Chapter Two – I Don’t Like Brats

Wyatt

I wait patiently for Alyssa to return to my office with her answer. I won’t fire her if she says no; I need her to believe I would. I get what I want, always, and what I want now is for her to be my date. Alyssa is cute, a little classier than the women I usually associate with. She’s far from my type—I prefer skinny blondes with green eyes. She has brown hair, a curvy figure, and blue eyes. She’s not from the same social class as my family, but then again, few are. My family needn't know she's my assistant; they have no idea. She's polite, and with the right attire, I can easily pass her off as someone suitable. It's only for one day. I need everyone to stop trying to set me up.

I need a specific type of woman. I have women I sleep with, but it's purely sexual. When I want more, I have particular expectations in a partner. My lifestyle isn't for everyone. I’m private about my life; it's no one's business. Only those involved know the details. It takes a great deal for me to let someone into my world; trust must be earned.

I checked the time; she should be finished by now. I'm not asking for much—it's not like I'm asking her to marry me. I'll make it worthwhile. I'll pay her if that's what she wants. My patience wears thin, and I tap my fingers against my desk. She has two minutes before I go to her office.

Just as I’m about to stand, I hear movement from her office and approaching footsteps. I rise and lean against my desk, arms folded.

She sighs and appears before me. “Are you really going to fire me if I don’t go with you?”

I suppress a smirk, push off my desk, and stroll toward her. As I approach, she reacts as before—her body tenses, her breathing quickens. I affect her the same way I do every other woman, though Alyssa would never admit it.

“Yes,” I say firmly.

She rolls her eyes, and my jaw tightens. I have ways to handle that kind of attitude; she's lucky she isn't mine, or I'd…

“You know I could report you for this, right?” she huffs.

I laugh. “Yes, but you won’t.”

“You don’t know that. Why me? You could ask anyone here. Someone interested in you could play the part better.”

“Everyone’s interested in me, even you,” I say confidently.

She scoffs, and my fists clench. Oh, how I’d love to teach her some manners, but I can’t. I don’t mix business with pleasure.

“I am not. You’re my boss, nothing more. I don’t even like you.”

She quickly covers her mouth. I doubt that was intended for my ears.

“Excuse me? Isn’t that a little rude?” I ask.

Panic floods her face. “Sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to say that aloud.”

It doesn’t bother me. Most people dislike me, and I don’t care. I can use this to my advantage.

“You can make it up to me by attending the wedding,” I smirk.

“Is there any way out of this without getting fired?”

I'm not usually one for blackmail, but my date canceled, and I can't be bothered finding a replacement.

I shake my head. “No. To make you feel better, I’ll pay you ten thousand.”

“Are you serious? Am I a damn hooker?” she snaps.

I chuckle. “You’re being dramatic. Hookers have sex for money. I’m asking you to be my date. Huge difference.”

“No, I’m not taking your money! I’ll come, but don’t ever ask me for anything like this again. If you do, I’ll report you. And you’re buying the dress; I’m not paying, especially since I don’t want to go.” She snarls.

Her feistiness is unusual. In the year she’s worked for me, she’s been timid and compliant. I hate to admit it, but it's… arousing. No, stop. I don’t like brats.

“Fair enough. We can go shopping tomorrow at lunch. It’s a two-night event. It’ll be too late to drive back after the wedding.” I smile.

“What? I hope you’re booking two rooms because I’m not sharing a room with you.” She whines.

I smirk. “Why not? Worried you’ll be tempted?”

She rolls her eyes and steps back. “No. I’m not interested in you. I don’t find you attractive. I just don’t want to share a room with my boss. The day will be bad enough without that.”

“You will have to. The resort is sold out. I’ll take the sofa; you can have the bed.”

It’s true. All the rooms are booked. I’m not playing games to force proximity. I’m not a hero from a cheesy romance novel.

“Fine! You owe me.” She exclaims.

“You know I can fire you, right?” I ask.

“You can try, but I’ll make your life hell if you do.” She says confidently.

Alyssa has more sides than I imagined. I’m curious to learn more this weekend.

“Neither of us will win this, so let’s stop. You can go home now. We have a busy day tomorrow, and we need to leave Saturday at six a.m. It’s easier if you stay at the resort Friday night so I don’t have to pick you up.”

She shakes her head. “No. I’m not staying with you. That’s a boundary I won’t cross. Pick me up, or I’m not coming.”

God, she’s infuriating!

“Fine. I’ll pick you up.” I sigh, conceding. I can’t risk her changing her mind.

“Good. I’m going home now.”

She leaves, returning to her office, gathering her things, and departing without another word. She’s angry, and rightly so. I did threaten to fire her. I'd be angry too. As I said, I always get what I want, and even Alyssa isn't immune, no matter how much she thinks she is.