Craving The Boss

By Paige Harlow

When Harper desperately needs a job, her brother's best friend, Damian, comes to her rescue with an offer she can't refuse. Little did she know that the job would come with a weekend getaway to a luxurious hotel and spa. What starts off as a professional trip quickly turns into a passionate affair, as Damian takes Harper's virginity and leaves her longing for more. Their weekend fling leaves Harper with a dilemma-- how will she face her brother after sleeping with his best friend? Will their secret affair ruin their friendship forever, or will it lead to something more? Craving The Boss is a steamy romance novel that explores the forbidden desires between a young woman and her brother's best friend. Follow Harper and Damian's journey as they navigate through their intense attraction and try to keep their relationship a secret from those around them. Will they be able to keep their love affair under wraps, or will their undeniable chemistry lead to their downfall? Find out in Craving The Boss

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paige Harlow
• Release date: Aug 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223147923

Book preview

Chapter 1: Harper

One

Thursday, October 20 , 2022.

"Good morning, sir and welcome to Mike’s Burger Emporium! What delicious meal would you like?" I rattle off the scripted song I’ve had to deliver these past two weeks working at Mike’s.

The dude on the other side of the counter is tall, with a huge belly, and a T-shirt that is way too tight. What do you recommend little, lady? he asks, winking flirtatiously at me.

"The Mikenificent is a sure-fire winner," I reply, trying my best to hide my sigh of frustration behind a smile.

He licks his lips and openly checks out my body. How incredibly subtle! The dude looks at least 33, making him a good eleven years older than me. He’s also twice my size. Shall I place that order for you, sir?

What’s a sweet little lady like you doing working at Mike’s? he asks. You must be a student, right? What are you studying, honey?

Sighing again, I put on the bravest smile that I can. Working at Mike’s is great! I get to serve the starving. Shall I place an order for a Mikenificent for you, sir?

A beautiful little thing like you should have a real man, who can provide for her. Then you don’t need to be standing on those sexy little legs all day, he says, winking at me.

Far too many eyes are on us, watching this uncomfortable story play out. Sir, would you prefer another—

Suddenly, he leans closer. "I bet you know just what I’d prefer, right?’ he asks, cutting me off with a smirk.

"Would that be three Mikenificent meals for a jolly big man like you, sir, instead of just one? Would that fill you, or would you need a look at our dessert menu, as well?"

His mouth drops open. The giggles of the spectators remind him that he’s leaning too close, and he straightens up, fast. Um, he mutters. I was...

Three Mikenificents it is, sir. Victory is the sweetest of desserts.

Two

Minutes after my shift ends, I head to the bus stop as fast as I can. All I want is a good seat at the back of the bus and to take these damned sneakers off. Standing for seven hours straight is no joke. And then dig into the Mikesimum Cheese Burger meal I have in my bag.

It feels like I haven’t eaten in a century. As I take a seat in the shelter, I spot Sam. He’s 12 years old and a good kid. I babysat him a few times when I was younger. His folks and mine both attend Newfield Second Baptist Church. They’re struggling and desperate for work. Momma cooks a meal for them once a week to help them out, but I often wonder what they eat the rest of the week. Poor Sam! He looks like skin and bones.

AS I TAKE MY SEAT ON the bus, I put my feet up on the seat facing me. Smiling, I wave at Sam through the window as we pull away from the shelter. With his free hand, he waves merrily at me, while wolfing down his Mikesimum Cheese Burger.

Three

Living in the house my mother grew up in reminds me that I’m a part of something bigger than just me, bigger than my sister, or my parents. I’m a part of Bainsley history. The house on Topsham Street, in Surrey, Newfield, was built by my great-granddaddy, Mitchell Bainsley. My bedroom, which is next to Lee’s, belonged to my Aunt Jessica before me. My mother, Sue, is the eldest of three children, and so inherited the house.

Hey, what did you bring me? Lee asks as I enter the dining room. Without being invited, she slips my bag off my shoulder, opens it, and peers in. Nothing? she laments, looking miserable.

Such is life, sister dearest, I answer her. Lee is 17 years old and in high school. In many respects, she’s the spitting image of me. We’re both short, petite, and have long black hair. Her eyes are blue though, while mine is green. She’s also very different from me, and our older brother, Jem. This year alone, momma and daddy have been seven times to her school to meet with her teacher and the principal—and I don’t mean for parent/teacher meetings. Between Jem and I, they’d been a total of twice ever to school for us. The first time was when they discovered Jem was dyslexic, and the second time was when I was elected to participate in the swimming nationals.

What’s the point of working at Mike’s if you don’t bring home any free burgers? She moans.

While we’re chatting, Jem and momma step into the dining room from the kitchen. When he sees me, he smiles and comes to hug me. Jeremy Jem Bainsley is 31 years old and moved to the city almost ten years ago. He visits once a week and then leaves as fast as he drives here. Jem’s named after Jeremy Finch, Jem, from the book, To Kill A Mockingbird. Lee and I are named after the author, Harper Lee. Momma’s a huge fan.

You’re leaving? I ask.

Yeah, it’s late. How’s the job? he asks.

Don’t remind me. I had a guy hitting on me today. It was disgusting.

That’s because you’re a beautiful and intelligent woman, dear, Momma says. Men will always dote on you.

And we can use that to our— Lee started before momma cut her off.

Mind your tongue, dear! Momma snaps sharply at her. A woman does no such thing.

Lee winks at me and heads upstairs to her room. Jem raises his eyebrows at me, hugs me a final time, and wishes me a good weekend. Momma then walks him to his car, leaving me alone in the lounge. Not for long, though.

Hey, kiddo, daddy says, coming downstairs. Has Jem left already? he asks, frowning.

Both my parents are average height, though daddy is slightly shorter than momma. Lee and I are the shortest though, while Jem is freakishly tall, given we’re all average to short in stature. Yeah. Like a bat outta hell, I answer.

Meatloaf, daddy says as he takes a seat on the recliner. It’s a game we’ve always played, just he and I. Random words and comments trigger associated songs for me,