks, I think I will.” He turned and walked back toward the kitchen. I couldn’t help but watch him as he sauntered off.

  The ring of my phone interrupted the personal fantasy I was having at that moment. I glanced down to see who was on the other end. “I need to take this. It’s Lisa.”

  He nodded and sat back in his chair, beer in hand.

  Lisa was an energetic young gal I brought in from the Hollywood office when Richard died. After he passed away, I was completely blindsided by what transpired. Except for Max and a few other clients, the majority jumped ship. Richard’s management style, or lack of it, had all but run the company into the ground. No one wanted to work under me, afraid of the untested widow. Within the first month, I had closed all the agency offices except for Atlanta.

  I had needed to train an assistant and thought Lisa would be a perfect match. She was part of the group I assembled to oversee Max’s career and needs. Lisa, however, was quite smitten with Mr. Frazier, a little too much for my comfort zone.

  “Ashleigh, where are you?” the young woman asked, her voice as grating as her informality.

  “I’m in New England taking care of some business for my father. Why?”

  “I’ve been trying to reach Max and haven’t been able to find him.”

  “Well, Max is a grown man, Lisa. He probably took advantage of having some down time before he goes into the studio. I’m sure he’s fine.” I cast a quick look toward Max who appeared to be studying the conversation as it unfolded.

  “Shouldn’t he let me, or someone, know where he’s going when he goes out of town?”

  “No, he shouldn’t. If he was going off for an extended period of time, he’d let someone know. Was there anything else?” By now, I was more than a little irritated by her line of questioning.

  “No ma’am,” she replied. Disappointment was evident in the sound of her voice.

  “Good. I’ll be checking in off and on. Have a good evening, Lisa.” I hit the end button and gazed over at Max.

  “Well, someone seems to be concerned about you and your whereabouts, Mr. Frazier,” I teased, throwing him a smile.

  “Yes, she is a tad on the smothering side,” he replied, his accent a little thicker once again.

  I wondered what he’s thinking. “Lisa is the last thing you need to worry about, Max. Unless of course…”

  “She’s definitely not my type, Ashleigh. Don’t go there, please.” His body language confirmed his words.

  “I was joking. But if she makes you uncomfortable, tell me and I’ll assign someone else to head up your account. Okay?” I need to change the subject. “Would you like to check this new show out tonight? I was able to get tickets, thanks to my girlfriend. She had them delivered downstairs to the desk.”

  “Yes I would.” He ran his hand through his long, dark hair.

  “I thought it would be best if we caught the early show. You’re not the easiest man to take out in public you know.” I grinned, thinking of how some of the younger girls might think he had the looks of one of their favorite vampire actors, with his longish hair and good looks.

  “What’s so amusing?” A smirk appeared on his face.

  “Just envisioning the scene if someone recognized you.”

  “I see,” he replied, winking.

  I shivered again at the personal attention he seemed to cast my way.

  A few hours later we caught a cab for our evening out. Max dressed in dark gray slacks with a matching shirt of a darker gray hue. I put on a simple off-white blouse and black slacks. We snuck in and caught the first show, then walked through the casino afterwards. Max suggested dinner at an out-of-the-way restaurant, which sounded too good to pass up.

  Once seated at a quiet table, we sipped on a Merlot he had picked out as he turned the discussion in another direction, away from his thoughts about the theater.

  “Have you thought about what we might do with the remainder of our time? I’m sure we will be returning here in the next few weeks, aren’t you?” He swirled his wine glass, watching the liquid intently. A sly smile crossed his face.

  “We could stay here, or we could fly somewhere close…unless you’ve thought of something.”

  “No, I haven’t exactly.”

  “How would you feel about Wyoming? My family has a ranch outside Jackson Hole. No one will be there. They’re all in the Hampton’s.”

  Max reached his hand across the table, taking hold of mine and pulling it to his mouth to kiss the back. He gave me a smoldering look and I wondered if tonight he might pursue what my whole body ached for him to.

  “Whatever you decide, I know it will be incredible.” He smiled at me lustfully as I slowly freed my fingers from his grip.

  The waitress interrupted the moment with our food. Neither of us spoke for several mi
nutes, lost in the pure enjoyment of our dinner. Then, Max poured us another glass of wine.

