I couldn’t help but be pleased with myself and feel excited for what lay ahead. I, Rowena Bloom, had just been promoted and was going to be the PA to Nick Carter, the new managing director at the company I’d been working at for the past four years. The previous MD, Kevin Richardson, had moved on to new pastures when the company had merged with another and Mr Carter had been selected as his replacement.

I’d yet to meet my new boss, but I’d done my research. From what I could tell, he was a highly driven man, very successful in his ventures, a ruthless businessman, but also professional and well liked in the industry. From the photo I’d seen in one of the various publications about him, he was also very easy on the eye!

The day finally arrived, my first day as PA. I’d gone out the week previously and bought a whole new work wardrobe, I had to look professional and knew that my existing wardrobe just wouldn‘t cut it. Wearing one of my new outfits, I carefully tied my hair into an elegant twist and secured it, checked my make-up and then left for the office. I felt so confident; I was a PA at last!

Walking into the office, my breath nearly caught in my throat, for there in front of me stood the most beautiful looking man I’d ever seen. Wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to display his lightly tanned arms, a silk tie, black trousers which clung just right and a panty dropping smile, stood Nick Carter. I gulped and then took a deep breath before I showed myself up on my first day in my new job.

“Ah, Miss Bloom, at last” he said in a surprisingly stiff voice “I’m Mr Carter, your new boss, and when you’ve had chance to settle yourself at your desk, I’d like to see you in my office to go over a few things, so that we understand each other with regards to how I like things done”

And with that, he turned and was gone, striding over to his office and closing the door after him.

“What an arrogant ass” I muttered to myself.

I took off my jacket and hung it over the back of my chair and then sat down and switched on my computer, checking through a few emails before deciding it was time to go and meet my new boss properly.

I suddenly felt quite nervous. I tapped on his door and waited, after what seemed like forever, he eventually called “come in” and I turned the handle. Once again, I was struck with how gorgeous he was as he fixed his blue eyes on mine.

“Take a seat Miss Bloom” he said and gestured for me to sit down.

“Thank you” I replied “please, call me Rowena“.

“Now then, as you are no doubt already aware Miss Bloom, I like to run my business professionally. You will address me as Mr Carter at all times” he started and he carried on talking for about ten minutes, telling me exactly what he expected from me and what I could expect from him. Then he excused me and that was that, so much for a friendly induction. The man was a complete prick!

I met up with the other office girls like usual for lunch and we talked about how our days had gone so far.

“How’s it going with your new boss then Rowena?” asked Carly.

“Urgh, don’t ask!” I said

“I heard he has a bit of a reputation” she giggled.

“A bit! The man is an arrogant, stuck up…

“Drop dead gorgeous“ Ella commented.

“…prick” I said and we all started laughing.

Maybe my first day wasn’t going as planned, maybe I was just nervous and reading Nick Carter all wrong. Things could only get better, right?

~*~

The weeks passed and although I loved my new job and the challenges it brought me, I couldn’t say the same thing about my boss. He was a complete and utter bastard when he wanted to be, and seemed to take pride in making people’s lives a misery. He also seemed to be able to get any woman he wanted, a real Casanova judging by some of the office gossip. I wondered if he was as pig-headed and stuck up in the bedroom as he was in the office. Urgh, don’t even think about it Rowena.

“Miss Bloom” he barked from his office “in here now”

“Yes Mr Carter?” I said, at his door in an instant.

“Here, I want this report completed before you go this evening” he flung a file in my direction.

“But…I’ll never get this finished on time” I began.

“Well, I guess you’ll be working through your lunch break then. Now I suggest you stop complaining and get on with it, the sooner you start, the sooner you‘ll finish” he said and then turned his attention back to his screen, a signal that he was done with me.

I walked back to my desk and felt like crying. No, he is not going to get the better of me, I can do this. I straightened up and began working my way through the report.

“Rowena, are you ready to go, we’re going out for lunch today remember” said Kayla on the other end of the phone.

“I’m sorry Kay, but I’ve just got too much to do, I’m going to have to work through lunch today” I said

“The boss from hell giving you a hard time again eh?” she asked

“You got that right” I replied. It was well known by now that Nick Carter was not to be argued with, you did it his way or you were out the door. He’d already scared off a number of office girls, he was not going to get the better of me. I could handle him and he knew it.

“Maybe he’s such a dick because he’s got a small dick” Kayla laughed.

I had to laugh with her “probably”, I agreed.

We carried on laughing until I heard Nick’s door open and he came striding towards me.

“Got to go, I’ll talk to you later” I said and quickly hung up.

“Miss Bloom, do I have to remind you that I pay you to work and not sit here gossiping all day with friends?” he almost growled at me.

“I was just cancelling my lunch plans, seeing as I’m going to be here working on this report instead” I replied, not letting him get to me.

“Don’t let me catch you making personal calls on my time again” he said and turned and walked back into his office, slamming the door behind him.

I carried on working like crazy for the rest of the day; luckily I had some goodies in the drawer of my desk, so made do with that for lunch. By 6.30, I’d finally finished the report, printed it out and handed it to him, as well as emailing him a copy of it too.

“If there is nothing else, I’ll be off now” I said to him and turned and walked out of his office before he had chance to say a word.

I switched off my computer, tidied my desk and gathered my bag and jacket. It was 6.45 and I was starving, I’d only had chocolate to eat all day and was in need of a decent meal and a few drinks.

Nick’s POV

This merger of the two companies was more than just good for business; it was going to be good for me. I needed this new beginning more than anything. It was going to be a chance to put the past behind me and start afresh, be a stronger person and not let anything drag me down.

About eighteen months before this merger, I thought I had everything a man could ever want. I was a partner in a highly successful company, had a beautiful wife, a lovely home and an expensive sports car. But that all changed. I know I tend to be a bit of a workaholic, but only because I want to be the best at what I do, to create something to be proud of, damn it, why couldn’t she have seen that? She knew what I was like before she even got involved with me, so why would she expect me to change? Of course, she was the perfect girlfriend and wife in the beginning, very understanding and fun to be around. But that all changed a year into the marriage. It was almost as if she changed into a different person. She became a nagging wife, always onto me about the hours I put in and not taking her out enough. But I couldn’t give her what she wanted, it just wasn’t possible. I couldn’t just drop my business obligations to take her away at the drop of a hat, it didn’t work like that. I tried to make it up to her by buying her things, presuming that all women liked that kind of thing. It only seemed to make things worse, and we had some explosive arguments.

Then one day, I decided to be spontaneous. I cancelled all of my meetings for the afternoon and drove home, thinking we could do something together as I knew she had already finished work for the day. Since getting married she’d gone part time in work.

As I pulled into our driveway, there was an unfamiliar car parked up, but I thought nothing of it as she often had friends over whilst I was in work.

I walked into the house and headed into the kitchen first, as they were usually sat in there chatting. No sign of them. I looked in the conservatory, then the living room, but still no sign of anyone.

“Gabby? You in?” I called out and got no answer, but heard banging from upstairs, like something heavy had fallen on the floor.

I took the stairs two at a time, thinking something must’ve happened “Gabby, you OK?”

Oh yes, something had happened. I walked in the direction of the hurried voices coming from our bedroom, and pushed the door open. I gasped in complete and utter shock, for there, in the middle of the room was my wife, hurriedly trying to get dressed, her face red from obvious physical exertion. Across the other side of the room, gathering up his clothes, was none other than my friend and work colleague, Joey McIntyre.

“You fucking bastard” I said, flying at him, ready to rip his head off. How could he do this to me? How could she do this to me?

“Nick…please…calm down. I’m sorry OK” he pleaded as I drew my fist back ready to punch him.

“You want me to calm down?” I sneered “how the fuck am I going to do that Joey? I’ve just caught you and my wife, and you expect me to be calm?”

“Nick” Gabby pleaded “please, let’s just talk about this”

“Fuck you Gabby. Fuck the pair of you. I’m going out and when I get back, I expect you to be gone. I don’t give a fuck where you go or what you do, that is no longer my concern. Just get the fuck out of my life” I seethed. I was so angry, devastated and confused; I knew that if I said or did anything else, I would instantly regret it.

“Nick…” she started, but I just walked away, slamming the door behind me on my way out.

