Dirty Arrogant Boss by Terri E. Laine

Five

Molly

When the doorslammed behind him, I was sure the door to my future slammed as well. My hand shook as I parted the blinds and watched him get into his expensive car. He didn’t drive away immediately, as I’d thought he would. He sat behind the wheel for a few minutes, and then his fists crashed into that same wheel. I feared for a minute his anger would have him ripping the thing apart. But a few moments later, he drove off, tires spinning as he went.

Had I made the biggest mistake of my life? Probably, but I didn’t know what else to do. Staying with him was a betrayal of the worst sort to Chloe, and I couldn’t have that. Why hadn’t I looked at the card he’d left on the counter? I’d let myself get all worked up over the possibilities of a better life for Mom and the chance of Dad getting out of prison. Now it vanished like a wisp of smoke.

My butt hit the chair at my pitiful kitchen table, and I slumped in the seat. It would have to be the one directly in front of the pile of bills that were stealing my life away. The questions about both my parents pounded my brain. Mom was too young to be in a nursing home. And Dad was far too honest to have embezzled any money.

Self-pity took over, which was unusual for me. I wasn’t one to give in to those feelings because I viewed them as a waste of time and energy, but today had been a huge disappointment. To top it off, the person who could usually pull me out of my sour mood was off-limits. There wasn’t a chance in hell I could talk to Chloe about this.

My phone rang, jolting me out of this sad state of affairs. Maybe it was the lottery calling to tell me I’d won a million dollars. Fat chance, even though I’d been entering that stupid thing for God only knew how long now.

Only it wasn’t. It was my mom, which only made my heart crack even more. Bolstering my spirits for what would be a long, sad conversation, I answered it with as much cheer as I could muster. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, darling.” The words were slurred and barely recognizable. I was used to her speech by now, so I understood her.

“How are you today?”

“I’m fine. How is my favorite daughter?”

“I’m your only daughter.” I laughed, not because I felt it, but because I hoped it would cheer her.

“But you are my favorite too. Are you having fun?”

“Yes, Mom. Lots of fun. I’m coming to visit you the day after tomorrow. On Saturday.”

“Oh, Molly, don’t waste time driving out here. I want you to live your life and not spend it on me.”

“Mom, visiting you is not a waste of my time.”

“I’d rather you be meeting a nice young man so I could have a grandchild before I leave this earth. And you won’t meet one visiting your mother in a nursing home.”

Her words gave me pause and made me think about Hugh and his offer again. Had I royally screwed up by kicking him out? With his money, I could move Mom closer, which would lessen the burden of me having to drive so far to see her. I could then visit her more often. It would also make Mom happy to have the grandchild she’d always dreamed of having. Dad could have a better legal team at his disposal. If his name were cleared, he could possibly go back to work.

There would still be the issue of telling Chloe, but maybe I could get by without naming the father of the baby. I might be able to tell her I didn’t know who it was—that it had happened while I was sleeping with two men and I didn’t want to divulge their names. Nah, she’d never buy it. Lying to her also wasn’t an option. I would be honest and tell her I hadn’t known who he was at first. I could only hope she would forgive me this business deal, because that was all it really was.

“Molly, honey, are you still there?”

“Yeah, Mom, I’m here. I’d love to give you a grandchild and maybe I will someday. But I still want to visit you. You’re my mother and I love you dearly. So stop telling me not to come.”

“You always were persistent.”

I was, wasn’t I. I changed the subject. “Hey, Mom, they treat you good over there, don’t they?”

“Yes, dear.”

“And you’d tell me if they didn’t?”

“I would.”

“Okay. Then I’ll see you Saturday around lunch. I love you, Mom.”

“Love you too, dear.”

As soon as the call ended, I hunted for Hugh’s card. His name burned a hole in my hand as I stared at it. This would be the most difficult decision of my life. There was a lot riding on this, but if I did the right thing, my parents could really benefit from this. And so could I.

