"Shocking Affair" ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance
()
About this ebook
~ A Flirty & Feisty Romance Novel ~
She is the CEO and he is the janitor.
"Brilliant, beautiful and bold, Michelle's the CEO of Hotshot Publishers. I'm the janitor assigned to clean her office. She has her eyes on me. The truth is, I don't date powerful women. In fact, I don't date at all, but it doesn't stop my eyes from finding hers in a room. Suddenly, she asks for my help. I want to refuse, but I'm curious. Besides why would I turn down my boss? Maybe just this once, every inch of her sexy body will know my touch even if it's the last thing I do. If I get hooked, it'll be a shocking affair. Suddenly, her old crush appears and then I realize I want something from her…" ~ Toye Williams
"Striking from head to toe, there's something about Toye, the janitor that distracts me as I work. Maybe the tattoos designed along his muscled arms play havoc on my mind, or the rippling muscles beneath his fitted top is the reason, I'm not sure. When you're at the top of your career, holding on to a relationship is tough. Yet, my stomach scrunches every time I see him. He sends me a mysterious glare and a stay-away-from-me frown when our eyes lock. I reject accomplished men who want me. With Toye, maybe it's the chase I enjoy or the fact I know I shouldn't date the janitor. Whatever it is, I've got a favour to ask of him. If he says yes, I'll do what I've got in mind. If not, I might settle for my old crush." ~ Michelle Taylor
From the Author of Guilty of Love ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance
Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku is a fun loving mother of two teenagers, married to her gorgeous husband and best friend who indulges her romantic habits. Writing contemporary and historical romance novels is an exciting adventure for her. Out of curiosity and belief that love conquers all, she has written several Interracial & Multicultural Romance Novels. In 2010, Stella created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels, a collection of toe-curling, intriguing, and skin-tingling romance with compelling characters who have heart and soul and jump off the pages of the book. All her stories are dotted with twists and turns and are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe & enchanting America. To experience and enjoy an intense emotional ride, pick up a copy of any of her novels: TEMPTED by the Princess - Book 1 ~ A BWWM Curvy Girl Romance TEMPTED by the Princess - Book 2 ~ A BWWM Curvy Girl Romance Hooked by one Curvy Girl - Book 1 ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance Hooked by one Curvy Girl - Book 2 ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance NAUGHTY PROMISE ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance CHRISTMAS Seduction ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance IRRESISTIBLE Passion ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance "Shocking Affair" ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance GUILTY of LOVE ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance Your Christmas Gift ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance All of Me ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance "You're Mine" ~ A Sweet & Sexy Christmas Romance Enticed Forever ~ A Bad boy Romance Naked Attraction ~ A Sweet & Sexy Romance INDECENT ~ WWBW Steamy Romance His Ring ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance LUST ~ A Sexy Romance Love at Christmas ~ A Sweet & Sexy Romance Husband to Rent ~ Sensual Romance Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series Book 1) ~ A Sweet Romance Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series Book 2) Stolen Kisses (Holiday Series - Complete Set) Tempting Desire ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance Seduced Hearts ~ A BWWM Steamy Christmas Romance Forbidden Dance (Forbidden Series Book 1) ~ A BWWM Steamy Romance Red Velvet Rose (Forbidden Series Book 2) ~ A BMWW Sexy Romance Wild Whispers ~ A BWWM Sweet Romance Royal Cowries (Cowries Series Book 1) ~ A Sweet Historical Romance His Choice (Cowries Series Book 2) ~ A Sweet Historical Romance Stella's first historical/suspense/mystery romance, Royal Cowries (Cowries Series #1) will give you an insight into exotic Africa. A luxury home by the seaside is on Stella's wish list and in her spare time, she loves to swim on her back like a starfish, watch TV, go to the movies with her family and read romance novels.
