Chasing Bad Boys 7_A Bad Boy Romance Series Read online

  Stephanie suddenly felt that’s he had no time to lose.

  “I guess I’ll get started then,” she murmured, mostly to herself as she moved back over to her own desk, already running through a mental checklist of all the things she needed to prepare.

  “That’s the spirit,” Chris smiled at her as she opened up her laptop. “I’m really looking forward to this, don’t let me down.”

  And with that, Stephanie began planning her first party.

  The rest of the week passed in a blur as she went through the process of connecting with all manner of professionals who could provide both alcohol and entertainment. The first thing she did was send out invitations to all the people that Chris had specified on a lengthy list. She had no doubts that his home could accommodate all those guests, but she was slightly intimidated by the amount of food and alcohol she would likely need in order to supplement this event.

  Then, she went through the process of gathering up the necessary food, drink, and entertainment for the event. She connected with a well-known bartender in the city and asked him what liquor she needed to procure. Then, she went out and went through the process of actually buying said liquor. She was somehow able to find a caterer that would provide the copious amounts of liquor she would require, as well as the food. She was amazed at what she could do with the unlimited cap on her expenses.

  Stephanie also went through the process of selecting decorations for the home. She decided that dim lighting and a few well-placed lamps and tables would suit his large living room quite well, and she would convert the dining area into a small stage space for the DJ she had selected, as well as a dance area, which would also be isolated by a selection of pedestals and lamps. This, of course, would have to be set up on the eve of the party, so as not to inhibit Chris’s daily life.

  The more planning she did, the more competent Stephanie began to feel about her task. She easily fell into the role of a party planner, and she found herself becoming more and more excited for the party as it came closer and closer to the actual day of celebration.

  However, it was beginning to become harder and harder to focus on her task with Chris always so near to her. He often looked over at her in their shared office space. He would bring her very nice lunches that they would enjoy in the small space together. He often engaged her in conversation, his eyes twinkling with humor as he distracted her from her work.

  A part of Stephanie was annoyed with his childishness, but another part of her was incredibly excited by it. He would often place a hand lightly on her shoulder, and each time he did so, she could feel her body’s obvious reaction to his touch.

  Her mind rebelled against her developing attraction to him. She knew very well that he was her boss, and that she didn’t need to engage in any activity with him that would lead to anything else. He seemed to acknowledge her mindset, but instead of respecting it, he took it as a challenge. Stephanie was managing to resist him for the time being, buts he didn’t know how long that would last when in all honesty, she wanted nothing more than to succumb to his advances.

  In addition to his very obvious flirtations, Stephanie began to pick up on some of his other, somewhat suspicious behaviors. Mostly, she was aware of his bedraggled state of being each morning when he came into the office. At first, she had thought that maybe he had just been having trouble sleeping. But as soon as she realized that this was an everyday occurrence, she wondered if there was not something more illegitimate keeping him up at night.

  Stephanie worked hard to keep her thoughts clear of that subject. Again, Chris was her boss, and it was not any of her business how he spent his free time. Still, she couldn’t help but feel a bit of concern for his political life. If she was noticing his less than standard state of being, it surely wouldn’t be long until someone else noticed it as well and began looking for answers.

  That, though, would have to be a matter to be resolved at another time. Friday was soon upon her, and she knew she had to wrap up the last odds and ends before the party the next night. She had finally finalized her deals with the bartender and the DJ, as well as a small crew of decorators that would help her to set up for the party, as well as help her tear it down the next day. She also managed to rent out all the decorative items. Now, all she had to do was decide with Chris when would be a good time for her to come to his house the next day in order to begin the process of decorating.

  Stephanie took a deep breath and then rose to approach him. He looked up at her as she moved over and gave her a bright smile.

  “What’s up?” she said pleasantly, leaning back in his chair to look up at her.

  “I was wondering when it would be best for you to have the crew come and help get set up for your party tomorrow night,” she said, keeping her tone level and businesslike.

  “Well,” he sighed, seeming to think for a moment. “I am usually up and about by eight. So any time after that should be fine. Do you think that will give you enough time to get everything set up?”

  “That should be more than sufficient,” Stephanie nodded and made to go back to her desk.

  “Are you looking forward to it?” he asked her, and she saw his eyes dancing with humor.

  “I am mostly hoping everything goes as planned,” Stephanie said honestly, feeling more stressed than she probably should have about this whole affair.

  “Well, don’t worry,” Chris said, his voice softer and more soothing than she was used to. “I know you really threw yourself into this. I know it’s not really your area of expertise, per se, but I am really excited to see the end result.”

  “Well, I just hope it manages to live up to all your expectations,” Stephanie said, her voice unwillingly revealing the slight insecurity she felt about doing something so far out of the realm of her usual pursuits.

  “I have no doubt that it will exceed them,” Chris smiled at her warmly. Stephanie could have sworn she saw a flash of emotion in his eyes, and she ducked her head as she moved back toward her own desk. She called the crew that would help her to decorate and told them to meet her at the specified address at noon after the next morning. She hurried to finish up the few odds and ends she had to put together, and then she packed up and headed home.

