Page 15 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

Dylan

Afterourlastconversation,I’d been dodging Roxanne’s calls and texts all week. However, I know I can’t go out of town without seeing her. I walk into The Twisted Vine and am astonished to see Jocelyn sitting at the bar. Of all the bars in this city, she has to go to Roxanne’s?

I’m usually so self-assured, but this situation leaves me feeling strangely disconcerted and unsure of what to do. Should I say hello or just pretend I didn’t see her? We’ve been getting along okay at work and I have to admit, she’s an effective and efficient employee. I’ve even caught myself fantasizing about her several times, especially after the advertising meeting. I was so turned on by the way she stepped up to the plate and presented her ideas that I had a hard time walking out of the room without grabbing her and kissing her.

Shit. I think she’s seen me. I almosthaveto go over now. It would be rude not to and after the progress we’ve made, I’d hate to take a step back, especially not when we’re on the eve of a business trip together.

She’s resumed her conversation and her back is turned when I approach.

“Hi, Jocelyn. I didn’t know you would be here.” I’m not sure why I said that as if she would automatically assume I followed her.

“Hello, Mr. Chase.” She greets me with a warm smile as she turns around. “I come here a couple of times a week usually. It’s a great place. Don’t you think so?”

I see Roxanne across the room, eyeing us with interest. She gives me a slight approving nod. Great, that’s all I need. Roxanne coming over and meddling.

“Yeah, it’s great. Listen, Jocelyn… I want to thank you for the hard work you put in this week. You offered insightful suggestions, and I appreciate your effort. I also want to apologize for being so hard on you. We really got off on the wrong foot, but I was unreasonable about it. May I buy you a drink to make up for it?”

It’s the least I can do to clear the air and make sure she knows the accident is water under the bridge.

“I’ve already had two, but I suppose one more can’t hurt. Thank you, Mr. Chase.”

I motion to Roxanne, indicating that I’d like another drink for Jocelyn and one for myself. The people Jocelyn had been talking to get up to leave so I take the empty seat next to her as Roxanne brings us the drinks.

She gives me a hug and says, “Dylan, Jocelyn, I’m so glad you two have finally met.”

Oh, shit.Jocelynis the one she’s been trying to get me in here to meet? I try to indicate with my eyes for her to cut it out, but she doesn’t get it, or more likely, ignores my warning...

“Jocelyn, this is my surrogate son, Dylan. I’ve been wanting to introduce you two for weeks. You two would make a great couple and just the cutest little babies.”

Jocelyn nearly chokes on her drink.

“Roxanne, that’s enough. Jocelyn and I actually already know each other. She’s my new assistant.”

“Oh, well, in that case, I’ll leave you to discuss your ‘business’ over your Champagne,” she says with a sly grin as she walks away.

Once she leaves, Jocelyn and I begin chatting. First, we talk about work and the upcoming trip but eventually, the conversation turns a little more personal. I find out that she is, in fact, relatively new to the area which would explain why she didn’t recognize me. I also find out that she had relocated for her job at Digiprint and that she was fired for one mistake.

It’s the sort of thing I would do, and I did do it to Jessica. Getting to know Jocelyn a little more and hearing some of her stories makes me realize how much of a dick I’ve been to many of my former employees. I immediately resolve to be better in the future.

Jocelyn seems to sense my anger because she says, “It’s okay. I really didn’t mind getting fired. I would have left soon anyway. My boss had been pressuring me to sleep with him.”

That does make me angry,reallyangry. I would never try to force myself on a subordinate—or anyone else for that matter—no matter how attractive I find her.

“I’m sorry that happened to you, Jocelyn. Digiprint’s loss is Chase Media’s gain. We’re happy to have you onboard.”

“Thank you, Mr. Chase. I feel the same way. You know, it’s funny. Not that long ago, we couldn’t stand each other and now look at us bonding.” She chuckles as she places her hand on my chest and leans in closer.

I’m on the verge of kissing her when Roxanne drops off a couple more drinks.

“On the house!” she says before leaving again.

Jocelyn looks at the fresh drink and says, “Oh, no. I really shouldn’t. I already can’t drive home.”

“Go ahead and enjoy. I’ll make sure you get home safe,” I reassure her. This will only be two for me, and I know I’ll be okay to drive. Worst case, I’ll call a cab.”

As we finish our drinks, I motion for the check but Roxanne waves me off. I leave cash on the bar which I know is more than enough to cover the tab plus a generous tip. I then grab Jocelyn’s arm and escort her out the door to my waiting and now-fixed Ferrari.

We continue chatting as she directs me to her apartment. Once we arrive, I open the car door for her and walk her to her front door. She unlocks it and turns to face me. There’s an awkward pause as we both seem to be debating our next move.

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