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  DIRTY BOSS

  By Alycia Taylor

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

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  Chapter One

  Josh

  I remember when I was just a little kid, and I’d asked my uncle why I always saw men out on the golf course on the weekends. I couldn’t understand what they were doing or what the point of hitting a ball into a small hole could be. He’d told me that it was something that adults do when they wanted to unwind. He said it was a way to get away from the desk, to breathe in some fresh air and to let off a little bit of pent-up steam. Of course, I hadn’t understood a word of his explanation. I remember thinking that the whole thing was silly. When I was a teenager, I lived near a different golf course, one that was bigger and required good money just to be allowed to play. I knew that because I’d once gone with a friend, the two of us drunk out of our minds, and we’d been turned away. We were not a part of the elite club. We were too young, too poor, and way too low-class. I’d looked at my friend and promised him that I would never become ‘one of those men’ who wasted hours moving a ball from one place to another. And yet, here I was.

  Golfing had just become part and parcel of my life now. It really was a good way to spend an entire day away from the office. Every now and again I’d look out at the huddles of men and laugh at the absurdity of it, but I kept coming back. I saw a boy standing with his father and looking depressed as his father tried to teach him how to golf, and I was sure that one day the boy would be the one trying to teach his own son.

  “What are you laughing at?” Kason, my best friend and work colleague asked me.

  I chuckled. “I used to think that golf was for losers.”

  “You did? I didn’t know that. I thought you always loved the game. Since when?”

  “Oh, not now, but when I was younger. The whole thing seemed so pointless. Grown men hitting a ball into a hole. I remember thinking how ridiculous it looked. I used to tell myself that I would never be one of those men that spent an entire day moving a ball around a field. I mean, what for? It just seemed so ridiculous.”

  Kason laughed. “I guess you’re right. I’d much rather be at a bar drinking beer all day.”

  “We can do that afterward.”

  “Trust me—we will do that afterward.”

  “Is that why we play? So we can enjoy a drink without the whole world watching us? I mean, it’s the one place that allows us a decent amount of secrecy.” I now understood why it was good to be part of the golf club. It was nice not being in a public space and having to watch what you say.

  Kason chuckled. “The whole world? You make it sound like we’re pop stars. I don’t think the whole world is watching us. I bet you most people don’t even know who we are. And personally, I play golf because I do enjoy it. And because sitting at a bar all day would probably not be the best thing for my liver.”

  “I guess you’re right,” I said. “I wasn’t exactly into politics when I was younger. But still, we do have to watch what we’re doing.”

  “That’s only because you’re a rising star.”

  “What?” I said. “What do you mean?”

  “Hold that thought,” Kason said as he swung the club. We looked out and whistled as we saw the ball rolling toward the hole. Kason had an eye for golf unlike anything I’d ever seen. I’d urged him once to try to play professionally, but he said that would suck the fun out of it for him. No wonder he enjoyed playing the game. It was hard not to enjoy something when you were that good. I played often, and I could never get to the level he was on. I was too easily distracted. This was ironic because in life it was Kason that was more distracted by the world. Out on the golf course, his eyes were steady and focused.

  “You were saying?” I said as we walked.

  “You’re a rising star,” he repeated.

  “I thought you said we weren’t celebrities.”

  “We’re not. We’re far from celebrities in the greater scheme of things. But for those interested in politics, we are. And in the political world, you’re a star. You’re constantly in the media. People love you.”

  I laughed. “Or hate me.”

  “Well, that’s true. But, let’s put it this way: you’re different. You’re not a cookie-cutter celebrity. You were cut from a different mold, and people love nothing more than talking about you.”

  “Or, as the newspaper put it the other day, I’m ‘brash and outspoken.’” It was a very recent newspaper, and I often wondered who had written the article and how many other people felt the same way about me. I didn’t care, of course, but it was interesting. It wasn’t the first time that I had been called that in my life. It wasn’t that I even tried to be that way. I just was. I had almost told myself that just because my job was in the public eye, it wouldn’t make me change. And so far, I’d kept true to my word. I hadn’t changed for anyone.

  “And as another newspaper put it,” Kason said. “You’re ‘good-looking and energetic.’”

  I laughed. “I prefer that newspaper, thank you very much. Although I’m not quite sure about the energetic part. Is that what being a rising star is all about? Some loving you and some hating you?”

  “Absolutely. It means people are talking about you. I’ve been in this business a little longer than you, and I probably hear and see things that you don’t. Anyway, what I want to know is why are we talking about work on this beautiful summer day? I thought the whole point of golf was to get away from work.”

  “Yeah, that’s true. Sorry about that. It’s not always easy. As much as I try not to think about it, it’s always on my mind. I just naturally start thinking about it without trying. It consumes you, don’t you think?”

  “It does. Especially when you’re new to the game. I don’t think I think about it as much as you do, not these days. Do you enjoy it?”

