Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
I gape in horror at the older woman across from me. “Stop!”
Jane just laughs. “I may be old, but I’ve not always been old, Eli. I do recall what happens when a young couple dates and gets to know each other. I didn’t meet and marry Roland until I was in my mid-twenties.”
“I’d rather not think about you courting, Jane.”
She stands up and heads for the door. “Those were the days.”
“Stop.”
She laughs and opens the door between my office and hers. “I’m going to go back to work.”
“About time,” I tease, smiling easily.
“I’m just going to say one thing before I go,” she starts, making me groan. “If there’s something between you and Miss Smith, don’t be afraid to explore it. I’d hate for you to miss out on something amazing just because you’re hung up on the reasons why it’s a bad idea. Some of life’s greatest joys started off as questionable decisions.”
With that, Jane leaves me alone with my thoughts, closing the door tightly behind her as she goes.
I pick up the pen and find the right paperwork, determined to get back to the contract review I was working on earlier. Before Marley Smith walked into my office and shook up my entire world. My mind instantly replays our meeting, including the way she felt in my arms. Too good, dammit.
I also think back to what Jane said. While I see her point, there’s too much gray matter surrounding us. I don’t like the prospect of starting a relationship with someone on my payroll. In fact, I’m struggling hard with that one. But then there’s also Cameron. His is the longest friendship I’ve had, and no way do I want to jeopardize that.
I’m just going to have to forget about Marley.
Shouldn’t be too hard.
She’s my best friend’s annoying little sister.
I can ignore the pull I feel when she’s around. Overlook how amazing she looks dressed up in her business attire and how much her scent turns me on. Disremember the way her hot hand branded me when it was pressed against my chest.
“Fuck,” I groan, running my hands angrily through my hair.
This is going to be harder than I thought.
Pun intended.
By the end of the week, I’m pretty damn proud of myself. I’ve managed to coexist with my new marketing director and not think about ripping her clothes off.
Okay, that’s a lie.
I’ve definitely thought about it.
I just haven’t acted on it.
We’ve met two more times throughout the week, and I was able to remain professional. Marley too. If she felt any sort of attraction or pull toward me, she didn’t let it show. During both encounters, she was cool, calm, and collected, and I’d like to think I was the same. Hell, I think I deserve an award for keeping myself in control, especially when she wore a white lace top on Wednesday. It wasn’t meant to be seductive in any way, but tell that to my traitorous cock. He took notice of the creamy white flesh noticeable through that lace, which resulted in not one, but two spank sessions later that night.
Now, we’ve made it to Friday. Everyone left about an hour ago, and I’m ready to celebrate. I just signed the contract for the linen buy I’ve been negotiating, which resulted in a damn good deal for Morrison Hotels. It feels like my first big victory since taking the helm of the company just two short weeks ago.
I want to celebrate.
Reaching for my phone, I shoot Cameron a text message. It’s Friday night, so there’s no telling what he’s got planned. Hopefully he’s available for dinner and celebratory drinks. If not, I guess I could head down to a bar and see if I can find another friend to celebrate with. The problem with that idea is the only friend that pops into my mind is Marley, and I shouldn’t want to be getting friendly with her.
Yet I do.
And the prospect of anyone else filling my bed doesn’t sit well either.
In fact, I only want one person.
Her.
Cameron: Sorry, having dinner with someone.
Me: Someone?
Cameron: Yes, someone I met earlier this week.
Me: Nice.
Cameron: I’m excited.
Me: All right, I guess I’ll have to celebrate my big contract deal solo tonight. Remember to suit up!
Cameron: Dammit, I’m sorry. Tomorrow night?
Me: Sounds good. You can buy me steak.
Cameron: Figures. Text ya tomorrow.
Me: OK. Have fun.
Cameron: Oh, I plan on it.
I set my phone down and sigh. I’m definitely happy for my friend, and if his date results in him getting laid at the end of the night, more power to him. I, on the other hand, don’t see the same results in my future. Sure, I could go out and probably easily have my pick of any number of women eager to come home with me. I’m a good-looking guy. That’s not cocky. That’s a fact. I’m physically fit, tall, and possess one of those smiles that make panties drop.