Accidentally Engaged_A Romance Collection Read online

  “So, do you still watch football?” I ask as we approach the row of elevators, hoping to get rid of the awkwardness Luke and the cab driver have caused.

  “No, not really,” she says, looking a little caught off guard by the question. “I catch the results on TV sometimes, but I don’t think I’ve actually sat down and watched a game in years.”

  “Really? You never used to miss a game. You used to love it.” I step inside the elevator and press a button to keep the door open for her.

  “Yeah, well, I uh . . .” Nina blushes again, casting her gaze down to the floor as she enters the elevator. “That could have been because I was just looking for an excuse to spend time with you. Maybe.”

  “All those games you sat and watched with us, and you didn’t even like football?”

  She laughs. “Teen crushes are quite a thing.”

  I don’t know why I’m surprised that she’s just saying that so casually. This is the first time we’ve broached the subject of her little teenage crush on me. I glance at her as we walk side by side down the hotel hallway, wondering if there’s any trace of that crush left.

  Outside her room, Nina cracks open the door and turns to face me. “So . . . what are we doing tomorrow?”

  “Back to Denver. Fun’s over, unfortunately.”

  But I wish it wasn’t, at least for tonight. Damn. You look so good, standing there.

  She sighs. “I was worried you were going to say that. But I guess it couldn’t last forever. Well, goodnight, I guess. See you in the morning.”

  She turns to enter the room, and for a moment it seems like that’s it.

  But then something comes over me.

  Maybe it’s her little confession, or maybe it’s the rush from having closed my first major deal, or maybe it’s just that my hunger for Nina has been building up, up, up for weeks now, and I can no longer keep it dammed up.

  It’s like something or someone has taken control of my body. I just can’t help myself.

  I lean forward, grab her by the shoulders, and pull her into a kiss. I’m half expecting her to push me away, but she doesn’t. At all.

  She kisses me right back, her soft, wet lips pressed hard against mine, her tongue darting out and caressing mine.

  I groan in the back of my throat. My cock stirs as she presses her body up against mine, her soft curves molding perfectly against me.

  We walk into her room, lips still locked together, and I kick the door closed behind me. I throw my jacket off as we stumble to the bed, my arms beneath her back to soften her fall.

  She looks up at me with those beautiful eyes of hers, lips parted sensually, legs spread just a little.

  Holy shit. I want her. I need her.

  Whatever part of my mind that was telling me before about not pursuing this is pushed to one side by pure animal lust, by my overpowering desire for Nina.

  She’s no longer my assistant or even Dean’s little sister. She’s mine.

  Getting up on top of her, I lean down to kiss her once more. Her hands come up around me, pulling me down onto her. I breathe deep, filling my airways with her intoxicating scent.

  My cock is raging hard now, straining against the confines of my clothing, and she notices. She pushes her hips upwards, grinding herself against me, and fuck, it feels so good.

  My hands are everywhere, exploring her perfect body, the soft expanse of her skin. I slip one hand under her dress, my erection growing even harder as my hand reaches her soft tits.

  Pulling the top of her bra cup down, I find the engorged nub of her nipple. She moans as I run my finger around its edge, panting as she presses herself up against me.

  I’m lost, completely lost in her, and I don’t want to find myself again . . .

  Nina

  Oh my God.

  It’s happening.

  It’s happening, and it’s everything I dreamed of.

  Brock’s hard body against mine, his musky scent filling my nostrils, his lips pressed against mine.

  His hands are everywhere, and every little touch crackles with energy and passion.

  I can feel his hard, throbbing erection through his pants, and I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone.

  I arch my hips upwards, feeling my wetness already seeping through my underwear, aching to feel that big hard cock slip inside me, fill me up . . .

  All my daydreams, all my dirty teenage fantasies, and they’re all coming true, right here, right now.

  His hand slips underneath my dress, and I gasp as his exploring fingers find my sensitive, hardened nipple. He tweaks it gently, sending a wave of pleasure through me, starting from my core and spreading outwards to the tips of my fingers and toes.

