Fighting Temptation (Bay State Series Book 1) (3 page)

And of course my mother's crying. “Momma please don't, your gonna get me going and I won't be able to stop. I love you, and I'll call you every day. I promise.”

“I know it's just going to be strange without you here. I have to find something to do with myself. The ladies at church have been pestering me about a few different groups they belong to. Maybe it's time I take them up on their offer or get a part time job.”

“Keep me updated so I know how your doing. As soon as I know when I start my job I'll let you know. I love you, and I'll call as soon as we get to the new place.”

“I love you too baby, please be safe.”

complications

“Fuck it all to hell!” I can't think, eat, or sleep without seeing her damn face. It's really starting to piss me off. This is so not like me.

Usually I can't even remember what the girl I banged the night before looks like, never mind someone I haven't even met in person. To make matters worse, now that I've heard her voice the temptation to get to know her is even stronger. I know it's beyond stupid, she'll be working for me.

Well, this complicates things.

Could be once I meet and get to know her the attraction will fizzle and die like it does with all the other woman I've been with. We probably have nothing at all in common.

If looking at her pictures tells me anything, she's a stuck up prissy girl. I like girls who talk and act like me. Rough, don't give a shit what anyone thinks about them type. She looks like she cares a little too much.

There's only one way to find out. Get a plan in action, find her a position and get it done. Fuck this pussy bullshit. Time to deal with it.

“Lisa, can you have all the managers meet me in the conference room please. I'll need you as well. Thank you.”

I think I have a solution to my problem. I just have to run it by my team and see what they have to say.

Not that it will really matter, my mind's made up.

“Thanks everyone for coming on such short notice. As you're all aware, we have two new associates joining us in a couple of weeks. One is my new CEO, John Stevens, the other is Ilyanna Sicliano. She's coming to us with personal assistant experience, but not much else. Since we've lost Connie in HR I think Lisa would be an excellent choice to fill her position.”

I look to my assistant and she silently answers me with a nod. Great she's for it.

“Seeing as Lisa has experience in the HR department from prior job history, I'm looking to groom Ilyanna to be my assistant. I think her background in advertising may help us as well. If she knows the fundamentals she should be able to save this company substantially in the future. I'm looking to utilize her for the maximum benefit of this company. If anyone has any questions or concerns, please speak now. Once we leave this room I'll consider this matter closed for discussion.”

    I look to Brent who'll be Lisa's new boss, he just gives me a curt nod. I look to my IT manager, Seth who looks down right bored. “Sure boss that's cool.” And finally my book keeping manager Sheila, who I've had confrontations with from time to time. She doesn't look too pleased but remains quite, so I just let my eyes pass her over. Oh well if she had a problem she should have spoke up. I doubt it would have mattered after all this is my company, but I like my employees to feel they have an opinion.

“Very well, thanks everyone. You can all get back to what you were doing.” Dismissing them, I stand up and walk out of the room.

    I decide to text Ilyanna with a date and time for our meeting, still not sure where I want to have it yet.

{ Good afternoon Ilyanna, I hope you're having a good day. I've decided to schedule your interview for Friday the thirty first at five pm. I'll let you know where as soon as I decide the place. I'm thinking dinner, so we can get to know each other better. Please let me know if this works? Thank you, I look forward to meeting you, Braydon. }

Hopefully dinner doesn't scare her off. I have plenty of professional dinners. I guess I'll see when she responds.

As if I summoned my phone, it dings with an incoming message.

{ Dinner? Really Braydon? How informal. Lol. Just playing with you. Dinner sounds great. Just let me know where and I'll be there. Thank you, Ilyanna. P.S, please let me know how I should dress. ;) }

    So she's playful, interesting. And a winky face. I laugh to myself, maybe she's not as uptight as I thought.

I come up with the perfect place, my friend Alan's restaurant. It's classy, yet casual. I'll be seeing her enough in business clothes. I want to see what she's comfortable in outside of work.

Calling Alan and making sure I can reserve a secluded table for dinner, our date is all set.

Whoa, what? Did I just call it a date? Oh hell no! I need to get control of my brain. I think my dick is thinking for me and that can be a very dangerous thing. The only way my cock will have that woman is in my head.

