by Brynn Hale
Alyx looks back. “You wanna come, too? I’ve invited Lily and Aine, too. And Dexx is coming back in. Hell, it’ll probably be most of the team”
It’s not what I wanted our first date to be, but I’ll take her however I can get her.
And I’m going to get her.
That’s not negotiable.
Marley
The day drags. I swear I looked at the clock two seconds ago.
I wish I’d worn something a little different. Something that goes more from day to night, but I slip away into the bathroom and add a little extra eyeliner and a deeper merlot lipstick to match the colors in my black dress that has wine-colored roses scattered over it.
I’m thinking of pulling the band from my hair and going with it down when the door to the bathroom opens and a woman in her late twenties steps inside.
“Hi, I think you’re the new employee on the programming team?” She holds out a hand. “I’m Aine.”
“That’s how you say that!” I burst out and then cower back into myself. “I’m sorry. I’m Marley. Nice to meet you. I just saw your name on the listing and thought. Is it Ay-anne, or Ay-knee.”
“Nope, it’s ‘awn-yee’…like aw with an n and the first part of yee-haw!” She does a little cowboy lift on the last word and I smile. “Technically, it’s Irish.” Her red hair and green eyes scream Irish to me.
She shakes her head as she applies a deep berry-colored lip gloss. “I know what you’re thinking. Weirdly, I’m mostly German descent, but my parents loved the name, so I got to be the weird kid in school. And believe me, kids are not nice when it comes to odd names.”
“I’ve been there.”
High school wasn’t that long ago. It still hurts to remember the names “Mooley” and “Marley Wydass.” The pointing, the whispers, the hurt comes back in a tidal wave and I’m drowning in memories. But I now can swim to shore as an adult. Those days are long gone.
“You going to the dinner and drinks tonight?” She gives me a once over. “You should let that gorgeous hair down.”
I examine myself in the mirror again. “I was thinking about it. But I don’t want to look like I’m window shopping, if you know what I mean.”
Even if I totally have picked out the shop I want to buy from.
“It’s not that way here. And I’m not talking about hooking up. I’m talking about we look out for each other. We’re friends, but…there’s no rules about not dating coworkers, maybe bosses, but not coworkers. Although, I’d stay away from Dexx. He’s hot as Starbuck’s Coffee, but he’s also the biggest player of them all and I’ve seen how he burns women.”
“Thanks for the heads up.”
She fluffs her red ringlets.
I reach back for the hair band.
Aine smiles as I pull the black band out and the strands fall over my shoulders. I feel different when my hair is down, but I don’t know exactly how different or if it’s good or bad different.
“There you go. Okay, come on. Let’s go have some fun.”
Fun? What’s that?
4
Carr
I walk in front of her, because if I walk behind, I’m going to end up with an issue that will force me to go home. She’s a hit of adrenaline roaring through my body, giving me rushes and rolling sensations that I’ve never experienced.
Morgan Tech takes us out for drinks and dinner a couple times a month. Sometimes it’s a small gathering, sometimes it’s big like this one. We’ve just finished a big project. The biggest we’ve ever done actually. Alyx said like ten months ago that he wanted to do smaller projects, but when this one came along that went out the window. I told him it wouldn’t be fun, but it would make numbers for the year a little more manageable and we could give each employee more leeway to taking time off. Like me.
Alyx runs a hand through his hair. “She’s pregnant.”
I stop walking. “Marley?”
He stills and people file around us, Marley and Aine sliding by and I see she’s let her hair down. It’s just past her shoulders and in the fading rays of the evening sun, it glints the shine of chipped onyx.
He lowers his voice. “No, Sloan, my wife.”
I let out a long breath and run a hand through my hair. For a second, I thought maybe I’d been running horrible thoughts through my head about a taken woman, but then I remember her words last night, But StangGuy, I don’t have either of those.
“Congrats, Alyx!”