In the morning, when I arrived at work, there was a huge bouquet of flowers sitting on my desk along with a box of expensive chocolates and another box. There wasn’t a card or anything else accompanying them. I asked around and no one had seen the delivery person. Who could’ve sent these? Was it Hugh? But why after the way I’d treated him?

The answer to that question lay in the box. There was only one person who would have sent me that.

The rest of the day went to shit because he was all I thought of. Why hadn’t I taken the time to listen to his explanation? I’d just kicked him out, assuming the worst. That was so unlike me. I wasn’t sure who I was more pissed off at—him or me.

* * *

Hugh

Earlier…

What the hell had happened back there? I’d left that card in her apartment the other day. How had she not seen it? How was I supposed to know Chloe was her best friend and Chloe thought I was an asshole? What had I done to deserve that? I’d thought I treated her well. I gave her all sorts of responsibilities at work. She was my best employee and I trusted her with everything, which was why I gave her the most difficult tasks to do. Where had this all gone so damn wrong? Here I’d thought I had it all figured out. Now what the fuck was I supposed to do?

I rammed my hands against the steering wheel in frustration. At this point I was at a loss. A change of plans was in order, but where would I begin? I had everything lined up for Molly. I couldn’t start all over. She was the one—the chosen mother of my future heir. I had to come up with a solution… and fast.

Wait! I was a master planner, a creative genius. Wasn’t I the one who’d come up with the idea for Hampton’s Media? Hadn’t I taken it from the ground up to what it was today? I had the ability to turn things around with Molly too. I wasn’t going to lie down and give up. No way. She would hear me out if it was the last thing I ever did.

But what would I tell her? The truth, which was what exactly? I had to find a way to get her to listen. I made a phone call and enlisted the aid of someone I could get answers from. I knew it was only a start, but when Molly went to work in the morning, she would find a big surprise waiting for her.

Next, I had to examine what was going on in my own office. That little affair I’d had with the admin had certainly been a huge error, and I didn’t intend to make that same mistake again. If Molly gave me a chance, I wouldn’t have to worry about it. As far as Chloe went, I needed to understand why she thought I was such an ass.

After digging around a bit and speaking to a few of the other employees, it seemed by giving her some of the most important assignments, I had overloaded her with work. It hadn’t been intentional. I just hadn’t kept track of what I’d assigned to her, which was careless on my part. I owed her a huge apology, and a raise. She’d been working like a dog and I hadn’t shown her the appreciation she deserved.

However, on Monday, Chloe came in and resigned. She gave me a piece of her mind, telling me what a shit boss I was. I never had time to make amends before she cleaned out her desk and was gone. I was fucked. Despite feeling awful for how I’d treated her because my head had been wrapped up in the games my family played, I knew this could work against me with Molly. If I didn’t make things right with Chloe, I could lose the opportunity for a future with Molly. Besides, Chloe was by far the best employee I had.

My phone rang a few minutes later.

“Mr. Hampton, the flowers were delivered, along with the first of your gifts, to Miss Coleman.”

“Ah, perfect. Thank you, Wilson. The tip I gave you paid off?”

I’d called Dillon, the guy who’d hosted the party where Molly and I had met. He remembered Molly by the description I’d given of her. Apparently, I hadn’t been the only guy interested. Damn good thing I’d made my move when I had. Dillon had given me a name I’d passed on.

“Yes, I contacted Joe, the individual she was with on Friday at the party. He said he would be happy to help, but he wouldn’t divulge any personal information about her.”

“Will he be discreet?”

“I believe so. He seems a bit desperate for money.”

“Are they only good friends?”

“He assures me they are only friends.”

“As long as he can be trusted then go ahead with the plan.”

“Yes, sir. I shall call you when Joe has something arranged.”

“Thank you, Wilson.”

This Joe, whoever he was, better be on the up and up, and better not fuck anything up for me. I only had Wilson’s word to go on, but he was very astute when it came to judging people. Wilson had been working for me for several years and was quite loyal.

* * *

Molly

The next dayas I drove home from the nursing home, I realized exactly how much better it would be if Mom were closer. Hugh’s offer screamed in my head. But what if I was too late? What if he were so angry with me, he decided that I was a terrible choice? I wouldn’t know the answer to that unless I asked.

