Page 16 of Boss Daddy's Girl

Before I can get any words out, Drake gets distracted by someone he recognizes. He waves to them, and we head toward the other side of the lobby. I try to follow, but I feel his hand slide from my back to my butt.

I shoot him a glare, but he doesn’t even look at me.

He has no idea what he does to me.

I should be used to it by now, but that doesn't stop the ache between my legs. Drake is the most attractive man I have ever met, and his touches don't help my resolve.

We head for the Dragon Ascent display booth, the largest at the convention. It's a large tent painted in the same colors as the company logo. Inside, there's a row of climbing walls, eachone with a different design. Some are textured with rocks, while others have a more uniform appearance. Drake heads straight for the one set up with the new gear.

This is why we're here. This is what I need to focus on.

As we walk toward the displays, I see people from the crowd watching us. I've grown used to the attention but still find it awkward. I've never been a fan of crowds, and now that I work for someone so well-known, there are always people watching me, hoping for some kind of interaction.

Not that I can blame them. I mean, look at him.

Drake strides up to the climbing wall with all the confidence in the world. His gait is easy, and his gaze is cool and calm. I'm struck again by how gorgeous he is. The man is tall, broad-shouldered, muscular, and has the attention of everyone in the crowd.

His black shirt clings to his muscles and his matching cargo pants are fitted enough that I can see the outline of his thighs and calves. I have to force myself to look away from his ass.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I should not be lusting after my boss right now.

It's a habit I need to break, or things will get really awkward. So what if we hooked up? I need to get it through my thick head that it was just a one-time thing.

But still... Drake's body is a wonder. He has just the right amount of bulk. It's sexy without being overdone. He looks like he belongs on a poster rather than being a real person.

I feel my breath catch as I watch him turn and face the crowd, ready to give his presentation. He catches my eye and then winksat me. I flush, and I know I must be beet red. I curse under my breath.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Drake begins. "I'm so glad you could join me here today to see the latest advancements in climbing gear. We at Dragon Ascent have been working very closely with our designers to create products that are safe, lightweight, and functional."

Now is about the time I tune out. I have a passing understanding of the gear that Dragon Ascent produces, but my main job is to be Drake's handler. I don't need to be all that educated on the gear, just the CEO.

Drake is a natural speaker, in total command of the space without being overbearing. I check my watch and look over my shoulder at the rest of the convention going on. Since he's going to be occupied for a while, giving his talk, demoing the new gear, and answering questions, I have some time to myself to just peruse.

In situations like this, Drake likes me to scope out the competition, even with my limited understanding of everything. Really, I think he sends me out to get me out of his hair for a few minutes, but I'm glad to be free of the stuffy crowd anyway.

I make my way around the room, looking at the different booths and trying to be discreet. I feel bad for all the people who are stuck manning these things, answering inane questions about their products. It's not exactly thrilling stuff.

I'm making my way past a booth when I hear someone call my name.

"Ellie?"

I turn and see Claude Vanderhoven standing behind me, a huge smile on his face. I plaster one on mine, even though I'd really rather not talk to him.

"Hello, Claude."

"I'm glad I caught you," he says. "I was hoping you'd be interested in attending my film screening tonight. It's a private showing, and I realized I didn't get a chance to invite you last night."

"Oh, well..."

I trail off, thinking about how I'm actually interested in attending. Not to be around Claude but just to do anything besides work. A private screening, which I assume will have drinks and appetizers, sounds much better than sitting in a shared hotel room with a man who may or may not feel the same way I do.

Sensing my hesitation, Claude continues, "It's called 'The Ecstasy of the Summit'. You'd be my special guest, Ellie. It will be lovely."

I glance over his shoulder and see that Drake's presentation is over. There's a line of people waiting to talk to him, but he's glancing around, obviously looking for me. I can see the frustration and annoyance in his eyes when he sees I'm not there.

"Claude," I begin, and he smiles, knowing I'm going to say yes. "I'm not sure that Drake has that event on the agenda."

He waves away my words. "No matter. We can still have a nice time, no? I will send you the information for the screening. Just give me your number."

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