Page 6 of Property of my Boss

“Keep the devil close,” I say like I believe it, though deep down I know I hired her because I wanted to keep staring. “She thinks she’s seducing me, so I’m going to let her think whatever she wants while I get some good labor out of it.”

Atlas laughs hard. Hard and fucking loud.

“Shut the fuck up.” I settle into the chair behind the desk and spin away from him.

“So, you’re busting my balls about shutting down a hundred-thousand-dollar deal while you try and fuck the sheriff’s sister?” He’s laughing even harder now, this time while he opens the creaking door. “Get fucked, man. I’m doing this transfer. If you can keep your hands off that girl you just hired, we’ll be just fine.”

“I’m not touching her. That’s fucked,” I groan, despite the fact that I’m still thinking about it constantly.

“Whatever you say.” Atlas nods, and the door slams shut behind him.

Apparently, we both know I’m full of shit.

Chapter Four

Tilly

The door creaks open, and Tucker steps out of the shop, one heavy boot after the other. “The store looks good. Thanks for cleaning up.”

“You’re welcome,” I say, staring out at the turquoise lake set into the trees. I see why they call this place Serenity Pines. If I were in need of reflection, this is the first place I’d go. “What other physical labor would you like your front desk clerk to do today?”

He laughs under his breath and lowers his heavy frame down next to me on the steps, the breeze blowing his musk straight into my space, like it’s taunting me. Why does he have to smell so good?

“You’re probably good for today if you want to head home. We can start fresh in the morning.”

I glance toward him. “What happened with your friend?”

“Atlas?” He shakes his head. “What do you mean?”

“Seemed like there was some agitation. Did he not know you were hiring someone for the front desk?”

“He’s not in charge of front-end operations, so he doesn’t need to know.” The giant glances toward me, his dark eyes on mine like he’s trying to see behind them. “Why are you really here? I highly doubt you quit nursing to work at a camp store. This has something to do with your brother, doesn’t it? He stopped by my house this morning, asking questions. Then you showed up here looking for a job. Not sure why you told me your brother was the sheriff. Could’ve kept that part a secret.”

My jaw tightens and my stomach flutters with nerves. “Why does it matter what my brother does?”

The man’s eyes bloom with a darkness that I can’t well describe. “Don’t play dumb, princess. It’s not very becoming.”

I stand from the porch, arms crossed as I stare back at him. I should’ve left my shirt off. This pink camp T-shirt isn’t going to keep him in line. “Don’t call me princess.”

“Don’t come onto my property and think you can flirt your way into some answers for your brother.”

I scoff and shake my head. “You know… I’ve never met anyone quite like you.”

“Thank you.” He nods and stands, his thick frame towering.

My clit betrays me, throbbing again as I take in his broad shoulders, wide stance, absorbing the cocky, arrogant attitude he won’t quit with. It’s gross. I should hate it. I do hate it. “That wasn’t a compliment.”

He shrugs. “So why are you here? The truth.”

“I’m here because I needed a job. Have you ever had twelve beds of people to care for? It’s exhausting. One person wants their bed up, the other wants more meds, another to the bathroom, a family member wants to complain, and every single one of those people thinks whatever they need is the most important thing happening in my life.”

He stares at me for a long second. “You know I could run a background check on you and find out the truth, right?”

I grin. “The truth about what? I told you the truth. Is there a reason my brother was at your house this morning? Did you do something wrong?”

He sighs low under his breath as dried leaves tumble in the wind. “I’ve done a lot of things wrong.”

“Like what?”