What a Girl Needs

Book Two in Indecent Proposals

Aimée Duffy

A division of HarperCollinsPublishers

www.harpercollins.co.uk

Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Aimée Duffy

About HarperImpulse

About the Publisher

HarperImpulse an imprint of

HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd

77–85 Fulham Palace Road

Hammersmith, London W6 8JB

www.harpercollins.co.uk

First published in Great Britain by HarperImpulse 2014

Copyright © Aimee Duffy 2014

Cover images © Shutterstock.com

Aimee Duffy asserts the moral right

to be identified as the author of this work.

A catalogue record for this book is

available from the British Library

This novel is entirely a work of fiction.

The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are

the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to

actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is

entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved under International

and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

By payment of the required fees, you have been granted

the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access

and read the text of this e-book on screen.

No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted,

downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or

stored in or introduced into any information storage and

retrieval system, in any form or by any means,

whether electronic or mechanical, now known or

hereinafter invented, without the express

written permission of HarperCollins.

Ebook Edition © March 2014

ISBN: 9780007540297

Version 2014-09-26

Digital eFirst: Automatically produced by Atomik ePublisher from Easypress.

I definitely need to dedicate this one to Susan Thomson. The conversations we've had will keep the ideas flowing for years!

Chapter 1

Dear Sally,

I read your column weekly but never thought I’d be writing this email. The truth is there’s something wrong with me. I can’t climax. I’ve never been able to, and my recent ex told me this was normal for some women. Not the women I know. Was he telling the truth? Sometimes it feels like I’m the only one.

Yours,

Anonymous

Georgia Lewis forced herself to leave it at that. It was one thing to think of herself as a freak, another to sign off using the label. Moving the mouse over the mat provided by Briggs Department Stores, she tried to click ‘send’, but her finger wouldn’t obey the command.

Frustrated, she let go of the mouse and raked a hand through her hair, pushing it out of her face. She couldn’t be the only woman in New York who’d never experienced what her friends kept banging on about, could she? Plus she’d created a false email address so none of Sally’s Sexual Help readers would know it was her who sent it in, so what did it matter?

She needed to pull on her big-girl panties and send the damn thing. Maybe then she’d be able to concentrate on the end-of-year accounts on her desk. After all, she was here to work, not worry about body parts that didn’t function correctly.

Resolved, she reached for the mouse again. Her desk phone rang and she stifled a sigh. Abandoning the mouse, she picked up the phone.

‘Accounts Department,’ she answered, though she could hardly call it that, more ‘two women forgotten in closets at the back of the building.’

‘Georgia, I need the buying accounts for last month.’

His deep voice made her skin prickle, like it always did. She shook off the weird sensation. He was her new boss; until his father got better anyway, and she’d never let herself look at him any other way. Okay, maybe she had on occasion, when she trailed behind him in the hall. Who wouldn’t check out an ass like his? It was high and firm and utterly squeezable.

‘Sure, Maxton. I’ll get them ready.’

‘Georgia…’

She rolled her eyes. ‘Max. Sorry.’

Hard to break a habit of a lifetime. His father, Maxton Briggs the First, never allowed his name to be shortened.

But it was Maxton Briggs the Second running the show now.

‘You’d better. I’d hate to have to punish you.’

He disconnected the call leaving her staring at the receiver. Heat rose in her cheeks and her heart hammered in her chest. He didn’t mean…

No, he didn’t. He was joking. God. She had to get a grip. Sexual frustration was driving her to think her boss was flirting with her. And sure, Max was less formal than his father, and she supposed a good guy to work for, but since his break-up, which was unfortunately witnessed by half the staff at Briggs, he wasn’t his usual happy-go-lucky self. Not to mention a little bit weird. Though she couldn’t blame him for that.

She rose so quickly she left her swivel chair spinning. Pulling open the cabinet drawer, she shuffled the slings until she came across the empty one which should have housed the file he wanted.

‘Damn it.’

The sooner she gave Max the file and sent him on his merry way, the better. Usually she struggled to keep her thoughts from rolling off her tongue around everyday people; with him around it was impossible. And the boss didn’t need to know what she thought of his ass, or how hot he looked in one of those charcoal suits with the silk ties. Or even about those dreams she’d had starring Maxton the Second, and very little in the way of clothes.

Well, apart from his ties. The silk ones, though, he never wore them as such. Either they were around her wrists securing her to her bed frame, or sometimes she dressed in nothing but a tie and pair of skyscraper stilettos.

