Page 27 of Boss with Benefits

Brady hung his head for a moment and sighed. “Sorry, bud. I think this is a decision I have to make on my own.”

Chapter Six

Three days later, Brady realized he hadn’t seen any indication of anyone following Jessica. It was a good sign. Still, he worried about her to the point of distraction. He couldn’t work. Couldn’t sleep. Her custody problem tormented him night and day. He had to find a way to help her keep her son before it was too late. The bad idea he’d hinted at with Deacon in his last office visit lingered in the back of his mind. Should he do it? Should he take such a huge risk?

He stepped out of his office and looked over the seated employees to view Jessica in her office. Since the door was open, he could see her sitting behind her desk. She was on the phone, tapping her pen against the wood surface. It was a nervous habit she often displayed at work. He secretly thought it was adorable.

Her golden hair fell in waves over one shoulder. He remembered how silky those strands felt between his fingers, and he wanted to experience that feeling again. If he implemented his risky plan, he’d be able to touch her whenever he wanted.

A few of his employees looked up at him with the same unspoken question in their eyes. They obviously thought he wanted something. He shook his head at them and moved closer to Jessica’s office door. Feeling awkward, he rapped his knuckles against the wood twice to let her know he was there. When she glanced up, he gave her a curt nod.

She said goodbye to the person on the other end of the line. “What do you need?” she asked before clearing her throat. Another nervous habit. “I have a lot on my plate today. Do you need something?”

He entered the office and closed the door behind him. “I need to know how things are going with you. Have you talked to my law team again? Do you have a plan yet?”

She leaned back in her chair and sighed. “No. I haven’t spoken toMr.Haverdashsince our first meeting.”

“What about a house? Are you still pursuing that?”

“I have a real estate agent looking, but she wasn’t exactly encouraging. It’s a tough market, and I can’t just buy any old stupid house. I have to find one in a good neighborhood with a nice backyard and decent schools. That might take some time, more time than I have.”

He took the chair opposite hers with the desk between them and stared at her in silence. The weight of the upcoming custody battle was already taking a toll on her. He was used to seeing her positive, upbeat side. The woman practically glowed most days, and her smile could light up the darkest of tunnels. Today, she appeared on the verge of tears.

“Is there anything I can do?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Nothing.”

“Maybe you should take some time off.”

Her head snapped up, and she glared at him. “Are you suggesting I quit working? How would that look to Randy’s lawyer? Mr. Haverdash told me Randy has a steady job, and my position here is about the only thing I have going for me at the moment.”

He hadn’t thought of that. He’d offered her a mini-vacation because it would give her extra time with her son. But she was right. The court would probably see it as her not being serious about providing for her child.

“If you need to use me as a character witness, you know I’ll do it.” He circled her desk and pulled her to her feet. With his hands on her shoulders, he gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. They lit up like pools of living water. “I can tell the judge how hard you work, and I can swear you’re a great mother. I’ve never seen a woman more devoted to her kid.”

She smiled, and he relaxed.

“Thank you,” she said. “I may have to take you up on that.”

“It would be my great pleasure.”

He kissed her.

When she didn’t pull away or protest, he kissed her again. The second kiss lasted longer, and his tongue teased her slightly parted lips. Passion erupted in his gut. He couldn’t hold back. His hands slid down to her shapely butt, and he squeezed the pliable flesh, bringing her closer to his desire.

His groin tightened. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted a woman. What was it about Jessica Bishop that set his good intentions on fire? If he didn’t have her back in his bed soon, he’d lose his mind.

She pushed him away. Gently.

He took a step back, and his arms dropped to his sides. “What’s wrong?”

“I am swearing off men until this whole mess is over. Remember the detective?”

“I don’t think anyone is watching you. I’ve been on the lookout for someone suspicious.”

“Maybe not, but I can’t take any chances. Axl is more important to me than anyone or anything.”

Envy filled his heart, and he wondered what it would feel like to have someone feel that way about him. His own mother hadn’t cared enough to keep him safe from an abusive father. In his thirty-two years, he hadn’t experienced love with anyone.Unless you counted the rabid fans of his work who sometimes stalked him.

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