Page 44 of The Executive Assistant

Cameron placed his hand on my back, rubbing gently as our eyes met. “One of the best ways to relax.”

My heart fluttered as I leaned forward to kiss him out of sheer gratitude. Happiness swelled in my chest like a bubble. “Thank you,” I murmured against his lips.

“Get undressed,” Cameron whispered.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Desire stirred within me as I watched him turn on the hot water to start filling the tub. I reached behind me and unzipped my dress, letting all of my clothes and shoes form a pile on the floor at my feet.

Cameron added bubbles to our bath once the water rose halfway. He took off his clothes, already half-hard as he looked over at me. “Come here.”

I took his hand, letting him help me into the tub. The hot water immediately felt comforting, and the bubbles smelled like lavender. I lowered myself down on one side of the tub, and sighed with pleasure. “Wow, that’s amazing.”

Cameron moved to sit behind me, my back against his chest. “If I ever get rich, I’m getting a tub this big.”

I leaned back against him, my eyes fluttering shut as warm steam lingered in the air. “You could be a CEO.”

“I don’t think I’m cut out for that.”

I glanced over my shoulder at him. “Why not? You’re smart, great with people, organized, and determined. You have all the right traits.”

Cameron shrugged. “I don’t think I want to be a CEO. I just want to do a lot of great work that is impactful, even if I’m under someone.”

I understood that. Being a CEO was a huge challenge, but it was incredibly rewarding too. Getting rich wasn’t the end goal for me, though. I wanted to make something of my own and build it up as big as I could so that it could impact as many people as possible.

Cameron placed his hands on my shoulders, pressing his thumbs into my back to massage me. “That’s part of why I got my master’s. I wanted to be as prepared and knowledgeable as I could before going into the workforce.”

I thought of the first time I’d seen his resume. There’d been that impressive masters degree from a prestigious university, and then…

“I remember there was a gap in your resume, after you graduated. You said you had been overseas. Something about a relative?”

Cameron moved his hands down my back, massaging around the middle. “I did have a corporate job lined up, but before I started, my uncle — Riko’s step-dad — fell ill. Riko was still in high school at the time, and her mom hadto work to support the family, so, I took some time off to look after my uncle. I flew over to Tokyo to help them out.”

“I had no idea.”

“That’s why Riko comes over and cooks so much food. I tell her she doesn’t have to, but it’s how she shows her gratitude.”

“Is your uncle okay?” I asked.

“He’s okay now,” Cameron replied. “It was bad for a while, but he got the treatment he needed.”

“I’m glad,” I said, then paused. “Why did you go? Wasn’t anyone else available?”

“I was the most flexible out of everyone in the family. I hadn’t started my job yet, I didn’t have any kids and I was young. I was the best choice.” He said it matter-of-factly. That was the Cameron I knew — humble and generous. He’d put aside his own career for family.

“You’re a really good guy.” As I said it, I realized how true it was. I’d lusted after him for years, but he was so much more than his good looks. The more time I spent with him, the more I saw just how kind and generous he was.

I felt him shrug behind me. “It was the right thing to do.”

“Not everyone would do the right thing,” I insisted. “It was really selfless of you to do that.”

Then I froze. WouldIput aside Firth Marketing forfamily?

Of course. If my parents were sick, I’d drop everything.

But…what about all the holidays I’d skipped because I had to work? How many times had I missed my parents’ phone calls because I was too busy?

I had to do better. I promised myself to make more time for those I cared about. My family, my friends…and Cameron too.

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