I got in my car and just drove for miles before pulling off into a quiet road, bringing the car to a stop and then just crying my eyes out. Not normally the kind of person to cry and show my emotions, it felt cathartic to let it all out. I vowed to myself to never let a woman get to me like that again.

After that day, I decided to be a different man. I wasn’t taking any shit from anyone anymore. Who needed love and marriage? Who needed to be nice to get anywhere in life? Not me! I could still do my job in a professional manner without all the Mr Nice Guy bullshit, so that’s what I did. I divorced Gabby, letting her keep the house because I couldn’t bear to go back there, despite telling her to get the fuck out on that fateful day. I bought myself a luxury apartment with a fantastic view, and I made the most of being single.

Everything was completely under my control, and I liked it that way. I didn’t care if I was perceived as an arrogant bastard; I got what I wanted, when I wanted it. That was until Rowena Bloom walked into my office. From the moment I set eyes on her, I knew I was fucked.

Rowena’s POV

It was finally the end of the week, thank god! How I was managing to keep my cool with the boss was beyond me, he was just so infuriating. I was beginning to hate him with a passion and be in awe of him all at the same time. There was no doubt about it, he was good at his job and brought in a lot of revenue to the company, he was even very charming with the clients and prospective clients. But it was the way he treated everyone else that bothered me, he could be so…I don’t know…not rude exactly, but not very pleasant either. Towards me though, he showed his true asshole colours! I don’t know what I’d done to warrant the way he treated me, but he wasn’t going to get the better of me, I wasn’t the type of person to buckle under pressure.

I was just getting ready to leave when Mr Carter called me into his office, telling me to bring him a coffee on the way in as he was going to be working late.

“What did his last slave die of” I muttered under my breath. Surely he could see I was finished for the day and it’s not like I got paid any overtime. Was he trying to work me into the ground or something? All week, I’d not got out of the office before 6.30, sometimes being here as late at 8pm. Didn’t he have a life out of work? He must have, judging by the amount of girls who flung themselves at him at every opportunity. Obviously I didn’t find this out from the man himself, but office gossip got around and it couldn’t all be rumour, could it? Not that I cared. Not one little bit. He could sleep with the whole office (apart from me) for all I cared!

“Put it down there” he indicated for me to put the cup of coffee on his desk, he didn‘t even have the good manners to thank me. Asshole. But my god he was a stunner of a man. His blonde hair was slightly dishevelled and sticking up where he’d obviously been running his hands through it throughout the day, his tie was loosened and the top button of his shirt was undone. The light stubble on his face just added to the whole sexy, rough and ready look and I bit down on my bottom lip at the sight of him. Stay calm and focused Rowena, remember, he’s your boss and also a complete dick, don‘t go getting any stupid ideas.

I walked over to the desk and put the cup down, but unfortunately I didn’t notice the pen which was in the way and the cup tipped over, spilling hot coffee everywhere and dripping down onto his expensive trousers.

“Fuck” he exclaimed and stood up, the coffee seeping into the material.

“I’m so sorry” I began apologising and ran to my desk to grab some tissues from the box I kept there. I rushed back and began mopping up the coffee from the desk and then moved towards him. I knew he’d be furious if the coffee stained those designer trousers, so I began dabbing at them to try and soak up as much of the spill as I could.

“Leave it” he said gruffly and grabbed my wrist, a look of pure hatred in his eyes. His grip on me didn’t loosen and he continued to stare into my eyes. All of a sudden, I felt a jolt of lust rush through my body as his eyes looked deep into mine. Before I knew what was happening, he brought his mouth down hard onto mine, kissing me aggressively, the stubble on his face scratching me. Oh my fucking god, please don’t stop.

I knew I should pull away from him, maybe even slap him and tell him to get the hell away from me, but I just couldn’t. My mind took a backseat and let my traitorous body lead the way.

He backed me towards his desk, all the while, never taking his mouth away from mine, as his hands ran over my body. When my thighs came into contact with the solid oak desk, I fell backwards onto it and he pushed all of the paperwork out of the way and onto the floor.

“I want you, right here on this desk” he said breathlessly, breaking away from the kiss for a moment, then kissed me again whilst one hand slowly made it’s way up my leg and crept under the lace of my underwear.

I didn’t care that I was lying over the desk, I wanted him and I could feel just how much he wanted me. But then, just before anything else could happen, the phone rang. I thought he might’ve ignored it, but with the coolness of a cucumber, he reached across his desk and picked up the phone.

“Nick Carter” he answered. A few seconds later, he covered the mouth piece of the phone “that’ll be all Miss Bloom, you can go now”.

I slid off the desk and straightened my clothes; my cheeks were burning with embarrassment. He completely blanked me; it was as if the little tryst we’d just shared had never happened. I felt so…used.

As I made my way home, I could hardly believe what had just occurred between myself and Nick. How could I have let it happen? Why did I respond with as much enthusiasm as I did? And how was I going to face him on Monday? I’ll pretend it never happened!

That evening, after a long hot shower, I put my favourite comfy joggers on and settled down in front of the TV with a bottle of wine and a chick flick, Bridget Jones‘s Diary. It didn’t escape my notice that Nick Carter was kind of a cross between Colin Firth and Hugh Grant’s characters in the film I was watching. Stuck up, arrogant and set in his ways like Mark Darcy and a womanizing, confident, sexy beast like Daniel Cleaver. Only Nick was better looking and more of an asshole than the two of them put together.

That night I dreamt of him. It was the most vividly real dream I’d ever had. He was dirty talking in my ear whilst fucking me hard over his desk, his fingers knotted in my hair, pulling it roughly, whilst his other hand was holding my hip. Over and over he kept saying “you like that don’t you” and all I could do was beg him for more. I woke up tangled in my bedding and sweating.

“Fuck” I muttered as I pulled the covers back and stumbled over to the bathroom. I needed a cool shower, maybe that would take my mind off him. It was only 5am but I knew I’d never be able to get back to sleep after that dream. Typical when it was the weekend and I could’ve done with a lie in!

After my nice long shower, I decided to tidy up the place; it was a bit of a pig-sty as I’d hardly had chance for housework during the week. It was surprising how long it took, but I was grateful for the distraction, it took my mind off work and more importantly, Nick Carter.

Just as I was putting another load of washing in the washing machine, my phone began to ring, looking at the screen, I saw that it was Kayla and groaned. I’d completely forgot that we were going out that night with all the girls. But maybe it was just what I needed.

“What’re you wearing tonight? I‘m wearing that red dress…you know the one I showed you the other day” Kayla enthused “remember, we’re going to that new club in town”

“Oh yeah. I’m not sure what I’ll wear yet Kay, I’ll have to go through my wardrobe” I said. I had a huge wardrobe with tons of clothes. That was one of the perks of working in the job I was in, it paid very well and we also got good discounts at many high street stores and also some designer labels.

“You still coming over here for a few drinks first?” she asked “everyone will be here about eight”

“Yeah, I’ll be over then” I replied and we hung up a few minutes later.

For a moment I wondered whether I should tell them what had happened, but then I decided against it, they’d think I was off my rocker, they all knew how much I hated the boss. No, I was keeping this all to myself; it was my dirty little secret.

A hot shower, a new outfit fit for partying and a few drinks later and I’d almost forgotten about Nick Carter. We were all in Kayla’s apartment which was conveniently located in the city centre.

“Wow Kay, this place is looking fantastic” Carly said, casting her eyes around the place.

“Thanks” Kayla replied “I think Richard and I have finally got it how we want it”. Kayla’s fiancé, Richard Armitage, was an architect and so had designed the place himself. Kayla had added her flare for interior design in the décor of the place. You could see the strong, bold design which was so obviously Richard mixed with the soft feminine touches which were so Kayla.

“So Rowena, how’s that gorgeous asshole of a boss treating you these days?” asked Louise. Even though she didn’t work with us, she knew all about the boss from hell, he was usually a major talking point.

“Still an asshole” I laughed “and still gorgeous”.

“Tell her what he did the other day Row” Kayla said and turned to me.

I felt my face flush slightly as I remembered exactly what he’d done to me. But then I put that thought to one side and began telling one of the many stories of his appalling behaviour.

“You mean he actually made you change the document because he wanted to use a different word? Just one word? He made you late for your date for that? What a bastard!” she said.

