Chapter 24
Corrine
I stare back at him. My salary just tripled, and I now own twenty percent of Soleil Energy? How is that possible? Why would he do that? I sit down and look through the pages. There is no vesting period for the options, nor are there any requirements for me to stay. Just like he said. It’s all done.
“Why?” I search his eyes. “This is not the way to apologize.”
“I get that.” He comes over and sits next to me. “I’m not trying to manipulate you with money. The options remain yours whether you stay or go. You’ve earned them.”
“I’ve only worked for the company for a little over a year.” My mind is reeling. This is worth at least a million dollars, and if the solar film is successful, it will be worth a hundred times that. This is too much. My breathing starts to quicken, and I’m paralyzed.
“Corrine, you’re the secret to my success with the solar film. You may not have developed the product, but you moved us significantly ahead with our patent application. And the biggest part is that you put together the entire proposal for SHN, and they approved our request for more than what I expected. Plus, you did all this without complaining to me about extra work or how little you were paid. You were underpaid compared to others in your position, and that was my mistake. You’re well-liked and respected. This was not a decision I made lightly, and this was put into motion long before we went to Maui.”
“I’m overwhelmed. I don’t know what to say, other than thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I know I shattered your trust. I will earn it back, but I won’t sleep well knowing you’re in danger here in San Francisco. Please help me with the estate in Maui for a few weeks—six weeks tops. You have internet and cell phone coverage there, and you can work by the pool.”
I nod.
“Just don’t work in your bikini. That attracts too much attention.”
I look at him, confused. But he isn’t expanding.
“I’ll notify the flight crew that you’ll be flying back to Maui on Monday morning. Does that work for you?”
“As long as that works for Brian and his family.”
“They went this morning on a commercial flight. They’ll meet you there. Brian’s getting a few security upgrades started that Jim is suggesting.”
“Okay. I’ll be ready to go whenever the plane’s ready.”
I get up and move with Jackson toward my bedroom, still not sure what to make of the news. Three weeks ago, I never would have thought this was possible. Now I’m moving to Hawaii, and I’m flush, with no strings attached, for the first time in my life. I’ve scoured the paperwork. Jackson put this in motion because of my work as his assistant. Not anything else. I’m feeling pretty good. I still don’t know what this means for us or our future, but I feel like I can breathe, and maybe trust myself a little.
He’s still holding my hand as we walk down the hall, and when we approach, he pulls me into his room. It looks the same as it did the last time I was here. As soon as we enter, I’m on him. His lips press firmly against mine for a moment before our tongues begin to dance. We stumble back, closer to the bed, and start undressing each other. The lust and desire building over the last two days is all about to come to a head; it’s carnal.
Eventually, while his T-shirt and jeans remain, I stand in front of him in a white, lacy bra and matching thong.
“You’re so beautiful.” He grasps my breasts, which relieves the ache of my need. I struggle with the buttons on his jeans, and it isn’t long before I push them and his boxers to the floor. Then he’s standing naked, his cock ready for me.
I reach for his bare chest, and I feel his muscles tense. I need him like a woman crossing the desert needs water.
He pulls me in close, his hands squeezing my ass roughly. He hoists me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He pushes me against the wall, and our kiss is electric as it becomes more intense. More passionate. More urgent.
He carries me to the bed, and I kneel before him. His cock is big, beautiful, veined, and achingly hard. I need to taste it, to feel it deep inside my mouth.
“You don’t need to do this,” he groans.
I stroke his cock. “I want to.”
He stands, facing me on the bed, where I sit on my knees. I lean down and lick the head of his cock, and I can taste the pre-cum. Salty and musky. Holding his balls in my hand, I take him into my mouth until he hits the back of my throat.
I look up at him, and his eyes are hooded with lust.
I relax my jaw and push him farther down my throat. His jaw tenses, and his hands run through my hair and caress my back. I begin to slowly bob and suck. His hips undulate with the rhythm he needs as he
