Against the Glass (Office Liaisons Book 1) Read online

  I try to focus on the calming feeling being in here always evokes rather than the knot that has formed in the pit of my stomach.

  Sitting across from the man, I don’t see any malicious intent on his face, which makes me feel a little better. I am, however, taken aback by his next statement.

  “Given the change in your relationship with Parker, I cannot assign you to work alongside him for this assignment.”

  How the hell does he already know about our relationship? We haven’t been out of the closet for more than an hour or two, tops.

  “I mentioned to Parker that we were choosing you for the exclusive internship position and he felt I should be aware that you two are romantically involved,” he answers my unspoken question. “While it doesn’t break any rules here at the firm, it could be misconstrued as biased if you do well, which I have a feeling you will.”

  I take my time in responding, still floored over the fact that we decided to not hide our relationship just last night, yet one of the founding partners already knows about us and it’s already affecting my job at the firm.

  “Thank you for having faith in me, Mr. Stone. I understand your reasoning, but Parker usually works with the interns. He’s one of the best architects you have, if not the best.”

  “There is no point in arguing my decision, Paige. If you wish to continue sleeping with my nephew, then I have to assign you to another architect for your last semester. In the meantime, we’ll hire a new assistant for Parker. It will give you time to train them.” Mark stands, marking the end of our conversation.

  “I want you to know I’m very grateful to be chosen for the position. I’ll be sure to work hard at impressing the firm.”

  “I know you will, Paige. Have a good day.”

  I sit for a few minutes regaining my composure before heading back to my desk. I know what Mark decided is only fair. Parker’s will greatly affect my final grade and whether or not I graduate. If we are sleeping together, it could be considered a conflict of interest. Still, it doesn’t mean I don’t feel like I’ve been bitched slapped.

  The other architects are good, but Parker’s visions are the closest to my own on almost every project he takes on. I’m often amazed at how his drawings are so similar to the ones I doodle at night after we’ve met with a client. I’ve always imagined working side by side with him, impressing him with my skills (and not just those in the bedroom). And afterwards, once I’d secured a position as a junior-architect with the firm, he’d see me in a whole new light and then of course, we’d begin a torrid love affair.

  A small grin graces my lips as I leave the atrium. I suppose that part is already true. If it means I can still do my internship here at my first choice firm, then I can live with the dream changing a little bit.

  Stopping myself from running straight into Parker’s office after my meeting with Mark, I return to my desk. A brief glance at the office instant messaging software shows me his ten o’clock call already started. Getting to work on my daily assignments, I completely lose track of time. It isn’t until my computer pings with a new message for me that I finally look up from my desk. I’m surprised to see a whole hour has passed.

  Can you come in here? I want to talk to you about Mark.

  I bite my lip and consider my options. I don’t want Mark to think we are talking about him. And with the strange looks I’ve gotten since Sarah’s eyeful this morning, the gossip mill is churning. Better to be safe than sorry.

  I put my fingers to the keyboard and reply. I think it’s best we talk about it later over dinner. How does Chinese sound?

  Sounds delicious, is his reply.

  I resume my work when another ping sounds.

  I need you to go to the washroom and count to twenty.

  I squirm in my seat at the mention of my naughty place. I should have known he would bring this up after my confession last night.

  I think you’re a bad influence. I’m going to have to say no.

  His answer is exactly what I’d expect from a bad influence.

  You know you want to. Just imagine watching me watch you…

  The image of me in a lounge chair with my finger in my pussy while Parker pumps his cock in front of me is almost too much. Or maybe he could stand behind me in the mirror and we can watch one another that way.

  A surge of lust runs through my veins and I can’t seem to type back fast enough. You have until the count of ten or I start without you.

  As soon as I hit send, I’m out of my chair and down the hall faster than the speed of light.

  For the record, it is amazingly hot to watch your boss come all over your tits while you quietly cry his name out in orgasm. Even if the cleanup is a bitch.

  Chapter Ten

  “Oh, God,” I moan.

  Parker nips my ass with his teeth and demands, “Say my name when we’re in bed.”

  “Parker,” I moan louder when he does this particularly great thing with his thumb where he methodically puts pressure on the puckered hole of my ass while his fingers pump in and out of my cunt.

  “That’s more like it.” I feel his grin against the small of my back followed by his lips trailing lightly up my spine.

  I thought we were sated for the night, but that was before Parker decided to recant his latest fantasy in which he’s fucking me against the glass wall of his office while people in the building across from ours watch. My hands are braced against the glass, my tits bouncing while the voyeurs have a delicious view of his cock tunneling in and out of my slick heat. And of my face twisted in pleasure as I come.

  You can see why it didn’t take long after hearing about this for me to end up on my stomach in his plush bed while he drives me to madness.

  “Spread your legs a little wider,” he whispers in my ear, sending shivers all over my body.

  I do as I’m told and am rewarded with the head of his cock pressing against my swollen lips. His hand shifts over my hip and under so it can still stroke my clit.

  “Now tilt your pussy up, baby. That’s it.”