His card was on my table where I’d left it, next to the flowers and empty box of chocolates. I’d eaten those while trying to decide what to do. Now I picked up his card and it almost glared back at me. Was that a challenge? Because I never backed down from a challenge. Before I lost the courage, I tapped in his number.

“Hampton.”

“Uh, Hugh, this is Molly.”

“Molly?”

“Er, yes, Molly.”

“What can I do for you?”

I guessed I’d really messed up. He sounded so cold with the formality of his question. Like what else could I be calling about? I pushed ahead anyway. “Yeah, well, I’ve been thinking. I may have acted a bit too hastily the other day.”

“And?” he prompted, not giving an inch.

“Um, well, first I should say, you shouldn’t have, and I can’t accept.” I was referring to the unexpected gift in the box.

“Why not? I need you to stay healthy while you’re deciding on what to do.”

“You still want me to give you an heir after everything?”

He was silent a second. “Yes,” he said, and continued with, “You can use that gift card to buy food and vitamins. I would have paid your bills, but I thought you’d think it an invasion of your privacy.”

“Yes, it would have been. I’m grateful you didn’t. But still, we should talk first. Would you be willing to come over so we can discuss it?”

“Actually, I think it would be better if we met for dinner.”

“Dinner?”

“Yes, dinner. That’s when you go to an eating establishment and order food. Are you familiar with that?” He was teasing me, which gave me hope.

“No, I don’t think I am,” I said, deciding to play along.

“Good. That’ll give me an opportunity to teach you something then. My driver will pick you up at seven. I’ll see you tonight.”

I had a decision to make when the call ended. It was made that evening when I stressed over what to wear. I’d never bothered to ask Hugh where we were going, so I didn’t know if I should dress up or not. I ended up wearing a simple, yet semi-dressy black dress with a neckline that dipped a bit low, revealing a hint of my cleavage. Maybe that would entice him a little. I also made sure to wear a sexy black lacy bra with a matching thong, just in case.

What the hell was I thinking? This was supposed to be a business arrangement. I wasn’t out to seduce the man. Or was I? Was I trying to worm my way into his good graces again through sex? Was I that desperate for money? The answer was yes.

When my doorbell rang, I was disappointed to see it wasn’t him standing there, but rather a stranger wearing a chauffeur’s uniform.

“Miss Coleman, I’m Ned, Mr. Hampton’s driver. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Excellent. Follow me, please.”

He ushered me to a black limo in the parking lot and I slid into the luxurious back seat. Immediately, all thoughts of how much money this man had assaulted my brain. I would have to be on my best behavior to win him over tonight.

The limousine stopped in front of one of the ritziest restaurants in town. I’d never eaten there before because it was way out of my league in price. I was immediately happy I’d chosen the black dress to wear. Ned opened the door and informed me Mr. Hampton already waited inside. My stomach fluttered, but I squelched my nerves and stiffened my spine. Nothing would deter me from my mission tonight. By the time I made it inside, the imminent anxiety eased, and I was much more in control.

“May I help you, miss?” the hostess asked.

“Yes. I’m meeting a Mr. Hampton here for dinner.”

“Ah, yes. Follow me please.”

The restaurant was an old establishment, and it was sectioned off in a multitude of private cubicles. We weaved our way around until we arrived at Hugh’s table. He stood and seated me. “You look lovely tonight, Molly.”

“Thank you. So do you.” And he did. He was wearing a navy suit, a crisp white shirt, and a patterned blue tie. “I have to admit, I didn’t know what to wear since I had no idea where we were eating tonight.”

“I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ve always wanted to eat here.”

“This is your first time?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Then I’m happy I chose it. Tell me, why the change of heart? I was sure from the way you sent me away you’d never want to speak to me again.”

I cringed at his words. He was right. I had treated him poorly. I guessed there was no use beating around the bush, so I might as well jump right into my explanation. But as I was getting ready to open my mouth, a gorgeous woman walked up to our table and said, “Well, if it isn’t Hugh Hampton.”