The Billionaire Boss Read online

  “I'm going to be a junior.”

  “Me too.” Dominic smiled. “I'm a French major.”

  “Really?” January put the strap of the bag over her shoulder. “What are you going to do with that degree?”

  He chuckled. “I see you have your doubts as to the feasibility of my long-term employment prospects with a French degree.”

  She arched an eyebrow, wondering what he was getting at.

  Dominic crossed his arms, a playful expression on his face. “Well, join the line. My parents are standing at the front of it.”

  She laughed. “Well, you know, these days it does it matter what degree you have. Competition is stiff.”

  “Speaking of stiff. I take it the boss doesn’t like compliments around here.”

  January arched an eyebrow. “Careful. We know there are cameras. What if the place’s bugged?”

  Dominic laughed. “I like you,” he said playfully. “Anyway, a group of us are heading to the bar. Do you want to come?”

  January thought about it for a few seconds. She could go home, take a shower, and spend the rest of the afternoon fantasizing about Ariel Cunningham. Or she could use the opportunity to do a little networking outside of the office—it might come in handy in the long run.

  "Sure."

  Dominic smiled. “Great!"

  January wondered if he was attracted to her. He was fairly good-looking but not up to Ariel Cunningham standards. Do you now have to compare every man to him? Get a grip, chica. She followed Dominic toward the group, then they made their way to the bar.

  There was an artificial camaraderie between the group. Maybe because everyone was the nice fish in the pond of Logis Apps Ltd. January got the sense she and Dominic would get along well. It’ll be great to know another familiar face on campus.

  They sat at a table and ordered drinks.

  “So what are you studying?” Dominic asked. “I forgot to actually listen to you talk earlier, forgive me. The whole parental disapproval of my academic choices is something I like to vent about.”

  Melodramatic much?

  "I’m a communications major, public relations to be specific.”

  He nodded.

  The music was loud. January sipped Sprite since she wasn’t much of a drinker. There was casual talk amongst those at the table, about their first day at the job. All but two of them had passed the typing test. Eventually, the conversation splintered off.

  “Do you think it’s too soon to decide if I love or hate working there?” Dominic asked.

  I love it. "I'm not sure."

  “I'm not so sure the boss likes me.”

  January tried to think of something to say but a familiar tall footballer’s sudden presence distracted her. She watched as her ex-boyfriend made his way from the bartender to a corner table where a woman sat. He’d shaved his hair into a Mohawk and wore his usual gold chain.

  January's eyes narrowed.

  Dominic leaned toward her. “Know him?

  She quickly turned to see that he’d been watching her. January glanced at the other three people sitting at the table, engrossed in a conversation of their own. Still, she lowered her voice. “Let’s just say we had a bad breakup.” She wasn’t sure why she’d told Dominic this, but since they’d left the office he hadn’t tried flirting with her. January gauged, despite his compliment, there wasn’t any romantic interest—at least she hoped.

  “Uh-huh.”

  Though he didn’t ask, January could tell Dominic wanted to know more.

  “Let me tell you how this jackass broke up with me. We were at a bar actually, karaoke night. We went there with a group of friends just to hang out. Anyway, he…”

  January and Dominic glanced at her ex-boyfriend, who hadn’t seemed to have seen her.

  “Gets up on stage and sings Mario's ‘Break up.’” She wasn’t sure if Dominic knew the R&B song, but when his eyes grew wide, she realized that he did.

  “No shit.”

  “Yes. So I get up and sing TLC's ‘No Scrubs,’” because his car was in the garage at the time. He always drove fast and crashed it. Anyway, you will not believe this.”

  Dominic leaned in and January felt like she was talking to an old friend. For a second she hesitated, but what harm can a story about an old ex do? “He gets up.”

  “Again?” Dominic laughed.

  January nodded. “He sings Jason Derulo’s ‘Ridin’ Solo.’”

  Dominic shook his head. “I think when you break up to music you know that you’ve officially broken up.”

  January nodded. “When our relationship ended in public, I knew there was nothing left to be said in private.”

  Dominic sighed. "As cliché as it sounds—it’s true, ‘Every door closed leads to a new beginning.’”

  ***

  The next morning January stood in front of her mirror, examining her appearance from head to toe. Her shoulder length hair had a few more curls, thanks to a large barrel curling iron. The makeup was more pronounced, with black eyeliner instead of the dark brown she’d worn the day before, and her lips looked lush covered in cinnamon brown lipstick.

  Her outfit of choice was a cream-colored pantsuit. The jacket cinched at the waist and flattered January’s Coke-bottle shape. It was one of her favorite suits.

  Looking good, Jan. The outfit accentuated her positive attributes, including her C cup breasts and shapely hips, but the cut wasn’t overtly sexy. It was the look she was going for and she hoped that her first day with Ariel wouldn’t be an exception. She wanted to spend time with him every day.

  How? You’re doing data entry work.

  January tossed the question aside. She’d know what was up with Ariel Cunningham by the end of the day.

