Pick Your Passion (The Heart's Desire Series Book 2) Read online

  Pick Your Passion

  Table of Contents

  Bossy by Hilary Storm

  Laid Over by S.E. Hall

  Tap Out 2 by Hilary Storm

  Flipped by S.E. Hall

  Always On My Mind by Hilary Storm

  Full Body Check by S.E. Hall

  Bossy

  By Hilary Storm

  @Copyright 2017 Hilary Storm

  All rights are reserved to the author. No part of this ebook may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, character, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Chapter One

  Mia

  “Shit.” I slam the door to the only vehicle I own after I look down at my watch. “I’m going to be late again.” I’ve only had this job for a week and I’m already going to get my second mark. HR specifically said I could have two before I’m written up… this is the second. This is the last thing I want to happen. I need this job desperately, so I have no choice but to take off running… if that’s what you call splashing through the flooded streets in these heels. Disgusting, warm water from the street hits my legs while the water falling from the sky is ice cold.

  The wind catches my umbrella as I turn the corner of one of the tall buildings on my path. Torrential rain hits me in the face, soaking me entirely. I can only imagine how bad my makeup is running, but don’t stop to check. This day has started out terrible and it’s only getting worse the closer I get to work.

  I stop at a crosswalk, waiting my turn to cross when a dark SUV takes the corner and splashes water all the way up my body, even hitting my chest. “Fuck. I can’t deal with this day.” I throw my hands down at my sides in complete frustration before the SUV screeches to a stop.

  Looking to my right, I watch the passenger door open. A man in a dark suit moves quickly toward me. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay?” He attempts to hand me a white handkerchief before I respond.

  “No. This has been a horrible day.”

  “Please allow me to take you where you’re headed.”

  “That’s alright. I think I need to go back home before something else goes wrong. I can’t go to work like this.” I look down at the brown water trickling down my entire body.

  “Where do you work?” I adjust my umbrella, holding it over his head since he’s still talking to me.

  “Briggs Industries.” He nods, just before he reaches for my hand.

  “I insist. Mr. Briggs sent me to help you.” I’m confused by what he’s just said.

  “What?”

  “Mr. Briggs was the one driving. He wasn’t paying attention and hit the puddle that splashed you. He wants me to make sure you’re taken care of.”

  “Well, Mr. Briggs is full of kindness, isn’t he?” I can’t help but be filled with sarcasm at this point. What kind of person sends someone else to do their dirty work?

  “Really, ma’am. He’s on a business call or he would’ve checked on you himself.” The driver door opens just as he finishes talking. I’ve never seen Mr. Briggs in person… until now. His dark hair and scruff get my attention first, then it’s his light blue eyes that pull me in. Holy hell.

  “Mr. Briggs, this young lady works at the office.” I can feel his piercing blues eyes slide down my body before they scan back upward, landing on my face and making everything else in the world fade away.

  “Greg, you’re driving.” His eyes never leave mine while he orders the other guy back to the vehicle. The weight of his stare settles in my chest and makes it hard to breathe.

  “You should probably watch where you’re go...”

  “You distracted me.” He’s abrupt as he interrupts me.

  “I’m sorry.” I don’t know how to respond to the way he’s looking at me. The intensity is suffocating and very quickly making me feel awkward. I take a few steps back trying to decide how to get out of the situation only to have him step with me.

  “Don’t be. I’m the one who owes you a new outfit.” We both look down at my clothes, making me feel exposed even though I’m fully dressed.

  “No. It’s alright. I’m already late. I’ll just run home and change before I go to the office.”

  “What’s your name?”

  “Mia.”

  Chapter Two

  Mr. Briggs

  “Mine.” It slips out before I can stop myself. She looks at me strangely, no doubt trying to back away. “Your name means mine.”

  “Yes. I know that.” Her body is drenched… her clothes clinging to every curve of her body, making me insanely curious about what’s underneath.

  “You work at my office?” She lowers her head and pulls some of her hair over her shoulder as is she’s embarrassed that I’m bringing it up.

  “Yes, but only for a few days. I really can’t be late again, so I should go.” How precious. She actually thinks I’m going to let her get away from me that quickly.

  “You do realize I own the company we’re talking about. There’s no such thing as being late when you arrive on my arm.” Her entire body freezes, her eyes shooting to mine as she takes in what I’m saying.

  “Uhhh no thank you. I’ll be just fine. I don’t want special treatment.” She has no idea what she’s trying to say no to.

  “How do you know you don’t want something you’ve never experienced?” She’s now standing against the building; her umbrella keeping both of our faces out of the rain. Her eyes prove to me that she’s scared. She can’t look directly at me… I must be intimidating her.

