Room One Hundred & Twenty-One: Kiss of Fire

Chapter 1

1

SELENA

“ H ere are your reports, Mr. Kincaid.” I set the stack of papers on my boss’s desk. Without looking up from his computer screen, he nods and dismisses me, barely acknowledging my presence.

After two months of dealing with his cavalier behavior, I’ve grown accustomed to his curtness. When I first started as his assistant, I believed his coldness was reserved only for me, but now I realize that Noah Kincaid is just an asshole.

And yet, no one seems to mind. Or maybe they’re just used to it?

I guess when you’re a gorgeous CEO with that much money, being cold toward others is expected. Maybe that’s par for the course when it comes to hot, billionaire bosses. Unfortunately for me, I have not one, but three of them. And they’re pains in my ass.

On the outside looking in, you’d think I won the lottery by being able to work for sexy, wealthy men. But honestly, every day feels like a test of my restraint. Coming into the office and having to sit for eight hours without throwing myself at them stresses me out to the point I’m on a first name basis with my vibrator.

“Sir.” I turn on my heel and walk toward the door.

As soon as I exit, I’m greeted by silence, giving the false impression that I work in a library versus an impressive office suite on the top floor of Mosaic Inc. It’s just us up here where they have their own gym, pool, kitchen, and conference room.

In the center of it all sits my desk as well as that of Ms. Abernathy, their executive assistant. She’s a strict woman who seems to dislike everyone, but I’m determined to win her over. She used to take care of everything for them, but as the work continued to pile up, they felt she needed an extra set of hands. That doesn’t seem to be the case to me with how efficiently she juggles all her duties and rarely makes any mistakes. But who am I to argue when it means work for me?

I approach my desk, sit down in my seat, and check today’s calendar. As their personal assistant, it’s my job to make their lives easier, which means I no longer have a life of my own. But I’m willing to make the sacrifice if they keep paying me as well as they have been. That money goes a long way toward covering my bills and my mom’s too.

Settling in to work, I notice a new event has been added to the calendar and it’s three days away. It’s a business dinner for Chance, our COO, so I know he’ll want to take his client someplace elegant and exclusive. I bite back a curse, wondering how I’ll secure a reservation with just a few days’ notice. Putting my head down, I get to work and quickly produce a short list of fine-dining options.

“I see you’re as busy as ever, Selena,” a deep voice rumbles from behind me, and I turn to find Chance watching me from his door. He greets me with that easygoing smile he always wears, the one where you can’t help but smile back at him, even though I really want to throw this stapler at his head right now.

“That’s what happens when your bosses have full calendars.” I shrug before muttering under my breath, “And add impromptu events you didn’t know about.”

“A full calendar keeps the money coming in.” He laughs, the remnants of it bouncing off the walls and running through my body.

Chance checks his phone and I take a moment to truly admire his appearance. His forest-green suit looks damn good against his rich-brown skin. With sharp cheekbones and full lips, he’s captivating in the sense that you want nothing more than to be around him. I’ve lost count of how many times women have approached him under the guise of needing help with something, usually a task they do on their own. But as soon as they get near him, they lose their minds and practically throw their panties at him. I can’t blame them though. The man is sexy to a fault.

His hypnotic amber gaze drifts back to me, and I feel my cheeks heat from his attention. If I didn’t say it before, I’ll say it now—Chance Harrison is a god.

“Have you found a place for my meeting with Richard?” he asks, and like a flipped switch, I slip back into my professional persona versus horny single gal who hasn’t gotten laid in months.

“I found some great restaurants for you and Mr. Sampson, but these two are my top picks.” I type in the names on the computer and tilt my screen in Chance’s direction. He leans forward for a better view with one hand resting on the back of my chair and the other flat on my desk, closing me in. He invades my space and I feel my body start to buzz from his magnetic presence.

Get a hold of yourself, girl . He’s your boss.

“This one.” He points to my first choice. “I’ve been there a few times and always enjoy the chef’s selections.” His minty breath slightly rustles a few strands of my hair. “Reserve us a private room.”

A shiver runs down my spine from his proximity.

He’s chosen one of the most expensive sushi places in town. It’s sophisticated and chic, somewhere I could never afford with my salary. But a girl can dream about snagging a coveted reservation for a nine-hundred-dollar Michelin-starred sushi experience . Apparently, it’s so expensive they don’t even call it dinner. Let’s just hope my boss’s name has enough pull to get him and his client in this week. I’ll beg if I have to, whatever it takes to not disappoint him.

“Right away, sir,“ I confirm, already picking up the phone to make the call. When I glance up at Chance, I find his eyes still lingering on me, and his gaze darkens with something I can’t quite place. Then abruptly, with one last look, he stalks off towards Noah’s office, no longer interested in me or his upcoming dinner.

Ignoring the ache I feel from his absence, I punch in the number to the restaurant and make the reservation. It took a lot of convincing and more than a little pleading, but I got it done. Last-minute reservations are always tricky; yet there hasn’t been a problem at this job that I couldn’t solve.

Soft vibrations rattle against my desk, stealing my attention. I glance down at my phone to see the name on the screen before grabbing my cell and walking to the bathroom for a bit of privacy.

“Hi, Mom. Are you okay?”

“Does something have to be wrong for me to speak to my daughter?”

I can practically hear her eyes roll.

“Of course not, but I’m at work.” I sigh. This is a constant argument I have with her. Is it hard not being able to see her? Absolutely, but I need this job to stay afloat. This is the first position that’s made me feel financially secure, which is hard to come by these days.

“If those men of yours can’t even spare you a weekend to come see your mother, then maybe you shouldn’t be working there,” she huffs.