Read more from Stella Eromonsere Ajanaku
Tempting Desire ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Christmas Seduction ~ A BWWM Christmas Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Hot Chase Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEnticed Forever ~ A Bad Boy Romance Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Indecent ~ A WWBM Steamy Romance Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Tempting Desire Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Get Undressed ~ A BWWM Romance Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Enticed Forever ~ A Badboy Romance Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Naked Attraction ~ A Sweet & Sexy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRed Velvet Rose ~ A BMWW Sexy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsChoose Me ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsForbidden Dance ~ Steamy Hot Novella Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5"You're Mine" ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Longing for You Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLust ~ A Sexy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHusband to Rent ~ Sensual Moments Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsYour Christmas Gift ~ A Sweet & Sexy Romance Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Seduced Hearts ~ A Body-Tingling Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMr Stranger ~ A BWWM Curvy Girl Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKiss My Lips ~ A Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPope Heart of the Mafia: Brutal Cousins: An Enemies-to-Lovers Dark Mafia Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStolen Valentine Kiss Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIrresistible Driver ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRoyal Cowries Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLove at Christmas ~ A Sexy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHis Ring ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNaughty Promise ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGuilty of Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWild Whispers ~ A Sweet Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to "Shocking Affair" ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance
Related ebooks
Seduced Hearts ~ A Body-Tingling Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNot Your Baby ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance: The Billionaire Brothers Book 3: The Billionaire Brothers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGet Undressed ~ A BWWM Romance Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Wild Whispers ~ A Sweet Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTempting Desire Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Tempting Desire ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5His Choice ~ A Sweet Historical Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNaughty Promise ~ A BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHot Chase Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIrresistible Driver ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEnticed Forever ~ A Badboy Romance Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Longing for You Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMr Stranger ~ A BWWM Curvy Girl Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsChoose Me ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsChristmas Seduction ~ A BWWM Christmas Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Pope Heart of the Mafia: Brutal Cousins: An Enemies-to-Lovers Dark Mafia Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGuilty of Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsChristmas Desire ~ BWWM Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKiss My Lips ~ A Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDon't Leave Me Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I Will Always Love You Book 3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsClaiming the Billionaire Trainer's Heart Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsNot a Fling: The Billionaire Brothers, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsI Will Always Love You Book 2 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5His Ring ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCan’t Be Undone: A BWWM New Adult Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDone With Dating Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Billionaire's Waitress 2: The Billionaire's Waitress, #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSuspicion: Elusive Billionaire Romance Series, #1 Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Love Belated: Elusive Billionaire Romance Series, #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
African American Romance For You
Mixed Emotions Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Upper Room Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mixed Signals Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Three Little Words Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5What a Match Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Make a Scene Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Other Side of the Pillow: A Novel Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5God Don't Like Ugly Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Under His Kilt Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mixed Match Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Let Us Dream Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5So You Call Yourself A Man Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Adoring Ava Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sweet St. Louis: AN Urban Love Story Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Satin Doll: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Big Spankable Asses Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Mechanics of Love Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Her Insatiable Scot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Brown Sugar 2: Great One Night Stands - A Collection of Erotic Black Fiction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Scot Appeal Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIt Happened Last Wednesday Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5His Secret Son: A Surprise Pregnancy Western Romance Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Desperate Hoodwives: An Urban Tale Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5What They Want: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Be Not Afraid Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Across the River - an 1800s Black / Native American Novella: The Lumbee Indian Saga, #1 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Kilted for Pleasure Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Reviews for "Shocking Affair" ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
"Shocking Affair" ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance - Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Shocking Affair
A Sweet & Steamy Romance
By
STELLA EROMONSERE-AJANAKU
Flirty & Feisty Romance
Feel the passion
Sexy Teaser
––––––––
Toye swooped down his head and crushed Michelle’s parted lips with his own. He swept his tongue around the tender roof of her mouth.
She pressed against him and surged her tongue inside his mouth brewing a storm across his body.
Suddenly Toye cut off the kiss and marched toward the kitchen. She followed behind.
Between them the air tensed.
His hot breath tickled her face and she licked her lips.
Slow seconds passed. For several minutes, their eyes clashed and locked.
There’s something you need to know.
Toye breathed sharply. I don’t date powerful women like you, Michelle. No flowers, no chocolates, no romance. That soppy stuff isn’t for me.
Why did you kiss me?
You’ve wanted me to kiss you for a long time. I just didn’t want to start something I wasn’t cut out for. Do you get it?
His jaw hardened as he spoke.
Shocking Affair
Copyright © 2018 Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
eBook
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters and events in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Praise
The Lord is our steadfast love and fortress.
O Lord, who am I that you think of me? I bow my head to worship you because you are my Sustainer, Preserver and Strength.