  “That feels so good . . .” I moan.

  “You like that?” he growls, pinning my wrists above my head. “I thought you would.”

  He kisses my throat and I squirm under his grip. He’s strong, and I’m completely at his mercy.

  “Brock,” I gasp.

  I’m about to beg him for more, but then there’s a loud, insistent knock at the door.

  We both pause for a second, Brock glancing over his shoulder.

  “Probably just maid service or something,” Brock says before he dips his head back down again, kissing his way down my body, and . . .

  The knocking comes again, louder this time, and it doesn’t stop. If anything it grows louder by the second.

  Brock glances down for a second at his very obvious and prominent erection, and I can’t help but laugh.

  “Stay here,” I say. “I’ll deal with it.”

  I make sure my dress is at least somewhat back to normal—no boobs or butt showing. Then, I open the door.

  There’s a man and woman standing there—both dressed much like Brock and I are, like they’ve just been out to dinner.

  She’s younger than him, and they’re both pretty drunk. They’re pawing at each other as they stand there in the corridor, ignoring me until I clear my throat.

  “Can I help you?” I ask, firmly and loudly.

  They look up, and yep, they’re both completely wasted. The guy stares blearily at the room number, and looks surprised.

  “Oh, shorry,” he slurs. “We got the wrong room. C’mon Chloe, my room is jusht down here a little.”

  She giggles and follows him dutifully down the corridor. The two of them are quite a sight, stumbling and slurring their way along. It would be funny if it wasn’t kind of sad.

  I’m just about to close the door and go back when I see them stop. They’re still within hearing distance, and the guy is so drunk anyway that he’s practically shouting.

  “Listen, Chloe, we gotta keep this . . . keep this quiet, okay? You can’t tell anyone. If my wife finds out I’m messing around with my assishtant, there’ll be hell to pay.”

  The woman bobs her head, barely even sober enough to comprehend what he’s saying, and then they both carry on their walk-slash-stagger down the hall.

  For a few moments, I stand there in the doorway, startled. My blood runs cold.

  Is . . . is that what Brock and I look like? The big-shot businessman and his little bit on the side?

  I suddenly feel a little queasy. Where there had been lust and passion just a few moments before, I now only feel . . . kind of gross.

  I don’t want to be that person—the person who sleeps with their boss, the subject of office gossip. I don’t want people to say that I’m trying to sleep my way to the top, and I really don’t want things to get awkward between Brock and me at work.

  Maybe sometimes, teenage crushes should stay in the past where they belong. I’m not that teenage dork anymore, and Brock isn’t the same guy either.

  Things have changed. We’ve changed.

  I turn back to face Brock. He’s still on the bed, still aroused, still ready for me. But I just don’t feel it now.

  “Come back to bed,” he says, his voice thick with desire.

  Even after what I’ve just witn
essed, I almost do. I almost follow his bidding . . . but I can’t.

  We can’t do this.

  “Sorry, Brock.” I swallow. How is my mouth so dry? I force myself to continue. “I, uh . . . I’ve got a headache. Maybe a little too much of that wine at the restaurant. I’m not feeling so good. I think I’m just going to get an early night.”

  A multitude of emotions flit across Brock’s gorgeous face. He looks surprised and disappointed and concerned, all at once.

  “Well . . . sure, that’s fine,” he says. “Whatever you want. Do you want me to go get you some Tylenol or something?”

  “No. No, that’s sweet, but I’m fine. A good night’s sleep, and I’ll be right as rain.”

  He climbs off the bed and comes to me. “Listen, Nina, if I moved too fast there, I want to apologize. The last thing I wanted to do was make you feel uncomfortable.”

  I give him a wan smile. “No, don’t be silly. I was just as much in the moment as you right then. It’s just . . .” I want to tell him the truth about what I saw and how I feel, but I can’t. I don’t want him to take it the wrong way. “It’s just, I feel like crap, really.”