Plain and simple.

No fucking employees, no fucking anyone associated to my business. I can't afford to have problems with someone and have it affect my livelihood. That's where I draw the line. Me and my other brain can find someone to get lost in for a night and be done with it. No emotional attachment. It's worked for six years since my junior year in college, it's gonna work now.

                                     *****

    One week.... That's how long until she gets here.

I feel like a caged tiger, like a damn hormonal teenager.

Brent wanted me to go out with the guys again. I had to decline. I'm just not in the mood. I work, go home, eat dinner and most nights my mother calls to check on me. I go to bed by ten, trying to watch some tv, and I usually fall asleep halfway through the first episode of some mindless sitcom. Boring I know, for a twenty six year old who can do anything he wants. After all this angst, I really hope we don't click so I can just move on and live my life again.

“Come on Braydon, come out with us? You haven't been out in weeks.” I'm sure he's wondering what happened to his party loving boss. He hasn't brought it up though. It's a good thing too, I would hate to see how I would act when confronted about my funk. Shit I'm still not sure why I'm like this.

“Sorry I just haven't been feeling it lately. I think work's getting to me. Trust me as soon I feel like going out you'll be the first to know.”

                                     *****

The final days before they arrived were hell. Lucy came into the office saying she had to discuss her account. We just had a meeting a little over two weeks ago. I'm pretty sure she picked out her slutty outfit just for her trip to see me.

    She's tried calling me several times, I told Lisa to tell her it wasn't a good time and to try back in a week. She took it as try back two or three times a week. Finally coming into my office to bypass my assistant. Yup, I'm dropping her ass. I have plenty of other clients. I don't want or need this shit.

“Lucy, you couldn't wait for an appointment?”

“You were avoiding me. How else was I going to see you?”

“I wasn't avoiding you. I do run a business in case you'd forgotten.”

She's sitting on my side of the desk facing me, too close in my opinion. I push my chair back, stand and make my way over to the window looking out over the Boston skyline.

“I don't appreciate you just barging into my office. It's unprofessional. Don't think I don't know what your trying to do. I'm sorry but I can no longer handle your account. I'll gladly refer you to another accountant in the area that's just as qualified.”

“Please Braydon, don't be ridiculous. We could be so good together. No one will have to know, it will be our little secret.” She's come up behind me trying to get her arms around me while rubbing her tits on my back.

So not helping her cause, it's pissing me the fuck off. “I suggest you take your hands and other body parts off of me before I call security. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, it's your choice.” I don't miss how cold my voice becomes. She backs away and starts to sniffle. “Don't even think about it, you won't get any sympathy from me. I've told you over and over again, it's not gonna happen. Why can't you take a hint? Now please leave my office before I have you escorted out.”

I'm still facing the window and don't turn around until I hear the door click shut.

Thank fuck, that was a bit awkward. Could've been a lot worse had she made a scene. Hopefully that will be the last of her. I'll have Lisa make some referrals in the morning.

                                     *****

The next day around dinner, I get a frantic call from my mother in Bangor where I grew up. “Whoa mom, calm down. I can't understand you.”

“Your father, your father,” she just sobs, so I decide to wait until she can speak.

Finally after a few seconds she seems to collect herself. “Honey your father's had a heart attack, he's on his way to the hospital now. I'm being escorted by an officer. They wouldn't let me call you from the ambulance. I had to call my baby, can you come please? We're heading to St. Joseph's.”

“I'm heading there straight from the office. I should be able to get to you in about four hours depending on traffic. When you see dad, please tell him I love him and I'm on my way.”

“Thank you Braydon, please be careful. I'll text you the room number once I have it if they've moved him. I'm not sure what their plans are but I'll keep you posted. Love you, see you soon” If anything happened to my dad I don't know what I'd do.

“I love you too mom, see ya.”

Four and a half hours later I find myself at the reception desk asking about my dad. I take it my mom hasn't left his side and she can't use her phone.

“Your father is in room 402, follow this corridor all the way down and take a right. Elevators are half way down on the left.”

     “Thank you, Have a good day.”

As soon as I make it to my father's room my mom spots me, jumping up, she runs straight into my arms and breaks down.

