Unexpected Company: #2 of Company Men Read online

  Unexpected Company

  #2 of Company Men

  Crystal Perkins

  Contents

  Unexpected Company

  About Unexpected Company

  Books by Crystal Perkins

  The Griffin Brothers series

  Corrigan & Co. series

  Society Girls series

  Company Men series

  Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

  Things to Know

  Prologue

  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

  Epilogue

  Coming Soon

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2017 by Crystal Perkins

  Cover Design by Helen Williams

  www.allbookedout.com

  All trademarks are owned by their respective companies and are denoted by the use of proper capitalization of the company and/or brand. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This contemporary erotic romance is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with, especially if you enjoy sexy, emotional, romance novels with alpha males. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  Created with Vellum

  About Unexpected Company

  Father. Brother. Ex-husband.

  Keir Martin is starting his life over in Las Vegas, but he’s not alone. His sons are with him, and they’re what’s important. After his ex-wife left all of them, he can’t even begin to think about bringing another woman into their lives, but then he meets her…

  Vice-President. Friend. Lover.

  Grace Faulkner has worked hard to earn her place in Corporate America, despite the men who tried to bring her down. She’s impressed with Keir’s work, but not the man himself, until he romances her and makes her feel special. His sons make everything with him even better, and she’s soon in love with all three of the Martins.

  The past. The present. The future.

  Their fears from the past prove to be too much for them, shattering what they’ve built, and threatening everything they could have with each other. Can love, and two little boys, bring them back together, or will the past always be in the way?

  Books by Crystal Perkins

  The Griffin Brothers series

  Gaming For Love (The Griffin Brothers #1)

  Building Our Love (The Griffin Brothers #2)

  Creating A Love (The Griffin Brothers #3)

  Learning To Love (The Griffin Brothers #4)

  Designing The Love (The Griffin Brothers #5)

  Working On Love (The Griffin Brothers #6)

  Keeping Their Love (The Griffin Brothers #7)

  Corrigan & Co. series

  Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #1)

  Devouring the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #2)

  Rocking a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #3)

  Lessons in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #4)

  Uncovering His SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #5)

  Training the SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #6)

  Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #7)

  Tending Their SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #8)

  Playing in SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #9)

  Loving My SECRET (Corrigan & Co., #10)

  Society Weddings (a Corrigan & Co. novella)

  Society Girls series

  Society Girls: Sierra (Society Girls, #1)

  Society Girls: Neveah (Society Girls, #2)

  Society Girls: Matisse (Society Girls, #3)

  Society Girls: Waverly (Society Girls, #4)

  Society Girls: Rhieve (Society Girls, #5)

  Society Girls: Jenysis (Society Girls, #6)

  Society Girls: Harlow (Society Girls, #7)

  Society Girls: Camari (Society Girls, #8)

  Society Girls: Kalila (Society Girls, #9)

  Society Girls: Rose (Society Girls, #10)

  Company Men series

  Royal Company (Company Men, #1)

  * * *

  Other books

  A Kiss is Just a Kiss

  Activate

  Never Fear-Phobias Horror Anthology

  (Chronophobia short story)

  Never Fear-Christmas Terrors Anthology

  (Silent Fright short story)

  Romantic Times Anthology, Vol. 3

  (Gary and Maggie Griffin short story)

  Never Fear-The Tarot Anthology

  Praise for Books by Crystal Perkins

  “People should be free to love whoever their heart leads them, too. And this author did a great job of presenting a passionate love between 2 people who are seen as different from each other as dictated by society, but this difference wasn't a part of the love they share. Ms. Perkins did an admirable job of dealing with the issue (and other issues) as a non issue, if that makes sense.” -DianeM, Amazon Reviewer, Creating A Love

  “I love this series!!!!!! Crystal has the amazing ability to bring her characters to life. I laugh with them, I hurt with them, I smile with them, and I cry with them.” -Jessica, Amazon reviewer, The Griffin Brothers series

  “I love how Crystal makes the characters feel like real people.” -Tami, Amazon Reviewer, Learning To Love

  “This is a lovely romance story that has a sexy sizzle to it but it's funny as well as it is somewhat edgy. I like that the hero has money but it's not the focal point in this story. I love that the heroine has problems but they are not so insurmountable that they take over the story. This is good old-fashioned romance done with a modern day twist. Well Done.” -Kindle Customer, Amazon Reviewer, Gaming For Love

