Page 71 of Boss Daddy

There’s a faint shadow of stubble on his jaw, and even though he looks tired, the sight of him still makes my heart skip a beat. My gaze lingers on those sexy forearms, toned and taut.

“I figured you could use this,” I say, setting the coffee down on his desk.

He picks up the mug, looking it over as if he doesn’t know what it is.“You’re a lifesaver.”

“Don’t I know it,” I respond, dropping into the chair across from him. “So, how’s it going in here?”

“Slow,” he admits, running a hand through his hair. “Spent half the night with James going over marketing strategies, trying to figure out how to bring the numbers back up. This shit with Misha… it’s hurting us. Fucker’s being underhanded as hell, gossiping about the place like he’s a pissed-off girlfriend or something.”

“It’s been slow out front too,” I admit. “Quieter than it should be for a Thursday.”

His jaw tightens. “I know. The numbers don’t lie.”

It falls quiet for a moment, the silence hanging heavy between us. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “I’ve been thinking. Maybe I should quit.”

His eyes snap back to mine, fire burning in them. “What? What the hell are you talking about?”

I raise my palms defensively. “Misha’s coming after your business because of me,” I say. “If I leave, maybe he’ll back off.”

“Absolutely not,” he says. There’s not even a beat of hesitation in his voice. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk as heglares at me. “You’re not quitting, Erin.”

“Samuel—”

“No,” he interrupts. “Quitting is not an option. You’re not running because of him. This is your home, your job. Hell, it’s yourlifewe’re talking about. I’m not going to sit here and let you back away from something you’re damn good at because that prick scared you away from it.”

For a moment, all I can do is stare at him.

Then he stands up, making his way over to me. He leans down, capturing my lips in a hot kiss. It’s not soft or tentative, it’s fierce and possessive. When he pulls back, my heart’s pounding.

“I…” The word falls out of my mouth dumbly. Truth is, I’ve got no idea what to say.Gently, he pulls me to my feet.

“I’ll handle Misha,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest. “One way or another.”

“You’llhandlehim? What does that mean, exactly?

He steps back, crossing his arms over his chest. “It means James and I have some ideas.”

I narrow my eyes at him, crossing my arms to match his stance. “Ideas that are going to get you in trouble?”

He chuckles. “I like that you worry about me.”

“Someone has to,” I shoot back. “Are you going to tell me what these ideas are?”

“Not yet,” he says. He steps close again, his hands sliding to my waist. “But I promise you, Erin, we’re going to be smart about this. Safe.”

I search his face, looking for any hint of doubt, but all I see is determination. “You’d better be,” I say finally, my voice firm. “Because if you’re not, you’ll have to answer to me.”

He leans down to kiss me again, softer this time. “Understood.”

I smile against his lips. Then I rest my head against his chest, his arms wrapping around me, holding me close. I realize that’s all I’d really wanted from the moment I walked in.

“Good. Now, finish your coffee. You’ve got a business to save.”

For a moment, the tension is so hot between us I think he might take me right there in the office.I sure as hell would let him.But the phone rings, cutting through the moment. Samuel plants a quick kiss on my lips, then reaches over to hit the speaker button.

“What’s up?”

Mark’s voice comes through, sounding upbeat. “Looks like we’re getting a rush. Could use you up here, Erin.”

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