  “Thank you, Mr. Briggs for the offer, but I’ll be just fine without your help.” I move closer, making sure to stand in her space while I draw my finger over her jawline until she’s looking at me. Her eyes are hazel… changing color as she tries to comprehend what’s going on. She’s frustrated… realizing she’s being hunted, like an innocent victim frantically searching for a plan to escape being captured. She has no idea I’ve already won. I get everything I want; she’ll be no different.

  She reaches down and slides off her heels; water droplets sliding over her smooth skin consuming my attention as I imagine my tongue making the same path.

  I’m distracted with how gorgeous she is which slows me down when she moves again; this time I don’t take the few steps forward to move with her. “I’ll be fine… thanks again.” She waves just before she begins to hurry back down the sidewalk, her black heels dangling from one of her hands. Her soaking wet hair makes me want to see what she looks like in the shower… with the long strands hiding her naked back. I can almost imagine it now.

  I resist the urge to follow her, knowing I’ll be seeing her again very soon. I’ll make sure of it.

  Once she’s disappeared from my view, I turn around to see Greg standing outside the Escalade, waiting for a command from me. He’s my assistant, but he’s never had to deal with any women while working for me. I usually keep that part of my life separate from the office and anyone who works there.

  I choose not to have a pe
rsonal driver during the day, even though it would be much easier. It’s getting more difficult to multi-task and I’ll soon have to give in and hire one around the clock. Today is a perfect example of how I can’t drive and close a deal when there’s a sexy distraction standing on the corner.

  “Where would you like me to take you, Mr. Briggs?”

  “To the office… and please find out what department she works in and bring her to my office. She said her name is Mia.”

  “Yes, Mr. Briggs.” I ignore the smirk on Greg’s face. He sees through my attempt at professionalism, knowing my intentions are more than business, but today I don’t care. Today, I’m going to finally speak to the woman who has been torturing my thoughts for weeks.

  Chapter Three

  Mia

  Everything seems to be working against me this morning; even the walk back is hectic only making me want to just call in sick for the entire day. Unfortunately, that’s not an option.

  I rush back to my apartment, fumbling with my phone as soon as I hit the door so I can call to let the office know I’ll be late. The irritation in my boss’ voice makes me feel guilty, even though it’s not all my fault. I don’t make any excuses and let her berate me for my lack of enthusiasm about having a job, even though she’s completely wrong.

  I should’ve left earlier; I really do need this job. I’ll just have to start leaving an hour before work each day just to make sure I’m never late again.

  My clothes are still dripping with proof of my wicked fate this morning, so I strip them off in the kitchen, allowing the tile to get messy over the carpet in my bedroom. I rush through a shower and opt to pull my hair into a twisted knot, still managing to get a classy look even though it only took me seconds to do. My makeup takes the longest, but the ease of my dress and matching heels makes up some time.

  I glance out the window and notice the rain has stopped. Grabbing my bag from the counter, I start the same path I just took when everything went so wrong.

  This time the walk is peaceful… probably because somewhere in the midst of rushing home covered in disgusting water and right this very moment, I’ve decided not to fret over things I can’t control. Yes… I need a job, but that doesn’t mean I have to have this job.

  Mine. He said it as if he was claiming me. I’m sure the sudden glare he got from me told him different.

  The doorman opens a single glass door, giving me a wink and a smile as I pass by. I simply give him a nod, allowing my lips to curve just slightly as I keep moving through the building until I get to my desk.

  “We have a meeting right now… I need you to follow me.” My boss, Rita moves quickly past my desk just as I sit, confusing me when I look up and see that she’s talking to me. I’ve been here almost a week… and I’ve never been called away from my desk or asked to join in any of the company meetings.

  “Me?”

  “Yes. Unless you’d like to tell me another reason why you can’t do work this morning.”

  “No. I… I’m coming.” I scurry to grab a notepad and pen, attempting to look half prepared for whatever it is I’m about to walk into. She doesn’t fill me in or even speak as we take the elevator to the top floor and I can feel my anxiety climb as we do. It’s almost suffocating me when the door finally opens, sending a burst of new air and awareness against my face.

  The lobby is different on this floor… everything is rich in color and spacious without all the cubicles filling the area up like the other floors I’ve been to.

  I’d love to be the naive woman who has no idea why she’s up here… but I already know what I’m being called to a meeting. And I know exactly who has requested me in this meeting.

  I follow Rita, accepting the fact that I’m about to see the man who caused me to be even later than I was going to be this morning. The man that looked at me like he was ready to eat me alive without a single apology. The man that still has my body tingling even after the extra time I took to try to get him out of my head.

  I’m only a few steps behind her when she opens the solid door to a corner office. “Rita… thank you. You can leave now.” She stops mid-step, only a few feet inside the room when the sting of his words humiliates her. I nearly walk into the back of her when she comes to an abrupt halt. I’m sure we both catch the wave of serious masculine power and determination as it consumes us the second we enter the room.