“I know” I replied “but at least my date waited for me, even though it was a complete disaster”

“Oh yeah, wasn’t he the one who kept getting calls from his Mom all evening?” laughed Carly.

“Yeah” I laughed along with her.

We left Kayla’s apartment a couple of hours later, feeling a little merry after the drinks, and headed for the new club which had just opened in town. There was a bit of a queue to get in, but Carly knew one of the doormen so we were let straight in. It was jam packed and the music was fantastic, the place was really something special inside.

“Shots?” asked Kayla as we stood at the bar.

I couldn’t resist. It was like a tradition, we always had a couple of shots when we went out. I knocked back the sambuca in one go and tried not to make a face, I failed miserably!

“Oh my fucking god, look who’s over there” said Amy, one of the other girls we worked with.

I turned my attention to where her eyes were looking and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I opened and closed my mouth, unable to say anything.

“Well, well, well…it’s the gorgeous asshole himself” said Kayla “that man is such a whore”

He was leaning against the bar with a bottle of Bud in his hand, looking sexy as hell. He was wearing dark jeans and a dark shirt, it could’ve been black but it was hard to tell. He had just the right amount of stubble on his jaw and his hair was begging to have fingers run through it. Then I noticed the skanky looking girl who was stood with him. Huge fake boobs, bleached blonde hair, a fake tan (making her look like an umpa lumpa from Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory) and barely wearing any clothes, I figured that would be his type, the prick! But evidently, she wasn’t what he was after at all. After chatting to her for a few minutes, she walked away looking a little gutted. I smiled to myself, but couldn’t for the life of me think why. It’s not like I wanted him.

He saw me at that moment and shot me a cold glance, before turning and walking away, not even having the decency to even acknowledge that he knew me. Asshole!

“I see he’s his usual charming self then” Kayla laughed.

“Arrogant tosser” I said.

I knew then that work on Monday was going to be OK; I’d make sure of it. There was no way that man was going to get the better of me. I’d just go in there with my head held high and pretend it never happened. I could be a bitch to match his bastardly ways. I even looked forward to it.

Nick’s POV

The tease! Every day she came into the office wearing something which showed off her sexy curves and that Friday was no exception. Had she been sent to deliberately torture me? It seemed that way.

Even though I knew I could be a bit of an arrogant asshole at times, it didn’t usually stop the women from practically falling at my feet. Ever since my divorce, I hadn’t found myself lacking in female company and had had my fair share of one nighters (which was all I wanted). In fact, I was 100% sure I could have my pick from the office, not that I would ever do that though, I’d never believed in mixing business with pleasure. But the fact that Rowena didn’t seem to find me attractive or try to flirt with me in any way…well, it just made me want her more. Not that I’d ever do anything about it. I had my set of rules to live by, which included no fucking the staff.

But when she came into the office wearing that short black skirt and that little almost see through blouse, with her reddish brown hair tumbling around her shoulders, I instantly felt myself growing hard and had to slam my office door (an indication to stay out) and think of non-sexual things, like that email I had to finish writing.

What the fuck was wrong with me? What was it about Rowena Bloom that made me feel like a fifteen year old schoolboy who‘d just discovered porn? Could it be the way she tempted me with the sway of her hips as she walked to her desk, her teasing little skirts, her glossy mane of hair and her beautiful smile?

She was a fucking witch sent to ruin me.

I avoided her as much as possible and when I did have to make conversation, I was a complete asshole. But I couldn’t help it. I hated her for what she was doing to me. No woman was going to penetrate the wall I’d built around myself.

Then when I called her into my office at the end of the day and she spilt that coffee, well, I felt my resolve slipping. Seeing her bent over wiping up the spillage, I couldn’t help but glance down her top. Fuck me; I’d give anything for just a touch. I mentally slapped myself for being so weak, but then she began rubbing my trousers and that was it. I forcefully grabbed her wrist and told her to leave it, for fucks sake, I was hard as rock and I didn’t want her seeing me in this weakened state. I didn’t want her to know she had this power over my body.

I stared hatefully into her eyes, but also felt a jolt of lust course through me. Had she felt it too? She wasn’t trying to pull away from my firm grip, and before I knew it, I was kissing her. I brought my mouth down hard onto hers and savoured the taste of her. Fuck; I wanted more, so much more. She responded to my kiss just as aggressively, she obviously liked this just as much as me, she had to be, she wasn’t pushing me away.

I backed her up against my desk, clearing some paperwork out of the way. I told her I wanted her, and I meant it, I wanted to fuck her into next week. That’s how desperate for this woman I was. It was all I ever seemed to think about and I thought that if I could fuck her just once, get it out of my system, that I’d be cured of this unhealthy obsession.

I ran my hand up her skirt and nearly went crazy when I reached her little lacy knickers. But then the phone rang and I suddenly came to my senses. What on earth had I been thinking? This was my office and anyone could’ve walked in. The phone call was important, too important to be distracted by girls in lacy underwear, so I quickly dismissed her and got down to business. I was back in control of my life once again, just how I should be.

That night, I dreamt of her, I was banging her over my desk and she was begging me for more. I woke up and had to take an ice cold shower to cool off. I hated her for the way she was making me feel, the way she was invading even my dreams now.

To make matters worse, I saw her out with her friends in that new club on the Saturday night. She looked drop dead gorgeous and completely unavailable to me. I watched her from across the bar, she couldn’t see me, but I watched her every move and saw all those leeches trying to get her attention. Thank fuck she didn’t seem interested.

Why am I even getting angry and jealous, I hate the woman, she hates me too.

Some skanky little whore tried to get my interest by grinding her skinny little ass into my crotch, but I wasn’t even the slightest bit tempted. I told her I had a girlfriend to get rid of her and that worked. Then I caught Rowena glaring at me, so I gave her a hateful look and turned away. I wasn’t proud of myself for that, but felt it was better that way.

Hopefully, Monday would be business as usual.

Rowena’s POV

Monday morning arrived all too quickly and I dressed carefully, wanting to show Nick Carter my figure to its full advantage and let him know that it was something he would never touch again…ever. That would teach him for not even acknowledging me in that club on Saturday night. How very dare he look away without as much as a smile or a hello. Was I really that beneath him?

So, wearing one of my new designer outfits (which by the way I‘d got a huge discount on), complete with killer heels, I surveyed myself in the mirror and nodded my head in appreciation before leaving for work. It’s not that I was vain or anything, but I knew I’d turn a couple of heads in these clothes.

I had a few admiring looks as I walked in to Templar House that morning, and I smiled to myself. I got into the elevator and noticed that he was in there also. Great, just what I need first thing in the morning! He didn’t meet my gaze and I quickly looked away, like he wasn’t even there. I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of blanking me again.

“Hold the elevator” called out one of the guys who worked on the floor above and he came charging in, knocking me back so that I was pushed into Mr Carter.

“I’m so sorry” said the guy, whose name I couldn’t recollect.

“It’s OK” I replied.

Suddenly an idea came to my mind and I had to hold the evil cackle in that was dying to come out of me. As I was already up close to him now, and could feel his body against mine, I decided to play on it. I dropped my bag, and slowly bent down to pick it up, pushing myself further into him as I did so. I felt him harden as my body made contact with his before picking up my bag and slowly straightening back up again.

“Clumsy me” I said sweetly and the doors pinged open on our floor. I casually walked out and left him there, his arousal so obvious that he’d have to stay in the dimly lit elevator for a minute or two before he could show his face in the office. I gave him a quick smirk before the elevator doors closed and then hurried to my desk, wondering what the rest of the day had in store for me.

Nick walked in a few minutes later and went straight to his office, slamming the door after him.

“Someone got out of bed on the wrong side” whispered Jess, one of the other girls in the office and we giggled as quietly as we could.

Just then, my desk phone rang, so I slid my chair back over to answer it.

“When you are quite finished gossiping, I’d like to see you in my office” barked Nick.

“Yes Mr Carter, right away. Would you like a coffee?” I asked brightly.

“Yes, and be careful not to spill it all over me today” he replied gruffly and hung up the phone.

I made his coffee and walked over to his office, knocking before entering and then walking in.

“I’d like this report done by lunch time” he said sliding a folder over towards me.

