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Chapter 1
“The upcoming merger will not only increase revenue for this company, it will expand growth for both parties involved.” She licks her lips and smiles, and it's a good thing I'm sitting because I feel my knees go weak.
“I know some of you have reservations and I understand—big changes can be scary. However, I've put my blood, sweat, and tears into Pretty Kitties, so trust me when I tell you this is the best solution to save the company.”
Marge, the billing supervisor—if you can even call her that—rolls her eyes. “Oh please. This is the wrong move and you know it. I think I speak for everyone when I say that Pretty Kitties—a female sex toy company is classy and harmless. But joining forces with Porn Rub? What am I supposed to tell my kids? Sorry, go
A few of my co-workers snicker and nod their heads in agreement.
I pick at my cuticles. “Sounds like someone's a little jealous they're not getting paid for the stick they have up their ass.”
Marge shoots me a dirty look. “Says the lesbian.”
I lean forward. “Was that supposed to be an insult?”
“Don't worry, Marge, it's not contagious,” Juan, my flamboyant and impeccably dressed friend from sales says and I give him a smile for coming to my defense.
“All right, enough.” My boss sharpens her gaze as she looks around the table at us. “I know this merger with Porn Rub isn't ideal for everyone. However, if the new direction isn't something you're interested in, don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. This is a business and there's a fuck-ton of money that can be made with this deal. And if you want Mama to feed you a piece of the pie—I suggest you pipe down and pay attention.”
It's all I can do not to stand up and give her a round of applause. Not only is she one of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen—her take-charge attitude is such a turn on.
Stop it, Kit. I pinch my thigh under the table. She's your boss.
Your really hot boss.
A hot boss who kissed you while sharing a taxi after the company holiday party last month. And then pretended like it never happened the following Monday.
“Kit?” she questions, her voice rich like velvet.
I look up and suck in a breath. If Riha I can feel everyone's stare on me as I clear my throat. “Yes?” “Are you still with me?” Hell yes. “Absolutely.” She looks relieved. “Good. Because Porn Rub wants you to be the head of their social media department. They know you'll require some extra training, but if you do a good job, you'll make double what you do now. Sound good?” I wasn't aware porn companies, even the most well-known, had social media departments, but I'm not about to turn this down. Not only because of the money but because Jess gave me a chance and hired me when no one else would. Because I am a fuck up. I shove that thought to the back burner before it can drag me down. I've worked hard to get my life back after my downward spiral, and I'm finally in a good place again. “I look forward to it.” She bites her lip and my stomach dips. “Me too.” She holds my gaze for a fraction of a second before she reaches for a stack of envelopes and starts tossing them at us individually. I'm about to ask what's in them but then Juan screams, “Vegas! This is better than a sale at Nordstrom.” Everyone around me squeals and cheers, and sure enough; when I open my envelope; there's a plane ticket with my name on it. My boss clears her throat, waiting for us to calm down before she speaks again. “Porn Rub, along with myself, have put together a little workshop. Given this is such a drastic change, we thought some training would be helpful.” Her eyes gleam. “And since we want this to be a fun experience for all involved, as well as a celebration, we figured Vegas would be just the place.” She waits for the excited chatter to die down again before she speaks. “Okay, that pretty much wraps up today's meeting. Finish out the rest of your day, enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you all in Vegas.” With that, she dismisses us. “Can't believe I'm going to work in porn,” Marge mutters as she gathers her things and walks out the door. “Something tells me it won't be for long,” Juan murmurs before he leans over and whispers. “More pie for us, though, right?” I grab my notepad and stand up. “Pie with a side of porn. America's favorite pastime.” He gives me a strange look. “You know, for a girl who found out she was going to Vegas and getting a raise, you don't seem that excited.” He pokes my arm. “Is it all the peen you'll be seeing now? Because take it from me, honey. Dick is fantastic.” I give him a look. “Let's agree to disagree on that. Unless of course, you don't mind me listing all the reasons why pussy is the next best thing to heaven.” He turns his nose up. “Ugh, point taken. Lord knows I hear enough of that crap whenever I visit my parents.” I reach for my coffee and toss my bag over my shoulder. “I feel your pain. My grandmother wasn't too accepting of my” —I make air quotes— “sickness, either. Being raised by her wasn't exactly a picnic.” “Sounds like you're better off without her.” I inwardly wince. “Yeah, I am. I mean, she's still alive and kicking, but we haven't spoken in years.” I wave a hand because I hate the sour note our conversation has taken. “Like you said, it's for the best.” He tips his coffee cup at me. “Y—” “Can you hang back a minute, Kit?” my boss calls out, cutting him off. Juan must notice the blush creeping up my cheeks because he winks and whispers, “I want all the details. Minus the vagina monologues,” before he skedaddles out of the room. I try to relax before I turn and face her. “What's up?” “I didn't want to say it during the meeting, but PR wants you to spend a few weeks at their office in New York.” “PR?” The moment the question leaves my mouth, I realize. “Right, Porn Rub. Duh.” I seriously hate the way my brain turns to mush around her. Given I turned twenty-four last month, you'd think I'd be mature enough to stop morphing into an imbecile around women I'm attracted to. Then again, Asher, who recently turned twenty-five, has become notorious for twerking on the football field whenever his team scores a touchdown. So I guess age really is just a number and not an indicator of maturity. My boss tilts her head and I realize she's waiting for me to respond. “A few weeks in New York won't be a problem.” I chew on my lip, debating my next words carefully. “Can I ask you a question?” The fingers typing frantically across her phone come to a stop. “Of course.” “I hope this doesn't come off rude. I'm not a judgmental sourpuss like Marge is, it's just—” Her lips twitch. “You want to know how and why someone who owns a business encouraging women to embrace their sexual needs ends up merging with a porn company.” “Yeah.” I shrug. “Not that I have anything against porn, but there's no denying it's very one-sided as far as what particular sex the porn industry caters to. From a business standpoint, I don't understand how Pretty Kitties would benefit. If anything, we'd be losing clients.”