Sincere Gratitude
I love you always, ‘Sere. My loving children, you bring me such joy.
To Dorothy, thank you for polishing my work.
Every reader of Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels is precious to me. Thank you for buying and reading my books. I’m overjoyed knowing you bought each book. When you leave a review, I get butterflies in my stomach. I love you all.
God bless you all in abundance.
Books by Stella
Flirty & Feisty Romance Contemporary and Interracial Romance Novels include:
Shocking Affair
Guilty of Love
Your Christmas Gift
All of Me
You’re Mine
Enticed Forever
Naked Attraction
Indecent
His Ring
Forbidden Dance
Red Velvet Rose
Tempting Desire
Seduced Hearts
Lust
Stolen Kisses (Books 1 & 2)
Wild Whispers
Love at Christmas
Husband to Rent
Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series #1)
Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series #2) and
The Historical & Paranormal Romance novels include:
Royal Cowries (Cowries Series #1) and
His Choice (Cowries Series #2)
Author Bio
My Photo I’m Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, born and raised in Benin City, Nigeria. I now live in London, UK with my husband and two teenagers. Nothing thrills me more than to write Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels that are intriguing, toe-curling and skin-tingling with compelling characters who have heart and soul and jump off the pages. My stories are dotted with unexpected twists and are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe and enchanting America. If you need a novel to knock out the stress of daily living, cure you of boredom, make you laugh, keep you drooling in suspense and draw you into an intensely emotional spin, pick up one of my books to read. They all have a high entertainment value.
In 2010, I created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels.
To experience an emotional ride with my characters, just cuddle up, grab a copy of Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels and sail away to Pleasure Island.
I will love to hear from you.
Dear Reader,
Michelle is the CEO of Hotshot Publishers and Toye is a janitor. What do these two people from different worlds have in common?
I asked myself the same question when the thought sprang into my heart one cold morning in February. Then I started to write about these two strong-willed and gorgeous people and suddenly, their personalities and outlook roared to life in this Shocking Affair
.
This sweet and steamy romance starts when Michelle invites Toye to help at a dinner party in her house. Toye backs out when she reveals her intention. Before you know it, an innocent invitation spins out of control.
I urge you to read Shocking Affair
to find out if Michelle and Toye prove their critics wrong.
This is one more story to deepen your love for romance stories. There are a few more tales to come from me in 2018, by His grace.
Please write to Stella at
flirty.feisty@gmail.com
Love,
Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Praise for Stella’s Books
––––––––
Guilty of Love – "This was a very hot and steamy tale! The interaction between the characters was so realistic...and were so unpredictable I couldn't put the book down until I finished!" ~ Rated 5 stars by nina
Your Christmas Gift – Oh what a great quick read and a sweet story! It is great from the first page to the last... I do so LOVE your books! Please keep them coming.
~ Rated 5 stars by LHill
All of Me – I adored this story... The characters were sexy, hilarious and so real! Roli was what Jermaine wanted and needed and Jermaine was the very thing Roli craved. This story had me at page 1. Thank you for this great read! 💗
~ Rated 5 stars by Readyreader
You’re Mine
– I enjoyed this book from the beginning so very much!! Meeting sassy Rachael and the very alpha Banjo was so amazing! Such a well-written story that is so unique and lovely!! Brought tears to my eyes..." ~ Rated 5 stars by Rhonda Adels
Husband to Rent – I have to say the chemistry that Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku characters have in these books, make me want to move into one of her books, so I can find my King.
~ Rated 5 stars by georgiana braham
"Enticed Forever has a great storyline and the chemistry between Theo and Aize hooked me right into their story and kept me totally enthralled until the very end!"
~ Rated 5 stars by Pat W
"In Naked Attraction...The images that play in my mind as I read about locations, foods and situations seem as if I'm watching a movie. The way she describes the characters and their chemistry is awesome.... I recommend it."
~ Rated 5 stars by ReadyReader
His Ring: "Truly loved this story. It's such a sweet love story to read!! I fell in love with Yomi and the story itself held my attention to the very end. I laughed, I cried and I loved the ending!!!"
