Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 129(@200wpm)___ 103(@250wpm)___ 86(@300wpm)
I print it out and, with my chin up, march into his office.
He doesn’t even glance my way.
“Good morning,” I say with a brightness I don’t exactly feel. “I need you to sign this, please.”
He takes the paper, reads it over, signs it, and then slides it back my way before turning back to his computer.
“Thanks.” I smile and saunter back to my workstation, scan and send the document, and then feel Derek hovering over me. I look up and raise an eyebrow. “How can I help?”
“How was your date?”
He’s scowling, a muscle in his jaw ticking with agitation, and I decide to have a little fun.
“Well, he dropped me off here, so since it just ended about twenty minutes ago, I’d say it went well. Thanks for asking.”
Without a word, Derek turns, stomps back into his office, and slams the door.
He deserved that. With resolve, I face my computer but then start to feel guilty. I shouldn’t, but I do.
With a sigh, I stand and open his door, only to find him pacing the room, obviously pissed off.
“Did you tell him I had you first?” he demands, his eyes flashing. “That I made you come until your legs shook? Were you already sore from me when he fucked you?”
“Enough.” My temper flares, and I see red as my hands ball into fists. I glare at him. “That’s enough. You’re acting like a child. I didn’t go on a goddamn date last night, Derek. I’d been with you. I’m not some slut wandering through Seattle, fucking every man who looks her way. Obviously, I made a mistake yesterday because you clearly think very little of me. I won’t be making it again.”
“Maya—”
“No. You had your chance to speak, and that moment is gone. If you want me to quit, or if you want to fire me, I’ll go.”
He slips his hands into his pockets and sighs. “I don’t want that.”
“Fine. Then I’ll be working here for the rest of the month. I’ll do my job and stay out of your way.”
There will be no more fun flirtations or conversations. His questions cut me to the bone and made me feel cheap and like trash. I won’t put up with that.
My brother was right. Derek Langley is a bastard.
Chapter Five
Derek
I’m a sodding bastard.
I don’t know what the fuck came over me. I have no right to be jealous or make any demands of her. I made a mistake ever putting my hands on her—I knew it as soon as I pulled out of her. Because all I wanted to do was turn her over, lift that arse in the air, and do it all over again.
I’m used to having control in every area of my life. Now, I suddenly can’t control the primal need I have for this woman I barely know. I can’t resist her.
I knew I had to get away from her yesterday.
It didn’t bloody help.
All I did was think about her. And then, in the evening, I drove myself mad thinking about her on a date with some other bloke, inviting him to her place, fucking him all night. I was as pissed off as I’ve ever been.
Then she came into the office this morning, looking fresh and gorgeous in that amazing red dress, and I wanted her all over again.
Until she told me she’d spent the night with the asshole. Then, I saw red, and it had nothing to do with that dress that just about brought me to my bloody knees.
She had a right to put me in my place. I was behaving like a child.
However, I admit that I feel better knowing no one else has touched her. But now I can’t help but wonder what she did last night.
“You’re an idiot,” I mutter and return to my desk. It’s better if she can’t stand me. I shouldn’t have fucked her in the first place. She’s better off staying away from me.
I’m shite at relationships. I don’t get close to people because the few times I have, it’s blown up on me. Maya shouldn’t be any different.
So, yeah, it’s best if she thinks I’m an asshole and ignores me for the rest of the month while doing the job I’m paying her for. Then, I never have to see her again.
But the thought of that is…unsettling. So, I ignore it and dive into work for the morning, grateful I have to be in court this afternoon.
My cell rings just before lunch, and I frown when I see my mum’s name on the screen.
“Hello, Mum.”
“Hello, darling. What time is it there?”
It’s been twenty-five years since she and Dad moved from Seattle; you’d think she’d have a better handle on the time difference by now.
“It’s almost noon, which means it’s dinnertime for you. What are you having?”
“Your father is taking me out for my birthday.”