Alpha Boss Read online

  “Call me Preston.” He searched her eyes. “You don’t ever have to be afraid of me.” She took a mental note of the way he emphasized the word you.

  She didn’t know why, but she believed him. She felt safe with him, but she was afraid of her feelings. She didn’t know if she was afraid of his touch, or the fact that she felt so comfortable with it. She could get lost in it. Her heart was beating fast, but his grasp was steady and strong. She wished she were completely wrapped up in his arms. “Will you call me Sam?” She asked.

  “I will do as you wish.”

  She didn’t care how it looked or if it was inappropriate or if she was imagining this moment. Everything felt right, and she wanted the moment to last. She moved his hands so they were wrapped around her back. He didn’t seem to mind. He pulled her closer. She allowed herself to be in the moment and rested her hands on his arms as he held her close. “You have the most unusual eyes.” She didn’t know how to interpret what was happening. She wanted to ask him about the flower, but she didn’t want to seem foolish by making assumptions.

  “The better to see you with, my dear.”

  “Preston, you can’t say things like that to me.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because.” Do I have to spell it out for him? “Never mind.”

  He slowly moved his hands. Instead of lifting right off, he grazed them down her hips a bit. “Do I smell coffee?” He asked.

  Sam cleared her throat determined to compose herself. “Yes, I got you some. I didn’t know what you like so I got a coffee, latte, and a green tea. You seem like a black coffee kind of man to me.”

  He smiled. “I am, but only when I need a boost. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Thank you, Sam.” He grabbed the coffee from the cup holder.

  “You’re welcome. How did you know that was the coffee?” She was curious.

  “You’re here early.” He changed the subject.

  “Yes sir. I thought I might get here before the boss and make a good impression, but I see he’s already here. I should have known. Given your history you’re probably the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

  “My history?”

  “I may have googled you a tiny bit. I wanted to be prepared. You understand.”

  “Find anything interesting?”

  “There was this photo of you from some eligible bachelor article wearing a ripped t shirt and jeans. I found that very interesting.” Sam blushed.

  Preston laughed. “I’m glad you did.”

  Great one more thing for Sam to try to analyze. “So… Preston…. I arrived early to get a head start and realized I had no idea what to do with myself.”

  “Right.” He chuckled. “I will be handling your orientation today.” He stated matter of factly.

  Sam arched her eyebrows. “The CEO is personally doing my orientation. To what do I owe the honor?”

  This was getting ridiculous. She needed to get away from Preston Jacobs if only for her peace of mind. The looks. The smell. The touches were driving her crazy. She couldn’t handle it for the entire day, and she feared that his affection for her was all in her head. Maybe he got off on flirting with every woman he encountered. How would she know the difference? Thankfully she didn’t have to think about it too hard, because they were interrupted. She wondered why Preston had lifted his head and stared at the doorway.

  A few seconds later, Michael walked through the door. Michael was a good-looking guy, and he knew it. He was tall as well, and his smile lit up the room. He was more relaxed than Preston, and he had a calming presence. Still, he was no Preston. He looked in Sam’s eyes in amusement. “Hello, beautiful.” He said with a grin as he held out his hand. Sam smiled and held out her hand, but froze when she heard a growl come from Preston.

  Was she hearing things? This is not the first time she swore she heard him growl. Is this a new thing the men are doing? How does he do that? Is that his way of establishing dominance? Does he growl at his employees? Sam tried to put it out of her mind. Clearly, she was delusional when it came to Preston Jacobs. Preston stood between her and Michael as Michael laughed taking back his hand.

  Sam stepped to the side so she could look Michael in the eyes. “It’s nice to see you again Michael.” She gave Preston a confused look. “Why are you being mean to Michael?”

  Preston cut his eyes at Michael. “The boss is just grumpy in the mornings. Don’t mind him. It’s good to see you again Sam. So today is your first day. This guy didn’t chase you away yet?”