~ Rated 5 stars by Layla Morgan
His Choice: What a beautifully written love story. A prince who has his heart set on a woman he cannot have with a very interesting twist I enjoyed so much, I could not put the book down until I finished...
~ Rated 5 stars by amazon customer
"Lust: This was such a wonderful story! I loved the relationship that grew between Jordan and Faye. Their relationship is put through so many 'tests'. I cried, I laughed and I didn't want to put it down."
~ Rated 5 stars by amazon customer
Love at Christmas: I started and finished this book today. Stella is a writer who draws you into the story and her characters. It was a pleasure to read. I couldn't wait to get to the end to see what happened. It made me feel emotional and as if Christmas was already here.
~ Rated 5 stars by Lisa Caddick
"Stolen Valentine Kiss–I enjoyed the romance story that developed from a lingering look. I loved how two hearts became one and there were moments that I was scared. Lorna and Logan are perfect for each other..."
~ Rated 5 stars by Deborah Brandon.
Kiss My Lips – What a great escape for me. Logan is an incredible guy. He is sweet, sensitive, thoughtful, everything that we would look for in a book boyfriend. This was a great read from start to finish.
~ Rated 5 stars by avid reader.
"Royal Cowries – This novel is like the movies Queenie, Roots and Shaka Zulu with a more modern way of thinking, surviving, love...within a passionate love story. Excellent!!!"
~ Rated 5 stars by T. Miles
"Forbidden Dance is a breath-taking romance novel... The reader is taken on a whirlwind affair filled with pleasure, lust, sensuality, desire and sweltering sex. A well-written, remarkable page-turning read."
~ Rated 5 stars by Vivienne Diane Neal.
"Tempting Desire, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I was hooked from the very first page. The story line was so real I could visualise each of the characters. It was as if I was watching a life movie."
~ Rated 5 stars by Amazon Customer.
"Seduced Hearts: Outstanding book! Excellent read. It's so nuanced, it sparkles. It's definitely worth reading!" ~ Rated 5 stars by Russell Mebane.
Red Velvet Rose: This novel is a masterpiece, I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the book...
~ Rated 5 stars by Itohan.
"Wild Whispers: Wild whispers is a beautiful story and...once I picked it up to read I couldn’t put it down until I got to the end... True love as discovered by Adaora and Gary is spontaneous and not bound by time or space." ~ Rated 5stars by Gharriluc.
"Short & Fun Stories Vol. 1: I loved this charming group of short stories by this diverse group of writers. There is something there for everyone.... inspiration, suspense, children's literature and thrills. Highly recommend."
~ Rated 5 stars by AmazonReader21889
Content
Sexy Teaser
Praise
Sincere Gratitude
Books by Stella
Author Bio
Praise for Stella’s Books
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
And Later
The End
Names & Meanings
Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels
Social Media Links
One
SPRING
Michelle’s stomach muscles tightened.
Her fingers circling the silver pen on the desk grew sweaty. She crossed her feet at the ankles under her high-back, black leather swivel chair.
To be honest, she had felt this way for months since she set eyes on Toye. The words on her lips searched for a way to get out, but they were stuck in her throat.
Grow some spine, her head roared. It’s now or never. Say what’s on your mind.
Don’t touch that!
Michelle spewed out, rearranging the folders on her desk to buy time. She only spoke up to get Toye’s attention.
The janitor did not glance at her, not even a quick look over his broad shoulders. Beneath his tight-fitting dark grey t-shirt, his muscles rippled as he wiped the delicate vase on the glass shelf.
A neat pile of work sat on her table waiting for her expert attention. Instead of earning her fat pay by the second, her eyes followed the sweep of Toye’s long arms stretched even wider as he worked.
Thankfully a yawning gap separated her desk from the tall, dark man now cleaning the flowered vase painting on the wall in her office with arms tattooed as if he was a walking piece of exquisite art.
Two months ago, when she requested for Toye to be stationed in her office to clean all day long, it had seemed like a great idea–a selfish one, no doubt. She wanted him where she could keep an eye on his body. In truth, it was not just his body she found fascinating, his dark aura also mystified her.
Feeling unusually fuzzy on the fourteenth day in May, Michelle sighed.
Did you hear me?
Speaking in an even tone, Michelle tried to get his attention again. If he did not respond to simple instruction, how could she ask what was on the tip of her tongue?