A flush spread over her body, flooding into her lower tummy and making her shiver. Shit, she had to stop thinking about ties. None of it was knowledge she wanted to share with him.

Girl, the file. Get the damn file.

A quick glance around the hole she called an office didn’t help. Loose papers and an old coffee mug hid a desk she remembered was mahogany. Stacks of blue files were piled in a corner next to a half-dead plant. The file she was looking for was beige. On top of the filing cabinets? She hadn’t touched that area in a year and the inch of dust confirmed it.

Then it clicked. She’d left it with Janice to double-check the final reports.

Taking off at full speed – for a woman in five inch stilettos anyway – she bolted next door. Janice was on the phone, twirling a lock of her permed shoulder-length hair that was now more gray than brown. Her mentor blew a bubble of pink gum while she nodded, even though the person on the other end of the line couldn’t see her.

Georgia crossed the room and stabbed the bubble with her super-sharp new manicure, catching Janice’s full attention. She mouthed ‘buying accounts’ and, thank God, Janice knew what she meant. She rummaged around her equally cluttered desk for what felt like an age.

Georgia briefly wondered if she had a mentor who was organized, she’d follow suit, but quickly dismissed it when an image of her unruly bedroom popped into her mind. Thank God her roommate Eloisa had OCD when it came to cleaning or their apartment would never be fit for company.

Janice mumbled what sounded like an agreement into the phone while she located the file. Grabbing it, Georgia called a quick ‘Thanks’ over her shoulder and she was off again.

Her journey back was frantic, especially since she noticed the empty hall. The water cooler two doors away was usually circled by the gossip crew come three-thirty, and their absence made the hairs on the back of Georgia’s neck stand to attention.

Oh, but it was much, much worse than she could imagine.

When she got to the doorway of her room, all six foot four of male glory was already on her chair, facing her computer with a frown above his deep-blue eyes. His dirty-blond hair was neater than usual, swept away from his face, but the waves made her think of him rolling out of bed after he’d just run his hand through it. Or worse, like she’d just run her hands through it, pulling him down into a kiss that would melt her panties.

Quit it. He’s my boss.

But then the blood drained from her face, leaving it numb. Her whole body froze as she stared at him wide-eyed, comprehension slamming into her mind. Who’d have thought mortification could paralyze someone? Not her. Until now.

She forced herself to unfreeze and took a step into the room. Pulling on her best ‘what the hell are you doing?’ glare, she cleared her throat.

Max straightened and turned to her with his full lips parted.

Georgia refused to let herself look at his mouth and focused on being mad—completely ignoring the fact she’d been using working hours, not to mention the company’s internet connection, to try and fix her sex life. Or current lack of one. After all, no guy wanted the ego beating of bedding her.

‘What are you doing?’ she demanded. But she’d never live the shame of this one down. Her boss now knew she was a freak.

Max stood, ran a hand down the front of his suit to smooth imaginary wrinkles, or because he was stumped at what to do. He cleared his throat, but before he could say a word, Georgia took control of the situation and shoved the file into his hands.

‘Everything you need is in there, now if you’ll excuse me I have work to do.’ And shame to live down, but she could do that without an audience thank you very much.

‘Georgia—’

‘Don’t.’ She shook her head, fighting back the burn creeping up her neck.

He eyed her for what felt like an hour, studying her with an intensity that made the blush spread. She cleared the way to the door and headed toward the filing cabinets, hating the attention he was paying her. Especially now he knew. God, a man like him, all virile male with testosterone seeping from every one of his pores, was the last person in the world she’d want to think she was a freak.

The door to her office clicked closed and she heaved a sigh of relief, which turned into a squeak as she turned around to see he was still standing there. He’d ditched the file on top of a bunch of papers on her desk, and had his arms folded across his chest. The delicate material of his suit jacket pulled tight over trim muscles, and she had to force herself to focus on his face.

‘There’s nothing wrong with you,’ he said.

‘Excuse me?’

But she’d heard him and understood what he was referring to. Eloisa had often been in predicaments she’d described as so embarrassing she wished a hole would open in the ground and suck her in. Georgia had never understood, since nothing normally embarrassed her, and if she started to feel uncomfortable she took herself out of the situation. But right now, with nowhere to run—unless she wanted to climb out the window and take her chances with the two-story drop—and all of her failings as a woman laid bare for her boss, Georgia understood her friend’s words perfectly. She’d have to grit her teeth and get through this, showing as little emotion as possible. And bite her tongue. The last thing she needed was her runaway mouth making this a hundred times worse.