“Yes Mr Carter” I replied, as polite as can be, acting like nothing had gone on between the pair of us in this very office only a few days ago…or in the club or the elevator.

“And then can you set up a meeting for tomorrow morning with Howie Dorough, get my dry cleaning, re-type this…” he carried on with a whole list of things for me to do which would obviously take up all day.

I walked out of his office, swinging my hips slightly as I did so and got on with my work. The day passed by quickly, as I was completely snowed under with work and I was beginning to wonder if I’d have an opportunity for any further revenge. I also wondered if he’d try to pay me back for the little elevator thing I’d pulled this morning. But then I supposed he had paid me back, he’d given me enough work to ensure that I had to work through lunch again.

By late afternoon, I was starving and really needed a cup of coffee, so I headed over to the small kitchen which was tucked away down the corridor. As I bent down to get the milk out of the fridge, I felt someone behind me and froze. I instantly knew it was him, I could tell by the delicious smell of him.

“Enjoyed yourself this morning in the elevator?” he whispered “now it’s my turn you little cock tease”.

I stood back up, my back to him, trying to act like he wasn’t there. I was not going to let him get to me again. No fucking way.

Next thing I knew, I felt his breath, warm against my skin and then the feel of his full sensuous lips as they trailed kisses down my neck. “Fuck” I groaned as my body betrayed me once again and began to respond to his touch, I was on fire for this man and wanted nothing more than to feel his body, naked against mine.

Then, calm as can be, he stopped what he was doing, turned and walked out, leaving me frustrated as can be. Asshole.

I adjusted my clothes and took a few deep breaths to bring my breathing back to normal and then carried on what I’d been doing before his presence.

I walked back to my desk and noticed that he’d left his office door open, as I passed; I saw him smirking and instantly knew I’d have to do something to get back at him.

Hmm, I wonder if this will get his attention.

“It’s so hot today; does anyone want an ice cream from the shop?” I asked around the office and then grabbed my purse and headed out the door. I returned a few minutes later with various lollies and ice creams for my colleagues, and then I sat down at my desk with a Twister ice lolly and began licking it up and down and swirling my tongue around the top, right there in Nick’s full view. His eyes went wide and he licked his lips, so I carried on savouring my lolly and ignored him. He got up from his chair and slammed his office door closed and I smiled to myself, I’d obviously got to him. I didn’t see him the rest of the afternoon and managed to leave on time that day.

Nick was away at a conference with all of the other executives for the next couple of days, so I was glad of the break. All of this sexual tension in the workplace was getting a little heavy.

I knew I still hated his guts, but I also knew that I longed for him with every fibre of my being. He was like a magnet and I was feeling the pull towards him getting stronger every day. Damn him. I imagined his stubble grazing my neck, his lips trailing hot kisses along my jaw. I imagined myself sprawled out beneath his incredibly sexy body whilst he made love to me. Oh god, even his absence wasn’t helping! I couldn’t get him out of my head. I needed help. It wasn’t natural to fantasise about a man who was a complete and utter bastard, especially when said bastard was also my boss.

“Hey Rowena, we ought to make the most of your asshole boss being away” said Kayla at lunchtime, snapping me out of my daydream “let’s go out to Casa Mia for lunch”

“OK, just let me finish this up as he’s expecting me to email it to him, and then we’ll go” I replied.

“See you in a few minutes then” she said and we hung up.

Half an hour later, me, Kayla, Jess and Amy were making our way out of the building for a nice long lunch. We deserved it after all!

“So, how’s it been without the boss around?” asked Kayla “I hear he’s giving the other execs a hard time instead”

“Really?” I asked. So it wasn’t just me he was an asshole to.

“Oh yeah, Brian said he’s so worked up he thinks he might explode!” she laughed.

“God, he really is a nasty piece of work isn’t he?” commented Jess “I’m surprised he manages to bring any business in at all”

“Well, he knows when to be charming I suppose” I said in his defence “he just doesn’t show that side to us mere mortals”

“He brings in a lot of business according to Brian” Kayla nodded, agreeing with me “he‘s actually very good at his job“.

We turned the conversation to something else then. I no longer wanted to discuss him for fear of slipping up and admitting my dirty little obsession. So instead, we ate delicious Italian food, washed down with a glass of wine and then headed back to work. We’d been gone longer than we’d anticipated and even though I knew he wasn’t there, I still felt as if he was watching my every move.

I was right to feel like that.

We got back at about 3.30pm after a two hour lunch and the other girls all happily went back to their floors, saying we’d have to do this again soon. I walked into the office and found him leaning against my desk with his arms crossed; looking what can only be described as furious.

“What time do you call this?” he sneered “the receptionist said you went for lunch at 1.30. Since when do I pay you to take two hour lunches?”

“I’m sorry Mr Carter, but I’ve worked through so many of my lunch breaks recently that I feel entitled to the extended lunch break every once in a while” I explained, not letting him intimidate me.

“Humph” he fumed “I think we need to go through a few things Miss Bloom. My office, right now”

He turned and walked towards his office and I followed. Oh shit, he’s actually going to fire me, for what? For taking a lunch I’m entitled to!

“Close the door Miss Bloom” he said. He hadn’t taken a move towards his chair and was standing with his back to me.

“Mr Carter…” I began. But before I could say another word, he swung around and his mouth came crashing down on mine, his hands grabbing my ass and pulling me into him so that his crotch was pressed into me. I felt my arms take on a life of their own as they came up and snaked around his neck, pulling him down into me even closer. He backed me into his desk and lifted me up so that I was sat on there, my legs wrapping around his waist. My skirt was bunched up around my hips now and his crotch was pressed into my very core, I wanted him more than I wanted air to breathe.

He pulled away from our kiss and looked at me with lust filled eyes before sliding his hands up my legs and forcefully pulling my knickers off. He actually ripped them from my body! His fingers began exploring and I forgot where I was as I threw my head back in ecstasy. But I wanted more than that, I wanted to feel him inside me. I undid his trousers, my hands trembling the whole time, and pushed them and his boxers down his legs.

He grabbed hold of my hips and with one thrust, filled me completely. “I’m going to fuck you senseless, until you forget your name” he murmured, and all I could think was bring it on.

After what had been possibly the best sex ever (probably made better by the danger of being caught), we quickly dressed. He didn’t say a word and neither did I, what could I say? I was hardly going to tell him it was fantastic, and inflate his ego even more.

“I have a meeting to get to” he said, looking at his expensive watch, and with that he was gone, leaving me standing there like a spare part. The fucking bastard!!!

Nick’s POV

I was really looking forward to this two day conference, not only would it be good for business, but also good for me to put some distance between myself and Rowena Bloom. They do say ‘out of sight, out of mind’ don’t they? And I really, really wanted her off my mind. I couldn’t explain this attraction, it’s not even as if she was my usual ‘type’, if I have a type that is. But something about her was appealing to me.

No, this was just what I needed. Back to doing what I do best with no distractions. I’d never let my personal interfere with work in the past and I didn’t plan on doing it now. I’m supposed to be known for my business expertise and my professionalism, so I’m not about to lose it now. It’s not like she meant anything to me. Don’t be ridiculous Carter, of course not; she’s just some bitch who you need to bang to get out of your system.

We spent all day in meetings and I managed to bring out the old Carter charm to dazzle some prospective clients into choosing us. There were celebrations all round that night, starting with an exquisite meal, washed down with a shit load of Jack Daniels. The clients then suggested we move on to a club, who knew weekdays could be so good for nightlife? The place was jam packed and full of hot girls.

I completely let myself forger her, I was enjoying the moment when this hot little blonde came over to me and we got talking. You can do this Nick, bang this chick and forget all about that bitch Rowena. Blondie made it obvious that sex was on the cards, especially after the way she was grinding herself into my crotch on the dance floor. So after a bit a pointless chit chat and a few more drinks, I asked her back to my hotel.

What happened next left me mortified. I just wanted to ground to open up and swallow me.

We went back to my hotel and began kissing, but something wasn’t right, I wasn’t feeling it. Maybe I just need to get her naked and then my dick will spring into action. She began unbuttoning my shirt and kissing my chest, but I still couldn’t feel the ‘enthusiasm’ shall we say. But I carried on, I thought maybe once I started getting her clothes off and feeling her naked flesh against mine, that my cock would suddenly obey and jump to attention. The fucker didn’t!

