“Usually, no. I don’t want Mr. Carlisle to get accustomed to my being here all the time. But at crunch times, I put in the hours and take a half-day when the excitement wears off.”
“Excitement, huh?” I smirked and glanced back at my computer. “I’ll be working from home tomorrow, I think. I still have a bunch of things to get through.”
Brenda paused on the other side of her desk. “Get ready for the trip first, and do work last. Mr. Carlisle has a bunch of meetings lined up when he gets to the summit that you won’t need to attend. You can catch up then.”
“So, lounge by the pool by day, and snuggle up to a perfect stranger at night. Sounds…weird.”
Brenda barked out laughter. “Welcome to the job, girl. Welcome to the job.”
She walked off to the elevators shaking her head. I scanned my spreadsheet one last time, retained nothing, and drooped against my desk. I was spent. As I didn’t need a whole day to get ready tomorrow, I might as well call it a night and finish up later.
I pulled up my instant messenger and sent a note off to Hunter.
Olivia Jonston: I’m ready to head home…
A moment later, I received the reply:
Hunter Carlisle: Come in here. Lock the door behind you.
“Please,” I muttered to finish his sentence. My stomach rolled and my sex tightened up. I glanced toward the elevators, making sure Brenda had gone. Then I smoothed out my clothes.
Oh God. This was it. I was about to waltz in, on command, and do whatever Hunter demanded.
I brushed my hair out of my face and then wiped my forehead of sudden perspiration. Tingles of nervousness worked through my body.
I was excited, yes. And horny as hell, but…I was going to give him the power. I was going to let him dominate me. It was terrifying. Exciting, but also terrifying.
Okay. Here goes.
I rolled my shoulders like a boxer. There was only one way to find out if I was comfortable with this.
I walked toward the office. Rabid butterflies ate away at my stomach. I stepped through the door.
Hunter sat at his desk, focused on his computer like he always was. Nothing in his demeanor had changed. His shoulders were relaxed. His movements were slow, almost lazy. He was completely at ease, utterly in his element. He was behaving as if the contract was in effect, I had no doubt.
I closed the door with a soft click, then turned the lock. Just him and me now.
Me at his mercy.
I walked toward him slowly, the flight reflex still tingling in my limbs. He looked up when I reached halfway and slowly leaned back in his chair. His gaze slid down my body before rising to meet my eyes. He pointed to his right at a space between his desk and the couch. “Stand over there.”
Breathing became more difficult as the weight of expectation settled on my chest. Stiffly, more scared than thrilled, I made my way over.
I’d never submitted to anyone before. Not completely. I’d never given someone control like this.
What if I hate it? What will it mean for Hunter and me?
Hunter rose from his seat in a fluid movement. He shrugged out of his suit jacket, revealing his broad, muscular shoulders through the thin dress shirt. Once the jacket was laid across the top of his chair, he walked with slow, purposeful steps until he was right in front of me.
Topping my height by half a foot or more, he looked down into my eyes as his size overwhelmed me. His solidly built body oozed power and dominance. His eyes, hooded and smoldering, held his confidence and command, shocking into me and heating my core. His gaze roamed my face before settling on my lips.
“There’s nothing to be nervous about, Olivia,” he said softly. “Any time you feel uncomfortable, just tell me to stop.”
“Okay,” I breathed, soaking in his heat and power. Sucking in the delicious scent of expensive aftershave and man.
He surveyed me for another moment, his eyes slipping down to my breasts before glancing at my throat. He bent slowly until his lips just glanced off the side of my neck. “Relax,” he whispered.
His deep voice fizzled through my body as his lips softly touched my skin. Goosebumps spread from the point of contact until I shivered with desire.
“You’ll like this.” He lightly sucked a spot just over my pulse. “You’ll like pleasing me.”
My breath came faster. His presence, and his body, had me leaning forward, wanting his touch. Craving it. In the small space between us, electricity surged.
He straightened up again. His eyes delved deeply into me. “Take off my tie.”
With shaking hands, I worked at the knot around his neck. I unraveled it and slid it from under his collar. I almost dropped it to the ground, but it was probably worth a couple hundred dollars, at least, knowing Hunter’s tastes. I glanced around for the closest place to lay it down.