  “I think you’ll enjoy the ranch, Max. I always like going there to recharge. It’s isolated and pristine. The sort of peace you can’t find in the city.” I eyed him as he watched me, acutely aware of the strong, sexual undercurrent that had developed over the evening.

  His stare caught mine. “What?” He too must have been cognizant of the unsaid transpiring between us.

  “Nothing, I simply thought how easy it is to be around you. I’m quite comfortable with you.”

  “Thank you, ma’am, I’ll take that as a compliment.” He winked at me. “And, might I add, I feel the same about you. You’re very comfortable to be around, Ashleigh.”

  The conversation continued until we finished our meal and left the restaurant.

  Inside the apartment, Max poured us both a brandy as we sat next to each other on the overstuffed sofa. “Ashleigh, I need to tell you something.”

  Suddenly, I could feel something in the air. “What Max?” I know what’s coming. Perhaps not the words, but the context of what he was about to say.

  He leaned closer and took my hand. “I know at this phase of our lives, we’re both beyond the game playing we did when we were in our twenties. I’m attracted to you, Ashleigh…a lot. I want to make love to you. Very much so.”

  He kept his focus on my face and squeezed my hand. I stared into his eyes. I felt a modest smile form as it crossed my lips, and I squeezed back. “I would like that too.”

  Placing his snifter on the table beside me, Max leaned over and softly kissed my lips before possessing them with his. His tongue probed and licked before he parted them, searching and exploring my mouth. When our tongues met, it was like sparks ignited and a fire ensued. The endless tangle left us both breathless.

  When we broke apart, he took the glass still in my hand and placed it next to his. He stood, guided me to my feet, and without another word, led me down the hall to the bedroom.

  Quickly, he removed both my blouse and slacks until I stood before him in only my bra and underwear. Pulling me tightly against him, he kissed me everywhere, caressing my skin softly with his mouth. He eased his hand over my back, quickly undoing my bra and throwing it on the floor. Placing his palms over my behind, he drew me as close as he could. His fingers grasped the edge of my panties and slid them down.

  He bent, kissing along my body until his lips reached my mound. Stopping, he lightly ran his tongue over the most sensitive spot before he had me step out of my panties. As I did so, I grasped on to his muscular shoulders. Once he straightened, he quickly removed his clothes, revealing a dark patch of pubic hair before his cock sprung free from its constraints.

  Easing me down on the bed, his mouth claimed mine, his hands roaming and exploring every inch of my body. He stroked one of my breasts as I clung to him. My breath hitched as he leaned over and sucked the nipple. The sensation made me jump as he eased a hand down between my legs.

  “God baby, you’re so wet,” he groaned as I unconsciously spread wider. He circled my clit with his fingers until he finally eased two of them into me, moving in and out. Hearing me moan, he urged me on, making my juices flow with each plunge. After a few minutes, he settled between my thighs, easing his manhood to my entrance. He pushed in slowly, one inch at a time—never easing, just a relentless motion.

  I wriggled under him and lifted my hips, as I took him as deep as he would go. He grabbed my rear and pulled me tight against him.

  “Max,” I heard myself keen. He was big inside me, stretching my insides with his cock. God, it’s been too long since I’ve felt pleasure as good as this.

  “What baby? I’m right here.” Raising my legs over his shoulders, he pushed deeper until his balls rested against my body. Then, he pulled back until he was at the point of withdrawal, making me gasp. He plunged back in, my swollen nub stimulated by every thrust.

  Under him, I writhed and moaned, “Oh God, Max, harder.”

  He didn’t change his rhythm. “Not yet, baby, soon.”

  My taut nipples scraped against his chest hair. His dark brown eyes gazed down at me as he moved deeper inside me with every stroke, silently telling me to take all of him.

  Experiencing sensations I hadn’t felt in years, I took him with all that I had. Everything within me responded to him. “Max…,” I heard myself mew as I thrashed under him, my body near the point of explosion.

  “God, baby, I could stay inside of you all night and still want more.” I lifted my head and kissed his lips, as the two of us opened ourselves to each other.

  Pleasure spiraled through me, down to my core, making me squeal as I desperately cried out for him.

  “Ashleigh!” he screamed, as he slammed harder into me.

  “Yes, God, yes…” I met his piston-fast pace. He seemed to harden the more I spoke.

  He stared into my eyes with his—that were now a deep shade of blackish brown—as he slid his hand between us and rubbed my clit with his finger. “Come with me, baby.”