Why the hell had she left that email open?

‘You heard me.’ Max thrust his chin in the direction of the computer and her cheeks caught fire, or felt like they did anyway. ‘What kind of jerks have you been dating?’

Anger leaked into his tone and she wondered if Mr. Mood Swing was paying a visit. She squared her shoulders. ‘That’s not your business. None of this is.’

One brow rose over his incredulous eyes. ‘When you use company time to worry about your sex life, it becomes my business.’

Georgia’s quick tongue deserted her. He was right, she should have waited until she’d gone home, but Eloisa or Shey could have caught her, which struck her as horrifying. This situation made her friends’ teasing seem like lying in the bath with her favorite scented salts after a hard day.

He took a step closer and she had to force herself to meet his eyes. They were stormy-blue now and focused on her in a way that made her blood race faster. Was it anger? Or something else? Closed into the crappy closet that acted as an office with him was unnerving, especially when a line formed above his brow and his jaw clenched tight.

Georgia’s heart kicked up double time as she imagined a formal warning coming. Maybe he would even can her on the spot. Was what she did a violation of her contract? She couldn’t remember.

Biting back her pride, she said, ‘I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.’

Both brows shot up this time, and his arms unfolded. Messing up that wavy hair of his with a drag of his hand, he blew out a breath. ‘That’s not why I’m pissed, actually. I’m pissed because a selfish jerk made you feel like there was something wrong with you.’

His eyes softened and she felt the pull of their connection right down to her toes. This was not what she was expecting. Her heart sped again but it had nothing to do with fear of losing her job.

‘This is going to sound crazy.’ Max’s gaze dropped to the floor for a second, and the frown was back. When he looked at her again, determination etched across his handsome face, making her stomach swarm. ‘I think we could help each other out.’

‘I don’t understand.’ But she was starting to, though maybe that was wishful thinking. No, she shook the unruly thoughts away. She had to work with him, for cripes sakes.

His jaw tightened. ‘I’m sure you heard the rumors after the Halloween party.’

Georgia nodded, remembering walking past the gossip circle down the hall where they had all whispered that Max’s ex, Clarissa, was all over some guy dressed as Dracula, though she hadn’t bothered listening to the specifics.

‘She’s with him now. He’s one of our designers.’

His voice was void of emotion and his expression a mask. To hide his pain at losing his love, or maybe his anger at being betrayed, Georgia didn’t know.

Max took a deep breath. ‘My father still controls what designers we sign. As you know he likes to treat them to nights out to keep them from giving up their work to the competition. Since his health’s deteriorating, I’m expected to play host at the parties.’

Georgia felt some of her own shame drain out of her, to be filled with a sad understanding. If the guy brought his date, Max’s ex, he’d be forced into their company again. ‘I’m—’

He held a hand out. ‘I don’t want your pity, I’m telling you because you could help me out on that score.’

Her brows furrowed. ‘How?’

‘Come with me to all the social events. As my girlfriend.’

Georgia’s lips parted on a gasp. ‘You can’t be serious.’

It was clear from his tone he was dead serious. ‘In return I’ll show you that you are normal, that you can—’

‘Stop.’

The shame burned back, along with something else that made her lower belly warm and tingly. She covered it with her hands, hoping to quell the sensations. No such luck. Especially when she’d just been imagining herself with him, doing all those things and more. That was fantasy, though; this was reality and it could never happen.

‘You’re my boss. That would be…’

Insane, delicious, even more embarrassing when he had solid proof she was a freak, and yet seriously tempting.

‘Inappropriate, I know.’ He stepped closer again and she backed up, knocking over the night-of-the-living-dead plant in the process. ‘But it would benefit us both.’

His gaze got hot, then dipped to her mouth. On reflex she licked her lips, but cursed the second she did. She wasn’t encouraging him. No way. Even if her panties were soaking at the thought of him dropping to his knees and hitching her skirt around her waist.

She couldn’t let herself think about being with him. Couldn’t allow the fantasy to form – well, this new one anyway. Shit, shit, shit.

Grasping for anger, she said, ‘Let me get this straight. You want to save face in front of your ex and pay me in sexual favors when really, the only one getting anything from that would be you. I’m nobody’s free hooker. Go find yourself another woman who’ll pant all over you.’