“Thanks. So, I’ve been thinking that I’d like you to roll into management. I’d like to offer you the position of CTO, Carr.”
I shake my head. “Right now?”
“I don’t have all the details worked out, but I can’t keep running both the organization as a whole and the tech. I need someone to take it over.”
I stare at the woman walking away. This would make it a no-go for her and I. Plus, I’ve put one woman below my job before, and I promised myself I wouldn’t do that again.
“You don’t look happy…”
I back to the side as some people pass by. “I’m just a little surprised. I thought for sure Dexx was up for the position.”
“I’m impressed with Dexx, but you have the knowledge and work experience. Dexx has other skills that I’ll be tapping into, but this position wouldn’t be a good fit. It’s going to be long hours and that will equate to good pay, but you have to be willing to meet the demands of the position.”
And there it was. The position would demand of me. It would be a priority in Alyx’s mind, and thus my life.
He rocks a shoulder into the redbrick of the building. “Hey, no pressure. I’ll get some numbers worked out and we’ll meet on Monday.”
The last two hours had changed everything and I probably would have jumped at the chance before…
I watch her walking into the restaurant, Dexx holding the door and acting the gentleman, even if he’s part animal. But, aren’t we all?
I sure feel like I have something wild inside of me when I’m around Marley. Even just on the headset, I reacted to her voice. That light airiness that made my mouth go dry and my cock hard. She didn’t feel like someone, nothing like those dates and one-night stands.
She felt like my one.
5
Marley
I chose a seat at the end of the big long table, away from everyone, and as soon as Carr stepped into the room, he beelined it to sit at my side.
“So, programmed the Revenge of R’lyeh?” I figured that would come up. Poor guy never saw it coming.
I smirk and pull the napkin into my lap. “Okay, maybe I was playing in my element. But still, you could have the skills to match mine. How would I know you don’t?”
I know he could have them. I’m not great at every game…just that game.
“But still…”
“Did I hurt your feelings?” I say, trying not to be too smug, but still, it does feel kind of good.
He pretends to be beat-up with pouty lip. “Maybe a little.”
“Too bad, buttercup. You know, I’ve had you go hard on my ass before, too.” When I examine what I’ve said, I can feel the heat of a bright flush rolling from my bare chest up through my cheeks. I lower my voice. “I…I didn’t mean it like it sounded.”
“And what if I liked how it sounded, Marley.”
My heart beats fast and I can’t pull my gaze from his. My tongue flicks out and moistens the rim of my lips. I have to get ahold of myself. “We work together, Carr. Obviously that’s a problem, right?”
I mean, it isn’t right now, but it could be.
He leans back. “Let’s just enjoy the evening. It’s not the first date I imagined for us, but if Alyx is going to pay, I say we order something special. Champagne?”
“Not really much of a drinker.” It’s true. I didn’t go to parties in high school because I know how that would’ve gone. And I didn’t go in college because I was taking twenty-one credit semesters and six to nine credit summers to get in and out of there as soon
as possible.
And this excursion out with people…it’s one of few I’ve faced in the last four years. I worked for a small company, then I did online work for Digital Treasures Inc, the gaming mogul, and then I saw the ad for this job. I thought it was work from home. It could be, but the owner was so nice in the interview and I loved the building and now…now I’m completely freaked out.
“They have non-alcoholic drinks. Wanna try one?” he asks, seemingly oblivious to my discomfort as a bead of sweat starts right above my brow.
“You know, I’m not feeling great. I…I think I should probably go.” I stand and he looks up at me with confusion clouding his eyes.
He stands and I can feel his body heat he’s so close. So close.
“Let me drive you home, then.” He grabs my elbow lightly. “I’ll tell Alyx.”
“No, no. You shouldn’t leave. I’ll be fine.”
He leans down, his breath rushes past my ear. “I can tell you’re experiencing something. Please…let’s just go to the bar and you can take a breather. You go first and I’ll follow in a minute.”