  When I lift up, he slips inside and I sigh appreciatively at the feel of him stretching me. Filling me. At this angle he is so deep and a twinge of pain accompanies each thrust. I don’t mind though. This position has quickly moved up my list of favorites. It always has me coming in record time.

  “Who does this cunt belong to, Paige,” Parker whispers. I feel him driving into me. I love the feel of his sweaty skin on mine. There is no place I would rather be then right here, right now with this man.

  “You, Parker. I’m all yours.” There is conviction in my voice. Words want to follow like only ever yours and I love you, but I’m afraid to speak them. Even if Parker has given me no reason in our month together to think he feels otherwise.

  “Mine,” he affirms. His pace picks up speed and his hand underneath me twirls faster on my clit. Just the way I need it. In such a short time, he’s learned how to play my body skillfully.

  “Fuck!” I shout as I come apart at the seams. My body bucks beneath his, setting off his own release.

  Parker collapses on my back momentarily before rolling us on our sides, his cock still embedded in my pussy. I clench my muscles when he moves to disconnect us. Getting the hint, he presses in a little deeper.

  “We’re going to kill each other if we keep fucking like this.” My voice sounds far away and dreamy. A really great orgasm will do that to you. Especially after you’ve already had three others.

  Jealous? What can I say? My man knows how to sa-tis-fy.

  “Mmmm,” he mumbles. His lips press behind my ear and he snuggles a little closer. “I don’t care, if it means dying with you in my arms like this.”

  My heart melts a little. The words I love you once again form on my lips. Before I have a chance to say them, Parker presses his hips into me again and speaks first.

  “I want to take you on a date with Gracie and me tomorrow.”

  My body stills and I think I quit breathing. This is big. Huge,
in fact. Parker didn’t introduce his last woman to Gracie until they were together for almost seven months. I know. I’m the one who bought the tickets to the movie they went to.

  “Too soon?” He asks in response to my reaction. Or rather lack thereof.

  I clear my throat and stall, not sure how I want to answer. I know Gracie likes me and obviously I adore her. Who wouldn’t? The problem is I’m scared. Scared to hope that this could mean something. If I let myself get wrapped up in the fantasy of being with Parker and having a role in Gracie’s life, only to have it disappear, I’m not sure I’ll be able to take it. Our time together has shown me that my attraction to him had never been just physical. In my six years of knowing him, I have grown to care deeply for this man. Even if I’ve never realized it until now.

  Parker rolls me to my back, his cock slipping out and making me feel empty. He cups my cheek and leans in close. Our noses brush together as he rests his forehead on mine, and some of that emptiness fades.

  “In case you haven’t noticed, I like having you here with me. We’re good together. I want you to be a part of Gracie’s life, but I won’t rush you. I’m in this for the long haul and I’ll wait as long as I need to for you to be ready.”

  “Really?” I can’t believe this perfect man is here and saying these wonderful things to me. In all my daydreams, I never thought we would ever come this far. Certainly not this quickly.

  Parker gives a small laugh of disbelief and plants a kiss on the tip of my nose. “Of course, Paige. I love you. This isn’t just about me getting my rocks off.”

  My breath leaves me in a whoosh and tears prick my eyes.

  “I love you too,” I whisper, unable to speak around the lump in my throat.

  “Good.” He smiles brightly and continues, “now tell me you’ll spend the day with me and Gracie.”

  “Okay.” I wrap my arms tightly around him, feeling unbelievably happy with this turn of events.

  “If I’m going to have any energy tomorrow, we should get some sleep. However, I did just tell my woman I love her for the first time and since she loves me too, I think a little sixty-nine before bed would be a good way to celebrate.”

  I laugh when he hauls me over his body, twisting me around so my head is facing his cock. It’s twitching and lengthening before my eyes. I lick my lips and prepare to take him deep into my throat.

  Two seconds later when Parker pulls my hips down over his mouth, taking my clit between his teeth, the last thing on my mind is laughing.

  No, it’s moaning and begging, while he groans and praises. And then we’re blissfully coming… together.

  Definitely a great way to celebrate.

  Chapter Eleven

  I follow the little girl giggles through the throng of tables at Serendipity 3 in Manhattan. Having just taken Gracie to the bathroom, we’re racing to see who can get back to Parker the fastest. Obviously, Gracie is winning. What kind of special friend of Daddy’s would I be if I beat her? Probably not one that stuck around very long, that’s for sure.

  “There’s my girl,” Parker exclaims when Gracie does a running leap into his arms, settling herself into his lap.

  Immediately, my heart warms and a smile tugs at my lips. All day long, I’ve heard my biological clock ticking—loudly. The way Parker loves his daughter is the stuff of magic. I can’t even begin to describe how incredibly sexy it is to watch him with her.

  I stop my train of thought as it begins to veer down the path of imagining a whole gaggle of kids with me as mom and Parker as dad. I’m getting way ahead of myself. We have a lot of time to see where this thing goes. There is still so much we don’t know about each other.

  “This frozen hot chocolate is so good.” I take another sip of the sinfully decadent treat and moan around the straw.

  Parker makes a strangled sound from across the table. My eyes lift to his and my breath catches at the amount of fire blazing in his. I woodenly release the straw from my pursed lips and swallow hard.

