Ask Me Something (The Something Series Book 2)

by Aubrey Bondurant

  I was placated with his compliment. “Okay. I guess I’ll see you later this week, then.”

  He kissed me one last time. “Will you text me when you get in?”

  “Sure.” I was a grown woman who traveled frequently and independently, yet the thought of having someone ask for a check-in, like my father always requested, sent a warm feeling through me.

  ***

  It was Thursday afternoon and my meeting with Josh was set for two o’clock. I sat at my desk pouring over the pitch deck one last time. Of course I’d already emailed a copy to Josh yesterday as a pre-read, but that didn’t keep me from searching for ways to improve it. I’d half expected Brian to come by last night, but he hadn’t. I reasoned it was just as well. It might be easier if we kept things separate considering our appointment later today.

  It would be our first professional meeting since starting our sexual arrangement, and I was trying to quell my anxieties. I didn’t want to walk into Josh’s office, look at Brian, and blush. The thought of making our relationship obvious in front of the owner of the company was unnerving at best. It didn’t help that, aside from texting him on Sunday night when I arrived home, I hadn’t spoken with him this week. We’d emailed a couple work-related items, but hadn’t held a conversation.

  Of course I could have called him just as easily as he could have called me. My stomach growled reminding me it was lunch time. It was tempting to order something in, but I knew the fresh air would do me good. I spent enough time at my desk as it was. I was about to step out when my assistant, Nancy, buzzed in.

  “Sasha, Brian Carpenter is here for you.”

  “Uh, send him in. Thank you, Nancy.” My pulse raced.

  “Good luck to your son with his basketball tournament this weekend, Nancy,” Brian chatted with her while coming through my door.

  I narrowed my eyes when the door shut. How the hell did he know these things? “You make me look bad when you remember shit like that,” I mumbled.

  He laughed, taking a seat across from my desk. “What can I say? It’s a gift. How’s the mock coming along?”

  I was relieved that there wasn’t the awkwardness I’d been expecting. Matter of fact, we were starting out much like we had previous to the change in our relationship. “It’s good.”

  “Great.”

  My relief had come too soon. Dead space and awkwardness.

  Finally, I broke the ice. “How was your week? We didn’t talk, so…”

  He arched a brow. “The phone works both ways, and I knew you’d be busy this week preparing.”

  He was right. I had been working late nights. “When did you fly in?”

  He raised a brow. “This morning. Why? Would you rather I’d come in last night?”

  “If I said it didn’t matter, would you believe me?”

  He leaned forward. “I wouldn’t. But I figured today might be uncomfortable enough without the thought of me having been inside of you first thing this morning on your mind.”

  My cheeks heated. “Well, thanks for not making it uncomfortable, Bri.”

  His eyes lit up with amusement. “Do you want to get some lunch and then head over to Josh’s office?”

  I stood up, grabbing my coat and laptop. “Lunch would be good.”

  Sharing a meal with Brian before a meeting was typical. It was what we’d done a thousand times before. So why was I worked up and wanting to rip off his clothes because of the simple touch of his hand on the small of my back? Swallowing hard, I squared my shoulders and smiled toward Nancy while letting her know where we’d be.

  ***

  Lunch had proven that Brian was able to remain on good behavior and keep the two worlds separate, at least for a couple of hours. I’d worried about how I’d be able to balance the personal and professional when we were working, especially when we were alone. But over lunch we chatted about the mock pitch, Juliette, and other office things, allowing me finally to relax.

  Upon arriving at Josh’s office across town, the headquarters for Gamble Enterprises, we took his private elevator to the penthouse and were shown right into his spacious office. As I mused that the last time I’d seen Josh was at his wedding, I realized that I was surrounded by personal and professional worlds colliding on multiple levels.

  “Sasha, nice to see you. Brian, how was the flight up?” Josh welcomed.

  We made small talk and then got down to business. I’d emailed Josh the mock pitch deck ahead of time and was prepared to take notes. Taking out my laptop, I assumed he’d have some changes.

