Page 2 of Bad Boss

I stareinto his dark brown eyes and feel my lady parts tingle. I worked as a personal trainer for years while putting myself through nursing school and never had this reaction to a hot, muscular man before. Until today, I thought I was immune to the opposite sex, but one look at my new boss andbammy body lit up like a Christmas tree. I barely resist the urge to fan myself as I stare at him. I had no idea that big, burly, tattooed guys make my heart beat in a funny rhythm. At least, this particular tattooed hottie does.

He smiles at me and my insides melt a little bit. This handsome, pleasant man is nothing like the surly, unhappy patient I was expecting. “How did my mother find you?”

“I was waiting in line at the grocery store, and your mom struck up a conversation with me. When she discovered I was looking for a new job, she set up an interview for me.” I shrug. “And here I am.”

“I’m glad you’re working for me.” His heated stare causes my heart to leap in my chest.

“Me, too.”

“I’m glad my mother found you. Tell me about yourself.” Eric props his broken arm on a pillow and leans back.

Leaving out the part about my previous asshole boss and his constant sexual harassment, I give Eric the bare basics of my work history. “I worked at Bent Out of Shape Gym while going to college.” My eyes wander over his ripped, muscular body, and electricity shoots through my nerves. I’m betting he spends a good amount of time in a gym. My body begins to overheat, and I almost lose track of the conversation. “I graduated last summer.” I wince at the huskiness coloring my voice. After clearing the lump in my throat, I continue. “And I worked at the Sunny Side Manor Retirement Home. I loved taking care of the elderly residents.” My mouth vomit runs away. “I was raised in foster care and never knew my family or had any relatives. Most of the patients at the retirement center were lovely and treated me like a member of their own families.”

“I can tell by the way your eyes light up that you liked your job. Why did you leave?” Eric wants to know. Well, darn. He had to ask.

His dark brown eyes hold mine captive while I realize there’s no way I can lie to him. Taking a deep breath, I blurt out the entire story. “I got fired when I told the boss to keep his freaking hands to himself or I’d break them.”

His handsome face turns red before he growls, “What the fuck? Did that bastard hurt you?”

My heart drops until I realize he isn’t upset with me. This hottie is pissed at my former boss. “No,” I rush to assure him. “I quit before he had a chance.” And left myself with no income and the rent coming due on an apartment I already can’t afford. Not wanting to sound desperate, I leave out that little bit of information.

Eric grumbles under his breath for a moment, and I start to worry he’s going to end my employment before it even really begins

“Did my mother explain the job to you?” Relief hits me in the face. Welcoming his change of subject, I run with it.

“She told me that you need round-the-clock care.” Talk about perfect timing. Living here with him will give me the chance to build back up my savings. “I’ll bring my things over and move in tomorrow. Your mom showed me the room I’ll be using.” Mrs. Russo explained that I will get a couple of hours each night and each full weekend off. One of Eric’s brothers will come by in the evenings to help him prepare for bed. Darn. I guess I won’t get a chance to sponge bathe him after all.

“Great.” He rubs his bottom lip, and my eyes automatically follow his tan finger as it moves. “I know it’s going to be long hours for you, but you should get plenty of downtime, too. Does it bother you to live with me for at least ninety days?”

“It’s actually a big help,” I admit. “My roommate got married a few months ago, and I’ve been looking for someone to move in without luck. I can’t afford my apartment on my own.” I shrug. “I’ll find someplace less expensive while I stay here.” Way to go. Just blurt out your whole sob story. I groan to myself.

“No rush finding a new place.” Eric stares into my soul. “Make yourself at home and let me know if you need anything.” Wow. That should be my line. I blink wondering how I got this lucky. “Bring books or your computer, and I have several televisions for you to watch.” He doesn’t have to sell me. The job is only three months long, but the salary is way more than other nursing positions would pay in an entire year. I can live here rent-free and save up. This great job fell into my lap, and I plan to use my time wisely.

I make us a quick lunch, then give Eric his afternoon pain medications. While he reads, I look over the list of instructions Mrs. Russo left for me. After, we spend the rest of the day getting to know each other. He explains his schedule and shows me how to work the alarm system. Several times throughout the day, I glance over and find him staring at me intently. My overactive imagination tells me he’s undressing me with his eyes.

A little before five, I hear the front door opening, and disappointment cuts through me at the thought of leaving. “Hey, numb nut, I’m here,” echoes through the two-story foyer, and I watch Eric roll his eyes.

“That’s my moron brother,” he tells me before yelling, “In the living room, asshole.”

A tall, insanely handsome man walks in the door, and I realize that this family was blessed with the hotness genes. “Well, hello.” The newcomer smiles when he sees me sitting across from Eric. “I’m Hudson Russo, the invalid’s better-looking brother.” He reaches out to shake my hand, and my new employer growls something unintelligible.

“You don’t have to get handsy with my girl,” Eric grumbles under his breath. “You ugly fucker.”

My heart slams against my chest as his words sink in. Hudson’s eyes widen almost comically at his brother’s comment, but he doesn’t respond.

“Lynette Hilton.” I smile at Hudson. This close, it’s easy to see he’s several years older than my new boss. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too. Ever since Mom hired you, the whole family has been dying to meet you.” His words send a little flash of jealousy shooting through me. I’d kill to have a close family looking out for me.

“And I can’t wait to meet everyone,” I tell him truthfully.

Hudson glances down at his watch. “I can take care of him for the rest of the evening if you want to head home.”

“Uh.” I hate the thought of leaving, but it was the arrangement. At least for today. “Okay.” I force myself to stand and make my way to the door. “I’ll be back first thing in the morning.” I smile at the two hot men and wonder if the rest of the family inherited the out-of-this-world attractive genes.

“See you tomorrow. Don’t forget to bring all your stuff,” Eric calls to me before Hudson walks me out to my car.

After opening the car door for me, Hudson smiles down. “Let me know if my brother gives you any trouble. I’ll break his other arm.”

---