  I thought about that question. Someone had asked me that recently, and I’d found it a strange question to answer. I wasn’t sure if ‘enjoy’ was quite the right word. Did doctors enjoy being doctors?

  “I guess so,” I said. “I love being able to speak for the people of Washington. So if that means I enjoy it, then yeah, I guess I do. And I don’t really care what people think of me. If they think I’m brash just because I don’t mind speaking my mind, then so be it. I didn’t come into this business because I wanted people to like me.”

  “Good for you. Personally, I think it’s a welcome change from these boring old suits around us. And if you constantly do things just so that people will like you, you’re never going to be happy. Anyway, we’re talking about work again. Come on, let’s go get something to eat. I’m starving.”

  We made our way to the clubhouse and ordered our food. We were creatures of habit at the clubhouse, and while Kason always ordered the triple-bacon and cheese sandwich with fries, I always ordered the battered fish with fries. Depending on who was behind the counter, we often didn’t even have to order anything. Some of the staff knew our order immediately. I wondered briefly if they knew everyone’s orders or if it was because o
f who we were. Either way, it was nice.

  The moment we sat down, I saw that a woman had caught Kason’s eye. She was tall, with long blonde hair down to her waist, and a tight red T-shirt with a low V-neckline. She was hard not to notice, which was something she clearly wanted when she’d gotten dressed that day. I noticed as she moved that her skirt had ridden right up her leg as she sat down. It wasn’t the sort of outfit most people wore to a golf course, so I had no doubt in my mind that golf wasn’t the thing that was on hers. Kason, never the best at hiding his emotions, was staring open-mouthed at her. He couldn’t seem to decide if he wanted to look at her breasts or her legs, and his gaze kept moving between the two.

  “Earth to Kason. You’re staring,” I said. Although I wasn’t sure why I was so surprised by that. While my interest was focused on being a senator, Kason’s had always been on women. I’d never met anyone who liked women as much as he did. He was practically licking his lips at her, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of him. He looked like he had never seen a female before, which we all knew was not the case at all.

  “Sorry, but man, she’s stunning. And with that outfit, I know she doesn’t mind me staring. It’s hard not to stare at someone like that. She looks like she puts a lot of effort into getting a body like that.”

  “You’re a senator. You shouldn’t be caught looking at women like that.”

  He turned back to face me. “I guess you’re right. Although, I am also a human being, so I’m sure it’s not all that bad. People will understand.”

  “And you’re married,” I reminded him. I’d lost count of the times I’d said those words to him. “People won’t understand that part of it.” I knew Kason well enough to know that he didn’t mean half the things he said and did.

  “You know I only got married to help with the elections. She’s a good woman, but we’re not in love. You know that.”

  “That’s so weird. I still don’t know why you would do that. Anyway, are you sure that’s what she thinks too? Or is that just something to make you feel better for ogling?”

  “You know,” Kason said as he picked at his fries, “you could stand to get married yourself.”

  “Me? Married? I don’t think so.” This was also another conversation we’d had way too many times for my liking.

  “If you plan on making it to the U.S. Senate, then you’re going to have to get married. Trust me. That’s the sort of guy they are looking for. You’re liked by a lot of people, but there are a lot of people that don’t like you. Getting married will show those people that you’re a good guy and that they can trust you. If I were you, I would at least think about it. Hasn’t that always been your goal?”

  “Yes, my goal has always been to make it to the U.S. Senate. But my goal has not always been to get married. I’ve got no interest in that. None whatsoever. And you know this. You’re my best friend. I have never met a woman that I want to marry, and I have a feeling that I never will. Maybe I’m just not meant to get married. And I’m okay with that. I’m perfectly fine on my own.”

  “It’s not all about love, you know. You should if you want to further your career.”

  I sighed. I didn’t believe his theory one bit. I had no intention of getting married to further my career. If I wanted to do well in my job, then I wanted to do it on my own merit. Getting married simply to better myself in the public eye went against everything that I stood for. “I’ve had enough talk about my career. Let’s talk about something else,” I said. I was tired of this conversation. We’d had it before, and we always went around in circles without getting anywhere. “What’s happening in your life? Tell me something interesting.”

  “In my life?” Kason asked. “Well, I got a new cleaning lady.”

  “Why? What was wrong with the last one?” I said.

  “Ah, some big family drama. She left us in the lurch without any warning. It wasn’t her fault, but it did leave us in a bit of a predicament. So I was left in charge of hiring another one. And . . . let me tell you . . . the new girl is sexy as all hell.”

  I groaned. “You’re not serious, are you? She’s sexy? Why on earth would you hire a sexy cleaning lady?”

  “Oh yeah, she’s sexy. And why not? Why wouldn’t I hire a sexy cleaning lady? And it’s pretty obvious that cleaning isn’t the only thing on her mind. You should see the way she looks at me. It’s clear that a shiny house isn’t the only thing she wants,” Kason smirked. I couldn’t believe that he was so proud of this fact.