“I’m sorry, it’s not happening” I said to the blonde and shrugged, although I didn’t sound very sincere. To be honest, I’d lost all interest in her and just wanted her to go.

“Bastard” she said as she hurriedly re-dressed.

“What can I say, you don’t do it for me sweetheart” I said in my most intimidating voice. I got a slap in the face that I no doubt deserved, and she was out the door in a flash.

I couldn’t wait to get back to the office. I needed to see her. Even if I couldn’t touch her, I just needed to feel her presence. Who was I kidding, I wanted to fuck her senseless and get her out of my system once and for all.

When I did get back to the office though, she wasn’t there. The receptionist admitted that she’d gone for lunch at 1.30 and it was now three o’clock, this just infuriated me. I’d been gone for what…two days. Two fucking days and she was slacking off and taking advantage. Where the fuck was she?

I went into my office and tried to busy myself with work, check my messages etc, but I kept looking at the clock. At 3.30 I heard the elevator doors open and the sound of laughter wafting in, so I quickly got up from my chair and went out to stand waiting for her. I loved the sound of her laughter and wondered if I could ever be the one to make her laugh. You hate her remember, plus you’re sworn off love, dickhead! I folded my arms across my chest in annoyance instead.

“What time do you call this” I said to her, and I made her aware that I knew she’d been gone two hours.

She actually had the nerve to tell me she was entitled to the odd long lunch break. Oh, she was a feisty one! I wondered if she’d be as feisty in the sack. I told her I wanted to see her in my office and then turned to lead the way. I told her to close the door, not daring to turn and look at her for fear of ravishing her body there in front of everyone.

She closed the door and began to speak, I didn’t have a clue what she was trying to say, all I knew was I wanted her before I exploded. So I grabbed her roughly and began kissing her, pulling her sexy little ass towards my body, wanting her to feel just what it was she was doing to me. She didn’t pull away; in fact, she grabbed me around the neck and dragged me closer to her. I backed her into my desk, the place I’d fantasized about fucking her over and over, and she wrapped her long legs around my waist.

This was no fucking good. Our clothes were in the way of something I wanted, and when I want something, I damn well get it! Those little knickers had to go, so I ripped them off and flung them on the floor like a rag, I had no patience for sliding them off her gently. I slid two fingers into her and watched her face as she moaned in ecstasy. Yeah, that’s right baby! She wanted this just as much as I did, and she was going to get it. I felt her tugging on my trousers and whilst she busied herself with that, I removed my fingers and brought them to my mouth, tasting her. Her hand went around my cock and I thought I’d die if I didn’t fuck her right this instant.

I could control myself no longer, so I grabbed her hips and pushed her over the desk, whispering in her ear that I was going to fuck her senseless and until she forgot her own name. She seemed to like that. Then I thrust into her with one easy movement and realized that I was now finally in heaven. It was like we were made to fit together, the way our bodies connected and reacted to one another, it was just un-fucking-believable. I fucked her hard and fast, teasing her by pulling all the way out, just to slam back into her again, making her grab the desk even harder and groan. She managed a few incoherent mumblings and I could feel her begin to tremble and tighten around my cock. This tipped me over the edge and I needed to release.

“Oh fuck…you feel soooo fucking good” I panted. A couple more thrusts and I came deep inside her, grunting and thrusting until my own orgasm had completely played itself out.

I wanted to wrap my arms around her, to kiss her tenderly, but instead I froze. What was she thinking right now? Would she think this now meant we were together…as a couple? I wasn’t ready for that kind of thing. I didn’t know if I ever would be. Plus I was her boss, she was my employee. It may have been the best sex I’d ever had, but I was all confused and reacted in the only way I knew how.

I pulled away from her, got dressed without saying a word, and then told her I had a meeting to go to. I know, I’m a bastard.

He left the room, leaving me standing there gawping after him! I couldn’t believe it, he actually walked out! I soon collected myself though and raced off to the toilets to fix myself up. Luckily I didn’t encounter anyone on the way there, I didn’t want to have to explain my flushed appearance.

“Oh god” I sighed into the mirror as I splashed cold water all over my face to get rid of that ‘just fucked’ look. Had I really just had sex with my boss? And had he really just walked out on me? I knew I should feel used, but honestly, I didn’t. I’d wanted it just as much as he had, maybe more. No, I couldn’t bring myself to regret what we’d done. It just left me wondering if there would ever be a repeat performance.

Had he regretted it though? Was that why he’d raced out of the office like a bat out of hell? No, being his assistant, I knew that he actually did have a meeting to go to and I’d be surprised if he got to it on time. I even laughed when I pictured how flustered he’d look, and I wondered whether he looked as dishevelled as I was. God, he is a sexy bastard.

I walked back to my desk and got on with my work, only to be interrupted by a very irate sounding Nick on the phone a few minutes later.

“Miss Bloom, I seem to have neglected to bring the Donald file to the meeting. Any chance you can get over here right now with it? Seventh floor meeting room a.s.a.p.” he barked into the phone.

“Yes, certainly Mr Carter. I’ll be right there” I said and without another word he hung up. Fuck you Nick Carter; you are a fucking asshole after all!

I quickly located the file he so urgently needed and made my way there. I knocked before entering and quickly handed him the file. Our fingers grazed against each other as the file left my grasp and I felt the jolt of electricity pass between us. He had to have felt it too because our eyes met and held for a few moments before pulling away.

“Thank you” he said and gave me a smile. Maybe he wasn’t such an asshole after all.

“No worries” I replied and left the room, floating back to my desk as if on a cloud. Oh god, this man knew exactly how to play with my emotions. One minute I hated the bastard, the next minute I wanted nothing more than to be held in his arms. I was fighting a losing battle and I knew it.

I tried to forget about him for the rest of the day and luckily, he didn’t return to the office before I left, so there was no awkwardness. I mean, what do you say to each other after the way we’d carried on in his office?

I went home that evening and it all came back to me, the way his body felt against mine, the way he’d made my legs weak, the way he’d held me close and placed soft kisses down my neck. Oh god! The man was my boss for fuck’s sake. How could I ever face him again after that?

I needed to talk to someone, but who? My friends all knew what I thought of him, they’d heard the countless stories of his bastardly ways. They’d think I had a screw loose for fucking him in his office. I felt so alone. Suck it up Row; you’ve just got to deal with it yourself.

I contemplated posting my problems anonymously online, on one of those message boards that seemed to cater for everything you could possibly want to talk about (and things you didn’t want to talk about!), but chickened out. It would be just my luck to be found out and then the whole world would know that I, Rowena Bloom, fucked the boss in his office. No…better to keep it to myself.

~*~

The following morning, I had a shower and dressed and tried to tell myself that everything would be OK. I was a strong woman and could handle myself. Nick Carter was not going to get to me and affect me in the way he was. I decided to try and play it cool, act like it meant nothing to me, or that if didn’t even happen.

“Oh god” I muttered to myself when I saw him waiting at the lift. I decided to take the stairs instead, plus it was an excuse to get a little exercise.

I walked through the door to the stairs and began the climb, wondering why no one else seemed to use the stairs.

“Hey, Rowena, wait” called his familiar voice from below.

I spun around to face him and waited while he raced up the stairs, two at a time to reach me.

“Yes?” I asked

“Look…about yesterday” he began “we need to talk”

“It’s OK, no need to explain anything. Things got a little out of hand, we both got carried away. No harm done” I said, although really, my heart was pounding out of my chest. I ducked my head down a little to hide the blush that I’d felt creeping up my face, then without giving him a chance to say a word, I turned to carry on up the stairs. I couldn’t get away fast enough and my foot missed the step, bringing me down onto my knees. He was there in an instant helping me up.

“Are you OK?” he asked as he held me against his firm body.

“Fine” I stuttered and pulled away from him. I couldn’t get too comfortable in his arms, although I would’ve liked to.

“You sure?” he queried.

“I told you I was” I replied and carried on up the stairs.

