Chapter 1: Daddy’s Dirty Little Secret: Chapter 1

Applause vibrated the room after my comment, and I raised my glass to silence the team. Forty-two developers, ten program managers, nearly twenty project managers, analysts, office staff, you name it; and all of them attended our New Year’s Eve bash, where I stood at the microphone giving my obligatory speech.

“Thank you …” My voice was barely audible as their cheers died down, but they graciously grew quiet to allow me to continue. “The final quarter of last year was the best we’ve seen as a company since I took over.” I nodded at Laurence, my former partner, who made his appearance tonight despite protesting my invitation. He had his arm around his daughter’s waist, chuckling with her about something.

Both of them had eyes that sparkled with drink, though the tap hadn’t shut off all evening so I was sure they weren’t the only ones slightly inebriated. I myself felt the buzz of alcohol as vibrantly as the buzz of excitement. This year would be the turning point for the company started by Laurence and passed on to me after our brief partnership. I felt it in my bones.

“And thank you for your hard work and dedication to our goals.” More applause went up, which I couldn’t help but wonder if the cause was more to do with the event than the hard-fought success of our final quarter. “We will double our profit sharing by midyear, and triple it by this time next year if we stick together and work hard.”

Laurence nodded and clapped his hands as Amelia slipped out of his grasp. At twenty-six, she was already an integral part of this team. She’d been that way before I even bought Laurence out, and I kept her on when I learned she knew our clients and accounts better than anyone. Eighteen months ago, I hardly knew her, but today she had proven herself to be essential to the function of this business—just not while she was as tipsy as she was this evening.

“And thank you for your continued effort to make Next Gen the biggest development firm in the country. To all of you—for your hard work, sacrifice, and dedication.” Raising my glass in the air, I signified that my speech was done, and the team erupted into more cheers and applause. I heard glasses clinking together across the room as I stepped to the side and down the stairs. I wanted to catch up with Laurence before he left for the evening, and with the number of people here, I hadn’t been able to say hello yet.

I weaved through the crowd decked out in their most formal attire. Women wore heels and gowns, dripping in jewelry, and men wore their best suits. It wasn’t often our gang of nerdy backroom coders got to gussy themselves up, so tonight felt like a treat, even to me. I hadn’t worn this old tuxedo in years, though my strict office dress code for myself always included a suit and tie.

Still, it was nice to see everyone enjoying themselves, and I didn’t mind the expense. When I bought Next Gen from Laurence it was booming. We went through a small slump, which we were still digging out of thanks to Amelia’s help, and I felt we were finally on our way skyward again.

I passed Amelia on her way toward the drink table and she grinned at me. I could’ve sworn she winked too, but that wasn’t unlike her. She had a bit of a bubbly personality I’d grown to tolerate. It brought a beam of sunshine into the stodgy work environment, though at times I had to ask her to tone it down for my own sanity. She seemed to be enjoying herself as I strutted up to her father and accepted a drink from a nearby waitress.

“What a turnout,” Laurence said, whistling through his teeth. He had his own glass of champagne, sipping from the flute in his hand. “I don’t think we had a single celebration or team meeting for that matter that was as well attended.” His eyes raked over the mass of moving bodies. More than one hundred employees now, grown from the seventy-five he had when I took over.

“It is a good turnout,” I agreed, matching his pose. “The team gets along well. I’m proud to call them my staff.”

Laurence and I had a bit of a colorful past. When it was time to hand over the reins, he had a hard time doing so. It was his baby, something he built from scratch with Amelia’s help, so I couldn’t blame him for having a difficult time letting go. But we were still thriving, doing well. It was the reason I invited the former owner, my former partner, to come to the company New Year’s party.

“You’re doing well, Xander. I’m proud of where you’re taking things.” His hand gripped my bicep and he squeezed, then nodded at a passing analyst. She made eyes at me, batting her eyelashes. Clearly, she’d had too much to drink.

I ignored it, but Laurence whistled under his breath and elbowed me gently. “Seems like the ladies still enjoy the eye candy.” His chuckle made me smile and join him. But a sigh cleared the air between us.

“I’m not dipping my toes into that water, Larry. You know I’m too much of a player to do it. It’d screw with company dynamics.” My eyes unconsciously wandered the room, searching for the one person who always got my attention, the one person I knew was completely off-limits to me.

And I found her moving in my direction, chestnut hair swaying, hazel eyes darting around the room working the crowd. Those thick curves never ceased to amaze me, though I’d tempered my reaction to her appearance so well over the years that I could finally interact in a professional way without letting my lust for her fog my brain.

“Boss,” she chirped, grinning as she stopped in front of her father. “It’s a great party.” I could see the glossy film of alcohol over her eyes and knew she was feeling good, maybe not wasted, but definitely tipsy.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” My eyes stayed on her face, though if Laurence weren’t here, I’d let them glide down over her curves and enjoy the view. “Thank you for coming, Amelia, and thanks for making sure the old man came too.” I winked at her father and nudged him with my elbow, which was his signature move.

Laurence downed his drink and nodded at me as he handed me the empty glass. “This ‘old man’ has to go home. It’s past midnight now. I’ve kissed the beautiful lady.” He grinned at Amelia and continued, “And I am ready for bed.”

“Oh, Dad,” Amelia whined playfully. She loved him so much; it was evident every time I watched them interact. I knew life hadn’t been easy for her at times, losing her mother so young, and she had a bond with her father like no other. They were often seen doing menial things like banking and grocery shopping, just to keep each other company. I adored it, on top of her pragmatic and practical business sense.

She wasn’t just an employee; she was like family now. She had been for a while, which made her all the more off-limits—but try telling that to my dick. When she was around, I was on high alert, tripping over my words, drooling and admiring how attractive she was. It was no surprise to me that she had a power over Laurence to make him give her everything she wanted. I’d have laid down across broken glass and let her walk across my back.

“I don’t want to go yet. The party is still going strong.” Amelia grabbed his hand and tugged on it. “Stay a bit longer …”

Laurence sighed and checked his watch. I knew it was late for a guy his age. He had a few years on me yet, but at forty-one, midnight was pushing it for me too. That catnap in my car on the way here was the only reason I was still bopping around.

“I am too tired, Mimi.” Laurence’s pet name was sweet, but it didn’t dissuade her.

“I don’t want to pay an Uber. It’ll take ages to get one this time of night on New Year’s, and it’ll cost me half a month’s rent. You can just sleep in the car. I’ll sober up and drive home.” Her pleading wasn’t moving him this time. I could see the way his eyes creased in the corner and remembered all too well his mannerisms when he wasn’t happy, so I cut in.

“I’ll bring her home, Larry. Go on. Get some rest.” With a flick of the wrist, it settled the tension between them, and Amelia squealed and pecked her father on the cheek.

“Thanks, Xander. I’m gonna get another drink. Love you, Dad. Be safe,” she called, and then she was gone, and both of us were watching her saunter across the room. But I knew for a fact Laurence wasn’t thinking what I was thinking. Those thighs would feel great wrapped around my face.

“Thanks, Xander. I’ll owe you one.” Laurence rubbed his forehead and jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m heading out. Just don’t let her drink too much. She’s twenty-six, but she has no clue how to handle her liquor.”

I chuckled as he walked off and then turned to look for her again, but she was gone, vanished into the crowd of bodies dancing to the music, celebrating the new year. I hadn’t intended for the evening to go this way, but I wasn’t complaining. Amelia wanted to enjoy the party, so I made it my job to ensure she did, even if my mind was thinking wildly inappropriate things about her. After all, I was just helping a friend out, right?