  “Have you done anything?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Kason. Don’t. Come on—you’re a senator. And you’re married.”

  Kason shrugged. “I know. But it’s going to be hard to ignore. I didn’t marry for love, so it’s easy for my eyes to roam like this. And you’d understand why if you saw her. She wears the sexiest outfits to clean the house. If you think that woman is sexy over there, then you would just die if you saw the cleaning lady.”

  “I don’t actually think that woman is sexy. I prefer a woman that leaves a little bit more to the imagination, thank you. I’d be careful if I were you.”

  “Come on. What happened to your sense of fun? I thought you loved sleeping around?”

  “I’m not married. That’s the difference. Which, might I add, is why I don’t want to get married. I wouldn’t be in trouble for sleeping with the cleaning lady. But you would. Anyway, you can’t be too careful these days. What if she just wants some dirt on you for your money? Have you thought about that?”

  Kason chuckled. “Trust me. If you met her you’d understand why that is so absurd. She’s a fine young thing for sure, but she definitely doesn’t have the mental capacity to pull off something like that.”

  “Hmm. Well, I still say be careful,” I said.

  Chapter Two

  Reagan

  I woke up early on Saturday morning, much earlier than I had planned. I always attempted to sleep in on weekends, but ended up lying wide-eyed and awake. I’d always been an early bird. I was jealous of people who could stay in bed without any worry about all the time they were wasting. It was something I had tried to do so many times but couldn’t. Now I just didn’t even bother.

  “Sleeping in doesn’t mean you’re wasting time. You’re simply giving your body more of a chance to rest and recover. And there’s nothing wrong with that,” someone had told me once. It was true. I believed them. And yet, I’d feel anxious whenever I slept in even half an hour later than usual. I always felt that I would have to find a way to make up for the lost time somehow.

  That day was no different. The night before, I’d tried to stay up late, just so that I could sleep in. But I was up early, just waiting to begin the day. Eventually, when I couldn’t stand lying in bed any longer, I got up and made my way downstairs. Food was often my biggest motivation. I looked through all the kitchen cupboards, but I’d forgotten to go shopping the day before, and the only thing that I had left to eat was a box of cereal, and a few slices of bread that should probably be thrown away. I sighed. As much as I loved eating, cooking wasn’t exactly my favorite thing to do. I always left shopping until it was absolutely necessary for me to go. Coffee first. I’d worry about the food later, but I at least needed a good cup of coffee to start the day. But when I reached for the coffee bag, I groaned when I saw it was empty. What was wrong with me? I was usually a lot more organized than this. I climbed instead into the shower, changed, and headed out to Dana’s.

  Dana’s Café was basically the only café I ever went to. Not only did it serve the most incredible food, but it was also run by my best friend. Good food and good conversation was always a guarantee when I went to visit. I often wondered if I deliberately ran out of food just so that I could go and visit. It was already busy by the time I got there, and I saw Dana running around making sure that everything was running smoothly. She was always involved in every aspect of the business, a fact I was sure drove the staff crazy, but a good reason as to why the company worke
d as well as it did. I chuckled as I watched her, and felt immensely proud that she had done all of this on her own. Her husband owned the café with her, but Dana was really the one in charge. It was her café, and she made sure that it ran smoothly every day. She was a tiny little thing and looked much younger than she was. But her character and her food were larger than life.

  “Oh, hey, Reagan,” she said when she saw me. “I didn’t know you were coming in today.”

  “Neither did I. But I have no food at home. And no coffee.”

  “No coffee? That won’t do. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Take a seat. Let me get you a cup.”

  I smiled as I sat down at one of my favorite seats. I had a few chosen seats that I enjoyed the most, all of them along the outskirts of the café. I’d always been a good people watcher, and my choice of seat always reflected this. Dana arrived moments later with two cups of coffee. She sat down next to me and smiled.

  “I like it when you come in. It’s a good excuse for me to take a break.”

  “I’m sure your staff like it when I come in too then. It gives them a chance to finally breathe.”

  “Oh come on, I’m not that bad. Am I?”

  I chuckled. “You’re bad. But you also happen to be a very nice person, so I don’t think they really mind. But still, I’m glad you’re joining me. Ah, this coffee is so good,” I said as I took a grateful sip. Even if I did have coffee at home, it wouldn’t have been as good as this stuff. I was most definitely not a natural when it came to anything in the kitchen. I could stand and debate for days, but put me in a kitchen, and I fell apart.

  “I’m glad you like it. We actually have a new barista that started today. I was worried that he wouldn’t do as good a job as the last guy, but I think he’s doing just fine,” she said as she took a sip of his own coffee.

  “Oh yeah, this is great. He obviously knows what he’s doing. It’s just the same as how it always is, so you definitely chose the right guy.”