over his shoulders while he ate me out. God, Declan is a master with his mouth. Or me kneeling between his legs while he conducts business, and I suck his dick.
“But I do have a meeting to prepare for,” Declan reminds me, and I have to shake my head to free the rampant thoughts rushing through.
“Also, I have to attend the quarterly board meeting for the Blackwood corporation next week,” he says, settling back into his chair. I poise my pen, ready to take notes on what he might need from me to prepare. “I would like you to come if you can leave your mom for a few days.”
I blink in confusion. “You want me to come with you?”
“Yes, to Chicago. It’s where the Blackwood headquarters are located. I’ve always brought my assistant. All the board members do. You’ll take notes for me, of course, the same as the others. Be available to run any errands as I might need, manage appointments, etcetera. We’ll be gone for two nights.”
I consider before asking, “Have you ever asked any of your other assistants if they had personal matters that would keep them from attending the meeting with you?”
Declan frowns. “I’m not following.”
“You said if my mom was well enough for me to attend, but you also said your assistants always attend with you, which makes it sound like a mandatory part of the job.”
“Okay,” he drawls, frown deepening.
“I guess I’m confused,” I say with a slight lift of my chin. “If you need your assistant there, then I will be there. There shouldn’t be any special consideration for how well my mom is doing.”
Declan cocks an eyebrow. “You’re upset because I extended consideration toward your circumstances?”
“Not upset,” I hasten to assure. “I wanted to clarify that attending these meetings is a requirement of my job—if so, then you can count on me to be there.”
“Yes, it’s a requirement,” he replies stiffly. “Again, I was just saying if your mom is bad, I’m sure I could handle it without you.”
“But as my employer, that’s not your concern,” I insist.
Declan growls, slaps his palms on his desk, and leans forward with an irritated expression. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, Bailey. You’re creating an argument where one isn’t needed. I have a meeting you need to attend with me. If your mom’s health prevents it, I’ll make alternate arrangements. End of story. Now, can you attend?”
No mistake about it… I’ve managed to piss my boss off, which wasn’t my intention. It’s just… now that we’ve brought sexual banter into the office, I’m questioning if he’s granting me special favors because we’re intimate. He won’t give me a direct answer, though.
So I clear my throat, giving a confident nod. “Yes, Mr. Blackwood, I’ll be able to accompany you to the board meeting.”
I stop short of mentioning my mother. She’s doing well, but if she wasn’t… I would insist my dad step up to the plate. In my mind, there is a clear difference. My job and its requirements must be met. Unless my mom is more than just feeling unwell, my father will have to watch over her. But if it’s a choice between an evening at The Wicked Horse with Declan and watching over my mom, I’ll always choose my mom.
Some would say I should make my dad step up in those instances, too, but I love my mother and honestly don’t mind.
“Very good,” he replies with a curt nod.
“Um… do I need to make any arrangements?” I ask.
“No. We’ll take my private jet, and stay at the Blackwood in Chicago. There’s a family suite there for my use.”
“Family suite?” I ask, my throat going dry at the prospect of us sharing lodgings.
“It’s a three-bedroom suite,” he replies, his attention now on his laptop. “Nothing needs to be arranged.”
He says nothing more, summarily dismissing me. This is what Declan does when he has no further need of my assistance. He jumps into work, forgetting about me.
Good thing we have firm lines drawn, and we know to stay on opposite sides at work. Otherwise, feelings could get hurt. But I know when he’s concentrating on me and me alone.
Now is not the time, and I’m perfectly okay with that.
I am excited, however, to see Chicago. I’ve never been, and it’s been on my bucket list. Later, when he’s not so focused on work, I’ll inquire as to whether or not I might have some free time to see a few of the sights.
Quietly, I stand from