  “I found this book on Amazon yesterday and loved the cover. I read the synopsis and knew I had to get it. So I purchased it and started to read it right away. Oh my, I could not put the book down. I got so wrapped up in the story I was afraid to put my Kindle down or I would miss a part.” -Amazon Customer, Gaming For Love

  “I thought this was a fantastic start to a series, and kind of first book of a series that makes you want to rush out and buy each additional book in the series. The premise of a strong group of women working together to help other women in need was pretty awesome. I loved how C0rrigan & Co was a secret covert company along the same lines as the underground railroad but it saved women from
sticky situations or abusive relationships.” -Aubrey, Romancing the Book blog, Fielding Her SECRET

  “I had so many different emotions while reading. I was rooting people, wanting kick people, wanting to rip some peoples clothes off, laughing while reading, gasping out loud. Seriously, I read this like a crazy person. So much happened that I was not mentally prepared for. There were so many shockers while reading this I could not even think about putting the book down.” -Sabrina, Amazon Reviewer, Devouring the SECRET

  “Love this book the suspense and sex is EPIC.” -Teresa Jensen, Amazon Reviewer, Rocking a SECRET

  “Perkins breathes life into their characters and has the reader feeling their agony, pain, and even their love for one-another. I enjoy reading her books and learning more and more about each of the people that make up this secretive group.” -Dayreader Reviews, Corrigan & Co. series

  “In the end I am somehow proud of you Crystal Perkins. How you portrayed Ellie and her and Aiden love. I know I have no right to be, and it's really not my place to say but I am proud I read it and I recommend it to all women so they can see how strong We can be.” -Marta Bukowska, Goodreads Reviewer, Tending Their SECRET

  “The story flowed well and kept my attention throughout. There was one part I was totally not expecting to happen. I love when that happens.” -Lisa Dess, Girls With Books blog, Training Her SECRET

  “Wow this story! There are some stories and characters that leave you speechless, breathless and at times slightly broken, and Loving my SECRET Matt & Reina's story is definitely one of them!” -Vicki Plant, Goodreads Reviewer, Loving My SECRET

  “I laughed I cried and there many times that I wanted to throw my device.” -Mallory, Goodreads Reviewer, Loving My SECRET

  “Perkins gives the reader a quick peak into the Weddings of the amazing ladies in the society. What a fun roller coaster ride it was.” -Taz Lozada, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Weddings

  “Totally loved this book as I did with all of crystals book previous to this with their well written gripping story lines brilliant characters a must read really can't wait for the next in series.” – Sassylady33, Amazon Reviewer, Society Girls: Sierra

  “It is banter central, lol and completely full with characters who you actually get to know and enjoy spending time with.” – All Booked Out, A Kiss is Just a Kiss

  “Good book and a really powerful message.” Petrina, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Girls: Jenysis

  “If you’re looking for a great book, this is the one.” Renee, Goodreads Reviewer, Society Girls: Kalila

  “I love these books!!!! I seem to read them in one sitting I just can't put them down!!!” Rita, Amazon Reviewer

  Things to Know

  If you haven’t read any of the Corrigan & Co. books, you can still read this book. I’m listing some info below that will be helpful to you!

  The Society: A secret group of female spies, operating out of the Corrigan & Co. Foundation. It was created by Jane Corrigan, Maggie Griffin, Helen Wilson, Mallory Daniels, and Cyndi Evans. They still make their presence known from time to time, but the Society is now run by Reina Corrigan. She is the wife of Jane’s grandson, Matt Corrigan, and someone not to be trifled with.

  The male characters in Company Men are all brothers, or friends, of the spies. Most of the women in the books will not know of their existence, since those who work for Corrigan & Co. have no idea what the beautiful women of the Foundation really do. Some are in awe of them, and some resent how they seem to come and go, and do whatever they want.

  Corrigan & Co.: Matthew Corrigan runs this public side of the company. One of the most powerful men in the world, he’s ruthless in business, and would do anything to protect his wife, and their friends. His brother, Miles, works alongside him, running the Acquisitions department, and doing what he can to help the Society women. His wife, Alex, runs the front desk at the Foundation. Their love story was in the book, Working on Love, which is always free in ebook format, on all platforms.

  Keir, in this book, is brother to Ainsley, the nerdy computer genius, who fell for cocky football player, Zack, in Fielding Her SECRET. His sister, Sierra, joined the Society, and was romanced by Brazilian baseball player, Joel, in Society Girls: Sierra.