  My orgasm at that moment could not be stopped, as molten sensations ripped throughout my body. Not just from my core, but from every fiber of my being, as he grabbed hold of my behind and clutched me hard against him. He called out my name as his own orgasm came hot and liquid within me.

  I threw my arms around him and held him close. As our panting subsided to a normal rhythm, I eased my grip and he lifted up to look down at me. “That was incredible, luv. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that connected to a woman before.” He kissed me passionately before rolling off, his arm bringing me tight against his side.

  “Hmmm, I know. You felt so fantastic.” I wrapped my leg around his thigh.

  “Do you think you’re up to being in a relationship with a rogue like me?” He kissed the top of my head. “I mean, seeing where this might lead us?”

  “You brought out feelings inside me I forgot I even processed. Yes, let’s see what happens and where it takes us.” I knew in my heart that Max was a man I could trust unconditionally, unlike Richard.

  We awoke twice during the night to make love. The first time, I found his hand cupping one of my already sensitive breasts and pinching the taut nipples, which made my pussy slick for him. He slid me onto my stomach, and we made love as though the two of us were desperate for the other’s souls. Then, just an hour before waking for good, I emerged from sleep as he pumped with slow, sensitive strokes.

  “Good morning, my love,” he cooed, continuing his rhythm, as he greeted me with a loving smile.

  “Good morning,” I replied, “Mmmmm, I could get used to waking up like this.” I looked up at him, and we stared at each other until our mutual orgasms put us both over the edge.

  * * * *

  On the way to the airport, Lisa called once again. I let out a loud sigh and showed him the phone so he knew who was calling. He rolled his eyes.

  “Yes, Lisa, what’s going on?” I hoped the conversation wouldn’t take too long. I did not feel like listening to her first thing this morning. Not after her comments the day before.

  “Are you sitting down, Ashleigh?” she asked, sounding like she’d just found out some dire, national security secret.

  “Of course, what is it?”

  I glanced toward Max. He looked out the window, shaking his head.

  “Max Frazier is into the sex club scene!” she squealed.

  “And just where did you hear this nonsense?”

  “A very good source of mine told me Max frequents upper crust sex clubs. So, don’t you see? That’s probably where he disappeared to.”

  I was on the verge of losing my temper, but somehow held my tongue. “Have you told anyone, anyone at all, about this? Because that’s how rumors get started.”

  “Just Misty and some of the others here.”

  “Christ, Lisa! I thought you were a little more professional than that. I don’t want you to repeat a word of this to anyone else, and try to clean up the mess you
started before I get back. Do I make myself clear?” I hung up and turned my phone off before the girl could answer. I was livid—so mad I couldn’t see straight.

  “Stupid, stupid girl!” I ranted at no one in particular.

  Max quickly turned his head. “What on earth did she say that made you so angry, my love?”

  “I need to calm down first. I’m so furious right now, I might say something I’ll regret later.”

  Once airborne, I repeated the crux of Lisa’s revelation to Max. From the look on his face, I could tell it wasn’t true. “We’ll talk about this later, in case we need to do damage control.”

  “Well, I can tell you it’s fuckin’ rubbish, Ashleigh. Pure and evil gossip!” His accent became heavier and more pronounced when he was upset or angry.

  “I believe you, Max. Don’t worry about it. It’s handled. Look, I think the laidback atmosphere at the ranch is exactly what we both need.” I put my hand on his knee and squeezed, trying to reassure him.

  When I started to remove my hand, he took it instead and looked at me. “I’m sorry, Ashleigh. This isn’t the sort of thing one would expect, and the timing…” Our eyes met and lingered for a moment.

  “We’ll talk about it later. I need to call the house, let them know to expect us, and have someone meet us at the airport.”

  Chapter Three

  The Hummer approached the main house of the ranch. Max and I entered the massive log cabin, which was empty. I had instructed Martha, our long-time head of the household staff, that everyone was to take the weekend off. It was late Thursday afternoon, and I’d planned out in my mind that we would stay until Sunday. I took Max on a quick tour of the downstairs, including the massive deck, which overlooked acres and acres of land.

  “Come, let me show you our room.” We walked upstairs, and as we entered, he turned and smiled. His chocolate brown eyes and dark hair complimented each other in the sunlight.