Screw the fact he was supposed to be her boss. He’d crossed the line first.

Max took a step back, surprise widening his eyes. ‘Georgia, I don’t see you like that. I never have.’

‘You’ve never seen me. Not as more than an employee.’ She slammed her mouth shut before she gave away anything else to this man.

Frowning at her, he picked up the file. ‘That’s bullshit Georgia, and you know it.’

She pressed her lips together and glared at him, fighting the urge to open her mouth and let far more than she should roll off her tongue.

He let himself out, but before he closed the door behind him, he threw over his shoulder, ‘This isn’t the end of the conversation.’

‘You’ll get the same answer every time,’ she let slip.

His slow grin made her heart stutter. ‘We’ll see.’

* * * *

Georgia was the third wheel. Again.

Shey was laughing at something Calvin had said, but Georgia wasn’t focused much on their conversation. She was too busy pushing the pasta around her plate. Max’s proposal earlier was playing on her mind; building up a storm of burning emotions she could only assume was anger.

‘Georgia, you okay?’ Shey asked.

She wanted to snip back with, what do you think? but bit her tongue. Everything grated at her since she got home to find Calvin teaching Shey how to cook. They looked disgustingly happy, with huge grins and puppy-dog eyes, as they moved around the kitchen.

Which was her first cue that she was not feeling like herself. Shey’s happiness made her happy, or it usually did.

Damn Max for offering his stud services. Damn her for wanting them.

She could only imagine what he was like in bed. His body was built, could probably give her the best work-out of her life. All power, ego and sex on legs. It wouldn’t make a damn bit of difference, though. He couldn’t make her come, no man had and she’d lost hope a long time ago any of them could.

‘This pasta’s really good. He’ll make a decent cook out of you yet,’ Georgia said, hoping Shey would drop it.

Calvin glanced at Shey, then turned to her. ‘Do you want me to leave so you two can talk?’

Georgia’s throat got thick, and she tried to swallow against it. Calvin understood how close they all were and she knew he would go home if that was what she needed. Which, regardless of how much Shey loved Georgia, would make her friend unhappy. With Shey’s new job, the couple hardly had much time together as it was.

She tried to dial her pissy mood down a notch. ‘No, stay. I’m sorry.’

The lovebirds shared a look that said they didn’t buy it. Georgia’s skin prickled with irritation, but she ignored them and skewered a hunk of pasta. Forcing it into her mouth, she made herself chew, barely registering the oregano or tomato flavors.

What the hell was she going to do? Work was going to be more than awkward, especially if Max insisted on having that conversation again. Though the thing that played on her the most was the way he told her she’d been wrong that he’d never looked at her.

And she had to admit she’d noticed, but it had been so much safer thinking she was imagining it. Better for them both if she was the only one having hot and heavy dreams about Max swiping all the crap off her desk and taking her there, or against the filing cabinets, or even in the changing rooms of the store.

‘Georgia, spill it. You look like you want to pounce on something.’

If only Shey knew.

Her friend’s golden eyes burned with determination as she waited for Georgia to say something. Both her roomies knew her well enough to know she’d never lie, and they also knew her too well to be led astray by evading their questions.

Seeing no way around it, Georgia shrugged. ‘Something happened at the office today. With my boss.’

‘The one with the hot ass?’ Shey asked, and was admonished by a glare from Calvin. She patted his hand. ‘Her words. You know I think yours is—’

‘Woah, too much information, Shey. I think my pasta’s about to take a return trip.’ Georgia was only half-joking. She’d heard more than enough on their Friday nights out when Eloisa and Shey wouldn’t shut up about all the amazing kinky sex they’d had. Which Shey was still having.

Though he’d been smiling at Shey, when Calvin turned to Georgia his expression was serious. ‘He isn’t harassing you, is he?’

Georgia thought about what Max had said. It was inappropriate, sure. And, well, a little insulting. And oh so very tempting. But he hadn’t pushed, hadn’t made a move to do more. She was certain that after she put her foot down with enough force to snap a spiky heel, he’d back off.

‘No. He propositioned me.’ Her stomach tingled just thinking about it.

‘How?’ Shey asked.

Georgia sighed. ‘He asked me to be his… fake girlfriend, with all the benefits.’

Shey’s chin dropped, but she recovered quickly. ‘I don’t get it. Why fake?’