  He nods, looking serious. “I understand. You get some rest, and I’ll see you in the morning. If you need anything, I’m next door.”

  “Thanks, Brock.”

  He leaves and closes the door quietly behind him, leaving me standing there alone. I sit heavily on the bed, wondering if I’ve just made the best or the worst decision of my life.

  Time will tell, I suppose.

  I hear something vibrating. My phone is still in my bag, which I tossed carelessly on the couch when Brock and I stumbled into the room.

  The last thing I want to do is talk to anyone, but it could be important.

  It’s Dean.

  I debate just hanging up and calling him tomorrow, but I did promise I’d get in touch, and I haven’t done it.

  “Hi, Dean.”

  “Hey,” comes his familiar voice. “How are things in the Big Apple? Look at you, city girl all grown up.”

  “It’s been amazing,” I say. “I got to play tourist today. Saw all the sights, did some shopping, ate some pizza.”

  “So you haven’t had any issues?” he asks. He sounds concerned.

  “Issues?” I ask.

  “Yeah. You know me. I’m your big brother, and you’re all I’ve got. I worry about you. I’ve got to look out for you. You know? Just checking that you’re taking care of yourself.”

  “I’m fine, Dean. Honestly, anyone listening would think I was a little kid and you were my dad. You don’t need to check up on me to make sure I’m behaving myself.” I pause for a moment. “Thanks for doing it though. It means a lot to me.”

  He laughs. “See? I know what you need, little sister. Your big brother is always going to be looking over your shoulder. Don’t forget that.”

  He’s silent for a few moments, and I get the feeling that there’s something else he wants to say. But I’m so not in the mood.

  “Listen, Dean. I know I said we’d have a chat, but it’s been a really long day, and all I want to do is take a bath and get some sleep in this fancy-ass hotel bed. Can I call you back in the morning?”

  “Sure,” he says, sounding pensive. “Let me ask you one more thing first. How has Brock been? Has he . . . you know, tried anything with you?”

  “What? Brock? No, no way,” I say, probably a few pitches too high. I laugh nervously and clear my throat before I speak again, making sure to keep my voice steady. “He’s been a great boss, flew me out first class and everything. The consummate professional.”

  Images of Brock’s hard cock straining against his clothing flash through my mind, and I shake my head to clear them.

  “That’s good to hear,” Dean says. “I just wanted to check. Brock’s a good guy and one of my oldest buddies . . . but I know what he’s like. I didn’t think I had to worry about him macking on my little sister, but I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  “I’m fine, Dean, stop acting like an old lady.” I pause. “But . . . what do you mean ‘you know what he’s like?’ Anything I should know?”

  Dean sighs, takes a breath. “He’s always been a good-looking guy. Always known it too. He’s had more girlfriends over the years than I can count. I just didn’t want you being another notch on the bedpost, so to speak.”

  My heart sinks. Is that really all I would be to Brock?

  I don’t want to believe it. I’d like to think I know him better than that, that he’s a better man than that, but . . . could it be true?

  Dean knows Brock better than I do, and he would never lie to me.

  “Thanks for the warning, Dean. I really don’t think you have anything to worry about, though. We’re just coworkers, and that’s how it’s going to stay.”

  I decide not to mention the secret fiancée stuff, because it’s far too much to explain away at this time of night.

  “Glad to hear it,” he says, sounding relieved. “You get some sleep, you high-powered businesswoman you. I’ll call you again soon.”

  I hang up, get undressed, and run a bath.

  I am tired—bone-tired, when I really stop to think. It’s been a sixteen-hour day with champagne at the start and wine at the end. I’m surprised I’m still awake.

  I slip into the warm suds and sigh, trying not to think about anything. I just want to relax and forget that everything outside this bath exists. It’s not that easy, of course.

  Thoughts about Brock invade my mind.

  Despite what Dean’s just told me, I don’t think Brock simply wants me as a quick lay. There’s something between us, something deeper. We mesh really well together, and I enjoy his company.

  But that doesn’t mean we have to sleep together.

