office

The deafening blast from the air horn drowned out all other noises of the great room for the full 2 seconds I held the trigger down, deadening the background music, the voices of the few scattered patrons, and even the trickling sound I suspected came from an indoor waterfall feature.

After lifting my finger from the trigger, I opened my eyes with a squint to see Derek stumbling backwards into the side of a wide leather couch, and Jake sprawled on the floor on his butt with a look of shock on his face, legs out in front of him like a rag doll.

Both men were staring at me with looks of utter disbelief on their equally handsome faces.

I pursed my lips to suppress the giggle I felt forming and pushed down the smile that threatened to crack my down-to-business persona, and leveled them both with a withering stare.

"Office. Now. Both of you." I commanded, even though we all knew I was oblivious to where the office may be located.

Neither of them pointed that fact out, though, instead they both hauled themselves to standing and straightened their clothes, Jake dusting off his pants as he did.

Derek cleared his throat softly, catching my eye, and cocked his head towards the nearest fireplace, where I noticed for the first time there was a broad yet unobtrusive hardwood staircase winding around the back of the chimney to the second floor.

Nodding once, I set off towards the stairs and marched right to the top, not once looking back to make sure the two men were following me.

At the top of the stairs I took in the surroundings, noting they were similar to below, yet more intimate.

Large tinted windows on either side of the room revealed a panoramic view of everything downstairs, from the great room on one side to the large ballroom on the other side of the pass-through fireplace.

Looking through the windows across the cathedraled room to the other fireplace, I noticed an identical staircase winding around that one, and tinted windows flanking it as well. I knew those windows would overlook the dining room, and I was pleased to see they were tinted almost black, making it impossible for anyone to see in, but easy for those upstairs to observe the entire lodge down below.

Two cream-colored, modern style couches were arranged facing each other perpendicular to the windows, and a silky blue-gray rag rug brought intimacy to the space, accentuated by fluffy throw pillows and loosely crocheted afghans.

Simple iron wall sconces flickered into life as Jake reached the top of the stairs, slowly turning a key on the wall to increase the flow of natural gas to them.

I took him in slowly, like the first sip of a hot cappuccino, the way his caramel colored skin softened even further in the glow of lamp light, and the way the muscles of his broad, square shoulders strained against the thin Henley he wore.

My tongue darted out between my lips, moistening them as I noticed the tiny curls of chest hair visible above the buttons.

When my eyes finally made their way to Jake's face once more, I saw with pleasure that his eyes were making a similar inventory of my body, as I took stock of his.

"Ahhmm" Derek cleared his throat gruffly as he topped the stairs behind Jake, finding his way blocked by Jake's broad form.

Jake quickly stepped aside, his eyes falling away from mine for a moment before flickering back up to catch my eye and wink at me, his lips curling in a victorious grin.

My lower abdomen was ablaze with need and curiosity.

What do you expect with two sinfully hot bosses known for giving girls the time of their lives?

I wondered vaguely if I would get in trouble with Derek if I hooked up with his right hand man, before putting the thought out of my mind and turning my attention to the two men in turn.

"Derek..." I began slowly, ensuring the question in my voice demanded an explanation.

I hadn't intended to be harsh on the guys; I knew the reputation of Derek Galloway, the young, charismatic entrepreneur.

He was the youngest millionaire in the city. The fact that he had built an empire in the restaurant and hospitality businesses by the age of thirty was a testament to his ruthlessness.

He had been known to yell, throw things, and even fire employees without notice, if they hindered his way to the top in any way.

I thought I had been prepared for this job.

And I had been, goddamnit. I was smart and ruthless too. I had made a reputation for myself in the industry and I knew I could fulfill the duties of the job description.

But I wasn't prepared for the casual atmosphere.

Honestly, casual was an understatement compared to the way the men were said to interact with their employees.

It was like a family, all dependent on one another, all working to make a process more fluid.

I knew if Derek could have that kind of control, he would be strong enough to let it go once in a while, too.

There was no doubt about it, Derek was stressed to the max. I had taken this job thinking I would be writing reminders and fielding calls, scheduling appointments and appearances, standard secretarial stuff.

But standing here between these two men, I feel like my personal assistant duties might be a bit more... personal.

The thought excited me, causing a spark of warmth to ignite deep within my core.

Would I be okay with that kind of a job? If he needed me to relieve him of his stress in other ways, could I do it?

My pulse quickened as I registered that yes, I could in fact be Derek's concubine, in whatever rugged Irish lumberjack ways he needed.

The curl of hair over the buttons on Jake's henley caught my attention again and I let out my breath in an audible huff.

Except that I wouldn't just be Derek's concubine.

I'd be Jake's too.

Oh yes. I would be just fine with that kind of job.

Guys please comment and vote if you love this story as much as I do!! Things are just warming up—we still have two sexy business partners to meet, and then things get REALLY steamy. So get ready. 😏

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