  “Yeah,” is all he manages to say. That one word is more than enough, though. It speaks to the volume of want we have for one another. Even with a surefire cock-blocker in tow with us today, Parker has still managed to find ways to let me know how much he loves me—whether it be a small touch, a lingering glance or a stolen kiss.

  His attention is undeniably making our first outing with Gracie easier on me. Between being afraid that she would resent me horning in on her time with her father and my need for her to like me, I was a ball of nerves by the time I arrived at Parker’s condo this morning. I didn’t need to be worried though. Parker is a natural at putting me at ease and the day has flown by seamlessly. Now that it’s almost done, I’m wondering what there was to worry about in the first place.

  “Paige!” I hear my name being called and I turn my head to see the source. I frown when I see Amira pushing her way through a small crowd of people exiting the restaurant. What is she doing here?

  “I can’t believe I’m running into you here!” She squeals before giving me a hug. She turns her attention toward the rest of the table and smiles broadly. “Hi, Parker. Good to see you again. And who might you be?”

  Gracie smiles back at her and waves. “I’m Gracie.”

  “Aren’t you just a pile of sunshine,” Amira responds. “So what are you guys up to?”

  “Just hanging out,” I answer her with a shake of my head. She knew damn well our plans for the day included a picnic in the park followed by dessert at this very restaurant. Such a nosey thing she is. Not that I can blame her. And I suppose if push came to shove, I would admit that I’m grateful for her checking in and making sure I didn’t need saving.

  “Would you like to join us?” Parker politely asks my best friend even though our drinks are now gone. I’m not the only one looking to impress someone of significance today.

  “Actually, my date just arrived.” She wiggles her fingers in the direction of the door. It takes a moment for me to realize she’s signaling someone who looks more giant than man. My goodness, is he on steroids? He’s huge! “If you don’t mind, Max and I have some catching up to do. Good to see you again, Parker. It was nice meeting you Miss Gracie. I’ll call you later, Paige.”

  She gives me a knowing look and saunters off to where Max waits for her. He crushes her in a kiss that is far too pornographic for a shop that mainly caters to kids, before guiding her out the door. She is certainly going to have some explaining to do later.

  “Checking up on me?” Parker’s question has me turning back in my seat.

  “Of course.” I laugh at the face he makes, but know with certainty he has nothing to worry about. Amira was sold on him from the first time she met him. I highly doubt she’ll have anything negative to say when she calls me later.

  “Time to go home,” Parker announces and digs out his wallet to leave a tip on the table.

  “Do we have to?” Gracie whines.

  “You need a bath.” He flicks the tip of her nose with his index finger, causing her to scrunch it up in annoyance.

  “But I want to play with Paige.” Her mouth twists into a pout and she crosses her arms over her chest, throwing herself against the back of her chair in a huff. Her black curls bounce with the movement and the blue eyes that mirror her father’s shoot daggers at him.

  It seems Parker isn’t the only Stone who likes to have playtime with Paige. I hide my smirk behind my hand when he gives me a warning look. Did I mention how much I love this child?

  “No pouting,” he tells her firmly. “You can play with Paige next time you stay at my house.”

  “But—,” she starts.

  “No buts.”

  Knowing her dad isn’t going to give in, Gracie smartly stops arguing. I bite my lip, though, when she stomps her foot as she stands up and takes Parker’s proffered hand. It’s all I can do to not laugh. Parker gives me an exasperated look and takes his daughter’s hand. I have a feeling there will be some sexual retribution handed out the next time w
e’re alone.

  “What a lovely family you have.” I glance up from putting my purse on my shoulder in time to see an older woman gripping Parker’s arm and smiling up at him. My heart stutters to a stop at her choice of words. I wait with baited breath for Parker’s response.

  His answering grin is sexy as can be, but it’s his words I’m hanging on. “Thank you, ma’am. I’m rather proud of them myself.”

  Them. He said them. Them includes me, right?

  “As you should be. Such a beautiful wife and daughter,” she returns before walking around him. “God bless you.”

  Parker turns and winks at me. I’m a mess of goo after he doesn’t correct the woman. He’s told me time and again that this is more than casual for him. Just how much more, I wasn’t sure. Maybe, just maybe, this is it for him. I know I want this to be it for me.

  With a huge smile and some pep in my step, I follow Parker and Gracie out into the afternoon sunshine. This day couldn’t get any better.

  Chapter Twelve

  “What are you doing?” Parker’s sleep roughened voice sends shivers across my skin.

  I immediately startle, so lost in my work that I hadn’t realized he’d gotten out of bed. A glance at the clock shows it’s three in the morning. I sit back in the stool and rub my tired eyes. Now that I’m not focused, I’m realizing how exhausted I am.

  Parker’s body is warm as he fits himself against my back. It’s a welcome distraction from the mess of papers littered across the island in his kitchen. I set up shop there after he fell asleep, and I finally accepted that my brain wasn’t going to turn itself off. This tends to happen whenever I’m obsessed with tweaking a design.

  “Working on an assignment Gavin gave me.” I tilt my head when his lips connect with the sensitive spot on my neck, wanting him to have more access.