The man who had a body toned to disrupt her mind and a mysterious personality to boot, carried on brushing the delicate artwork as if she had not spoken.
Her cell phone vibrated on top of her diary sitting on the table to her right. The pealing sound almost cut off her Monday morning drool, but not entirely. Michelle’s fingers hesitated to tap the green button to receive the call. Instead her eyes shadowed every undulating muscle in Toye’s upper back and arms. He was distracting. Oh, not just distracting, he captivated her thoughts by doing what he did best.
For the most part, the janitor acted as if he was invisible and unable to speak. Well, she was not quite sure, anyway, whether he could talk. He never responded verbally to her commands. Worse still, he barely looked at her when he worked. The few times their eyes had clashed, his dark pair exuded silent shady messages she could not interpret. Yet, a slow tension hung between them, strong at times, magnetic even. She had no clue what to do about it, until today.
You’re the CEO, her heart croaked, and he’s the janitor.
As a professional herself, Toye’s distant attitude did not matter to her, because he took great care when he cleaned every inch of her office and the delicate pieces of decoration she treasured.
Her phone continued vibrating and the sound finally shooed her out of her slobber.
Hello, Mom!
She inserted fun into her tone.
Hello Michelle. You’re on speaker. Your dad and Momma are here.
Michelle shook her head and breathed out. It was half eight on Monday morning.
I can hear you sigh,
her mom scolded mildly.
Michelle heard Momma, her grand-aunt Evelyn sigh. It sounded more like a fire cracker.
We were at your place yesterday. You didn’t come home, again,
her mom stated, her tone a tad shy of directly accusing her of abandoning her family.
Michelle stood up and carried two folders in her arms. Dad, Mom and Momma, good morning. I really love you all, but I’m at work. Whatever needs to be discussed will have to wait till I get home.
Along with her grand-aunt Evelyn, they all lived on the same street on Grosvenor Street in London, and her family took it upon themselves to drop by her house several times a week. Of course, they knew when she was home and always happened to be passing by to say hello and to chat—a terrible idea. Sometimes, she felt smothered and disappeared from home for days. While family meant a lot to her, oftentimes she found their fussing overwhelming.
You’ve got the management meeting starting in six minutes,
Liam reminded her from the doorway with a tiny grin touching his square jaw.
Grateful for her personal assistant’s interruption, Michelle nodded at Liam. Thanks.
Swallowing her irritation at her family’s unwanted intrusion, Michelle circled her desk.
Dad, Mom, Momma, I’ll see you later at home. I’ve got a very important meeting. Bye.
Are you really coming home tonight?
Momma chirped in just as Michelle stood beside the janitor who had his face averted.
A striking masculine scent raced to Michelle’s nose. She inhaled slowly as the air surrounding the man born to clean seemed to hold a sharp dose of scent she did not have time to explore.
Covering the phone with her palm, she murmured to Toye. Whatever you do, try not to break that delicate piece on the window sill.
Without a glance at her, the janitor nodded and moved along the wall as if she were interrupting his smooth routine.
Grinding her teeth together, Michelle returned her attention to the call. Yes, I’ll come home tonight. See you all later.
We’ve arranged for dinner,
her dad stated just before she tapped the end button.
A sharp groan leaped out of Michelle’s mouth. Dinner at my place again?
Then she grinned as the perfect excuse she needed to get what she wanted from Toye stared her in the face.
Yes,
Jackson Taylor confirmed in his don’t-argue-with-me tone.
Before they could delay her further, she agreed. Fine, Dad. See you all at dinner tonight.
Michelle gave her watch a fast glance. Two minutes more. What she had in mind to ask Toye would have to wait.
Hurrying out of her office, she forgot all about the impending dinner and Toye’s crafted body.
Along the corridor, her heels clacked against the marble flooring. The click-clack sound grated on her nerves. For some obscure reason she was more unnerved this morning. She had read everything relating to the buy-over decision the board members needed to vote on within the next hour, so that was not what bothered her. It could not be the spontaneous dinner arrangement her dad just dropped on her a moment ago. It must be the growing connection she had with the man who said very little.
Michelle?
a voice called out.