  Confused? You can always message or email me if you need clarification on something!

  For all the single parents out there.

  Prologue

  Keir

  When you're a grown man, you don't want your little sister getting you a job. Really, you don't want her helping you out with anything. I'm supposed to be helping Ainsley navigate through life, not the other way around.

  Never mind that she's a tech genius spy, married to one of the most successful running backs in the NFL. Or that I'm the recently divorced father of two whose wife left him because he wasn't "fun, or rich enough". I'm still the older brother, and I shouldn't be here, talking to Miles Corrigan about a job. Did I mention he's younger than me, too?

  Okay, that makes me sound like an ass, when I'm really not. I don't care what age someone is, as long as they're a decent human being. It's just my insecurities over being dumped for not being "enough", and the fact my nerdy tomboy of a sister is now a badass with Twitter accounts dedicated to her glasses, that has me thinking stupid thoughts. Thoughts I'm clearing my head of as I step off the elevator at Corrigan & Co., onto the floor Miles calls his own.

  I've met the former baseball star, who now runs the Acquisitions division of his family's company. He's smart, funny, and earned his place here. It's one thing I admire about the Corrigan brothers—they are extremely loyal to each other and those in their circle, but they don't float by on their last name.

  I walk towards the office that takes up the back portion of the floor. There's a woman sitting in the desk outside the large wooden doors, and I'm thankful to see her right now. Everyone around me is moving around like the floor's on fire, and I feel bad about stopping any of them. An assistant is used to being bothered, so no worries there.

  "Hi, I'm here to see Miles, but I was wondering if you could help me out with something as well."

  "What do you need?" she asks, without even looking up.

  "A water, please."

  She does look up then, and there's no smile on her face. It's a beautiful face, so I'm a little bummed out about the missing smile. Her hair is a riot of browns and reds, from dark to light, all mixing together in a sleek fall past her shoulders. Her eyes are deep brown, and her cheekbones could cut glass. I force myself to keep my focus on her face, because she already looks angry.

  "Excuse me?"

  "I'm not used to this dry weather yet, and I'd hate to start coughing in the middle of my interview."

  "We wouldn't want that, now would we?"

  "No," I tell her, smiling, because I think I’ve found an ally.

  "What did you say your name is?"

  "Oh, I don't think I did. It's Keir Martin."

  "Huh. I was actually looking forward to your interview after reading over your resume, but now? Now, I'm just going to suggest you don't cough in my direction. Probably don't cough on Miles, either, but he's nicer than me, so I'd go with him as a first choice."

  "Wait, what?'

  She stands and walks into the office behind her, flipping her hair over her shoulder, and swinging her magnificent ass. Yeah, I'm looking now, and damn if I don't like what I see. Curves that could stop traffic, and legs that go on for miles. I'm not sure who I just pissed off, but I guess I'll find out once my interview begins.

  Grace

  "He wanted me to get him water, Miles."

  "It was a misunderstanding. You were at Susan’s desk."

  I'm being extra bitchy at the moment, but I hate when people assume that just because I'm a woman, I'm the "assistant" and not a Vice President in this company. Keir Martin is not the first I've encountered, and I know he won't be the last.

  "I'm not in the mood to be logical at the moment."

  "Obviously not."

&nbs
p; "Maybe I overreacted."

  "I wasn't going to risk life and limb by suggesting it, but you said he asked, and didn't demand."

  "True."

  "I want to give him a chance at this job, G, and you were on board before the water thing."

  "His resume is pretty perfect for this."

  "Yes."

  "That's it? Just yes? You're not going to tell me how you found him?"

  "Does it matter?"

  Only because he won't tell me, but even though I've gotten close to both him, and his wife, Alex, since moving here, he's still the boss. Meaning, I'll let it go—for now.

  "Nope."

  He presses a button on his desk. "Susan, can you please send Mr. Martin in?"

  I flash him the biggest smile in my arsenal. "Can I sit in your chair?"

  "Evil. You are pure evil sometimes," he says, getting up and holding out his chair for me.

  "You love me."

  He leans down to kiss my cheek. “I totally do."

  "Um, am I interrupting something? Susan said I should come in."

  Miles stands up, and walks over to shake his hand. "Not at all. Grace was just busting my balls."

  "Baseball player humor?"