That was something she hadn’t asked herself until now. ‘I don’t know.’

Could he still be hung up on his ex? Maybe he thought having Georgia at his side would make Clarissa jealous and take him back? And as a way of saying thanks he’d have a go at making the woman who’d never had an orgasm come.

A shudder ran through her and her stomach turned over.

‘You can report him for sexual harassment if this gets out of hand,’ Calvin said.

With the frown he was sporting and his clenched jaw, Georgia guessed he’d like to do a lot more than make a complaint about him.

Shey squeezed his arm. ‘Trust me, Georgia can look after herself. Right?’

The last part was directed at her and she nodded, but wasn’t sure if it was the truth this time. Calvin’s frown deepened, obviously he didn’t agree with his girl.

‘She’s right. Maxton Briggs the Second isn’t any different from other guys who’ve been on the end of a tongue lashing from me.’

But none of those other men had been her boss and Georgia hadn’t wanted them like she wanted Max. No, she wanted to give him a different kind of tongue lashing altogether. Damn she had to stop fantasizing like this. She had to be proactive, had to think of a diplomatic way to deal with this. Thank God Eloisa walked in then, because if anyone knew where she stood in situations like this it was the newly qualified attorney of the house.

Georgia told her friends the full story.

Chapter 2

As Georgia made her way to Max’s office the next day, she was resolved to stop him from pushing her before it got out of hand. Last night she’d stayed up late with the girls and Calvin. She now had a plan of attack.

Offense was the best form of defense, after all.

Max’s PA frowned when she entered the hall, but Georgia didn’t stop. She walked right past the desk, making a beeline for his office at the far side of the lobby. Her heels clattered on the polished wooden floor. The place was big enough to host a pitch-and-put tournament, unlike the cramped hole she’d been shoved into, and that just annoyed her more.

‘You can’t go in there!’ the woman trilled.

Georgia heard shuffling, then footsteps but she didn’t spare the woman a glance. Her stomach was bubbling with the thought of opening his door, seeing him, and having her plans crash and burn. Arguing with his PA would only give her more time to chicken out.

She pushed his door wide and stormed right in. Max was on a call, grinning at something the other person had said. Her heart stilled as she took in his black shirt which was rolled up his forearms, silver tie knotted loosely and his wavy hair pushed back from his face.

Oh hell. She could just clear his desk right now, lie down with her legs spread and ask him to give it his best shot. He’d never looked so casual and relaxed, yet so completely fuckable that everything flew from her mind and her body revved up for his.

His PA was beside Georgia in a heartbeat, then urging her back out the door with a hand on her forearm. Georgia snapped out of her daytime fantasy and glared at the woman. She took a step back.

With an apology, Max ended his call.

‘I’m so sorry, Mr. Briggs. I couldn’t stop her.’

Nothing would have stopped her. Except maybe busted kneecaps, but his PA was too meek to dare.

‘It’s okay, Lucy. Leave us and close the door.’

‘But Mr. Briggs, your next appointment is due soon.’ Lucy wasn’t giving up.

His smile was easy, like this happened to him every day. ‘Tell them I won’t be long if they arrive before this meeting’s over.’

The way he looked at her, like he was down with the plan to screw six ways till Sunday on his desk, left no doubt in her mind about how attracted to her he was. Georgia had to swallow hard and lock her shaky knees so she didn’t abandon her plan there and then and jump straight on him.

Lucy frowned at Georgia before she left. Maybe barging into his office wasn’t the best idea she’d had. With little to no sleep the night before and her body vibrating with nerves all morning, she didn’t want to put this off any longer. Only thing was, now she was here the perfectly polite speech she’d practiced dropped out of her head, like she hadn’t spent an hour going over it, in front of a mirror, to practice keeping the bitchy out of her expression.

Instead all she could focus on was his throat and the flash of skin showing where two buttons had been left undone. A hot flush spread up her neck, and also down, until the tingly feeling in the pit of her stomach came back.

‘Something I can help you with?’ he asked, his eyes flicking down her body.

She fought the urge to tug at the hem of her skirt – though whether to hike it up or down a bit, she didn’t know.

‘What you said yesterday—’

‘Take a seat.’

She did, on one of the chairs at the other side of his desk. Not because he’d told her to, but because her legs had started to shake and sitting would be the safer option. ‘Yesterday when you—’

‘Look.’ Max held his hands up.