  Chapter Five

  Ariel saw his opportunity to get to know January better when Heather called in sick. She was eight months pregnant with her second kid. Ariel noticed that she’d seemed more tired throughout this pregnancy. In some ways, he was relieved she would soon start maternity leave as she was due the following month.

  He knew January had received his instructions when there was a knock at his door. Just twice. Ariel hated when people knocked at his door too much.

  “Come in.”

  The door opened softly and January stepped through. Ariel had to catch his breath. She looked stunning in her pantsuit. The color only highlighted the beauty of her flawless skin.

  Ariel smiled at her and appreciated that she smiled back.

  He cleared his throat once.

  “My assistant’s out sick today and the other departments can’t spare anyone. You’re aware that Logis Apps will soon be public?”

  January nodded.

  “I’ll like for you to assist me today.” He wanted January to do more than assist him, and Ariel tried to focus on what he was saying instead of on her nubile body. “Either Mary or I will give you instructions but you are to report to me after a task is completed.”

  "Okay."

  “Do you have a notepad and pen?”

  January raised her hands slightly. “Sorry, I…”

  Ariel raised his hands to stop her. “Any time you come to my office, please have something to write with.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Sir. He felt older than he was. “You can call me Ariel, no more of this ‘sir.’”

  “Yes, Ariel.”

  His name from January’s mouth had an unexpected effect on him. Ariel felt heat rushing through his body straight down to his penis. He was glad to be sitting.

  She’s not a hundred percent comfortable around you. “Please have a seat.”

  As January walked toward his desk, Ariel took out a notepad and pen, then handed it to her.

  "I'd like you to type a memo to staff and draft a letter to my board of directors." He told her the contents of each document—staff would be congratulated for a job well done and credited for Logis Apps’s exponential growth. The letter to the board would highlight the company’s increase in revenue an
d the way forward.

  She looked uncertain. "Is something the matter?” He looked at her closely.

  She shook her head at first. When Ariel didn’t speak, she glanced away. “It's just that when I draft these documents, I want it to be perfect.”

  He could’ve easily written both documents himself, but Ariel wanted to test January’s communication skills. If she showed promise, he could go through with his plan when Heather went on maternity leave.

  He tried to reassure her. “I know that you want to do a good job. Remember that people are people…don't think ‘well, it's just staff,’ or get nervous because you’re writing to millionaires when you write the letter to the board. The important thing is crafting a message that makes them feel connected to this company.”

  January nodded.

  Ariel leaned forward. “What degree are you pursuing?”

  “Public relations.”

  "Hmm. Well you know a PR specialist must be comfortable communicating and be able to respond to any crisis in a way that makes the client look great. It’s about benefiting your client.”

  January nodded.

  Ariel picked up the pencil on his desk and tapped it against the shiny brown surface. “It boils down to this, January. Commitment. I want people at my company who are committed to doing a good job. Who are committed to being the best they can be when they walk through these doors.”

  “I understand, si….Ariel.”

  He smiled. “Good.” Ariel dropped the pencil. He wanted to see what she was capable of, and the sooner the better. "You have one hour to complete the documents,” he said dismissively. He’d be seriously bummed if she wasn’t up to par. “I know you will do a great job.” Ariel turned to the computer and tapped on his keyboard, and January slipped out the door as quietly as she’d come in.

  He was impressed. She’d been nervous for nothing.

  Ariel kept January busy as there was always lots of work to do when one ran a successful company. But he didn’t anticipate that she’d make his work harder as he found it difficult to concentrate on business matters with January’s hot body in and out of his office. By the time she left, Ariel knew he’d have to work later than usual. He was only halfway through his work.

  He stood looking out the floor-to-ceiling window, into the blackness of night.

  It was a good day. Ariel cracked his knuckles. He couldn’t stop thinking about January and had loved the vibrant energy she'd brought to his office.

  Ariel had a feeling he hadn't had in a long time—curiosity.

  Would she be interested? But the question was immediately pushed aside. The last thing he needed before his company went public was to be distracted by a temp.

  Chapter Six

  January noticed that when Heather called in sick again, he didn't seem particularly bothered. She wondered whether it was because he was sympathetic to the trials of pregnant women or if, maybe, he wanted to spend more time with her.

  She toyed with asking Mary when Heather would be off on her maternity leave, but didn’t want to seem anxious to replace the woman. So far, Mary and January had gotten along well. The older woman, with her gray hair and plump figure, had even complimented her on her prompt response and attention to detail.

  “Those attributes are so critical to what we do here,” she’d said.

  “Well, I aim to please.”

  Mary had simply smiled. “I don't know many temps who work like you do. This new generation doesn’t like filing.”

  They’d been sorting through some documents. January had stayed late, though she hadn’t been asked, in order to copy and scan files for the woman. She’d overheard Ariel give her a last minute instruction and seen her sigh—the job couldn’t be refused. They’d left work after 7:00 p.m., and January was certain that wouldn’t have been the case if Mary had tackled it alone.

  At noon, Mary promptly got up and began to organize the papers on her desk. January's desk was across from hers, outside Ariel’s office.

  She was happy to be closer to him.

  Ring. Ring.