  “No. He’s been really great so far. I’m a lucky girl.” Sam smiled at Preston, and though she saw that he tried to fight it, he couldn’t help but smile back.

  “You must be. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile before.” Michael tilted his head towards Preston.

  “Okay. That’s enough.” Preston interjected. “Michael, don’t you have somewhere to be.”

  “Actually, I do. We have an early meeting. Remember?”

  “Right.” Preston nodded. “Sam. Let me take you downstairs to Michelle. She’ll show you around while I’m in meetings this morning.”

  “Why don’t you let me take her?” Michael asked.

  “No.” Preston replied. “Wait here.”

  “Preston, I can go with Michael. I’m sure you have a lot to do.”

  “No. You can’t. You’ll go with me.”

  “I can’t? Really?” Samantha questioned him. She was confused and starting to get pissed off. “What do you mean I can’t?”

  “I said I would take you, and that’s what I meant.”

  Who does he think he is? “Preston, I think I need to make something clear. I…”

  “Preston.” Michael cut her off. “I need to go over something with you really quickly. Can we step into your office?” Michael seemed almost panicked. Sam wondered what was wrong.

  Eight

  Michael followed Preston into his office. “What the hell was that?” Preston challenged Michael.

  “P, you need to calm down. I was just messing with you. You know I would never try anything with your mate. You’re about to make her mad.” Michael replied.

  Preston’s wolf was ready to tear Michael in half. He paced back and forth trying to reign in his feelings. “What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything to her.”

  “You’ve got to give her some space. You’re coming on too strong. You can’t be all over her every minute.”

  “You don’t understand.” Preston replied.

  “Look… Just back off a little bit. She’s special.”

  Preston growled. “I know she’s special. How do you know she’s special?”

  “Because she’s your mate.” Michael assured him.

  Preston smiled. “My mate.” He thought for a moment. “Everything seemed to be going well. What’s the problem?”

  “You have to give her some time to take everything in. I’d bet anything you’ve been all over her since she got here. Give her some time to think about you. Don’t push her too hard or too often or she’ll retreat. Let her think about you on her own.”

  “Hmph.”

  “Look, I’ll take her to Michelle. You need to let her discover some things on her own around here. I’ll calm her down, and I promise, you’ll see how much she missed you when she gets back to you.”

  “Michael. You better…”

  Michael interrupted Preston. “I know. Precious cargo. Handle with care. He raised his finger. Actually. Scratch that. No handling at all. Sorry.” He gave Preston a knowing glare.

  “Fine.” Preston huffed.

  “Okay then let’s get out of here, and you might want to apologize to Sam.”

  “For what?”

  “For trying to tell her what she can and can’t do.”

  “I’m her boss.”

  “Yes, but you want her to be your mate. You can’t treat her like a child. You have to let her think she has a say.”

  “Fine.” Preston turned and walked out of the room.

&n
bsp; Samantha was sitting on the edge of her desk. She looked frustrated. When she saw Preston and Michael enter she stood. “Preston, I just want to…..” She started to speak with that same fire that she had in the elevator the day before.

  Preston interrupted her. He held up his hand. “I’m sorry.”

  Sam looked shocked. “What?”

  “I’m not going to say it again.”

  Sam huffed. “So close.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Was that last comment really necessary?” She paused. “Why are you sorry?”

  He could tell she didn’t believe him. “I didn’t mean to speak for you. If you want Michael to show you downstairs then so be it.” She looked at Michael then back at Preston. She smiled at him, and he smiled back at her. He was glad to see her smile.

  “I appreciate that. Thank you.”

  “We should get going.” Michael blurted out. “I’ll be back in a few minutes Preston.”

  “Bye.” Sam gave Preston a little wave.

  “I’ll see you for lunch.” Preston said as he turned and walked back to his office. He listened as Samantha walked out with Michael. She was complaining about him. He didn’t understand what he did that was so horrible. He hung his head. For a moment, he thought that he was making progress with his mate, but now he wasn’t so sure.