  No sooner had she arrived at her apartment than she was undressed and curled up in bed, intent on getting rest for her last push to get the party ready after an absolutely exhausting week. She nearly forgot to set her alarm before she fell into a deep sleep.

  The next morning, she awoke to her alarm and hastily got ready, putting on clothes that she could easily move around in so that she could properly decorate for the upcoming party. When she was dressed, she took up the keys to the Bentley, and immediately headed out to the parking garage.

  She easily found the car and slid into the driver’s seat. She pressed the button to start the car and felt a warm surge of satisfaction at the soft purr as it came to life. Though she had been reluctant to get comfortable with such an expensive gift, especially from her boss, she could not deny that’s he loved the vehicle, and she loved not having to make use of public transport every time she had to go somewhere.

  Stephanie pulled out of her parking space and drove out of the garage, heading straight for Chris’s home. It did not take her long to arrive there, and she pulled into the garage next to Chris’s Mercedes as the garage door sensed her pulling up and opened to allow her entrance. No sooner had she gotten out of her car than she was greeted by the leader of the setup crew, a man by the name of Jake.

  They shook hands, and briefly greeted one another, and then moved into the house. No sooner were they inside than Stephanie began giving instructions and delegating tasks to the assembled crew of workers. She had estimated that it would take no longer than an hour for them to get everything set up if everyone took care of their tasks, and she was determined to see that through.

  Chapter Five

  It seemed, though, that she would have to face an obstacle sooner than she thought, in the form of
the owner of the house. Stephanie had just begun setting up some of the tables in the large living room when none other than Chris appeared before her. Her stomach clenched as she saw him, and she had to work to keep her jaw from dropping.

  He wore a pair of black shorts, and a fitted white compression tank that was completely soaked through with his sweat. Likewise, his blond hair was darkened with sweat, and it dripped a little into his shirt. His muscular arms and legs were revealed to her, slick with his sweat, and the veins are sticking out prominently along their bulk. His tank did little to hide the muscular contour of his chest, either. He gave Stephanie a smile, and she looked away, feeling herself blush.

  “Is everything going alright?” he asked smoothly as he moved toward her. Stephanie caught a whiff of his masculine musk, and she nearly swooned.

  “Well, we just got started,” she said, finishing the first table. “Don’t worry; we shouldn’t be in your hair for too long.”

  “Oh, take your time,” he waved off her assurance. Stephanie couldn’t help but watch as he raised his water bottle to his lips and took a long drink from it. She felt her throat bob as she swallowed drily, wholly distracted by his presence.

  Stephanie felt his eyes roam up and down her body, and she raised an eyebrow at him.

  “You’re not wearing that to the party, are you?” he asked teasingly, his blue eyes sparkling with mirth.

  “I should think not,” Stephanie shook her head as she moved to set up yet another table.

  “Here, let me help you,” Chris moved to help her stand the table up. She protested, but before she knew it the table was upright, and he was smirking at her from the other side.

  “Thanks,” she said, though her tone was far from grateful.

  “Don’t mention it,” he said, his tone slightly rougher and lower. Stephanie felt her pulse quicken, and she suddenly doubted that she could have moved even if she tried.

  “Well,” Chris sighed, moving away from her and the table. “I’d better go get cleaned up.”

  “Probably for the best,” Stephanie quipped lightly, managing to shoot him a light smile.

  Chris smirked at her as he moved further into his home, where she knew his bathroom and bedroom were. Stephanie blushed as she realized he was likely going to take a shower. She imagined what his body would look like as he removed his tank, his muscle flexing as he peeled off the compression material…

  Stephanie shook her head fiercely and immediately moved over to turn another table upright. It would do her no good to think about anything like that. Soon, the tables were all upright, and she was able to place tablecloths over them, and then set up the centerpieces of orchids floating in small, lighted tanks, to create a very beautiful and quiet atmosphere within the large expanse of the living room.

  True to her estimation, the decorating had taken less than an hour. Stephanie perused the various elements of the home that they were using, and she was satisfied with the end result. The whole home had a mystical appearance to it, with off-white hangings and pedestals, and light being provided by soft lamps. All in all, it was very beautiful, and she was content that it would fulfill her aesthetic image once the space was filled with the people from the office.

  No sooner had she finished than she got back in the car and made haste to her apartment. She still had to get in a workout for the day, and then proceed to get ready for the party herself. Fortunately, she was already dressed in clothes suitable for running, so she simply took off as soon as she got out of the car, keeping the keys clutched tightly in her hand.

  At the conclusion of her run, she went upstairs to her home and took a shower, shaving as she stood under the stream of hot water. When she was satisfied with the smoothness of her skin, she got out of the shower and toweled herself off.

  Then, she began the long process of grooming herself and drying her hair and piling it all onto her head in a stylish up-do. Then, she put on her makeup, choosing a smoky style for her eyes makeup, and covering up all her minor blemishes with some foundation, then doing some light contouring to bring out the angles of her face.