Her eyes narrowed and again she had to keep her mouth shut before she said something she’d regret. Eventually. Maybe.

‘It came out wrong, okay? I didn’t come to ask if you wanted to start a fling,’ he said, his expression serious.

Great, now all she could think about was that he didn’t really want her and her lungs cramped. She sucked in a few breaths until the jerky movements faded. ‘What did you mean?’

Max raked a hand through his hair. ‘I did want you to come to the late summer ball with me at the end of the week, and it would be a bonus if you agreed to pretend to be my date. But when I saw the email I wanted to choke all the bastards that had treated you like a blow-up doll and I lost my head.’

Georgia frowned. He’d totally blown her out of the water. Especially now that it sounded like… ‘So you thought offering a few pity fucks might sweeten the deal for me?’

She slammed her teeth shut with a clatter and her gaze dropped to his desk. Eyeing the stapler, she wondered if it would clip her tongue to the bottom of her mouth. Maybe that way she’d be forced to think before she spoke.

‘Georgia.’

His voice dripped with command and she couldn’t not meet his eyes again. They were hard, just like his expression. Shit, she’d gone too far. Then his tone changed again.

‘You’re very beautiful. From the first day I came here and saw you get out of that little red car, I wanted you. Then you leaned in and kissed that…’ Max’s jaw tightened. ‘Guy. I was pissed off because I was attracted to you and I had no idea if you were serious with the guy. I tried to keep away as much as I could after that.’

She couldn’t do anything except blink at him. To have him say he wanted her…

Her heart was going too fast, pumping hot blood around her body, including the inappropriate parts. She had to squeeze her knees together, but it didn’t stop the pulsing between her legs. He’d no doubt used that low, seductive tone on purpose, probably knowing it made women melt. Well, she was damned if she’d let him see the effect it had on her; she was nobody’s pity ride.

She’d never been this turned on, or pissed off.

‘Knowing you’re single now makes me want you more. And I know you want me too. It’s pointless trying to deny it.’

She had to stop her jaw from dropping. The arrogant, condescending, pigheaded ass. There was no way he could know what she felt. She didn’t know what she felt.

‘How can you be so sure of yourself?’

Irritation bubbled just under the surface. She knew this conversation was getting dangerous, because her hand itched to slap that self-assured smirk right off his face.

‘I know when a woman’s checking me out. And right now? Your cheeks are flushed, your pupils are dilated and you’re squirming in the seat like you need something between your legs. It’s obvious you want me.’

Max spoke the words with such confidence, she wished she could force the lie out that she’d never thought of him in that way.

What the hell was she doing anyway? She was here to end this conversation for good, preferably in a way that meant she still got to keep her job. Briggs wasn’t exactly her dream, but she was left alone to get on with her work. And it had perks, like the huge discounts on the amazing clothes and shoes. She never imagined fucking the boss would be a perk she couldn’t have.

Still, it was time to say what she came here to. ‘What you said yesterday was inappropriate and offensive. It crossed the line and broke sexual harassment laws put in place for a reason.’

The smile slipped and his expression hardened. His blue eyes glinted like chips of ice and she shrunk back into the chair. Not because she was scared, but because she was suddenly melting on the inside, wondering what hot angry sex with him would be like.

Would he tear her blouse open, popping the buttons? Rip her skirt right up the slit for easy access? Bend her over the desk, teasing her with his fingers while he pounded into her, pushing her toward her first-ever orgasm? Her clit throbbed as her lacy panties soaked through.

Forcing herself back to reality, she realized it would probably be the same as sex with any other man. A huge bitch-slap colored with disappointment.

‘I won’t harass you, Georgia, but I will have you in my bed. That’s a fact, and not just because I want to fuck you so bad. You want me, too, and you need a man who isn’t a selfish bastard.’

‘Please, you have no idea what I need.’ She meant the words to slice through him, but her ability to castrate a guy with her tongue had deserted her. His comments made her breathy, almost pant, and she squirmed a little at the way heat arrowed right between her legs.

The smile came back. ‘I know exactly what you need.’

Max rose, then rounded the desk. He hauled her to her feet by her shoulders, but despite the speed he moved her it didn’t hurt. His palms were gentle cupped around her arms and he pulled her close. A glance down was all she needed to see how hot he was for her. How much he really did want to fuck her. A little wordplay and he was half-mast. Her lacy boy shorts were soaked.