“Thank God, he's going to be alright. It was only minor, but what a scare. We were eating dinner and he just tensed up and started grabbing at his left arm. He was trying to talk and just couldn't. I called 911 right away. They were there within three minutes. As soon as he got here, they took him for testing. We're still waiting for the results, they say everything looks good so far. He's sleeping right now, would you like to grab a bite to eat and catch up? Did I mention it happened when we first sat down? I'm starving.”

Leave it to her to make it seem like an inconvenience. Of course I know she's joking, always one to try to lighten the mood.

“Sure mom, I didn't get a chance to eat either. Thank's a lot dad.” She slaps my arm “Hey, you know I'm only kidding mom, you made light of it first.”

I decide to get a hotel room and head out first thing in the morning. All of dad's tests came back normal. Mom insisted on staying in his room with him tonight when I offered to get her a room. We said our goodbyes and I left to get some sleep. I have a hell of a drive back in the morning.

I arrive home shortly after ten, I called Lisa around eight from the car to let her know I would be in around noon. “No problem sir, everything's been fine this morning. I'll see you later.”

   When I arrive at the office I have two messages, one from urgh, seriously Lucy. And the other from Ilyanna confirming our meeting tomorrow night at my friend Alan's restaurant. I can't believe I haven't thought of her for over twenty four hours. Now I remember why I can't wait for tomorrow.

I finally get to meet the woman in my dreams.

first meeting

The drive to Massachusetts was exhausting  and beautiful at the same time. I had taken tons of pictures along the way.  The changes in scenery as the miles flew behind us were breathtaking. From the endless farms that lined the southern highway, to the city lights while driving through New York. But nothing compared to Boston. The sun was rising low in the sky, it's rays winking through the tall skyscrapers and illuminating the smaller buildings surrounding them. I can't wait to get into the heart of it all, hopefully we'll have time later today to venture into the city.

The movers pulled up about fifteen minutes after we did and climbed out of the truck to stretch from the long ride. We directed them where everything should go, and one box at a time, they had the truck unloaded in under three hours. They were a very nice father and son team who had recently moved to Tennessee a few years ago, but started their business here. They were very friendly and talked with us the whole time. Needless to say they got a huge tip. They're going to be visiting relatives in the area before heading home. As they were leaving we thanked them and wished them a safe trip.

Once left to ourselves we decided it was time for a nap. I think we could all agree that although it was a shared nine hundred plus mile drive, it was tiring.

                                *****

“So do we have anything planned for the weekend besides getting the house in order?” I ask, stepping into the kitchen where they're leaning against the counter talking quietly.

“I wanna go to Fenway,” John says. I just shake my head and laugh. Men and their sports.

“Of course you do honey. Do you have tickets or are we storming the gates?” Rachel asks, joining in with my laughter.

“We don't have to go in the park, there's plenty  to do right outside. We can go in the shops, or to the bar for a few, then come back here and get some sorting done.”

     “Sounds good,” I agree, “Lets go.”

Living on the outskirts of the city we had to take the T, which I later found out was the D-branch train on the MBTA Greenline. I guess there's several lines and trains to use depending on where in Boston you want to go.

So confusing.

   We spent several hours browsing the local shops and stopped in a local pub for lunch and a couple drinks.

“It's so beautiful and historic here, their accents will take some getting used to, but everyone seems friendly enough so far.” I smile in between bites of my club sandwich.

“It's a really big city, it will take you a while to figure out,” John smiles back at me. “Stick with me kid and you'll do fine.”

“So babe where's a good place to go clubbing?” Rachel asks him. “Gotta get out and have some fun before we join the working class again on Monday.”

“There's some on Boylston or Tremont street, but my favorite is on Lansdowne. It's called Rain and I always had fun going there.”

“Well you heard him Ily, Rain it is!”

                                *****

“This is so much fun!” Rachel yells in my ear. If she means sweating twenty pounds, feet killing me fun, I have to disagree.

   “I hate you for making me wear these shoes. I won't be able to walk right for a week!” I scream back at her over the loud beats of the bass pumping out of the speakers.

“Oh quit being such a baby, we're sitting down now. Plus you wear heels to work everyday, what's the big deal?”