I sat down at my desk and Nick walked into his office a few minutes later, giving me a quick glance before he closed his door. My heart leapt in my chest; maybe he did like me after all. I switched on my computer and checked all of my emails for anything of importance, forwarding on to Nick the items that needed his urgent attention. A pile of work had mysteriously appeared on my desk overnight and I decided I needed a nice cup of coffee before tackling that lot. I supposed that I should take a coffee in for Nick too, he’d probably be waiting for it like usual. Why he couldn’t get off his backside and get his own was beyond me. It’s not like he doesn’t know where the kitchen is or how to use a kettle, but it was just one of those things that had become part of my job description.

Oh god, I’d have to face him again. I leaned against the counter whilst I waited for the kettle to boil and carried on with my daydream. I was imagining him holding me in his arms, like he had done earlier, but in my daydream so much more happened.

“You OK Rowena? You look as if you’re on another planet” asked Kayla, appearing as if from nowhere.

“Hmm…oh hi Kay. Yeah, I’m fine, just got a few things on my mind, that’s all. How are you? How’s the wedding planning coming along?” I asked.

She instantly broke out into a smile at the thought of her fiancé “we’ve decided to get married in England, you know, because his family all live there. Anyway, there‘s this cute little church…”

We stood there for a few minutes with me “oo-ing” and “ah-ing” in all the right places whilst Kayla animatedly talked about her wedding plans.

“Aw Kay, that sounds perfect. But you’re not getting out of having a girl’s night out before you go!” we both laughed and agreed that a bachelorette party was on the cards before the wedding in England.

“How’s that arrogant bastard boss treating you? I saw him the other day and he looked furious, as if he was about to burst a blood vessel or something. I don’t know how you stand it. If my boss treated me like that I’m not sure I’d still be working for him” she said and shook her head.

“He’s not so bad” I said, hoping my voice sounded even and didn’t give anything away.

“Rowena…he’s an asshole” she said, astonished that I was defending his behaviour “but I do admire your patience and the way you manage to keep him under control”

“Well, I’d better go and get his coffee to him” I said “I’ll email you later and we’ll have to try and go to lunch”

“If he can spare you that long” she laughed.

“See you later” I said and carried the mugs of coffee out of the kitchen. I set mine down on my desk and carried Nick’s over to his office, knocking first before entering.

He was on the phone, from what I could tell, it was a rather angry phone call judging by the scowl on his face and the tone of his voice. Bloody hell, he looks sexy as hell!

He just waved his hand and indicated for me to put his coffee down on the desk and get out. I did as he asked and left him to it.

Half an hour later, his office door opened and he came charging out, barking orders in every direction, then said he was going out and to cancel all of his morning appointments. He was back to being a complete prick and I hated him again. How could he behave that way? How could he just act like nothing had happened between us? He could at least speak to me like a person, instead of shouting at me like I’m a nobody. Hmm, I decided a little payback was in order. If he thought I was going to just drop my knickers for him again (or rather, have them ripped off again), he would be sorely mistaken. Let’s see how he likes that! The bastard.

When he returned later that day, I put on my most professional face and spoke to him only when I had to. I avoided any situation that would put us alone together and then left at the end of the day feeling pleased with myself. He wasn’t going to see how he was affecting me.

Oh god, who was I kidding? I was aching for this man, he had the ability to make me weak with just one look, and when he raised that eyebrow, or licked those full and kissable lips, oh my fucking god, I was gone.

The following morning, I dressed with that in mind, wearing the dress I’d bought a few months ago which hugged my curves in all the right places. Kayla had called it a ‘sexy bitch dress’ and we’d laughed when I wore it out one night and had all these men ogling me. This will get his attention, the bastard.

I wore my hair down so that it tumbled around my shoulders in soft waves, applied just the right amount of make-up deemed fit for the workplace and finished off the look with black peep toe heels and a matching bag.

“Not bad at all” I said to my reflection before heading out the door.

I got to the office before him, his door was open and he was nowhere in sight, so I made the coffee and placed it on his desk ready for when he came in. As I was leaning over to place the mug on his desk, I felt his presence behind me; I could almost feel his warm breath. Stay strong Rowena, he is not getting in these knickers today, or any other day for that matter.

“There you go Mr Carter, just how you like it” I said in a seductive voice and then sashayed out of the door before he could say a word. A moment later I heard his office door slam and I knew I’d got to him.

I got on with my work, arranging his appointments and typing up reports all morning. I was in a surprisingly good mood, unlike the man behind the closed door who I heard shouting a few times. Did the man ever treat anyone with respect? I wondered if he had it in him to even be nice for a whole day. I doubted it.

That lunch time, I went out with the rest of the girls for a change. Mr Carter hadn’t objected after I’d emailed him to tell him, so I took that as my cue to go before he changed his mind, or replied to my email.

“He’s in a right mood again today isn’t he?” Kayla said as we left the building and headed over to the sandwich shop.

“Welcome to my world” I said “I have to put up with his shit all day, everyday”

“You deserve a medal” Carly said “I would’ve walked out long ago”

We changed the subject then, instead chatting about clothes and the latest topless hunks in Heat magazine, whilst we enjoyed our sandwiches.

“So, what’s with the ‘sexy bitch dress’ today Row? You got a date after work that you’re keeping quiet about?” asked Kayla. Damn, I should’ve known she would notice this dress; after all, she’d been with me when I’d bought it and when I’d worn it out and got all those admiring looks.

“Yes actually, I have” I lied, hoping no one would see through it.

“Spill it! Who is he? Why didn’t you say anything before? Is he good looking?” they were both firing questions at me at the same time.

“It’s no big deal” I tried to explain

“It may not be a big deal to you, but we want to goss, right Carly?” said Kayla.

“Right” Carly said and they both looked at me with expectant looks on their faces.

“OK, he’s just a guy that a friend set me up with, it’s kind of a blind date” I said, hoping they’d buy that story.

“Well, we want ALL the details tomorrow” Carly said.

Thank god, I was off the hook.

We strolled back to work, all in good moods after our lovely lunch. I got on with a report which I’d started before lunch and worked on that for a couple of hours, humming happily to myself every so often.

The mood didn’t last long.

“Miss Bloom, in my office now please” he shouted from his office. His door was now open.

“Yes Mr Carter, what can I do for you?” I asked sweetly. He wasn’t going to fluster me today, no way.

“I want you to set up conference room two ready for the meeting I’m having in the morning” he said, staring at me coldly. God, he was sexy as hell.

“I’ll just finish that report…” I was saying.

“Now” he barked “I want it done now Miss Bloom, or is that too much trouble to ask of my assistant?”

“OK, but just as long as you know I’m still not done with the report” I argued back. He was not going to talk to me like that and expect me to just take it.

“The report can wait” he said “now just do it”

I cursed under my breath as I walked out of his office, what the hell had got into him today? I gathered up all the necessary items needed for tomorrow’s meeting and headed up to conference room two. I placed everything down on the large mahogany table and walked over to the floor to ceiling window, looking out over the city.

Then I gasped as I heard the door to the conference room close and the door lock. I didn’t even need to turn around to know that it was him. I could sense that it was him and smell the wonderful scent of him. He smelled so good, I could’ve eaten him.

I froze at the window, unable to turn for fear of giving myself away. He got closer and closer until I could feel his warm breath on my neck. I could see his reflection in the window and I closed my eyes. Oh fuck, how do I get out of this one?

He carefully moved my hair away from my neck and brought his lips down onto my bare skin, ever so softly. Then he moved his lips up to my ear.

“I want you” he whispered and kissed my neck ever so softly. I began to tremble with excitement. My body was a complete traitor and I think I even whimpered at his touch.

“I know you want it too, and I’m the man to give it to you” he said as he began running one hand up my bare leg whilst the other hand rested on the window. I was trapped between him and the glass, but there was nowhere else I wanted to be at that moment.

He reached my knickers and slid his fingers under the flimsy material, finding the spot I most wanted him to touch.

“Oh god” I moaned.

“Do you like that, you little tease?” he asked as he increased the pressure and made my legs weak.

“Yes” I moaned “oh god yes…don’t stop”

My hands were now spread out on the glass in front of me for support as my legs began to shake with the force of the orgasm that ripped through my body. He spun me around and placed his hands at either side of my face and stared at me for a moment with lust filled eyes. I couldn’t control my hands as they reached for his trousers and fumbled to get them undone. Before long our clothes were in a heap on the floor. It was the first time I’d seen him completely naked and I stared in awe at his perfection, the man was a god.