“Mom…” I feel the beginning of a headache coming on.

Does she not believe that I desperately want to see her too? She’s an amazing woman who raised me all on her own. And now, I want to be the one taking care of her. I know that means some sacrifices for us, but I’ll gladly make them if my mother doesn’t have to work so hard and has a little money to treat herself to some extra things.

“I promise I’ll see what I can do,” I assure her. “But this is my job, Mom, and I really do like it, even if I’m working like crazy.”

And that’s the truth. Even though this role takes the majority of my time and energy, I’m good at it. It gives me a sense of pride to know that I’m the woman behind the scenes, making sure that my bosses remain on top of their game. Plus, I get to gaze at their gorgeous faces and tight asses every day. No matter how much they drive me crazy, the sight of them definitely makes up for some of it.

“Okay, honey. I’m sorry. I know you’re at work. I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay and hear your voice. I miss you.” She sounds a bit lonely and I hate it.

“Mom, you don’t have to apologize for wanting to see me. I want to see you too. I promise I’ll try to get home soon, okay?”

We chat for a few more minutes before we say our goodbyes and I step out of the bathroom. But my world tilts upside down when I slam into a hard chest.

“Shit,” I hiss. “I mean—” I rub the tip of my throbbing nose as two hands grasp my shoulders.

When I glance up, Brody Smith is standing there with concern etched on his face. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m sorry. I should watch where I’m going.”

“No, it’s my fault. I didn’t see you.” Tucking his index finger beneath my chin, he slowly lifts my head, giving me a once-over. “Doesn’t look too bad. Just a little red.”

Heat creeps along my cheeks, and I immediately forget any discomfort I might’ve been feeling when I stare into his eyes. “I-I’m fine.” I take a step back as those same vibrant-green eyes scan my face before he agrees.

Then, the corners of his mouth lift and form the most perfect, boyish smile. The kind that tugs at your heart and your pussy at the same time. Out of all my bosses, Brody’s the one I feel most comfortable with. He’s caring and personable, someone who gives you his full attention no matter what you’re talking about.

My gaze drags over his muscular physique and I barely refrain from gawking at him. Today, he’s casually dressed in a relaxed white button down with the sleeves rolled up revealing strong, corded forearms. His jeans are a faded blue that complements his expensive cognac-brown loafers.

His smooth, honeyed voice brings my gaze back to his. “How’s your day going?”

“Oh, I… I’m good, Mr. Smith. How are you?” He’s yet to remove his warm, heavy hands from my shoulders and his touch short-circuits my thoughts.

“I’m well. Just finished a few designs for the meeting this afternoon.”

He’s referring to the clients from OC coming in to discuss their promotional campaign. They have the newest energy drink on the market and people have been raving about it for weeks. It provides a healthy dose of vitamin C, caffeine, and amino acids, with a sweet tangerine flavor. Brody gave me a few samples to try and I loved it.

He’s been in his office all morning finishing up his concept to pitch to the group. He’s phenomenal at conveying a message through his artistic designs, but once he focuses on something, nothing can tear his attention away. Not even sleep, which is apparent from the smidge of darkness beneath his eyes. I know he’s worked hard on this, even though he could’ve easily handed it off to his team. But some projects the man likes to do himself, and I must say I greatly respect him for that.

“I’m sure whatever you came up with, it’ll be great. They chose Mosaic to advertise their brand because they believe in your talent and what we can do for them.”

Brody smiles as I reassure him.

“So, maybe take a break before the meeting. Get some food and relax. You need to be on your A-game when they get here. I’ll take care of everything else for you. I promise.”

He looks slightly taken aback before a grin appears on his ruggedly handsome face. Maybe he doesn’t hear it enough that he needs to take better care of himself, but I certainly don’t mind telling him. However, the moment is short-lived when he drops his hands from my shoulders and clears his throat.

“Thank you for your concern. I’ll let you get back to work.” Then he walks off like nothing happened.

I’ve grown used to my bosses retreating from me as if they suddenly remember I’m just the help . It doesn’t even faze me anymore and I disregard this interaction like I have all the others. I return to my desk and continue with my work, keeping my head down for the next several hours.

Before I know it, it’s time to go home, but I hear the sound of stilettos clacking against the floor. I glance at our shared calendar but don’t see anything on the books, so I’m confused when I turn around to find Ms. Abernathy escorting a woman to Noah’s office. My coworker subtly shakes her head and gives me a look that says I shouldn’t ask any questions. But I’m curious about the beautiful woman in the designer trench coat with shiny blond hair and bright-blue eyes.

I watch as she enters the room where Noah sits in his chair, staring at her while Chance takes her hand and places a kiss on her knuckles. I’ve seen him greet numerous women before but never with a gesture like that. It feels intimate and I’m immediately jealous—although I have no right to be.

Every fiber of my being is telling me to look anywhere else and mind my business. But I can’t. I want to know who she is and why the men I’ve been longing for are giving her attention. My breath hitches as something feral builds inside me. I stand, ready to storm out before I make a fool of myself, as I watch my three bosses hungrily eyeing this woman like she’s their prey.

Then Noah’s gaze cuts to mine and I freeze.

His stare is dark and intense as if he dares me to turn away from him. Heat pulses between my thighs and I clench them together to stave off the tension. Chance moves in front of the woman while Brody stands behind her, pulling her hair to one side before kissing her neck. I’m so envious I could scream when his lips move below her ear and he nibbles at her flesh.

My jaw tenses and I fist my hands at my sides. Why am I upset that they’re with her? Does Noah really want me to see this? And why the fuck haven’t I left yet?

Before I allow the hurt and confusion to take hold of me, I grab my purse and run.