  He’s standing in front of his desk, leaning against it with his arms crossed. A stance of purpose and power all wrapped together, making it almost overwhelming to even be in the same room with him.

  “Yes, Mr. Briggs. L… Let me know if you need anything else.”

  He doesn’t respond to her. He actually doesn’t even look at her when she walks to his desk and drops a folder on the corner of it.

  His stare pierces my insides, forcing me to look away and purposely focus my attention on Rita as she moves through the room. I don’t miss the death glare she gives me as she walks by before his deep rumble startles me. “Close the door behind you.” Her hair falls in her face as her eyes move to the floor in front of her as his words fall over her.

  I turn as she closes the door behind me, not wanting to face the intensity of his gaze that hasn’t left me since I stepped into this room. There’s at least twenty feet between us in the giant space… but I feel him as though he’s standing against my body. His chest against me… his face in front of mine, taking the air as I try to breathe.

  “Sit.” His voice stern and demanding, strikes me quickly with annoyance.

  “Is this business related?” My own words sounding pathetic inside his oversized office. His lip slides up just slightly on the right as he sends a smirk my direction, acknowledging the challenge in my response.

  “If that’s what you require.” What I require? What I require? It sounds ridiculous even when I say it to myself.

  I try not to laugh at his response… or at my lack of even knowing what I expect to happen after this morning. He hasn’t exactly tried to hide that he’s interested in me, so him calling me up here probably seems justified in his own mind.

  He lowers his head, purposely focusing his eyes so that I can feel him deep inside my body… his way of chipping away the wall I’m trying to hold up between us while he works against me.

  “I’m not really sure what you want from me? I’m new here and just trying to do my job.” He takes a few steps before he begins to speak.

  “We can pretend I want you to let me take you on a date. I could pick you up and play the dreadful game of getting to know the surface of you… and I’d be every bit the chivalrous man you pretend to want.” He stops in front of me, crossing his arms while his eyes make me feel ripped open and exposed for him to analyze.

  “Or… I could get to know the real you. Undress you here, sliding that sexy fucking dress off you so slowly that you’d be begging me to hurry. Kissing your soft skin as my hands spread warmth over every inch of your sensitive body. Once you’re stripped bare of everything hiding you from me, then we can really get to know each other before I take you on that date.”

  “That’s very presumptuous of you. What makes you think I’d do any of that?”

  “The way you look at me.” He’s back in front of the desk and moving his arms to grab the ledge at his sides. “The way your breath hitches every time I move.” He catches me watching him again. Dammit. I look down, my heart practically in my throat and my nerves forcing the tension in my body to freeze any form of response to his words. Clasping my hands together, I take a deep breath and wait for his next attack. I’m not generally the shy type… but his aggressive approach makes me anxious.

  “Do I make you nervous?” I lift my eyes to meet his, trying to avoid admitting that he does even though I know my body tells him otherwise.

  “I don’t date co-workers.” He slowly steps out from in front of me, no longer towering over me… taking some of his intimidation with him.

  “Fine. You’re fired.” The word fired joltin
g me back to life, angry as ever I stand facing him. Even with a desk between us he manages to nearly suffocate me with his look.

  “What? I need this job. You can’t do that just because I won’t agree to your ridiculous request.”

  “I can do what I want. I own this company. You’re simply being let go so you can explore better options.” He looks so proud of himself for coming up with this scenario.

  “Who’s to say this is a better option? Why can’t you just let me do my job and pretend this morning never happened.”

  “You still think this is about this morning?” His question leaves me speechless and confused, wondering where this conversation is headed.

  “What else would this be about?”

  “I’ve seen you before.” He props on foot on the desk, leaning back in his chair just slightly. His cocky demeanor still thick in the room.

  “Where?”

  “At a benefit a few weeks ago.” A jolt of embarrassment flows through my entire body as I realize what he’s talking about.

  “I don’t recall meeting you that night and I really think I should get back to work.” I silently pray that he won’t bring up the single worst night of my life, but I’m sure I couldn’t be that lucky.

  “I already told you that you’re fired, so there’s nothing for you to do here.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “Mia… I’m very serious. I’m a man who’s used to getting what he wants, no matter the cost. So… name your price.”

  I stand instantly. The thought of him trying to buy me is repulsive and honestly disgusts me just enough to be bold with my response. “Mr. Briggs… If you think I’m for sale… you know nothing about me and don’t deserve another second of my time.”

  I storm out of his office and don’t even glance back until I turn around in the elevator. He’s watching me as the doors close and it’s in this exact moment that I realize I’ve just fucked myself out of a great job. I can’t help that I have standards, and him treating me like that isn’t even in the ballpark of my morals.