“Not skyscrapers, seriously I don't think strippers wear heels this tall!” I quip back, making us laugh again.

They're sitting across from me displaying a little too much pda for my liking. Obviously their way of saying loud and clear that the other is off limits.

I don't think I have ever seen so many scantily dressed woman in one place. Not that John notices, he only has eyes for my best friend. Sure it was sweet and all, but also just a bit sickening too.

   Boston is definitely very different than what I'm used to, very brazen and obnoxious. To each their own I guess.

“Calm down we'll head out soon. We just have a couple days to unpack, unless we want to pull all nighters once we start work.” Her face scrunches in disgust at the thought of organizing the chaos waiting at home for us.

“Thank God, can we go now? I think I've had enough for one night.” She looks to John who just shrugs. Honestly I think he just came to keep an eye on us. He said Boston could get pretty wild.

“Alright lets go, I am pretty tired and all this alcohol's made me horny.”

“Hell yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Let's get you home baby. I have a fix for your problem right here.” He says as he grabs his crotch.

“Really? Seriously, stop. I'm gonna be sick.” When I just roll my eyes at them, Rachel busts out laughing.

                                *****

Calm down, breathe, calm down, breathe, calm down, I keep telling my self over and over in my head as I get ready for my meeting with Braydon in just a little over an hour.

I've been a nervous wreck since waking up yesterday morning with nothing more to do but unpack and organize. My room's coming together nicely. I love earth tones and my room has plenty. Growing up in the country, I love having the feeling of nature around me. I usually find it comforting, unfortunately it's not helping today.

I wonder if I would be any less nervous if I wasn't so attracted to the man. I try to visualize all of the unattractive men I've met in my life, attempting to calm myself. It worked for all of five minutes, before finally giving up. Time to suck it up and get it over with.

“See you guys later, wish me luck. I'm heading out.” I yell to them in the kitchen as I head for the door.

“You remember the directions I gave you?” John asks as he walks into the hall.

“I think so, they sound easy enough. I'll give you a call if I have a hard time finding anything. I do have the address for the train station you gave me, I'll just put it in my GPS.”

“Have fun, don't stay out too late dear, and don't do anything I wouldn't do,” Rachel tells me with a smirk.

“Please, it's just an interview.”

The restaurant's very classy, with wide spread tables and dim lighting. Braydon insisted I dress casual, so I'm wearing a slim pair of white capri pants, a red sleeveless blouse, that buttons up the front and strappy sandals.

I walk up to the hostess and tell her who I'm meeting, she quirks her eyebrow, sizing me up. “Follow me please.”

He's wearing a pair of blue jeans and a black polo shirt with sneakers. Phew, I was worried I had under dressed. Braydon introduces me to the hostess as his friend Maegan. She and her husband Alan own the restaurant.

“It's very beautiful, I can't wait to eat. It smells absolutely delicious in here.”

“Thank you, it was a pleasure meeting you.”

“You too, have a good night.”

As she leaves the table to go seat more guests, Braydon turns a dazzling smile on me. “Finally I get to meet the woman I've been thinking about for almost a month now.”

If he's trying to make me blush, he's succeeded. “I've been looking forward to seeing you as well, you look much better in person.” Oh crap, I just admitted to seeing him already, which would make him aware of my stalking. If I wasn't bright red before, I certainly am now. “I can't say enough how thankful I am for you giving me a chance like this. I really appreciate it.”

“Any friend of John's is a friend of mine, and you came highly recommended. I called your old place of employment.” I must make a face because he counters. “Don't worry, I didn't even bother asking for Paul, I'm well aware of the trouble he gave you.” Well thank you Jesus for that. “Everyone I spoke to had nothing but good things to say about you. Would it be totally out of line for me to tell you how beautiful you are? If it is I'm sorry, I've been dying to say it since you walked in the door.”

And the blush is back.

Talk about extreme subject change, way to catch a girl off guard. I can feel his eyes on me as I stare down at the table trying to hide my reaction to him. “Thank you.” A shiver makes it's way from my head all the way down to my toes. If he keeps looking at me like that I'm either going to melt into a puddle or run away. Right now the latter sounds like a good idea. But I wore my big girl panties tonight, not going to fold, I need this job.