She had to pull back and not just because he was her boss. In the scheme of things, that didn’t matter. Max would know if she faked it. He didn’t seem the type who needed his ego stroked with her moans. His was so inflated with over-confidence she had no doubt he knew how to deliver on his promises. What he was suggesting they do was too tempting.

But it didn’t mean he could get her off. She was strong, despite the way his proximity screwed with her senses. And she had her pride. Maybe she wouldn’t be a pity fuck, but she would just be a tool for him to face off against his ex, or maybe even get her back. Georgia would just be a screw to fill the gap.

Hell. No. Max’s place was solely in her fantasies, where he could almost make her come with just a look. That way was safer: it meant he’d never know how much of a freak she was.

She pushed out of his hold and knocked the chair over as she backed toward the door. ‘Sex doesn’t do anything for me apart from burn a few calories. I work for you, but that doesn’t mean you can treat me like an easy lay.’

His jaw ticked and his eyes flamed in a way that made her want to go to him, drop to her knees and ask for instructions. Maybe unzip his fly, take him into her mouth so hard and fast he’d see stars.

Jesus, what was wrong with her?

‘I’m beginning to think nothing about you is easy.’

She reached for the door handle, needing to get out before she crossed his office and let him do all the things he told her he would. Her body was alive with something hot and dangerous, something that made her want to lash out, give it to him hard, just to see him punished.

Which cooled her off. Where was all the insanity coming from?

‘You’re right, I’m a contrary bitch. Remember that next time you try to tell me what I need.’

Georgia was out of his office before he had a chance to reply. She slammed the door behind her and headed for her hobbit hole, ignoring Lucy’s startled expression. Her legs were shaking, her whole body trembling, and she had a flush like she’d just come down with a fever.

‘He’s wrong, he’s so not what I need,’ she muttered as she stormed down the corridor to her office, scowling at the fact she couldn’t even lie convincingly to herself. She slammed the door of her cubbyhole closed and slumped against it with gritted teeth. Adrenaline ripped through her veins alongside a whole truckload of pissed off. Not to mention the fact her body was vibrating, almost begging to be touched.

Georgia grabbed the hem of her skirt and tugged it around her hips. She wasn’t gentle about sliding her hand into her panties, less so about parting herself and rubbing her fingers over her flesh. She was soaked, burning hot and the little nub had swollen. But all the rubbing, all the building, went fucking nowhere. As usual.

She stifled a scream and righted her clothing. How the hell did she expect any man to make her come when she couldn’t get the job done herself?

* * * *

They both needed time to calm down and Max had given it to her. Two days had passed since he’d contacted Georgia, despite the fact he’d wanted to go straight to her office, lay her down on the desk and teach her a lesson they’d both enjoy.

Again he’d made a mess of asking for this favor, which was seriously screwing up his plan to pay that bastard Marcello back. If he couldn’t convince everyone he’d moved on from Clarissa – despite her rubbing her new relationship in his face, when it came time to drop Marcello the other designers could get antsy and walk. If Georgia could just pretend to be besotted with him for a few functions, that’s all it would take.

The end-of-summer ball his father had organized for his precious designers was fast approaching and the perfect chance to put his plan into action. As he pulled up outside, Briggs decided to use a different approach with Georgia that might get her to agree.

Time to turn on the charm. Something he’d long since lost patience for. Public humiliation would do that to a guy.

On the way through the store, he practiced a little on his staff. The sales women returned his smiles with a chorus of Good morning, Mr. Briggs. By the time he reached Georgia’s side of the building, with a coffee one of the girls had given him on the way, his smile came easier, though he knew he’d have to freeze it in place for this meeting.

Georgia’s door was open, but he didn’t barge in. Just as well since she was bent over an open drawer in the filing cabinet. A dart of heat bolted south and he gritted his teeth. Now was not the time to be appreciating her curvy ass covered in cream silk. Even if he could imagine it without the threads. Blood pounded into his cock and he had to take a deep breath to fight the barrage of arousal.

Shit, had it just been too long since he last had sex, or was it knowing she was available now – at fucking last – that made her more attractive?

Max knocked on the door. She straightened and whirled around. His breath caught as he took her in from head to toe.

Georgia always had an elegant beauty about her that stunned him every time he saw her. Today it was the cream silk clinging to every slender curve of her body, the way her hair, curling slightly at the tips, fell loose around her shoulders, the understated make-up enhancing those huge green eyes, and her deep-red pout that when parted against her wrath could almost bring him to heel.