  Mary glanced over at January, who looked at the caller ID on the phone. It’s Ariel.

  January picked up the receiver. “Hello.”

  “Did Mary mention we’ll be going to lunch today?”

  “No."

  “Today's her birthday. We have a tradition where I take her out for lunch. Since Heather’s not here, you should come.”

  “Okay.” She said it slowly, feeling heady from the invitation.

  “Great. I’ll be out in five minutes.”

  The phone went dead

  “I didn't know today was your birthday.” January smiled. "Happy birthday.”

  “Thanks. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. I take it Ariel told you--you’re joining us for lunch?”

  January nodded.

  Mary smiled. “Good.” She lowered her voice. “Don’t take it the wrong way that I didn’t tell you. It’s better that Ariel invited you.”

  January waved it off. “It’s no big deal.”

  Mary twisted her mouth. “I think you’ll do fine here. You’re not like some of our past temps—pushy.”

  January arched an eyebrow.

  “It’s not just our company, that’s a hot commodity around here.”

  ***

  Ariel, Mary, and January made their way inside the sleek Greek restaurant. As they neared the hostess, Ariel placed his hand on the small of January’s back. She felt a shiver run down her spine.

  I wish it were just you and I here.

  The hostess checked the database for the reservation.

  “Looked who the cat dragged in,” a robust voice said. “Mr. Cunningham , do I have to come to the Mayweather to see you?”

  January turned and was surprised to see a tall well-built man, around Ariel’s age, smiling at them. His voice had sounded older than the man looked.

  “Scotty, I know it's been a while,” Ariel said.

  “As can be expected, I suppose.”

  Ariel smiled, but January read tension. “It's nice to see you.”

  “It’s just a group of three?” Scotty stood as if he was waiting for something.

  Ariel didn’t miss a beat. “Would you like to join us?”

  “Certainly.”

  As an elegant-looking waiter escorted them to a table, January tried to decipher if the man was a friend of Ariel’s. Something in their banter was off, despite Ariel asking Scotty to join them.

  They ordered drinks.

  January listened as Ariel and Scotty talked about software products. Finally, Ariel said, “These lovely women didn’t come to hear us talk all afternoon, especially the birthday girl.”

  “Which one?” Scotty’s green eyes pierced through January. She felt her cheeks get warm. He wasn’t as handsome as Ariel, but he had an unnerving sexual energy.

  “Mary.” Ariel frowned and nodded toward his secretary.

  “Well, you know I like to talk about our industry’s products. But if you say so, Ariel. It's hard to set up a meeting with you these days.”

  “I’ll put you on the calendar.”

  “How about next week Friday? I’m out of town from tomorrow.”

  Way to put pressure on the man. January sensed that, like Ariel, Scotty was a man used to getting his way. But he didn’t have the light touch Ariel had. Scotty was obvious, like a bulldozer.

  “Mary will check my availability and get back to you.”

  Scotty raised an eyebrow. “Just make it happen. I’d appreciate it.”

  Ariel nodded, his expression purposefully blank.

  “And what do you do?” January asked, trying to ease the growing tension.

  Scotty’s intense gaze fell her way again. “I’m a software consultant.”

  January nodded, though she wasn’t sure what a software consultant did.

  Scotty leaned in. “Is it Mrs. or Miss?”

  “I don't think she’s your type.”

  "Really?" Scott sm
iled snidely. “How would you know what's her type?”

  Mary looked like she wanted to sink into the chair. And January found that she was enjoying the attention somewhat. Ariel had a controlled expression on his face.

  Scotty backed down. “Never mind.”

  Soon lunch came. Now, Mary and Ariel did most of the talking, while Scotty interjected with antidotes here and there. He was friendly and comical.

  January tried not to laugh at the debonair man's jokes. She cut into her salmon as she talked, a smile on her face. When she looked up, Ariel was watching her. He turned away. Somehow, Scotty seemed to get under Ariel’s skin.

  It was the first time that January realized Ariel Cunningham was not as invincible as she’d thought.

  Chapter Seven

  That evening, Ariel stood looking out his floor-to-ceiling window. His thoughts were on January. He didn’t like Scotty eyeing her.

  The bastard hadn’t changed. Ariel remembered their Harvard days, how Scotty had gone after

  Ariel's college sweetheart before the pain from their breakup had mended. She'd rebuffed Scotty, to his dismay.

  He turned away from the window and went to pick up his gym bag. He needed to utilize his energy. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to see January with Scotty; he didn’t want to see her with anyone else.

  Chapter Eight

  Shit. Please say I can get it back today.

  January waited outside the auto shop to hear what the mechanic would say about her car. She’d had to shell out money she hadn’t allowed for to get it towed to the shop.

  The mechanic came back outside. “I think we’ll have to keep your car overnight. Maybe longer, after I examine it further.”

  January sighed. She didn’t need the hassle. For now, she was lucky the subway was a couple blocks away. She hadn’t taken it in years though and would have to spend some time studying the map to find her destination point.

  DING.

  The text was from Ariel.

  Can you come in to work half an hour early tomorrow?

  Okay.