  Nine

  Sam turned around. She was fuming. Just when she thought maybe Preston was an okay guy. Somehow, he knew just how to push her buttons. Michael touched her elbow and motioned for them to walk out of the office.

  “Did you see that?” She turned to Michael looking for answers.

  “I know he has a strong personality.” Michael stated calmly clearly trying to be a peacemaker.

  “So, he’s just going to order me to go to lunch with him? He thinks he can just tell me what to do? Is this how he treats people? What did I sign up for?”

  “No. Well … kind of, but no. Trust me Sam.” They got onto the elevator, and Michael pressed 30. He tried to reassure her. “He means well. Preston is a really good guy. Just give him a chance. He’s tough, but underneath his rough exterior is a heart of gold. He’s just trying to show you that he likes you, but he doesn’t do so well with emotions.”

  Sam’s heart beat faster. 1“What do you mean by he likes me?”

  “He likes you.” Michael paused. Just the same way you like him.”

  “Excuse me.” Sam wanted to set him straight. “I don’t know what you are talking about. I am just here to do a job.” Michael looked at her and pursed his lips waiting for her to tell the truth.

  “Seriously Michael.” She raised her voice. He stared at her harder. She folded her arms like she was having a temper tantrum. “Fine!”

  Michael smiled. “Don’t worry your secret is safe with me. For now, that is.”

  Sam ignored the last part of that statement. “I mean I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going on here. He drives me crazy, but he challenges me. In a good way. You know?” Michael nodded. “I can’t stop thinking about him, and when he’s close to me my whole body reacts. I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t know. I just had to get away from him so I could think clearly. I need this job. I don’t want to mess it up over a silly crush.”

  “Relax Sam. You won’t mess it up. Preston’s tough, but he would never do anything to hurt you.” They stepped off the elevator and moved to the side.

  “What do you mean, and what makes you think he likes me?” She asked.

  “I know he does. I was right about you, wasn’t I?”

  “I can neither confirm nor deny that.”

  “I know he confused you back there, but give him a chance. He gave you a chance. Didn’t he?” Michael asked her.

  “He did, but what are we talking about here. I just want to keep my job. I don’t have time for unrealistic fantasies about the boss. That man can have any woman he wants, and I doubt that he is genuinely interested in me. I don’t want to be some game to him or some random woman he plays with.”

  “I’ve known Preston most of my life. He does not play games. He’s never been shy about what he wants, and he wants you. Trust me. I risked getting my head torn off to bring you down here. I think you’re special to him.”

  “Did he tell you that?”

  “I can neither confirm nor deny that.”

  Her stomach was turning into knots. What is Michael talking about? There’s no way that Preston is into her like that. She decided that Michael must be mistaken, but she decided to play along and hear him out. “Okay Michael. So, let’s say he’s really into me. What am I supposed to do with that information?”

  “Relax. You’re too uptight. Be open to the possibility that you and he could have something special, and see where it goes. Don’t be ready to jump down his throat all the time, and don’t let your insecurity allow you to push him away. You are a desirable woman, and when you finally realize that, your life will be much easier. Be in the moment, allow him to adore you, and enjoy his company. Soon you will see what I see.” He advised her.

  “And what’s that?” Sam asked him expectantly.

  “That he would do anything for you.”

  “Why is that?” Sam had always dreamed of having a man that would do anything for her, but life had taught her that was not possible. Michael’s words scared her. She didn’t want to get her hopes up.

  “You’ll just have to take my word for it. Have I ever steered you wrong?”

  “I don’t know yet.” They laughed together.

  “Look. The man apologized, and I have never, ever seen him do that… Ever.”

  “Okay. We will see.” Sam was glad to get a man’s opinion on the matter. It made her feel better, but she was still not so sure that Preston Jacobs actually wanted her.

