RaineyEven though I’d only been in the workforce for over a week, the early mornings had started to take a toll on me. That’s why when I slept an hour past my alarm, I woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for the busy morning.Tanner and I met Mom in the driveway around eight.“You’ve only been working there a little over a week and he gave you a day off? What a good boss,” Mom said as we got into her car.“I don’t have the day off, Mom,” I said, checking to make sure Tanner didn’t unbuckle his seatbelt before we got out of the driveway. It was a daily struggle to keep the belt on him. He didn’t understand that it could save his life. “I have to be in the office at noon.” Michael had a morning meeting with someone and said I wasn’t needed until later. It worked out perfectly for me to attend the Christmas program at Tanner’s school. He’d been disappointed when he realized I was going to miss it since normally I’d be at work, but when I told him the change in plans, he gave me th

MichaelI replayed the phone call between me and Demetri over and over in my mind on my way to work Friday morning. It had been a short one, as these particular ones usually were.“Am I right about this?” he’d asked.“Yes.”A long pause then, “I’ll handle this.”We had no idea who was listening at any point which was why he preferred to meet in person for the more important and secretive meetings. Demetri had come up against authorities in the past involving a phone tap. He was back in Chicago, so there wasn’t a possibility of a face to face conversation.I’d come to the office early that morning, wanting to get out of my apartment. I had a nervous energy that I tried to get out by exercising. When that didn’t work, I had to occupy my mind. I thought by searching for some listings for Sal I could create a good alibi for myself. If anyone linked me to his death then I could claim I had no idea.See detective, I was searching for listings all morning. Why would I do that if I knew he wa

RaineyI couldn’t believe this! Michael wanted me to go to Colorado right this second? What sort of request was that?“These things happen sometimes,” he said and took out his phone. He was texting someone as if leaving on a moment’s notice was no big deal.“I don’t have my I.D. or tickets or anything,” I said.He glanced up at me from his phone. “We’re taking my private jet, so you don’t need identification.”“Well do I at least have time to go home?” I always traveled light to the City. I only had my purse and coat. I’d need warmer clothes if we were going to Colorado.“Unfortunately, no,” he said. “We have to go now. This property is a rare one and it might get scooped up quickly.”“Michael, this is crazy. I don’t have any clothes with me. Or a toothbrush. And where are we staying?” I supposed being a billionaire with a private jet allowed him to book travel quicker than a regular person. And I supposed throwing money at any hotel would get a room. But I needed to ask these questio

MichaelI was glad Sandra had the forethought to rent an SUV upon our arrival. There was a threat of snow for Saturday and I knew how rough it could get there. In my mind, it was late when the plane landed, even though the time difference gave us an added two hours of daylight. We ate fast food for dinner—something I rarely did—and it was delicious. We were both exhausted by the time we made it to Natalia’s lodge and barely had time to unpack our meager belongings before we went off to our separate rooms to sleep.I stayed awake for a little while, my mind buzzing with what was about to happen. Natalia’s liquor cabinet was stocked and I sat down in the dark living room, staring at the unlit fireplace while sipping on a twenty-one-year-old scotch. Everything was going to work out perfectly. Demetri had given me enough time to get out before I had the chance at having someone point the finger at me for being involved with Sal Rossi before he died.I drank two more scotches before my min

RaineyMichael’s lips were warm against mine. His large hand cupped my cheek and I leaned against his firm body. He opened his mouth to deepen the kiss and my body exploded with lust for him. Kissing Michael was unlike any kiss I had before. Had it been our growing attraction for each other or the picturesque lodge we were staying in? Either way, it was the best damn kiss of my life. I wanted more, but it was so wrong. I prayed he would have the strength to pull back. I wasn’t sure I did.When he pulled away from me, my eyes fluttered open.“It’s really good,” he said“Hm?”“The sauce,” he said with a smirk.I took a breath and moved away from him. I couldn’t believe I just kissed my boss! He must think I’m so unprofessional. Even though he initiated it and I really wanted it, this wasn’t something I did. I didn’t fall for men I barely knew or kissed people I worked with. What was happening to me?With his lips away from mine, reality came crashing down. He returned to the island in t