  I make the decision to steer clear of him as much as that’s possible when he’s my boss, just for a few days. Let things cool down a little, let him know that we can’t do what we were so close to doing tonight.

  I’ve just managed to get my life back on track after the horrible break-up with Pete. The last thing I need now is more complications, more drama.

  I can’t jeopardize my new job and my new life by having an ill-advised fling with my boss—God, how much of a cliché would I be?

  Brock’s my boss and nothing more.

  Well, he’s also my fake fiancée, I guess. But hopefully, we can get that whole mess sorted out sooner rather than later.

  I lay back in the bath and let out a deep sigh. Life is never simple, is it?

  Brock

  We’ve been back at the office for a few days now after the New York trip, and I get the distinct impression that Nina is ignoring me. Well, maybe not ignoring me but avoiding me if at all possible. It’s really bugging me.

  I’m supposed to be chairing a meeting right now, but I’m not fully here. I can’t help but keep glancing at Nina, who’s sitting opposite from me, dutifully taking notes.

  Despite getting that major deal done in New York, there’s always more work, always something new on the horizon.

  “. . . so we’ll need to make sure we adhere to this two-week deadline,” someone is saying. I’m so bored I don’t even look up to see who.

  Nina’s wearing a relatively low-cut top today—definitely still office-appropriate, but I can just catch a peek of the swell of her breasts underneath, and my eyes keep getting drawn to it. Only a few nights ago, I had my hands on those smooth, creamy, soft tits, my fingers caressing her pink, hardened . . .

  She’s off-limits. She made that quite clear to you in New York. Stop. It ain’t happening.

  I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment, trying to clear my head.

  I feel like a teenager again, not able to focus, hormones flooding through me. Normally, I never let women get to me, but for some reason, Nina has wriggled her way under my skin, and I can’t shake her loose.

  I want her. I want her bad.

  It was a terrible idea to kiss her on the trip—for so m
any reasons.

  I should have known better, been better. She’s my subordinate at work. She’s younger than me. She’s just coming out of what looks to have been a horrible relationship, and she’s my friend’s little sister, for fuck’s sake. What on earth was I thinking?

  Fuck, there’s a million reasons why she’s off-limits, but I just can’t seem to help myself.

  The meeting draws to a close, and I walk out, head still all in a muddle. I go back to my office and sit heavily in my chair with a sigh.

  I’ve got a ton of calls to make and more meetings to prepare for, but my heart’s just not in it.

  I need to clear the air with Nina. Maybe that’ll make things easier.

  I pick up the phone and buzz her desk. “Nina, could you come in here for a moment, please?”

  She appears a few seconds later, clutching her notepad. She deposits it on my desk and then takes a hurried step back.

  “There are the notes from the meeting,” she says, avoiding my eyes. “And you have an appointment with Finance after lunch. They said they’ll come to you.”

  She stands there silently after that. All of a sudden, I don’t know what to say.

  “Was there anything else?” she asks stiffly. “Otherwise, I have plenty to get on with.”

  “Nina, I—”

  “Work stuff, Brock,” she says. “I meant work stuff. I don’t really think now is the time or the place to talk about anything else.”

  “Sure.” I give her a weak smile. “That’s all, then. Thanks.”

  She leaves as quickly as she came, closing my office door behind her.

  Idiot. All you’ve done is made things awkward.

  My phone rings, interrupting my little pity party. It’s my Mom.

  “Hi Mom,” I answer. “How are you?”

  “I’m fine, dear,” she says in a cheerful voice. “I just wanted to call to make sure you aren’t working too hard because I know you always do.”

  I laugh. “Mom, I’m in charge of hundreds of people. Of course I need to work hard.”

  “Well, maybe it’s time for a break,” she says, not to be deterred. “Remember at the wedding reception, I invited Nina to the lake house? Your father and I are going to go this weekend. Why don’t you bring her along? A little family time will be good for you, and besides, we’re dying to get to know her. Dean is such a nice boy, so we’re sure Nina’s lovely too.”