What if this arrangement raises eyebrows? My reputation as CEO is important, and I’ve worked too hard to gain respect in my industry.
Having a young assistant living with me could raise some serious questions.
I think of my family and friends. Their judgment might break my heart.
Yet, despite the risks, I can’t deny that Tasha is the best thing that’s happened to me in years. She brings a youthful spark into my otherwise serious existence. Her laughter, her passion…everything about her is refreshing, like rain on a hot summer day.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt this way, and it makes me question if I’m really ready to give up on what we have just for the sake of appearances.
As I stand in my kitchen, staring into the distance, I weigh the pros and cons of Tasha living with me. On one hand, there’s the age gap. I’m pushing fifty, while she’s in her twenties.
What could we possibly have in common aside from the job I hired her to do? Will I come off as a creep?
And then there’s the obvious issue of her being my employee. If anyone finds out about her living with me, it could lead to whispers and rumors that could jeopardize both of our careers.
Yet, looking at it from another angle, having her around could be just what I need.
Tasha challenges me, pushes me to think outside the box. With her, I find myself smiling more often.
I can’t remember the last time I felt so alive. It’s invigorating to have someone in my life who isn’t tied to my past or my responsibilities. But can I really keep this professional while we are living together? What if my feelings grow even stronger?
Trying to suppress the stirrings of attraction that rise at the very thought of her being nearby all the time, I shake my head.
This arrangement could lead to trouble, but the thought of losing her, of her leaving to chase a new life in Vegas, feels worse. She’s become a part of my daily routine, and the idea of her not being around at all stings more than I expected.
I head to the kitchen, where Dana is wiping down the counters. She’s a sweet woman with bright white hair and an infectious smile. With my thoughts swirling, I decide to take action on the things I can put in motion.
“Dana, I need you to get the spare bedroom ready for a guest who might be staying for a while,” I say, trying to sound casual.
She lifts an eyebrow, surprised. A smile spreads across her face. “Oh really? Who’s moving in?”
“Tasha Daniels,” I reply, mentally bracing for her reaction.
Dana’s eyes light up, and she nods. “That’s your newest hire, right? The waitress turned assistant? Well, it’ll be nice to have some female company for once. You know, someone to balance out all that testosterone in this house.”
I chuckle, feeling heat creep up my neck. “It’s not like that, Dana. She just needs a place to stay for now.”
“Sure, sure,” she says coyly, clearly not convinced. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Brody. I get it. I’ll let you off the hook if I see any late-night guests in your wing of the house.”
I roll my eyes, but deep down, I feel excited trepidation about this new arrangement. As Dana starts gathering fresh linens, I can’t shake the feeling that my life is about to get a lot more interesting.
Lying in bed that night, staring up at the ceiling, I imagine the look on Tasha’s face as I fucked her on my desk today.
I think of the sound of her voice muffled by my hand over her mouth, the way my name sounded on her lips.
This might be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Or the worst.
Chapter Eight
Tasha
The headlights of my old car slice through the murky night.
The city is still shrouded in darkness as I navigate the quiet streets. I couldn’t sleep at all, my mind swirling with thoughts of Brody’s offer to live in his guest wing.
The idea of sharing space with him sends a deep flutter of excitement and deep anxiety through me.