  As she got ready, she could feel the excitement rising within her, as well as some nerves. She hoped that everyone would enjoy this party, and she hoped that they would appreciate all her efforts.

  When she was all made up, Stephanie slid into her dress for the party. It was a deep purple cocktail dress that was modest and still managed to show off her curves. She loved it, and she had bought it as soon as she saw it, knowing it would be absolutely perfect for this occasion. She had a few important items in a small black clutch, and she wore a pair of tall black legs that served to make her legs look as though they were about five miles long.

  Stephanie appraised herself in the mirror, and she had to admit that she looked stunning. She gave herself a smile, and then took a deep breath as she headed back out of the apartment and to her car. She checked the time, seeing that it was just slightly past five in the afternoon. She relaxed a bit. She was doing very well on time. She would be able to greet people at the door as they arrived at the party, and then go in herself after a while.

  Stephanie drove down the familiar route to Chris’s home, and the garage door yielded for her as she pulled up in the driveway. She was glad she had decided to arrive early, as she was sure that the long driveway would be lined with cars before the night had even truly begun. Now, though, she had assured a spot within the safety of the garage, and she wouldn’t have to worry about the security of her car.

  Not long after she arrived, she came across an unfamiliar and intimidating looking man as she was passing through the kitchen.

  “Oh, hello,” Stephanie blinked as she saw him. He looked back at her with a stony expression, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

  “Hey!” Stephanie heard Chris’s voice as he rounded the corner into the kitchen.

  “Hi,” Stephanie said to him, though her eyes lingered on the muscular man in the kitchen.

  “This is the head of my security, Michael,” Chris introduced him. “He looks a little rough around the edges, but he actually provides some very stimulating conversation.”

  The man, Michael, merely rolled his eyes.

  “Michael, this is my assistant, Stephanie,” Chris introduced her, and Stephanie gave him a small smile.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the man rumbled in a low voice and extended his hand. Stephanie took it, and he gave her a gentle shake before letting her go. He gave her a soft smile, and she saw his eyes soften a little. She felt much more comfortable.

  “I thought it would be best if we kept him around for the party,” Chris said. “I don’t think it will get out of hand, but better safe than sorry.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Stephanie nodded.

  “I don’t think anyone will be giving Michael any trouble. “And if they do… well, I’m sure he can handle it.”

  Stephanie glances up at Michael, who gave her a wink and a small smirk. Stephanie was suddenly very glad for his presence, just in case anyone got a little too drunk or adventurous at the party.

  “Well,” Stephanie said, gradually moving toward the living room and the main entrance of the house. “I was just going to stand and get ready to greet people as they came in.”

  “Me too,” Chris said, a wide smile spreading across his face. “After all, this is my house.”

  Stephanie couldn’t help but feel a little on edge at the idea of them greeting guests together, but she couldn’t think of a good reason that he shouldn’t. So, she had little choice but to relent, and allow him to accompany her to the porch outside his door.

  Stephanie stood silently outside the door, and looked out over the long driveway, feeling her nerves rise as she anticipated the arrival of the first guests. She wrung her hands together and couldn’t help but fidget a little. She felt Chris’s hand on her shoulder, and she jerked a little, spinning to look up at him.

  “Relax,” he said softly. “You look stunning.” />
  “Oh, thank you,” Stephanie stammered as she blushed. “You too.”

  Stephanie was not just polite. Chris was dressed in a sharp black suit and white shirt without a tie. He wore shining silver cufflinks, and his blonde hair was styles ever so messily, curling slightly into his face. He had finally shaven, clearly exhibiting his strong jawline. His mouth was fixed in a perpetual smirk, and Stephanie felt her body heat up as he looked over her body.

  Stephanie felt Chris’s hand move down from her shoulder and down her arm to gently clasp her hand, which he lifted to his lips to press a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

  “I’m looking forward to tonight,” he said softly, his blue eyes flashing with an emotion that made Stephanie’s stomach flip.

  She opened her mouth to respond, but she caught movement out of the corner of her eyes. Her stomach lurched as she saw a car, shortly followed by another coming up the drive. She gently took her hand out of Chris’s and turned toward the driveway.

  “Here we go,” she said with quiet excitement, and Chris smiled as their first guests parked.

  Chapter Six

  For the next half hour, Stephanie and Chris remained posted at the door, greeting people as they filtered into the party. The sun gradually set, and cast the house in a beautiful light, the soft thrum of music flowing out the doors. After it had seemed that most of the guests had arrived, Chris turned to Stephanie.

  “Let’s head inside,” he said to her, offering her his arm. Though she was reluctant, she took it and allowed Chris to lead her into the party.

  Stephanie was delighted to see the result of all her careful planning. People were gathered around tables with drinks, and some people had already started to dance by the small stage where the DJ was stationed. She noticed that Chris, too, seemed happy with the sight.

  “Let’s get drinks,” he said, leaning down to whisper in her ear. Stephanie nodded and allowed him to lead her into the kitchen, where the bartender was making any kind of drink anyone could think of.