Page 8 of Broken Love

“I’ve never been a fan of the dry stuff. Or reds. My mother and I used to sit on the roof of our building and pretend we were fancy debutants drinking the richest of sweet wines, when in reality, it was a ten-dollar bottle of Moscato from the corner store.” The affection in her tone is precious. She could dwell on the loss of her mother, but she’s choosing to remember the love she feels for her instead.

Her blush returns when she realizes we’re both silent. “That sounds like a good time to me,” I finally reply, and I’m not lying. Playing pretend while being with someone I love sounds just about perfect.

“It was. Even when she got sick, we’d still do it. Our drinks turned more to juice as the medicine got more potent, but it was our thing.”

Tucker lifts a hand and wipes under her eye, brushing a tear away. “She sounds like she was a special woman. I wish we could have met her.”

“Thank you.” Quiet settles around us until the server arrives with her drink and a refill for ours before disappearing again.

“I promised you the contract and salary package.” Grabbing the envelope from the opposite side of the table, I retrieve the paperwork. “This one is the salary and benefits package, and this one outlines and details your contract. Your job description, company policies, rules…all the not-so-fun stuff.”

“You don’t need to sign anything tonight. You can take the time to read it through and come to us with any questions you might have or amendments you may want,” Tucker informs, scooting his chair closer to her.

Her face heats, and her eyes lower as she fidgets with some of the papers before clearing her throat and taking a drink of her wine. “I, uhm, I hate to ask this…”

“Anything,” I implore, moving closer to her as well. Christ, I want inside her body, but it’s more than that. I want to know everything about her, especially what she’s thinking right now.

“Would it be possible to get a small advance on my salary?” She doesn’t look at either of us as she asks this.

When I open my mouth to speak, Tucker raises a hand to shut me up as he fields this. “What for?” Good call.

I know she’s about to lie before the words leave her mouth. “Just some bills that are backed up. With Mom’s treatments, I often had to pick and choose what was going to be paid, and now, the collectors are wanting money. It’s just a few hundred dollars. I’ll work overtime or weekends to make up for it. I really hate to ask.” Her voice is fragile, and I hate that she’s had to worry about anything while her mom was getting treatments, and still, she lost her.

“Yeah, we can manage that. I’ll get it wired to you first thing in the morning,” I respond, and I can see the wheels turning in my brother’s head already. He’s every bit as taken with her as I am now.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Graham. I can’t tell you what that means to me.” Her smile is nearly blinding, and I can’t help but hook a finger under her chin and draw her attention to me.

“Don’t ever be afraid to ask us for anything, Windsor. We’ll always give it to you.” It’s evident from the way her pupils dilate that she registers my meaning how I intend, and I can’t wait until I get a taste of her.

We spend the next few hours eating and getting to know each other as she asks a few questions while skimming through the contract. When she reaches the part about no fraternization, her shoulders slump slightly. Tuck and I share a grin because that means she’s disappointed about being unable to explore this connection.

Good thing we’re the bosses; we can make changes when and where they’re needed. After settling on a start date and talking her into accepting a wardrobe allowance so that she’s dressed appropriately and comfortably for the office, we take her home.

Windsor

I think I won the jackpot. Tanner and Tucker Graham are going to be amazing bosses. All I need to do is get rid of these pesky hormones, screaming that I take them to bed. This is truly a first for me. I don’t know how to respond to myself, let alone them.

“What are you doing?” I blurt out as we stop in front of my building, and they both get out.

“This isn’t exactly the best neighborhood, Windsor. We want to walk you to your door.” Tucker scowls down at me. Gosh, they’re so tall—a full head and a half higher than me.

“Oh.” My eyebrows dip. “Okay.”

Shoving the envelope under my arm, I begin walking to the building. Pulling open the front door, I hear them grumbling behind me but ignore it as I lead them to the stairs that take us up to my floor.

“No elevator?” Tanner asks.

“No, it’s never worked as far as I know.” I smile at them over my shoulder only to find both of their eyes glued to my ass. Grinning to myself, I add an extra sway to my step, almost forgetting that they’re off-limits.

Entering the third floor, I hear the locks disengaging from Joe’s apartment and tense as we approach my door. I don’t want this encounter. Not tonight, and not with these men here.

“This is me.” I force a cheerful tone as I unlock the flimsy deadbolt and push the door in. Awkwardly, I turn and stare at them, hoping Joe doesn’t appear and praying that they both do and don’t try to kiss me goodnight.

My body is at war with my mind, and it’s not a fun battle to be in the middle of.

“Well, goodnight, and thanks for dinner.” I slip the envelope on the table inside my entryway just as Tucker takes a step forward. There’s a predatory gleam in his eyes that makes my breath catch.

“Tucker,” I whisper, but he doesn’t retreat. One hand slides around my waist, and the other cups the side of my neck as he leans down slowly, giving me the option to pull away. I’m frozen. Torn between what I want and what’s right.

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