Breaking the Rules

  Table of Contents

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  A note to the reader

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to express my undying gratitude to the following people for helping me to get this book out:

  My husband Bradford and my sister Lauren for their constant support.

  My mother for her excitement and encouragement.

  My beta readers Carrie, Brittney, and Krista.

  Melanie Harlow for her enthusiasm about my book, and for pointing me in the right direction so many times!

  To Melina for having a boyfriend-not-boyfriend, and for taking a huge load off my back so that I could focus on my work.

  Lastly, my father always says we need to thank the ones who came before us, so that we can enjoy what we have now. I’d like to thank all of the amazing authors and NA pioneers who came before me, and helped to pave the path for the rest of us, creating fans and readers of the NA genre.

  Chapter One

  Morgan

  The day has finally arrived. I recently graduated with my MBA, moved out of my overbearing parents’ house in the suburbs, and into my very first apartment in the city. Today is my first day as a new Account Executive at Baylor Industries, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter in my life.

  It is highly unusual to start as an Account Executive without paying your dues, especially at such a highly regarded corporation as Baylor Industries, but my father is golf buddies with owner and CEO, Drake Baylor. While hitting the greens a week or two ago, Mr. Baylor had mentioned that the position had become available and my father asked for this favor.

  Quite honestly, I think my parents wish I’d fallen in love with a wonderful pre-med student or trust fund baby in college so I could just settle down comfortably right out of school as my mother did, but I want more for myself. I have taken it a step further and completed grad school, and now I am starting a career, and building a life for myself all on my own. I did, however, promise my mother that I would continue to come out to the club for brunch on Sundays and let her treat me to the occasional Shopping Day. I live in the city with fabulous shopping; why not let my mother take her AmEx for a spin now and then?

  “Now, Morgan, don’t forget to wear your navy shift dress with the Prada heels I bought you at Saks last week,” my mother somehow manages to nag me over the phone, “and for the love of God, please do something with your hair, and put on a little makeup. Your father has set up a 9am meeting with Mr. Baylor so you can start on the right foot with his company.”

  As if I don’t know how to present myself professionally at the age of 24. “Okay mom, I get it. Please thank Dad for me again; I’ll call you after work.”

  Drake

  “Drake Baylor speaking.”

  “Drake, it’s your father …” I already know this of course, my assistant Grace has just sent the call through to my office. “I am supposed to meet with Jim Lane’s daughter this morning at nine to welcome her to the firm, but something has come up, so I need you to take the meeting.”

  My father never wastes his time with something like this. I wonder what he’s getting out of this favor.

  “That’s fine, I’ll have Grace make room in my schedule. Since when do you personally welcome new staff?”

  “I said yes to this meeting as a favor to Jim. His wife seems to think that Morgan will get a leg up if she meets me in person. I’ve already given her a position that she most likely isn’t qualified for. It’s normally a big waste of time for me, but Jim Lane is the perfect person to have owe you a favor, so really, what’s 15 minutes?”

  There it is, I knew my dad wouldn’t be meeting some should-be intern fresh out of school for nothing. My father is a cut-throat and calculated businessman. He never spends his time on anything that doesn’t directly benefit himself or his business. That even includes grooming me, his only son, as the next CEO of Baylor Industries. I made a lot of mistakes in my early adulthood, and now I am doing everything in my power to correct my wrong doings and forge a life for myself. This includes living my life on the straight and narrow, following a strict set of rules set by my father. Rules that benefit both of us, of course. It was simple, though; follow the rules for the next few years, work hard, and it will all pay off for me. I’ll be CEO, and my dad will retire with the knowledge that his company is running smoothly in good hands, and he will still be receiving healthy dividends.

  “You’ve got a good point there Dad, 15 minutes at nine, done.”

  “Drake, don’t forget about what we discussed. No second chances this time, remember?”

  And there was the warning I was waiting for. He didn’t have to say anything, I was already living with the consequences of my previous mistakes, ones that I could not afford to make again, and he knew it.

  “I know, Dad. I’m doing my best to prove my worth to you. I won’t let you down, I promise.”

  Chapter Two

  Morgan

  I arrive at Baylor Industries promptly at 8am. I fill out the standard “new employee paperwork” in human resources, receive my access badge in security, and am shown to my new office.

  I quickly settle into my office, adorning my desk with a few framed pictures of my parents and me during my graduation cruise on the Côte d’Azur. I must say, it’s so nice to have my own office. I’m a pretty creative person that does my best work when listening to music, or talking out loud to myself while re-drafting briefs, and that doesn’t normally go over well with a cubicle mate. Recent graduates like myself usually have to share a cubicle in a larger open format room, and answer to executives, but fortunately, and with the help of my father, I was able to bypass a few rungs on the corporate ladder.

  My office is a nice size, with an amazing view that spans the entire skyline. The furniture is somewhat sparse, only offering two extra chairs for seating besides the one I sit in behind my desk, but I do have a mini fridge that is stocked with beverages. I also have my own coat closet which I intend to keep extra work clothes in, because I tend to spill things on myself, and I refuse to be the girl who shows up for a meeting with spilled coffee on my blouse.