He brought his mouth down to mine, kissing me hard, parting my lips with his tongue. Our tongues danced together for a while and he pulled me close to his body, his hands gripping my ass and lifting me so that my legs had no choice but to wrap around his waist. He backed me up against the cold window and it sent a slight shiver through my body.

“Oh fuck, you feel so good” he muttered as he slid inside me, filling me up to the hilt. My body was sliding up and down the window as he thrust hard and fast.

Anyone over in the building opposite could have seen us, but at that moment in time, I didn’t care. All I cared about was the pleasure this man was giving me.

“Oh fuck…harder” I mumbled “…don’t stop”

“I have no intention of stopping” he said “but I want to try something else”.

Still holding me in his arms, he carried me over to the large table in the centre of the room and perched me on the edge.

“Lie back” he said as he gently pushed me down, still inside me.

I did as he commanded.

My legs were still wrapped around his waist but he carefully removed them, running his hands up and down my legs as he lifted them up and placed them on his shoulders, kissing my ankles as he did so.

“Oh god yes…yes” I screamed out as he pushed into me even deeper in this position “oh fuck yeah”

“Oh fuck, you feel so fucking good like this” he began to pound into me harder and faster, gripping tightly to my legs.

“I’m gonna come” I moaned “oh fuck…oh god”

I completely lost control and the most powerful orgasm I’d ever experienced overcame my body. I screamed out his name as he continued to thrust hard into me, I’d never felt anything like it and I came again as he came to a shuddering climax of his own.

He gently lowered my legs and leaned his body into mine on the table. I wrapped my arms around him and we just held each other for a few minutes. No words were needed.

After a few minutes, when our breathing had returned to normal, we untangled ourselves and got dressed. I watched out of the corner of my eye as he got dressed, admiring his fine body. Fucking hell, he really was beautiful in every sense of the word.

“That was…amazing” he said and smiled “but I still need this meeting room set up for tomorrow morning before you go”.

And he did it again, the bastard ruined the moment! But at least he didn’t slam any doors on me this time.

Nick’s POV

I didn’t run out on her this time, I told her it had been amazing and I meant it. Maybe I did ruin the moment slightly by telling her I still needed her to set up the meeting room, but she was my assistant and I really did need the room ready for the morning. It was part of her job description, so why did she look at me like that?

Women…I wondered if I’ll ever understand any of them! Although I have to admit, Rowena is nothing at all like my ex.

I stood looking out of the floor to ceiling window, not really seeing anything though as I thought of that phone call I’d received yesterday and the events that followed.

Rowena’s POV

This had to stop. As good as the sex was with Nick, that’s all it seemed to be to him, just sex. I deserved so much more than that. Don’t get me wrong, I was loving it just as much as he was, but I’d never done this kind of thing before in my life. I’d never had a one night stand, I’d only had four sexual partners and all of them had been serious boyfriends. That’s why I was shocked at the way I was behaving with Nick Carter, especially in the work place.

Over the next couple of weeks there were a few more sexual encounters in work, mainly his office. We were like two magnets, pulling together no matter how hard we tried to stop it. After each time, we just seemed to carry on like nothing had happened. Back to business as usual, except whereas before he’d been a total bastard and an ogre to work for, he seemed to be mellowing a little. In fact, you could say his attitude was now tolerable. Everyone seemed to notice it, which led to gossip that maybe he was seeing someone. No one suspected me though, why would they? I was merely his assistant. Someone like Nick Carter could’ve had any woman he wanted. Then it got me thinking, what if he was seeing someone else? What we had going on was hardly a relationship, we were both free to see other people. I felt quite jealous at the thought of someone else touching him the way I did. Maybe I should see someone else too, maybe that would get him out of my system, although by now, I was already in way too deep. I needed more than to just be someone’s fuck buddy though; I wanted him to feel the same way for me as I did for him. I just couldn‘t tell him that.

That weekend was to be the annual Summer Ball, it promised to be a fantastic event this year, with the merger of the two companies this year; they were going all out to make this ball something special. Invitations had been sent out to a lot of our clients also, and we were all counting down the days to the weekend. We could bring a partner if we wanted, I knew Kayla was taking Richard, but seeing as I was single, I’d be going it alone. I knew I wouldn’t be alone when I got there though; a lot of the girls were single, or just didn‘t want to bring their men. My mind wasn’t on them though. I was thinking of him. What if he brought a date? Would I be able to handle it? You could always scratch her eyes out. Don’t be stupid, you wouldn’t do that, you have more dignity than that, you’d just ignore him.

Friday afternoon in the office and everyone was excited about the forthcoming ball; we were all talking about what we were wearing and what time we’d be arriving. Usually Nick would’ve blown his top at us chattering like this in work time, but today he seemed to be in as good a mood as the rest of us.

“I’ll see you tomorrow Miss Bloom” he said with a sexy smile as I was leaving the office. I must’ve been grinning from ear to ear all the way home; he’d actually said he’d see me tomorrow and smiled about it! If only he’d drop the Miss Bloom act and call me Rowena though.

That night, I went through my entire wardrobe to plan what I’d wear to the ball. I know I should’ve been more organised and thought ahead, but I’ve always been a last minute kind of person when it comes to things like this, and I had a lot of clothes already. Rummaging through the masses of clothes, I found a few possibilities and pulled them out to take a closer look.

“Oh my god, I forgot about this dress” I said as I held it up to myself in the full length mirror and admired it. The dress was a deep aquamarine colour, made of satin and was floor length. It had a halter neck which dipped into a deep V in the front and was completely backless; I decided to try it on. I quickly undressed and slid the dress on, fastening it at the neck, then turned to look at myself in the mirror. The dress was perfect; it was very flattering and showed off my curves without being trashy. I’d only worn the dress once before at a friend’s wedding, so no one from the office had seen me in it. My mind was made up without even looking at the rest of my wardrobe. Now I just needed to make sure I had the right kind of accessories to go with it. Thankfully, I did.

I spent the rest of the night chilling out with a DVD and a tub of ice cream, I decided on ‘Pretty Woman’ and wondered if Nick would ever be my Edward Lewis, my knight in shining armour like on the film. I could dream.

The following morning, I got up and went for a run, then came home and did some housework to pass the time. At five o’clock, my friend Anna who also happened to be a hairdresser came over to transform my hair into something fitting for the occasion. We chatted as she worked and before long, I was done.

“Wow Anna, its lovely, thank you so much” I said and paid her.

“I just hope you have a good time tonight, will there be any nice men there?” she asked with a grin “it’s about time you got out there and found someone”

“There might be one of two there, but I won’t get my hopes up” I said as I thought of my boss.

“They won’t be able to resist you!” she said and we laughed.

After she’d gone, I finished getting ready and then observed myself in my full length mirror. I did look stunning. My hair had been styled into loose curls with the sides gently pulled up and curling down the back, my make-up was just enough to look glamorous and the dress, necklace and earrings made me look like a movie star. I finished off by slipping into a pair of strappy heels and then was ready to go.

I was nervous on the way there, but that didn’t last, I was soon amongst friends and enjoying myself. The drinks were flowing freely and there was a huge buffet with everything you could possibly want. Music was playing and people were dancing. There was also a large marquee set up outside, with another bar and another dance floor with hundreds of tiny fairy lights illuminating it softly. I had to excuse myself for a moment to go to the bathroom and that’s when I saw him. He wasn’t alone either. He was stood laughing and smiling with some supermodel looking bitch! Her hand was lightly resting on his arm and I had the urge to march over there and slap it away and tell her he was taken. But of course I didn’t. He wasn’t taken and he wasn’t mine, no matter how much I wanted him to be.

I walked past them, pretending I’d not seen him, and carried on towards the ladies toilets.

“Rowena” he called and grabbed hold of my arm just before I reached the door to the toilets.

“What do you want? A quick fuck in the toilets? That’s all I’m good for isn’t it?” I said, fighting back the tears and missing the fact that he’d actually called me something other than Miss Bloom.

“Is that what you really think of me?” he sounded quite hurt “that that’s all I want?”

“Well isn’t it?” I said “anyway, why don’t you go back to your supermodel and let me go my way” I pulled myself free of him and walked off, leaving him standing there.