Thankfully our waitress comes to take our drink order. She doesn't even look at me and when asked, Braydon turns to me. I stare into his eyes and lick my lips. “I'll have a glass of house white please.”

He looks to the waitress, “We'll have two glasses of house white please, thank you.” He immediately turns back to me. Not waiting for her reply, he looks at my wet lips for a moment and clears his throat. “So onto business. I have an opening in HR but seeing as you have no experience there I was thinking of doing some shuffling around the office to free a position you're more qualified for.”

Is he serious? All that trouble for me. “I can't let you disrupt your business, it doesn't seem fair to your employees. Not to mention, you don't even know me, it's crazy.” Great, now I'm rambling like an idiot.

“First of all, crazy? I'm offended, and I would love to get to know you.” I just know he's laughing at me, I can see it in his eyes. “Secondly it's already done.” He smiles smugly at me.

Done? What the hell is he talking about? “Done? What do you mean done? You said you weren't making any final decisions until we met face to face.”

“I know I'm sorry, I'm an in the moment kind of guy, lets just say after our call I decided I would do anything to get you to come and work for me. I found a way to give you the perfect job, as my assistant.”

Well that is ideal, no wait... I'll have to work with him side by side everyday! Oh God help me. “Your assistant?” I squeak.

He raises an eyebrow at my voice, damn he's sexy. I have no idea how I'm going to survive this. Damn him. Is he trying to torture me? Our waitress returns with our food that I can't even remember ordering. This man has my mind all kinds of messed up right now.

   “So as I was saying, I'm hiring you on as my assistant. I've thought it through, my assistant Lisa has a lot of prior HR experience so she's the perfect choice. I held a meeting last week with my managers and they all agree that this is a good move for the company. So what do you say? Do you accept?”

I take a few bites before looking at him. “And what does being your assistant entail exactly?”

“Well let's see.” He pretends to think about about it, he's toying with me, I just know it. Could it be he's attracted to me as well, or just a flirty guy?

“You would handle all the necessary paper work for day to day operations, answering emails, accompanying me to all meetings to take notes, send and receive fax. It really changes day to day, depending on the business at hand. I imagine you're used to those things. You'll stick by my side for the first couple of weeks to see that you understand the accounting business. I have great hopes for you succeeding with me. What do you say? Are you game? Your salary will be sixty thousand for the first year and a raise after that.”

I choke on the forkful of food I've just scooped into my mouth. “Did you just say sixty thousand? Now I know your crazy, that's almost double what I was making at my last and only job. I hardly have any experience. How can you offer me that much?”

He gave me a panty dropping grin. “Because I can and I want you.” I can't help but hear a hidden warning in his voice. If he only knew how bad I want him too.

How close I've come to having him in my dreams.

“Are you sure? I mean you could get someone else so much cheaper.”

“As I said, I want you.” Now he's the one licking his lips. Wow it's suddenly very hot in here. I have to look away before I make a fool of myself.

   Working so closely with him everyday? I don't know if I'm going to be able to handle that. But for that kind of money, I'm sure gonna try. “Ok it's a deal, when do I start?”

I hope I didn't just make a huge mistake. If this goes south I'll have to go back home with my tail between my legs because I couldn't keep my hormones in check.

    “Excellent, meet me at my office at One Federal street, the building's receptionist will direct you. I'll be expecting you at eight o'clock, Monday morning. Don't be late” He says with a wink, hmmm wonder if he'll spank me if I am.

Yummm..... Get a grip!!!! My panties are already wet enough just being this close to him, I certainly don't need to think about him spanking me.

“We'll get all your paperwork fixed up and have a tour.”

We talk a few more minutes about the day to day while the waitress brings the check. He insists on giving me a ride to my car so I don't have to get the train back. “Thank you for dinner and this wonderful job opportunity Braydon, I really appreciate it.”

“The pleasure's all mine.”

   When we arrive at my car he comes around to open my door and helps me out. He gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, swoon! He smells delicious.

“Have a good night Ilyanna, it was very nice meeting you and I look forward to seeing you again.” I don't miss the the way he's looking at me like I'm dessert.