  I turn my computer on and notice that it is just about time to head upstairs for my 9am tête-à-tête with Mr. Baylor.

  I exit the elevator on the 30th floor and enter what seems to be a whole new world. While my office on the 15th floor has been newly remodeled and is sufficiently decked out for meetings with various accounts, the executive suite of the 30th floor is truly something to take in. It is impressive yet not ostentatious, with floor to ceiling Italian marble, dark wood furniture, and rich green accents throughout.

  “Morgan Lane here to see Mr. Baylor,” I say to the middle-aged receptionist before I am buzzed into the waiting area.

  “Miss Lane, have a seat. May I offer you coffee or tea?”

  “No, thank you,” I say politely while glancing around, taking the room in.

  “Drake will be with you shortly. My name is Grace, please let me know if you change your mind,” Grace says with a kind smile.

  I be
t she’s worked at Baylor Industries her whole career. Not only does she seem completely comfortable and confident in her surroundings, I also noticed that she called Mr. Baylor by his first name. The CEO of a Fortune 500 company doesn’t usually let a member of his staff refer to him by name unless there is familiarity and most likely some sort of fondness established. In this case, I’d say a middle-aged woman who has most likely managed tasks further reaching than those of a receptionist for the past 20 years or so might have that privilege.

  “Miss Lane, I presume?” A velvety smooth, low voice meets my ears, standing the hairs on the back of my neck on end. The words come from the doorway of a previously closed office and I spin slowly on my Prada heel and find that a sexy baritone voice isn’t the only appealing thing about its owner. I glance up and see the most beautiful man walking towards me. A custom tailored black suit adorns his tall, broad shouldered frame. Dark brown eyes meet my gaze, as a small smile crosses his face.

  “I’m Drake Baylor. Your father has said some wonderful things about you. I hope you can live up to the hype. Let’s get acquainted in my office, shall we?” he says in a direct “all business” tone.

  I’m completely thrown. This is my father’s golf buddy? If I had known I’d be hitting the links with such a beautiful man every weekend, I would have taken the sport up ages ago as my father suggested!

  I follow Drake into his office, taking a seat in a comfortable leather chair across from his desk. Just looking at Drake, I know I’m in trouble. How am I supposed to get any work done when it is already so easy to fantasize about his gorgeous brown eyes and chiseled jawline? Oh how I’d love to know how it feels to have his pouty lips on me … all of me. What it must feel like to run my fingers through his dark brown hair, and down his sculpted shoulders and back. Dammit, my career is over before it got started.

  “Miss Lane?” Drake snaps me out of my daydream with a smirk on his face, letting me know I’ve been caught staring.

  “Oh, um … I was just thinking about how I thought you were much older. The way my father talks about his golf games made me assume you were closer to his age, not mine.”

  “Miss Lane …” Drake starts.

  “Please, call me Morgan, Mr. Baylor.”

  “Morgan. My father, Drake Baylor Sr., is your father’s regular golf buddy. I have, on occasion joined them on the links, but it is my father who hired you, not me. He was called away on other business today, so I am meeting with you as a favor to him, though I’m not sure what required this meeting at all.” His tone was suddenly stern.

  “I’m not quite sure either, Mr. Baylor,” I say with a shy smile, “My mom is a bit of an over-achiever at times, and I have a feeling that she asked my father to set up this meeting with yours in hopes that 15 minutes of his time would start me out on the right foot with his company.”

  “I see. What do you think, Morgan? Are you the type of girl that thinks a cute little shy smile like your own and some one on one time with my father will get you far?” Drake asks a little too suggestively for my liking.

  “Mr. Baylor, I can assure you that although our fathers are golf buddies and that may have helped to secure my position here at Baylor Industries, I am a bright and competent person, who has worked very hard to forge a career on my own, even though I’m only about two hours into it. My mother may think that a well-fitting dress, highlights and a smile can take you far in the corporate world, but I believe that while that may help with first impressions, you have to actually use your brain to get the job done,” I answer confidently, trying my best to keep the stank off my tone.

  A small, almost proud, and very amused smile momentarily creeps across Drake’s face, but it is quickly replaced with a frown and drawn eyebrows.

  “Very well, Miss Lane, you’ve made a very good … first impression. Now let’s see if your theory about actually using your brain holds water. That is all for now, I look forward to our staff meeting Friday where I hope to see you test that theory.”

  Wow. This guy is going to give me whiplash. Was I mistaken a moment ago when I thought he was amused by my staring? His tone is so curt, what is with him? I realize there really isn’t a point to this meeting set up by our fathers and that I should thank him for his time and politely retreat to my own world on the 15th floor. For some reason, however, I cannot will my body to stand and leave. What is it about this man? Sure, he’s hot as hell, and can wear a suit like nobody’s business, but why do I feel like the last thing I want to do is leave his side? Ever? Oh, this is bad, this is really bad.

  “Thank you for your time, Mr. Baylor. I should get back to my office now and get settled in I think.” I force my body to stand and walk to the doorway.

  Drake

  Shit, she’s leaving, say something. “Morgan?”

