Mr. Boss Man

JENSON

Rumors about the Wagner Corporation–Ryder Development had been swirling around for some time to the point people had started to think it was never going to happen, myself included.

As it turned out, Levi Wagner—Amelia’s father and Skylar’s grandfather—had simply been waiting for his granddaughter to finish college so he could pass her partial control.

Now she had graduated, the contract was drawn up and signed without a hitch.

“It’s been a pleasure watching you in action, young man,” Levi said as he shook my hand. For a man in his late sixties, I found his grip to be strong, even for me.

“Thank you, sir,” I replied, forcing a smile.

He chuckled. “Please, call me Levi. ‘Sir’ makes me feel ancient.

“And thank you for accommodating these agreed changes.”

Not like I had a choice, I thought.

“I’ve never trusted anyone more than family. And well, you’re family now, my boy. I’m confident you and my granddaughter will accomplish great things together.”

Funny you should mention her…

I feigned a look of ignorance as I scanned my father’s home office. “Come to think of it, where is Skylar? Shouldn’t she be here? Not sunning herself by the pool again, is she?”

Dad scowled at me. He knew I was trying to undermine my stepsister in front of the family, even if her mother and grandfather didn’t know me well enough to understand that yet.

“She’ll be home soon,” Amelia said, her face lighting up at the mention of her daughter.

“She assured me she wasn’t taking any classes this summer. It turns out that’s because she’s spending all her time reading up on the business. The girl never stops.”

“That’s good,” I said. “If you and your father are set on giving Skylar and me 40 percent of the company each, I want to know she’s committed.”

I’d been surprised at how involved my new stepmother was in the running of the company. It was partly why she was attending the meeting with Levi and me. She had signed the contracts too.

Just as my dad was going to continue as a consultant until he felt I was ready to take the reins solo, Amelia was going to do the same for Skylar.

Skylar and I were to be the new majority owners and managing partners, but Amelia and Dad would be available as minority owners to guide us.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that,” Amelia said, pulling me in for a hug. “I’ve never known a harder worker than my girl.”

Good, I thought. ~And at least you and my dad will keep the remaining 20 percent, just in case I need help kicking her out in the future.~

Levi nodded. “I wanted to wait for her, but I’ve planned a special trip for my wife that can’t be postponed.”

My dad chuckled. “Ah, the secret to a happy life is a happy wife, right?”

Levi turned to his son-in-law. “I’ve been promising her this trip for a while now. I’m afraid she might murder me if I delay it again.”

Amelia hugged her father. “Enjoy it, Daddy. I’ll make sure Skylar calls you when she gets home to thank you. Once she’s added her signature to the contracts, of course.”

“Does that mean you won’t be coming to the barbecue now to celebrate, sir?” I asked.

Levi narrowed his eyes at me. “What did I just tell you about calling me sir?” A smile graced his lips again. “No, my boy. But have fun. This merger is a cause for celebration!”

***

It was mid-afternoon by the time the barbecue was in full swing, and part of me felt grateful to find Skylar by the pool again.

No one works harder than your girl, Amelia? I thought as I slid open the back door and stepped outside to see the pool area was full of guests. ~I think your daughter is fooling you.~

I prepared to tease Skylar, but as I approached her, I found my mouth becoming dry.

Skylar was wearing a purple bikini, revealing more of her body to me than I’d seen even when I’d splashed her with water when she’d been wearing a one-piece swimsuit.

I had no idea she was hiding such a stunning figure. I guess when she tells her mom she’s in the library, she uses that time to exercise in the gym instead.

Her skin was sun-kissed, her long dark hair was pulled up high, and her body was toned and fit.

I felt my cheeks grow hot and my swimming shorts becoming tight. I forced my eyes closed and turned to walk in the opposite direction.

This is wrong. I shouldn’t be having these thoughts about her. She’s my stepsister for crying out loud.

Before I could get far, a voice I didn’t recognize pulled me back toward her.

“Here you go, sweetie.” Some strange guy handed her a drink.

She accepted it but her eyes were on me. “Decided to get out of bed, Jenson?” Skylar smirked, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand.

“Actually, princess, I’ve just been signing the papers for my new company. Not all of us can afford to laze around all summer.”

Her brow creased. “Our company, Jenson. We have an equal share.”

“So long as you show up,” I mumbled.

Before she could respond, my dad poked his head through the doors. “Mitch, can you help Amelia bring out the food? I’ll fire up the barbecue.”

Mitch? So, the creep leering over Skylar is Mitch?

“Getting on well with your new sister, are you?”

I turned to see a small elderly woman with kind eyes and deep laugh lines.

“I’m sorry?” I said.

“That young woman you’re sneering at is my granddaughter, Skylar. I’m guessing from the scowl on your face that you must be this Jenson I’ve heard so much about.”

The sweet smile on her face didn’t match the edge to her words, and I felt a little disarmed.