Cold shivers swept through Michelle like a hurricane. She halted her stride as if hit by a bullet train. The voice which boomed from behind her did not belong to one of the fifty or so staff she encountered in the office building every day. Neither did it belong to anybody she had interacted with recently.
Yet, the deep, authoritative voice commanded her attention. Even though she had less than two minutes to spare before her meeting, she turned around.
Toye stood with his eyes honed on hers.
The folders in her hands slipped down, hit her feet and she blinked.
Without trying, the janitor made her jittery and her chest thudded a little.
I’ll get the folders,
Toye said, squatting at her feet.
Michelle ducked her head lower to stare at him. His dark hair, plaited into cornrows, was secured at his neck with a band. She had not really noticed he had more hair than most men, not that it was any of her business.
Quickly willing herself to take control, she straightened her spine. I thought you had some speech impediment or something,
she told him when he handed over the files.
A soft chuckle bubbled out of his lips and floated upward. Do I sound like I’ve got a speech impediment? I only speak when necessary.
Now her eyes searched his lips. For the first time she observed he had full dark lips. Was he a smoker? Only men who smoked several packets of cigarettes a day could have such dark lips. His plump lips were very well shaped in fact, but why was she admiring his lips anyway? This was weird, very weird.
Did you have something to say to me?
she asked with an impatient grin aimed at unnerving him.
Nothing serious. I wanted to tell you that if I didn’t clean the decorative pieces on the window sill, they would gather a pile of dust, and that would tarnish the image of the company.
His dark eyebrows and trimmed moustache vied for her attention and his husky voice warmed her skin. She drew her eyebrows together.
Okay. But they’re special. Can we talk about this later or some other time?
He bent down again and brushed his fingers over her left feet.
Michelle jumped back and the folders crashed out of her hands a second time. Warm tides jerked up her legs to the pit of her stomach, toughening the knots.
What are you doing?
Her words were forced through clamped lips.
The janitor shrugged, his shaped beard an attractive feature on his angular jaw. The folders hit your legs earlier, so I wanted to take away the sting. I didn’t intend to make your skin crawl or anything.
Oh,
she exclaimed, suddenly feeling foolish at her over-the-top reaction.
Maybe some other time. Go on to your meeting.
Giving her a curt nod, he bowed and left her standing there with her mouth slackened.
When she recovered enough to get her thoughts back to the meeting at hand, Michelle texted her assistant, "I want every info on Toye Williams."
I will start right away,
Liam texted back.
Pulling in a strong breath, she exhaled slowly, tucked in her stomach and walked to the meeting room with her head held high.
Once the meeting ended, Michelle chatted briefly with Jessica, the head of publishing and Violet, the head of marketing about closing the book deal that came in seventy-two hours ago from a promising newbie author.
Close the deal, Jessica, and you can get the commission straightaway.
A determined glint rested in Jessica’s hazel eyes and she smiled. Consider the deal on the way to being closed. I’ve got a lunch meeting with the author at two.
Nodding at the woman with a success rate many admired in the publishing industry, Michelle faced Violet. And I know you’ve got a new marketing angle to promote the new book. Let me see the final artwork as soon as you finish.
Of course, Michelle.
Have a great day, ladies.
Michelle nodded at her team and strode out of the meeting room.
Something needled Michelle’s thoughts as she walked briskly back to her office.
Liam met her by the door. You’ve got a meeting in an hour with the company publicist.
Great. May I have milkshake please? I feel funny.
Yes. I’ll order one right away. Do you want to sit down?
Michelle did not provide an answer, instead she headed straight to her desk and sat down. Liam?
Her assistant who had one foot at the door, looked behind. Michelle gestured with one hand for him to come inside. Shut the door.
Any problems?
Liam asked, his dark hair cut low to disguise his recently receding hairline.
Could you send Toye to my office please?
Liam’s expression did not waver as he replied. Of course.
Is he Nigerian?
Yes, I believe so. When do you want to see him? He’s probably in the canteen at this time.
Now.
One word was all she said.
Liam nodded with a complete understanding of the one-word-reply. He had been asked to make his way out of her office and find Toye Williams, and he did.
Michelle rubbed her fingers along her temple and exhaled. If only work was all she had to think about, her life would