  “Yes, Mr. Baylor?” Morgan says as she pauses at the doorway, turning back toward me.

  Damn, she is beautiful. No wonder my father said what he did. I caught her staring at me earlier. Obviously she’s charmed by my looks, but she has no idea what I can be capable of. I know my tone earlier was harsh, I can see it completely threw her off, but I have to keep her at arm’s length. She can’t get too close, I have too much to lose.

  Great, now it looks like I’m staring at her like an idiot. Which I am. I can’t take my eyes off her beautiful, slender frame. She is dressed modestly with a hint of sex appeal, no doubt her mother arranged her outfit for this meeting as well. I have to admit I love a woman in heels, and the ones Morgan has on are tall enough to make her calf muscles pop in the sexiest ways. Damn, Morgan has sexy legs. I’d love to have those long legs wrapped around me. The neckline of her dress comes to a low V at the base of her neck. Low enough to expose her collar bone. I want to nibble on that sexy spot on the base of her neck right above her collar bone as she throws her head back in ecstasy. Her strawberry blonde hair would look so beautiful splayed across my pillow. Mmmm, strawberries, I wonder if she tastes as sweet. I have to wrap this strange meeting up, it’s time for her to go.

  “It was nice to meet you. Welcome to Baylor Industries, I’m sure you will do well here.” Is that really all I could come up with? God, I’m such an ass. That’s fine, I can be an ass, as long as that keeps her at arm’s length and me out of trouble with my father.

  Morgan gives me a shy, almost sad smile, turns back, and heads out of my office.

  Chapter 3

  Morgan

  I spend the rest of my first day at Baylor Industries briefing myself on our top clients, trying my damnedest to forget about Drake and our most awkward first encounter. Unfortunately, just knowing he was in the same building as me had me reeling. How did he get under my skin in such a brief amount of time? And why is it that I want so badly to get under him?

  I keep reminding myself that I am here to work. I have worked so hard to forge a career for myself, refusing to get caught up in a relationship and end up being taken care of instead of taking care of myself. I absolutely love my parents and everything they have done for me, but sometimes I look at my mother and all I can think of is how lost she would be in this world without my father to look after her, especially financially.

  By five o’clock, I shut my computer off, collect my things, and head out of my office. I promise myself that I will start fresh tomorrow, buckle down, and actually accomplish something. I’m almost at my car in the parking garage when I hear my name. I turn around to see Drake Baylor standing before me.

  “Morgan, how was your first day?”

  “Mr. Baylor, it was definitely interesting,” I say, referring to our awkward meeting this morning, “I’ve briefed myself on some of our top clients, and will be ready for my account summary meeting at the end of the-”

  “Well just so you know, you have parked in permit only parking. Don’t do it again, they’ll tow your ass in a heartbeat here,” he says, cutting me off.

  Did he really not care to hear the answer to his question? What is wrong with this guy? Why is he treating me thi
s way? Again with the whiplash, one minute he seems at the very least cordial, then in the next, he’s a total dick! That’s right, Morgan, remind yourself that he is a dick. You won’t want to fantasize about him when he is acting that way.

  “Sorry, Mr. Baylor, it won’t happen again.”

  “There is a lot to learn at this company, Morgan. We have both had the good fortune of having fathers whose clout in our industry has enabled us to bypass entry-level positions here, allowing us to start at the top.”

  “Like I said, Mr. Baylor, my father may have helped to ensure my position at your father’s company, but I promise you, my hard work and dedication will prove to you and your father that I can deliver top level work.”

  “Well like I said Morgan, I look forward to seeing you test your theory at Friday’s meeting. Have a good night, Miss Lane,” Drake says with a half-smile as he turns to walk towards his black BMW sedan.

  “Good evening as well, Mr. Baylor. My car and I will see you tomorrow, both parked in their appropriate places.” I manage to get my snarky comment out as I practically jump into my car and get the hell out of the parking garage.

  I’m not normally someone to let a bitchy comment like that slip, especially to my boss. My etiquette classes have taught me to always bite my tongue and be a lady, but I couldn’t help myself. Even though I should be completely put off by his snide comments and condescending tone, I feel my attraction towards him growing. My body was certainly reacting to him. If I keep this up, I’ll have to keep a few extra pairs of panties in coat closet as well!

  My drive home isn’t very long, but it gives me a few moments to breathe, clear my head, and let the events of the day roll off my back. I remind myself that although my father helped me to secure my position with Baylor Industries, I’m a smart girl who will prove just how valuable I can be to this company. I’m not going to let a schoolgirl crush get in the way of achieving my dreams.

  I check in with my parents on my way home as promised, but play coy when they ask about my meeting. When I get home, I go for a run, take a shower, and head right to bed. I figure the sooner I climb in bed and fall asleep, the sooner this day will be over and I can start fresh tomorrow. Easier said than done as I lie awake thinking about Drake. We only had a few short encounters today, not nearly enough time to formulate a true opinion about someone, but I feel as though my body has already formed its opinion even if my mind hasn’t. Just one look into those dark brown eyes and my body ignites.