I give myself only a second to think before I turn and start walking to the bar. If I’d thought for two or more, I would’ve backed out, but this feels right. This feels like I’m making a choice to be different. To be the me I’ve always wanted. This man, who any woman would want, is asking me to stay. He’s asking me to be honest with him. He’s saying all the right things.
I grab the back of a stool.
“Hey there.” A man with a million-dollar smile holds out his hand. “I’m Dexx. I hear you’re the new employee on the programming side.”
I can see why Aine said something. He could make me mute. And he does. He’s got rectangular, black-rimmed glasses on that almost dwarf his eyes, but the shape mimics his square jaw. Not the soft oval of Carr’s and his eyes are the color of the sea at the deepest part. I could get sucked into them like a whirpool, but I can only think of one man I’d want to swim with. My interest is fleeting interest that any man of his caliber would get from a warm-blooded woman.
A big hand lands on Dexx’s shoulder before I can say anything.
“Hey, bro.”
And that’s the voice that does it all to me. I instantly feel like the world is right and there’s a modicum of relaxation in my shoulders.
“Carr, I was just introducing myself to the person who Alyx tells me programmed—”
“Revenge of R’lyeh. Yeah, I know. And she can play it like a professional, too. Dexx, this is Marley Wyss, otherwise known as Magn1f1c3ntM to you and I.”
Dexx’s mouth drops open. “No way…” He backs away and his eyes skim over me. Carr’s jaw tightens. “You’re MaggieM?”
“You have a nickname for me?” I ask, my gaze snapping to Carr’s guilty face.
Carr’s brows go up. “Maybe once in a while we’ve talked about you.” The mischievous smile that crosses his face is like a child caught feeding the dog a jar of peanut butter. They know they’re in trouble, but I’m not sure if I want to spank Carr or kiss him.
Kiss. Definitely kiss.
“Wow.” Dexx bows dramatically, his blue eyes dancing. “I’m not worthy.”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever. It’s nice to meet you, Dexx. I hear lots about you, too.”
He crosses his arms and widens his stance. “All good, I hope.”
My eyebrows rise slowly. “Seems it was spot on.”
Carr chuckles. “Hey, I need to talk to Marley about a card Alyx assigned her.”
Dexx grabs his shoulder. “I got it, third wheel. Don’t have to scream at me this tie.” He leaves and I feel like there’s something more I don’t know about. Some bro-code happening that’s not for my XX chromosomes to understand, I guess.
Carr takes a stool next to me and we order two iced teas. “Okay, now that he’s gone. I’m sorry if I’ve been coming on a little heavy, Marley. It’s just that…I almost can’t believe it’s you.”
“It’s me. You can believe it, but I also have a hard time believing that someone like you might be interested in someone like…me.”
He leans in. “I don’t know exactly what you mean by that, but I think you’re amazing and beautiful, Marley. And I’m going to say this clearly. I want you. I’m not only interested. I’m in. All in.”
The oxygen is missing from my breaths. I suck in a deeper one and my chest heaves. He looks down and his eyes darken from a dove gray to slate.
“Let’s get out of—”
“There you are.” Alyx steps between us, a hand on each of our bar stool backs. “I’d like to intro you to the team, if you don’t mind, Marley.”
A roll of trepidation floats through my stomach, making the acid pop and sizzle in there. “Sure. I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll go, too.” He grabs both of our drinks and carries them over.
I follow behind Alyx and fidget with my hair, brushing it down.
“You’re beautiful, Marley.” If Alyx is six feet tall, then Carr is about the same. “You have nothing to fear, I’m right here with you.”
I don’t know why, but I straighten my back. I feel him with me. Behind me. And I want him there.
“Everyone, your attention. I’d like to introduce Marley Wyss. The newest programming team addition.”
The table of probably fourteen Morgan Tech employees claps.
“Marley, would you like to tell us a little about yourself.”
“Not really…” I mumble and Carr chuckles.
