Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Joycelyn Maynard slept with her boss after the company retreat Now, watching him sleep beside her, her eyes traced the contours of his perfect abs as she swallowed nervously. Does this mean… I’m gonna he fired? she wondered.

Ellison Grant’s piercing gaze met hers. “We’re getting married. take responsibility

Her mind went blank. Since when did successful men become so old–fashioned? One night together, and he’s already talking marriage‘ she thought.

Joycelyn, you’re now twenty–six. Don’t tell me you’re still a virgi?” The teasing words from her colleagues at the company retreat echoed through Joycelyn’s mind as she leaned against the hotel corridor wall.

Having never been kissed, she’d dodged their questions by downing several drinks, then excused herself, claiming

intoxication.

Now she fumbled with her key card, the door stubbornly refusing to open. Frustrated, she pressed her flushed face against the cool surface, only to stumble forward as it suddenly swung ward.

Ellison stood before her, his chiseled features cast in shadow.

Joycelyn blinked in confusion. Why is he in my room? she wondered, mesmerized by his commanding presence. This has to be a dream

“Is there something on my face?” His eyes narrowed, voice rough with barely contained desire.

“Mhmm.” The sound escaped her lips before she could stop it, soft and breathy.

Standing before this usually untouchable man, she recalled her colleague Selene Whitmore’s whispered words.

“A man like Mr. Grant must be incredible in bed,” Selene had said, and now here he was, larger than life.

Joycelyn’s tongue darted across her lips as heat bloomed through her body. ‘If I can’t have him in real life, she thought, at least I can enjoy this dream.

She launched herself forward, pushing the door shut behind her. “Mr. Grant, they say any woman who gets to spend a night with you must be very lucky.” Her lips curved into a playful smile “Care to test that theory?”

The air crackled between them as their eyes locked, Ellison, his own judgment clouded by alcohol, felt his control dipping as her soft curves pressed against him. Instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer.

“Is this what you want? Huh?” he murmured against her ear, his proximity sending shivers down her spine.

“Yes,” she breathed, the word barely a whisper.

Her eyes, glazed with desire and wine, held him captive. Up close his features were even more striking than the glimpses she’d caught at the office.

every perfect line with her gaze–from his sculpted brows to his straight nose, finally lingering on his parted

him he knew exactly what was going on in one fluid motion, he

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Chapter 1

hand to his belt, his voice husky with

his lips claimed hers in her first kiss. e melted into him as he deepened the kiss, her inexperience yielding to his expertise.

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both tender and commanding, more real than any dream could be. Every nerve ending sparked with electricity as she fumbled with his

found herself taking initiative, discovering that the normally stern boss was surprisingly tender

as footsteps approached. Why does this dream feel so real!” she wondered,

eyes to find him approaching, a towel slung low on his hips. Her gaze traced involuntarily over his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and the tempting V–line

her mind, each more explicit than the last. Color rushed to her cheeks, then drained away

She clutched the sheets tighter. Last night, we…

his eyes studied her flustered expression. “What

curious.

mean, last night, did we…” Her tongue tied itself in knots.

did.” His simple confirmation hit

last thread of hope, she stammered, “But did

did,” he replied

of breath echoed in the

regrets now?” His expression remained

with her answer. Objectively speaking, her first time with a gorgeous, skilled partner had been incredible. But sleeping

Mr. Grant, she began carefully, “I was drunk last night and barely remember anything.

he studied her. “You’re still in my bed and already trying to pretend this never happened?”

she’d left on his collarbone, she pulled the sheets higher. “Then at least turn around so

as his handsome face loomed over

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sending tingles of electricity through

protest died in her throat.

heart raced as heat flooded her face. His weight pressed her into the mattress, the position simultaneously thrilling and mortifying. The tension in his features as he held himself in check only made

anything,” he murmured, his intense gaze holding hers.

memory.”

as she tried to look anywhere but at him. Aglimpse of his taut muscles reminded her exactly how well- equipped he was. Even as a novice, she knew that desire, once unleashed, was impossible

teeth grazed her pale collarbone, drawing a soft whimper

Grant!” She meant to stop him, but her breathy moan betrayed her.

she found him even more overwhelming than before. This was the final day of the company retreat–they were supposed to head back after lunch. If they delayed much