  “I read through your presentation and have to say it’s solid. I don’t have any changes at this point,” Josh commented.

  I was somewhat surprised. “Okay. Thank you.”

  If he didn’t have any changes to my pitch deck, then what did he want to talk about? My confusion turned to trepidation quickly when he and Brian shared a look. Sighing, I decided to state the obvious. “I’m assuming by the glance you two just shared that there’s something you’re reluctant to discuss with me?”

  Josh nodded, amusement flashing in his eyes. “Yes, specifically I want to talk to you about Vanessa, the client contact for Tryon. I’m assuming Brian provided you a brief overview?”

  “He mentioned she’s difficult,” I returned.

  “That’s putting it mildly. One of my colleagues worked with her at a previous job. He gave me a little background or, for lack of a better term, a ‘warning’ about her.”

  Terrific. Because I was such a people person as it was. “Okay, what do I need to know?”

  “I’m told you have Charlie and Logan on the team presenting with you?”

  “Yes, it’s the three of us on the pitch. I plan on bringing Carly in to observe as well.”

  Josh threw another look toward Brian.

  “It would be better if you left Carly out of this one,” Brian suggested.

  I narrowed my eyes. “It would be helpful to know why. It’s common practice to bring a junior person to carry the boards and get a feel for what a pitch is like.”

  Both men appeared uncomfortable. Finally, Josh put it out there. “Vanessa is threatened by women. Especially younger women. I don’t know what Carly looks like, but if she’s like most younger ladies in the advertising industry, then she’s attractive, and that could be an issue for her.”

  What. The. Hell? They weren’t seriously discriminating who could be in this pitch based on looks. It wasn’t in my nature to make this easy on them. “I take it that I’m not a threat with either my looks or my age, then?”

  As predicted, neither man knew how to answer that question without insulting me. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy their discomfort.

  Brian finally decided to try his hand. “Look, Sasha. Like I said, you have this pitch. This is your client, and we both know that you’re going to do a terrific job. But we need to give it the best chance we can, which may mean dictating who attends and what is worn.”

  I’d always understood that business came first. Hell, if they didn’t want Carly there because Vanessa got her nose out of joint with a younger woman, fine. Advertising 101 dictated that the pitch was about the client, not about us. But I didn’t like the direction this was heading. “Is this the point where you tell me how I should dress?”

  Brian cleared his voice. “Actually, we hired a company to do that for us.”

  Josh handed us each a document. “This is an uncomfortable conversation, but I know that you’re a professional, and our goal is the same, which is to win the business.” His voice didn’t leave any room for argument.

  As much as it absolutely pained me to do so, I had to ask, “If you’re that concerned about it and think that we may lose the account because I’m a woman, then why not pull me from it?”

  Josh shook his head. “Because you’re the best pitch person, hands down, and there’s a board of directors who needs to be impressed, too. We hired a company that specializes in profiling and does the analysis regarding the best things t
o wear. It’s all there on that paper. You aren’t the only one, either. There are specifics on both Charlie and Logan, too. And the company confirmed it would be a good mix to have the all-male board more focused on you while Vanessa gets attention from Brian and the two other men on the team.”

  I skimmed the document that had everything from tie color to the type of clothes I should wear. My pride was stuck in my throat, but I’d learn to swallow it. This was business. “I’ll look this over and ensure that Logan and Charlie have the specifics as well.”

  “Good. I know Charlie. He’ll be good in the pitch. How’s Logan?” Josh queried.

  Looking up from the document, I was candid. “He’s young, eager, and very attractive. He should do quite well with Vanessa.” I glanced at both men and was rewarded with the flash of irritation in Brian’s eyes before I turned my attention back to Josh.

  “Will you be attending the mock pitch tomorrow?” I asked him.

  “Yes, but via video conference as I’m heading up to Connecticut first thing in the morning. Haylee’s last test will be over, and we’re baby shopping this weekend.” Josh’s entire face lit up at the mention of his wife.