  “Good. Let’s get going. Michelle is close. They walked down the hall and headed toward a gorgeous woman sitting at a large desk.

  She looked up and smiled. “Hello you must be Samantha Davis. I’m Michelle. I’m going to show you around.”

  Samantha extended her hand. “It’s very nice to meet you Michelle. Thanks so much.”

  “It’s not a problem at all. I’ve got it from here Michael.” Michelle stood.

  Michael gave a slight bow and walked away. “Alright ladies, try to stay out of trouble.”

  “No promises,” Sam called after him.

  Michelle was tall, beautiful, and thin. Samantha would have hated her if she weren’t so sweet and genuine. She showed Sam around the building, and Sam made note of everything she could remember which really wasn’t much. Hopefully things would come back to her when she needed them. When they were on the twenty-fifth floor they came across two spirited young ladies. Sam envied how they were so young and vibrant, and they had good jobs. When she was their age she worked in retail. They both came running up to Sam.

  “Oh my God. Are you Samantha? You are, right? You’re Preston’s new assistant. I’m Paris. I work on this floor.”

  “Paris. That’s a pretty name. Call me Sam. It’s nice to meet you.” She was so happy Sam couldn’t help but like her instantly. They shook hands.

  “I’m Persia. The pleasure’s ours.”

  Sam shook Persia’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you too, Persia. I like your dress.”

  “You two look like you could be sisters. You’re gorgeous.” Paris and Persia were tall and beautiful. They were around the same age, mid-twenties and both had beautiful brown skin. Persia had a bob haircut with golden highlights that were to die for, and Paris had beautiful long dark hair.

  “Thanks.” They said in unison, and they laughed. “Jinx.”

  “Well we are sisters.” Persia said.

  “Yeah.” Paris added. “We’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Really? All good things I hope?” Sam asked.

  “Of course.” Persia said. “We were wondering who Preston’s mystery assistant would be. He hasn’t had one in forever. He just does what he w
ants.” She shook her head as if she were worried about him.

  “Don’t worry. He’s moody, but he’s a good guy. He’s takes care of everyone here.” Paris assured Sam.

  “Yes, he’s great, but we need to get going ladies.” Michelle chimed in.

  “Oh. Hopefully I’ll see you guys around.” Sam walked with Michelle.

  “Definitely.” Paris said. “Oh wait. Fridays everybody goes to PJ’s after work. You have to come with us.”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” Sam said.

  “Come on.” Persia said. “It’ll be fun, we’ll be there, and by the time Friday comes around, you’ll need a drink.” The girls looked at Sam expectantly.

  Sam couldn’t resist their puppy dog eyes and bright smiles. She sighed. “You’re probably right. It sounds great.” The old Sam would talk herself out of going to a bar with her coworkers, but the new Sam embraced the idea.

  “Awesome. We will see you later. Bye Sam.”

  “Bye.”

  “They’re so sweet.” Sam said to Michelle.

  “It’s almost contagious, isn’t it?” Michelle replied as she shook her head.

  Michelle continued to show Sam around. Everyone seemed really nice. She met the department heads and people that she would be in contact with regularly. It felt like all eyes were on her each time they stepped off the elevator. She figured they were wondering how she got that job. Sam was still wondering that herself. After the grand tour Michelle took Sam to her office. She showed her the computer system which was designed by Preston. She showed her how her calendar worked and how Preston’s calendar worked along with hers so she could coordinate his schedule. She showed her how to track expenses and find contacts. Sam soaked in as much as she could. Michelle said that Sam could call her with any questions or problems, and Sam was so grateful to Michelle.

  “I’ll probably be calling you all the time.” Sam joked, but she was serious.

  “Not a problem at all.” Michelle reassured her.

  It was a little bit after noon. Sam was getting hungry. She had noted when looking at Preston’s public calendar that he was free at one o’clock. Sam decided that she would go ahead and take a lunch break. She waved to Michelle and thanked her again on the way out.