Free Billionaire Alpha 1: (A Bad Boy Billionaire Novel) by Ali Parker Page A

10
     
     
    The next morning was uneventful, the whispers in the office about it being hump-day causing everyone to chuckle and be inappropriate in hopes of garnishing a laugh. Bethany worked to avoid everyone, her thoughts depressing. She would have one more week before she needed to start working along with her classes. Her masters was important to her and would be needed in order for her to sit for her CPA certificate, but going back to a non-work environment seemed odd.
    What would Krista and Jake be like around her? It was bound to be a bit awkward for a while. They were probably enjoying the week with her gone. Maybe she needed to think about getting a place of her own, away from campus, and just driving in for classes.
    A knock at her door caught her off guard, a soft sound of surprise leaving her. She stood as a guy about her age waved, the smile on his face friendly, his eyes blue like the ocean.
    "Sorry to scare you. I'm Philip, the newbie." He smirked and moved into the room, his accent putting him from Australia or somewhere far away. He extended his hand and Bethany reached out to shake it, his grasp firm, his gaze moving around her face.
    He was handsome and his voice could melt chocolate, but she ignored all of that, her own emotions locked up in a battle over what to feel for Damon and what to seek counseling over.
    "No problem. I was just deep in thought. I do that a bit too often." She smiled and pulled her hand back. "I'm Bethany."
    "I've heard. There's a red-headed girl out to get you, I believe." He smirked and moved back toward the doorway, leaning against the frame and crossing his arms over his chest. His dark blond hair fit his tanned skin perfectly, the set of his jaw giving him a masculine appeal. He was probably just like Jake and used his rugged good looks to have women think the opposite. All guys were like Jake, except Damon.
    "Sadie. Yes, she's a peach for sure."
    "Says you ’ re dating the boss."
    "Oh yeah? That's new to me." She shrugged. "We're all going dancing tomorrow night. You should come. Would be good to get to know everyone. I plan on doing so myself."
    "So you'll be there?"
    "I plan to." She smiled as someone tapped Philip on the shoulder, the voice soft and muffled. He looked back over at her and waved.
    "Seems the boss wants to see me. I'll catch you later. Pleasure meeting you, Bethany."
    He left, and she stood beside her desk, leaning over and putting her hands on the smooth surface. Why was an office setting so seductive? Was it the taboo of thinking about getting caught being intimate with someone at work? Was it the smooth, hard surface of the furniture that you might leave prints along, your evidence etched into the scenery?
    She smiled at the thought, her expression changing drastically as she looked up to see Sadie standing in her door, her hand on her hip.
    "So, just so you know. The new guy is mine."
    Bethany stood up and moved toward the other girl, stopping beside her file cabinet and tilting her head as a smirk drew her lips up.
    "The new guy, Philip?"
    "Yes, Philip, you ogre. He's mine, and don't think for one minute whatever is going on with you and Damon matters. He uses everyone here. We've all had our turn in his lap. " She smirked and looked out into the hall before turning to focus on Bethany. "Philip is mine. You can play with Damon until he's tired of you, but once that's done … no going after the new hottie in the office."
    "And if I do?" Bethany asked, her voice soft and almost menacing.
    "Then I'll make sure you lose your job here. Quite simple really. Kent thinks of me as a daughter. I'll tell him something about your ethics being a bit off and you'll be gone. Try me on it, just don't come crying to me when the cards fall the way they will."
    "Interesting. I think I'll leave mine and Damon's love affair up to fate. I haven't sat on his lap, by any means, but he sure has bought me a lot of jewelry lately." She picked up the small heart on her chest and