Maybe it was the fact she dressed like a lady and he wanted to screw her in his office, with her fire and anger and unhidden lust.

Her eyes narrowed and she folded her arms across her chest. ‘What do you want?’

Max made sure the charming smile was still in place and stayed right where he was. Any closer and he’d want to touch her. ‘To apologize.’

Her lips parted and for once Georgia Lewis seemed lost for words. His smile was easier to hold as he spoke. ‘I was an ass. I shouldn’t have said those things to you.’

She let her arms fall to her sides, but he didn’t miss the way she squared her shoulders.

‘Before you say anything, I want to clear something up.’

This time he did enter the room, then closed the door. Suspicion tightened her expression, but he only leaned back against the wood, keeping space between them. Last thing he needed was one of the big-mouthed sales assistants hearing this.

‘I didn’t suggest you pretend to be my girlfriend in exchange for sex because I felt sorry for you. I hadn’t meant to say it at all, but the second I read your email I wanted to be the guy to show you what you’ve been missing. Call it my inner caveman taking over my mouth.’

Though she looked bewildered, she opened her mouth to say something. No doubt give him hell. He held his hand up.

‘Let me finish. It was inappropriate and not the way your boss should behave. If I didn’t think you were interested I wouldn’t have said a word. The thing is, whether you want to accept that part of the deal or not, I’d still like you to come to the ball with me tonight. I’ll pay you overtime, will even let you pick whatever dress you want from the store and I won’t push you for anything else. You have my word.’

Her throat worked and he ignored the shiver that ran through him wondering what it would have felt like if she’d done that around his dick. Hauling his head out of his pants, he focused on her frown, hoping that didn’t mean she was about to shoot him down again.

The thing was, he needed her to do this for him. Though he’d caught Georgia eyeing him up in the past, he’d never gotten the same vibe from her as he had from other members of staff who were attracted to him. There didn’t seem to be a needy bone in her body, and that was perfect, because a real relationship wasn’t something he wanted again.

‘I don’t understand why you can’t ask someone else. I doubt you’re hard up for a date.’

Her cheeks flushed with pink and he fought back a laugh at her admission. ‘I don’t want to ask anyone else. There’s no one I can trust to do this. You come in every day, leaving your personal life at the door. Well,’ He cocked a brow and she shuffled from foot to foot, remembering the email, ‘most of the time you do. I never see you gossiping with the others and you’re stunning. How could I not ask you?’

Max couldn’t believe how easy it was to say all this to a woman. He hadn’t dated since Clarissa, but being with Georgia was different. There was attraction, but not one she wanted to act on. Yet. But that was all there was between them. No pressure, no risk of falling hard and being rejected. Just pure lust.

And he knew she felt the same, so he wasn’t going to give up hope they could have a little fun. Friends and colleagues with benefits and clear boundaries. And he’d make sure he left her satisfied every time..

Finally, she spoke, ‘I’m not sure. I’ll need time to think about it.’

The smile froze on his face. ‘It’s tonight.’

Her glare would have had a weaker man bolting out the door.

‘Friday’s girls’ night.’

He held his hands up at her clipped tone. ‘Look, think about it. Like I said, you can take whatever you want from the store and I can pay you overtime. I’m only asking for tonight.’

She folded her arms again, but her expression smoothed a little. ‘And the next function? That’s in a fortnight isn’t it?’

Yeah, and there were also a few dinners and shows in the upcoming weeks, but he didn’t need to freak her out by telling her that now. ‘Let’s just see how tonight goes.’

Her jaw tightened. ‘I’ve not agreed to go.’

Max decided not to push further, but left her with something that may tempt her. ‘I have a meeting I need to get to. If you decide to come, email me and I’ll let the sales girls know you’re coming down. Sky’s the limit.’

Excitement glinted in her eyes and she pursed her lips like she was trying hard not to smile.

‘I’ll let you know soon,’ she said and the excitement was there in her voice too.

Since he was ninety percent sure she’d go with him, he decided it was time to leave before he said anything to get her worked up again. He opened the door, stuck his hands in his pockets and turned his back to her. He looked over his shoulder to see if she’d taken the bait and caught her staring at his ass with her lower lip trapped beneath her teeth. He wanted to grin, wanted to tell her she could have all of him if she wanted it, but forced himself to leave.

Max had no doubt he’d have Georgia where he wanted her. He just needed to tread carefully.

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