  I wasn’t as smooth with slipping from business to personal, especially since I was currently irritated with the document I was holding, but I was happy for them. “Uh, tell her hello.”

  “I will. I won’t take up any more of your time. I’ll see you tomorrow via video.”

  I nodded and rose to leave, surprised when Brian got up, too.

  “I’ll see you out. Be back up, Josh,” he indicated and then walked quietly beside me to the elevator.

  Once behind the closed elevator doors, he started the placating. “It’s only business, Sasha, and this is a large account.”

  His tone reminded me of a kindergarten teacher who had endless patience and needed to explain that children couldn’t always get their own way. But instead of having a calming effect, it irritated the hell out of me. “I get it, and I’ll get over it.”

  “I have dinner plans with Josh this evening, but afterwards I can come by.”

  “I’m going to be working late on the mock.” I started digging in my purse.

  His jaw clenched. “Am I to assume that’s a way of saying you don’t want my company tonight?”

  Finally finding what I was after, I pulled out my keys and peeled one off the ring. “That’s not what I’m saying. Here, you can let yourself in.” I handed him the key and witnessed the priceless look of shock on his face.

  “You’re giving me a key?” His tone was a mix of apprehension and astonishment.

  “Don’t get weird about it. It’ll be late by the time I get there.”

  We hit the ground floor, and the elevator doors opened.

  He swallowed. “I had thought maybe—You know what? Never mind.”

  He’d obviously assumed I’d be pissed off enough about the clothing specifications that I wouldn’t want to see him later. Maybe having terrific sex was softening me. “Hmm. Yeah, well, sometimes I even surprise myself. See you later.”

  The sound of his chuckle followed me out the elevator doors.

  ***

  I finally stepped into my eighth-floor condo after ten o’clock that night. I’d sent my team home two hours before but had wanted to put the finishing touches on the presentation myself before calling it a night. Yes, it was only the dry-run tomorrow, but it didn’t matter. I would still be one hundred percent prepared. It was hard to explain to most people, but anything else stressed me out. Therefore, there was no point in settling. I’d learned a long time ago that I could lie in bed sleepless, obsessing about outstanding tasks, or I could stay at work until I was satisfied.

  The sound of the television came from my bedroom. I hadn’t bothered to put one in my living room when I’d moved in because I only watched it on the weekends. My New York home was a one bedroom, one and one half bath that was all of eleven hundred square feet. The kitchen and living room were all one space. The bedroom and master bath were straight back.

  I slipped off my heels and drew in a deep breath, taking stock of my feelings. Knowing that Brian was in my space as no other man had ever been and that he was waiting on me made me restless, but not in a bad way. When I walked into the bedroom, I saw him propped up against my queen-sized bed’s headboard.

  He smiled at me, pausing the television. “How was your day, honey?”

  I laughed, knowing he was teasing, which was a nice way to avoid any weirdness. Obviously, this was new for both of us. “Productive. When did you get in?”

  “About an hour ago. I pretty much had to babysit Josh to ensure he didn’t hop on a plane and go up to Connecticut tonight. Haylee requested a night to herself in order to study for a final tomorrow while he’s at his max time away from her. It’s funny to see him so—I don’t know—smitten.”

  I shrugged out of my suit jacket and crossed to my walk-in-closet. Having such a large one had been the selling point of this condo. “I bet. Does that mean he’s planning to do less travel?” I unzipped my skirt and hung everything up.

  “Yes. You noticed tomorrow is via video instead of in person. And he’s tasked me with Hong Kong for the most part. I don’t think he’s building any more hotels anytime soon. He’s nesting.”

  We both laughed, and I enjoyed the small talk.

  I walked out in my bra and panties and observed his eyes rake over me from head to toe. “I’m going to take a quick shower, and then I’ll be back out.”

  “Really quick, please.” The huskiness in his voice let me know he was impatient to have me in the bed with him.

  That made two of us.