When I came out of the bathroom, he was nowhere to be seen. Probably fucking that supermodel type girl he was with earlier.

I went to the bar and ordered myself a double vodka and coke and downed it in one, then ordered another and did the same.

“Hey, slow down, it’s all free anyway” came a voice from beside me and I looked up to see someone who looked vaguely familiar, I knew he worked for the company, but wasn’t sure whereabouts.

“I was just thirsty” I lied.

“OK, I believe you” he smiled “I’m Jason, I’ve seen you around, I work in the accounts department”

“Hi Jason, nice to meet you, I’m Rowena, I work for Nick Carter as his assistant” I said and smiled at him warmly. He was a good looking guy. Tall, dark haired and handsome, and completely different to Nick.

“Hmm, and how’s that going? I hear he’s a hard man to please” he asked. I almost choked on my drink! If only he knew how easy it was to please Nick.

“Yeah, he can be difficult sometimes, but I love my job and like a challenge” I replied.

We chatted for a while and then he asked if I’d like to dance, I accepted and he led me to the dance floor where lots of other people were swaying to the slow ballad that was playing. He held me quite close, but at an acceptable closeness for dancing, and I found myself enjoying his company, he was friendly and funny and everything Nick wasn’t.

“Mind if I cut in?” asked an all too familiar voice “I need to talk to Rowena…work matter, y‘know”

“Sure” Jason said “see you later Rowena”

“See you Jason” I replied and looked at Nick, wondering what could be so important to talk about at a party “yes Mr Carter?”

He didn’t say anything for a couple of minutes, he put his arms around me and held me close, burying his face against my hair and sighing.

“Rowena…I didn’t like seeing you dance with him” he finally said.

“Why? What’s it to you? And where’s your date? Won’t she be wondering where you are?” I said.

“My date? She’s not my date, she’s just a passing acquaintance, I was being polite!” he said.

“OK, but that still doesn’t give you the right to tell me who I can and can’t dance with” I said.

“I was jealous OK” he sighed “I saw his hands on you and I saw red. I wanted to be in his place. You drive me wild Rowena”

I didn’t know what to say, I was completely speechless for the first time in ages.

Chapter 13

I realised that we hadn’t moved, we were still on the dance floor but we weren’t dancing, we were just looking at each other.

“Come on” he said, taking my hand “let’s get out of here, let’s go and take a walk outside”

I nodded my head in response and allowed myself to be led away. I didn’t notice the looks from my friends and at that moment, I wouldn’t have cared either. Nick Carter was actually holding my hand in public and he wanted to talk to me.

We walked out into the still warm night air, the hundreds of fairy lights dotted around outside showed us the way and we walked around the grounds, hand in hand.

“Look N…Nick” I began, faltering over whether to call him Mr Carter or not.

“Rowena…” he began at the same time and once again, I loved hearing him say my name.

“You first Nick” I said.

“Well, first of all I’m glad you’re calling me Nick” he smiled and looked into my eyes. “Rowena, I know I’ve been a complete and utter bastard to you since the moment we first met. I just want to explain a bit about myself, not that it excuses my behaviour, but I need to make you aware of why I sometimes act like a complete asshole”

“And I need to explain myself to you too” I said.

“Well, ladies first then” he turned and flashed that gorgeous crooked smile, the kind of smile that would be enough to make any sane woman melt.

“I never do this. This isn’t me. I’m not some easy lay. But it’s like when I’m around you, I can’t seem to help myself, I’m drawn to you” I said.

“Same here. Believe me Rowena, this isn’t me either. I’ve never acted this way with anyone. I don’t know if you know this, in fact I‘m pretty certain you won‘t, but I was married once, I got divorced nearly two years ago. I’ve always been a workaholic, always wanted to be successful at what I do and that included my marriage. I loved her and thought that was enough, I thought when I married that it would be for life, and she betrayed me in the worst way possible. Whilst I was busy making something of myself and giving her everything she could possibly want, she was having an affair with one of my best friends”

“Oh god” I said, completely shocked that not only had he been married and betrayed like that, but also that he was opening up and telling me all of this.

“I decided to surprise her one day by finishing work early, she was always on at me for not spending enough time with her. Anyway, I arrived home and found an unfamiliar car in my driveway; I thought nothing of it as she often had her girlfriends over. Little did I know that Joey had just picked up his new car the day before, and so of course I wouldn‘t recognise it. I caught them together Row. Can you imagine what that did to me? My wife and my fucking best friend? I flipped out for a while, but then I decided not to be some weak pathetic man. No, I was going to toughen up and nothing and no one was going to get in my way again. I decided that all women were gold digging bitches and I’m ashamed to admit that I became a bit of a womaniser for a while. I was getting what I wanted and I didn’t care about them” he explained.

I nodded my head to show that I was still listening.

“And then I met you. Almost immediately I knew you were different, you gave as good as you got and weren‘t going to put up with any shit. It became torture working with you because I didn’t want to feel like that, I tried to put you out of my mind, but I couldn’t and then that one day, I snapped. I couldn’t control myself any longer. This is going to sound bad, but I thought if I could just get you out of my system, then I could move on. But I didn’t. I couldn’t get you out of my mind, I was even dreaming of you. And there were no other women. Once I met you, you were all I wanted” he said with a simple shrug of his shoulders.

“Nick, I was the same. When I first met you, I hated you with a passion; I thought you were an arrogant bastard” I giggled at the thought of it. Now he seemed anything but that.

“Oh yeah, well I guess I deserved to be hated” he admitted with a laugh. “And what do you think of me now? Because I have to tell you, I’m falling in love with you. I tried for ages to deny it, I was scared of getting hurt again I guess, but I just can’t pretend anymore, it’s not fair to you or me”

“As I was saying, I did hate you, but now hmm…” I began to tease him and then decided to put him out of his misery “Nick, I think I’m falling in love with you too”

“And we can’t deny that the sex is fantastic” he said with a mischievous smile.

“Oh god, every time just seems to get better and better” I said and blushed slightly. We’d never talked about sex; we usually just went at it like animals and then ignored each other.

“I have a feeling it will be even better now” he said and wrapped his arms around me tightly, pulling me close.

“Oh yeah?” I asked, testing him.

“Mmm” he said and kissed me. It wasn’t like our usual kissing; this was filled with love and sent tingles to every nerve ending in my body.

“So does this mean no more risky sex in public places?” I asked curiously, looking at him with my best flirty look.

“Fuck no, come on” he said grabbing my hand and leading to a very secluded area of the grounds. There was a wooden arbour tucked away in a corner, surrounded by various climbing plants and lots of shrubs, the fragrance coming off them was gorgeous.

He pulled me onto his lap so that I was straddling him; my dress was bunched up around my hips.

“Mmm, Rowena, I haven’t told you yet how beautiful you look tonight” he said between kisses along my shoulders and neck “god, you taste so good too”

“You don’t look so bad yourself” I said and kissed him deeply, enjoying the taste of him, a mixture of Jack Daniels and something spicy, he was delicious.

I began loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt, I needed some contact with his bare skin on mine. We couldn’t risk taking everything off out here though, so I undid his trousers and slid them down to his ankles, along with his boxers and he removed my underwear and hitched my dress up further.

“Oh fuck Rowena, I want to make love to you every day” he said as I slid down onto him, taking him all in “you feel so good”.

He held onto my hips and guided me up and down his length as I kissed, licked and nipped at his bare skin with my teeth, savouring every visible part of him. I began to ride him harder and faster, wanting as much of him as I could possibly get. He started to thrust his hips up to meet me, holding me tighter, like he couldn’t get enough. He brought one hand down and began rubbing his thumb over my clit, making me moan out loud.

“Oh god…Nick” I screamed out his name as I came. He pulled me down harder onto him and thrust up against me and then he was throwing his head back in ecstasy and letting out a deep guttural sound as he came deep within me.

“That was fucking amazing” he said as we kissed and held each other close. He planted soft kisses all down my neck, along my shoulders and then back up, all the time muttering his love for me.

I ran my fingers through his hair and wondered at how lucky I was. I was here at this glamorous party, with the man that I loved (now I could finally admit it) and he actually loved me back.

“I love you too” I whispered against his ear.

“Come on, we’d better be going back” he said “and I promise, this time I’m not running away from you”