Page 18 of Her Billionaire Bossholes

I'm momentarily speechless as I continue to take in the lavishness of the gym. It's clear that no expense has been spared in creating this haven for physical well-being. An overwhelming sense of gratitude washes over me as I come to the conclusion that this... taking this job is the best decision I've ever made.

16

LEO

"Good morning, Mr. Thompson," the guard at the front door greets with a nod.

I catch my breath and approach the front door, wiping the sweat off my forehead. Frank, the ever-watchful guard, acknowledges me with a respectful nod and a warm smile.

"Morning, Frank. Great weather for a run, no?" I comment, a sense of satisfaction seeping into my voice.

Frank chuckles, adjusting his cap. "Absolutely, sir. Couldn't ask for a better start to the day. Makes me almost wish I could join you out there."

A grin spreads across my face, the endorphins from the run still coursing through my veins. "Well, maybe one of these days, Frank. It's always more enjoyable to have company on a run."

Frank's eyes twinkle with a hint of longing. "I'll hold you to that, Mr. Thompson. Just let me know when you need a running partner."

I give Frank a friendly pat on the shoulder, appreciating his positive energy. "I'll keep that in mind, my friend. Anyway, I better go freshen up and get the day started."

Walking through the door, I take a deep breath of the perfectly controlled airspace and sigh. My stomach growls in response and I decide to detour my shower for the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air the closer I get. Turning into the room, I'm met with the teasing sight of a pair of long, toned legs as Charlie bends over the counter, fingering through the pages of a magazine.

"My, my," I hum, causing her to look at me over her shoulder--even more teasing than before. "Good morning, Charlie. I didn't think anyone else would be up this early."

She stands straight and grabs a cup from the cabinet. "Coffee?"

"Yes, please."

Charlie pours the steaming hot coffee into two mugs, her movements graceful and deliberate. The muscles in her arms flex subtly as she handles the ceramic, a sight that leaves me entranced. She turns around, her eyes locking with mine, a mischievous glint dancing within them.

"Here you go," she says, extending a mug towards me. As I reach out to take it, our fingers brush lightly, sending a jolt of electricity through my veins. I swear I can feel the heat of her touch lingering on my skin even after our hands separate.

"Thank you," I reply, my voice slightly husky with desire. I take a sip of the rich, aromatic coffee, the smooth liquid sliding down my throat and warming my insides. "You know how to make a damn good cup of coffee."

Charlie smirks, leaning against the counter with her own mug in hand. "Well, Mr. Thompson, I have my secrets." Her gaze trails my body before returning to her magazine.

Did she just check me out?

She leans against the counter, crossing her arms over her chest. "So, what brings you to the kitchen this morning? Couldn't resist the smell of coffee?"

I chuckle softly, feeling a rush of adrenaline coursing through my body. "You caught me. Coffee has always been my weakness." The muscles in her arms flex subtly as she handles the ceramic, a sight that leaves me entranced. "What are you reading?"

"Oh, just a magazine," she replies, her voice filled with excitement. "It's called 'Wonders of the World'."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by her choice. "Wonders of the World?"

She sets the magazine down on the counter and opens it to a page showcasing a magnificent photograph of the Great Barrier Reef. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

I stare at her shamelessly. "More than I initially gave credit for. You're into this kind of stuff?" I ask, my eyes finally scanning the pages.

"No, I like to torture myself with things I don't like," she drones sarcastically.

I laugh, her dry humor catching me off guard. "Fair enough, Charlie. So, what's caught your eye in this magazine?"

She flips through the pages, a mischievous smile playing at her lips. "Well, there's the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Northern Lights... but I have to say, my favorite is Machu Picchu."

"Ah, Machu Picchu," I muse, picturing the ancient ruins nestled high in the Andes Mountains. "It's on my bucket list."

Charlie flips through the pages, her fingers tracing the glossy surface of each photograph. "It's just... fascinating, you know? These places exist out there, far from our reach yet so close to our imagination."

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