  After placing my hair in a shower cap, I’d barely gotten under the hot stream of water when Brian opened the glass shower door and stepped in behind me.

  “Nice look,” he chuckled, touching the plastic.

  “I hadn’t intended on you seeing me in it,” I murmured, a little embarrassed.

  “You’re adorable.” He turned me around and kissed me passionately. Pulling back, he sighed. “I couldn’t wait any longer to touch you.”

  “Mm. Let me wash quickly. Then I can take off this ridiculous cap.”

  “I’ll help.” He proceeded to fill his hands with my shower gel. Inhaling the scent, he closed his eyes. “It smells like you. What is it?”

  “Gardenia.” My breath caught when his hands started down the sides of my neck and then down both arms.

  “I’d always wondered.” He reached around, soaping up my back and then proceeded up to my shoulders, massaging the entire way. His attention shifted to my breasts and then down to my stomach and hips. Down one leg and up the other. With another handful of soap, he massaged my sex.

  He was an expert with his ministrations, and I sucked in a breath when his other hand slipped around to the back side and slid between my cheeks. I was quickly climbing toward orgasm and decided to return the favor by taking his hard length into my hands. I was rewarded with a low groan.

  “Oh, no, you don’t. I have plans. Let’s get you rinsed.” He moved out of the way and then out of the shower, waiting for me with my towel.

  After rinsing quickly, I turned off the water, removed my shower cap, and stepped out.

  He smirked, wrapping me up in my fluffy towel. “What if I wanted you to keep that on?”

  “Not happening.” I was unprepared for him to pick me up and take me into my bedroom where he set me down gently on the bed.

  “On your knees, gorgeous.”

  Over my shoulder, I watched him take something out of his suitcase.

  “We’re going to play.” His strong hands massaged my lower back and then focused on my backside. “This will feel strange at first, but it’ll soon feel good, I promise.”

  I heard the sound of lubricant and then something hard slid into my back entrance, then stopped.

  “This is an anal plug. You’ll get used to it, honey.”

  The feeling was strange but not unpleasant. His finge
rs rubbed between my lips and then slid into my heat, finding the slick evidence of my desire.

  “You’re so aroused. I knew I’d find your vibrator in your drawer next to the bed, and since we didn’t get to it the other night, we’re going to use it now.”

  Oh, God, I couldn’t believe he had it in his hand. The tip teased my wet entrance and then slid home. A flick of his fingers turned it on and the vibration started. I was in sensation overload.

  “Scoot up. I want you to grab the top of the headboard,” he instructed.

  I was kneeling at an angle; my hands clutching the bedframe with my knees back a foot. Suddenly I realized his tongue was on my clit. He’d slid between my legs with his face literally between my thighs and his hands on my ass pressing me into him.

  “Brian, I—” I didn’t have the ability to form complete sentences.

  “Ride my mouth, honey,” he demanded, rocking me harder, grinding me into his face.

  The unbelievable sensation created by his mouth was overwhelming, especially considering the other two items in play. While one hand worked the vibrator in and out, his tongue and lips were unyielding. My entire body shuddered, and then I was exploding like I never had before. But it wasn’t enough. He pushed me further, never satisfied with only one. My thighs trembled from the pleasure, my nails dug into the wood of the headboard. I screamed his name and lost all control, climaxing spectacularly against his face for a second time. He dragged it out, leisurely licking me in deliberate strokes and flicking my sensitive clit. My lower extremities were completely numb, and my body hummed with raw sensation, pulsating at my core.

  Luckily Brian moved before I collapsed. Otherwise, I fear I would’ve smothered him without the ability to move. Deft fingers came from behind me and removed the vibrator, causing me to wince with the inadvertent stimulation of nerves.

  When he rolled me onto my back, I bestowed a silly, just-been-thoroughly-satisfied grin. He was rock hard, but when I reached for him, he shook his head.

  “Don’t make me tie your hands,” he threatened.

  I quirked a brow and rose to my knees. It was tempting, and he could see the challenge in my eyes.