Carr steps up. “Let me. Marley graduated from NYU, holds two bachelors’, one in Information Technologies with an emphasis in programming and one in German. She worked at Digital Treasures making Revenge of R’lyeh and she plays it like a pro gamer, too. Ask me how I know.”
I roll my eyes at him and he smiles.
“She also likes marshmallow Peeps and dark chocolate for those of you looking to suck up to her for tips on your gaming skills or help with your programs.”
The table laughs, but inside I’m melting. Everything he’s telling them is something I’ve said online. Something I’ve only said in passing but he listened. I probably should be a little creeped out and how well he listened, but I can tell how honest he is and how people look up to him. But I also can feel how broken he is. He’s a little like me. Afraid. Maybe a little lost. Maybe a little cautious. And I’m all for being cautious.
But will two cautious people make for too much caution?
“Did I miss anything, Miss Wyss?” he asks with a little attitude.
“I’m a Leo, so I’m also a little stubborn.”
“You’ll fit in just fine,” Dexx calls out and everyone laughs. “A toast to Marley, the Leo, kick ass gamer, and newest team Morgan member.”
Cheers are said all around. It’s weird how a person can feel like they fit in but fight actually fitting in. I’m in that place right now. I want to believe that these people are real. I mean, they are real, but I wonder if they mean all this and will act like this…forever.
Carr hands over my iced tea and I take a sip.
“Thank you,” I say looking up into those eyes.
Four hours later, dinner is long over, shared a dessert with Carr, and I can’t believe how long I’ve been talking and actually getting to know these people. There’s Eyan who has twins, but sadly, his wife died in childbirth. He has to get home to relieve the nanny and start his weekend routine. Apparently, the routine, said as though it’s a top-secret government mission, is what’s important with two under the age of two—Faith and Hope, named for what they give him after his loss. I tell him about my large family and that I’d love to help out sometime. The way his face lights up is like he’s discovered a pot of gold.
And then there’s Aine. She’s going to be my best friend. 100%. No questions asked. No discussion. Just is.
She leans into me. “So, Carr’s been looking at you like you’re a sundae and I think he knows where the cherry is located.”
“Wow.” I close m
y eyes and take in that erotic and slightly disturbing vision. She doesn’t know how close she really is. Cherry full intact. Or maybe I just have a sign tattooed some where people can see that says: “Virgin: Approach with caution, and a generous amount of lube.”
I giggle to myself.
“What?” she asks with a long drawn out vowel a little slurred on the end.
“Nothing. I…I know him.”
“From college? I think he’s a little older than you so that’s probably not right. Work with him before?”
“No. Neither.” I do wonder how old Carr actually is. With that sprinkle of salt in that pepper hair, he’s definitely over thirty, but I doubt he’s over forty. “Online gaming. We’ve played against each other and even kinda…” I bite my lip.
She leans in close. “Kinda what? Cybersex?”
“No!” I say a little too forcefully and Carr and Dexx stop talking. When they start back up, I lower my voice and lean in close. “No, just flirting.”
I’ve never had a girlfriend to say these things to. Actually, I’ve never had these things to say. This is a whole new ballgame and I’m not sure if I’m ready to play or if I need to be on the sidelines. Just a continual benchwarmer to love.
I remember back to last night and how he sent 4KidsNoPatience off with hope for her and her kids. My gaze finds Carr, his eyes soft and he’s laughing at something Dexx said. Everyone else is long gone. It’s just us in the bar area.
Dexx stands. “I’ve got a 5K tomorrow morning.”
Aine stretches and yawns and gives Carr a weird nod of her head. “Can you give me a ride home, Dexx?”
“To your place or mine, Weber.”
Aine Weber. I like it. I like her.
She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “I’ll order a Lyft.”
Dexx softens his posture, leans over at the waist and holds out his hand. “It would be my pleasure to drop you off at your domicile, my maiden.”
“That’s better, but you can keep the sarcasm to yourself.” She slips her hand into his.