She pulled me in for a hug. “Come now, don’t look so scared. I’m your new gram-gram. My name is Rose.”

I pulled back from the hug and offered my hand to shake instead. “Jenson. Nice to meet you.”

A shove in my shoulder made me turn to see Jeff handing me a beer while taking a sip of his own.

Jeff was an old friend from high school and worked for my dad’s company—well, my company—as one of the accountants. He was also the world’s biggest player.

Sadly, I’d often been made out to be guilty by association as a result. Any time he said something lewd to some girl, I was often next to him, and my reputation suffered as a result as well.

When I turned back, Rose was already walking away. What a strange woman.

“Who’s the hottie?” Jeff said.

I looked at the crowd of people on the other side of the pool.

I was used to this—strangers turning up at my house to take advantage of my dad’s success and generosity. I could probably only name about half the people there that day.

“The redhead? I think her name’s Jenny,” I replied.

He shook his head. “I mean, she’s gorgeous, but no, I was talking about the one with the dark hair in the purple bikini.”

“Her? That’s my new stepsister, Skylar. Went to our school apparently.”

“Oh, yeah? Would have thought I’d have remembered her. She’s hot.” He reached down and grabbed his shorts at the crotch. “Like, instant-boner hot.”

I flicked my hand at his stomach, forcing him to take a sudden gasp.

“Dude! I barely know the girl. Not even sure I like her. But she’s still my stepsister, so quit fantasizing about her. She’s also your new boss, as am I, so show some respect.”

“I’m just…appreciating the view,” Jeff said. “Besides, I don’t think I’m the one you need to worry about.”

He pointed at Mitch, who had reemerged from inside the house and was hovering next to Skylar again. “Don’t tell me that skinny geek doesn’t have his eyes set on her.”

Jeff had a point. Mitch was tall but lacked any muscle definition. He looked like the only exercise he ever got was while running late for class.

And yet, the way he leaned over Skylar, his eyes constantly shifting from her face to her chest and legs, made my blood start to boil.

“How’s life treating you, Jeff?” my dad said, suddenly appearing behind us.

“Can’t complain,” he replied.

Dad nodded. “Jenson, I think it would be a good idea to bring Skylar to the office with you on Monday. She can only learn so much from books. Better that she starts learning on the job right away.”

“Isn’t she a little young to be running the business, Richard?” Jeff asked.

“Her mother says she’s had her heart set on the business since she was a girl,” Dad explained.

Jeff raised his eyebrows, “Impressive.”

It is impressive. She’s got looks and brains. A rare combination.

“Dude, can you just leave me alone? I can’t read with you hovering next to me all the time.”

Skylar sounded annoyed, but when I turned to see Mitch now sitting on the seat next to her, I saw that she was frowning and even looking a little scared.

“Dad, who is that guy?” I asked.

Dad looked over toward Skylar and raised an eyebrow. “Oh, Mitch…something? I think he’s a temp for the summer.”

I was already making my way over to him before Dad had finished. The dweeb had his hand on Skylar’s knee, and she was squirming and trying to shift away.

“Hey, creep!” I said as I came to stand over them both.

Skylar showed me the same scowl she’d worn the other day, but something in her big eyes told me she was relieved to see me.

Mitch, however, seemed to melt underneath my wide frame. “Uh, uh, hey, Jenson. How are—?”

“Were you involved in the merger today?” I snapped.

“W-what?”

“Can I see your invitation to the party?”

He looked from me to Skylar. “Invitation? There are no invitations? It’s an open—”

“Then I think you’d better get the fuck outta my house before your temp job becomes no job. Three, two…”

Mitch jumped to his feet. His shaking eyes peered over my shoulder at my dad for a moment, then he quickstepped around the side of the house.

Looking down at Skylar, I saw her cheeks had flushed red. Damn, she’s beautiful.

“I was handling him just fine,” she snapped before grabbing her book and making her way inside.

When I returned to Dad and Jeff, I discovered they were still talking about Skylar.

“Look, don’t let Sky bother you, son,” Dad said. “If she struggles, just give her some menial project to handle. Any experience is good experience at this early stage.”

He held his finger up at us when Amelia called his name. “Sorry, guys, work to do.”

Once he was out of earshot, Jeff leaned into me. “I think I’m going to be stopping by your office a lot more often this summer.”

“Just keep it in your pants,” I said.

He smirked. “There’s nothing wrong with a quickie in the office.”

“Be careful. I’d hate for Dad to fire you for banging his stepdaughter in a supply closet,” I cautioned him.

“Guess I’ll just have to remember to lock the door next time,” he joked.

“It would be even better if you’d stop banging your way through the building. If the wrong person catches you, I might not be able to save your ass,” I told him.

Jeff leaned back against the wall. “You take the fun out of everything. In that case, what did you say the redhead was called? Jenny?”

Dammit, am I really this protective? Or am I…jealous? Get a grip, Jenson, she’s your stepsister.