Ask Him

by M. Malone

  Then I’m hit with a visceral memory of her tight, wet heat as I slid inside her, the way she moaned in my ear and shuddered beneath me every time she came.

  That wasn’t a dream. It was the best damn sex I’ve ever had. And instead of enjoying more of it, I’m standing in the middle of a basic hotel room with a stiff dick holding the most ridiculous panties I’ve ever seen.

  My phone is still on the night stand where I put it last night. I’m checking for messages when it hits me. We never exchanged numbers. I don’t even think I got her last name. I look over at her side of the bed again and that’s when I see the note propped up on the other night stand. I crawl over the bed and snatch it eagerly. It’s just two lines scrawled on the hotel stationery.

  Last night was amazing.

  You really are my lucky charm.

  I stare at the paper in disbelief. That’s it? Just two lines and she didn’t even sign her name?

  Then I see that she’s written something on the outside. When I peer closer what I see scrawled there only makes me feel worse.

  No, what I see written there makes my blood boil.

  “Who the fuck is Andrew?”

  9

  “Okay, the investigator got nothing.”

  Jason sits on the edge of my desk as he delivers the bad news. Not that I didn't know it was coming.

  “Our social media team tried to find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I’m at a loss as to what to do next. I’m this close to calling my ex-girlfriend and asking for her help. No one can stalk someone like her. Trust me. I know this from experience.”

  It's been a week and I've tried everything. I waited in the lobby of the hotel that morning hoping she might come back. After that I called ASI, the private security firm we’ve been using while in the States. The owner, Elliott Alexander, took the case personally after his employees failed to find anything. He tried the name Casey, spelled with both a K and a C. He tried the initials K.C.

  Eventually he concluded that without a last name, or certainty that I even have the correct first name, it would be virtually impossible to find her.

  That’s when I went on the hunt.

  I went back to the bar where we had drinks that night and asked around. That just got me thrown out. Apparently asking about a girl when you don’t know her last name or anything else about her other than what her pussy tastes like is considered creepy.

  Then I went to the coffee shop where we first met and got nothing for my trouble other than a few more bad lattes. The girl behind the counter kept looking at me like I was a serial killer when I tried to describe Casey. To be fair, it’s hard to describe a sexy woman without sounding like a pervert. If I can’t mention her round ass and perky tits then all I’m left with is brown hair, brown eyes and the ability to make me laugh. A smile that makes me feel warm inside. A kiss that turns me on and also makes me want to protect her.

  None of those things have been helpful in identifying her. And each day, I’m losing hope. The facts are in my face and have been getting more clear by the day. Casey either doesn’t exist or she doesn’t want to be found.

  I’m not sure which I find more alarming.

  Jason sighs. “I get that this is frustrating but it's just one girl. Hell, I'll go with you back to the bar and we can find another one.”

  “I don't want another one,” I mutter petulantly. “I want that one. You don't get it. This girl is special.”

  “Her pussy was special.” At my glare he holds his hands up. “Not trying to piss you off. I’m just saying. You wanted to get laid. You got laid. Now it's time to move on.”

  “Maybe you're right. If I can't find her that has to mean something.”

  “It does mean something. Clearly it was meant to be a one time deal. Maybe Casey was just dumped and wanted to have some revenge sex to make herself feel better. Maybe she’s a bored housewife who was using you for a thrill while her husband was away on business. Hell, maybe that’s not even her name and she’s actually an undercover agent with the FBI. Does it really matter? It wasn’t like you really knew her, right?”

  His words poke at a sore spot inside that I don’t want to examine too closely. Everything he’s saying is correct. We spent most of our time talking in a loud, crowded bar and then the rest of it sliding our tongues over each other’s skin. Can I really pretend that what we had was some deep, spiritual connection? She didn’t even get my name right. I can blame that one on the crowded bar, but it’s probably a little crazy that I’m this upset over the way our night together ended and she doesn’t even know my name.

  It shouldn’t bother me so much but it does.

  Jason stands. “You had a great time and now it's over. Count yourself as lucky. Most guys have trouble getting rid of their one-night stands. Yours did the hard work for you.”

  After he leaves, I sit for a while taking things in. I’ve been an asshole to everyone for the past week and I’m sure Jason drew the short straw on who would come in here and have a talk with me. This is a critical time for my company. We’re expanding from menswear and working to make ourselves a complete brand that sells everything for men and women, including accessories and even perfume. If there’s ever been a worse time for me to have my head out of the game, I can’t think of it.

  I have to let it go.

  10

  Two months later…

  I push through the revolving door and into the lobby of the Madison building. Jason is already in the waiting area talking on his phone. Philippe should have been here already, too. I glance at my watch and then scowl at the time.

  This is our third meeting with our marketing agency in the last month and I have no confidence this one will go any better than the last two.

  Not that I can voice that opinion. Apparently I’ve been difficult to work with lately so anything I say will be taken negatively.

  Kate rushes into the lobby looking harried. “Mr. Lavin! You’re here early.” She gives Jason a hard look before pulling out her phone.

  I don’t respond, unsure why being early requires a warning.

  Jason shrugs. “I was trying to call you. Our last meeting ended early. Hopefully James can accommodate us.”

  “Of course! I’m sure it’s fine.” Her voice is upbeat but her fingers fly over the screen of her phone frantically.

  My brow furrows as I wonder who she could be texting right now when we have a meeting to attend.

  Jason leans over. “She’s probably warning everyone upstairs that the dragon has left his lair.” He chuckles when Kate glares at him.

  I hit the button for the elevator ignoring his questioning look. The past month has been a test of my patience in every way. Although I originally planned to stay in the States during this brand transition, last week I made the decision to go back to Milan for the duration. Why stay in a concrete prison enduring rain and questionable air quality when I could be at home, enjoying the exceptional weather and exquisite food?

  “I’m ready to get this meeting done. We have a schedule to keep,” I grumble, already irritated. We’re flying back to Italy in just a few hours and another pointless meeting is not how I want to spend my time before getting on a plane.

  Jason clears his throat before glancing at me. “So, before we attend this meeting maybe we should nail down what we hope to accomplish today. The last couple of meetings have been a little chaotic.”

  “Meaning that I’ve hated everything they’ve come up with.” I adjust my tie slightly in the mirror image on the elevator doors.

  He shifts next to me. “Meaning that you’ve made up your mind to hate everything because you’ve been in a shitty mood for what feels like six months straight.”

  My hand pauses on my tie.

  After Jason broke the news that the investigators couldn’t find Casey, I thought I’d come to terms with it. But even after I called off the official investigation, she was never far from my thoughts. I couldn’t stop thinking about her at the most random moments and my la
ck of focus did not go unnoticed.

  So I threw myself into my work with a vengeance, staying later at the office and coming in earlier. Maybe I was subconsciously punishing myself for allowing the most captivating woman I’ve ever met to slip through my fingers or maybe I truly thought that work could help me forget. But that time Philippe was the one given the task of telling me that several of my staff members were on the verge of quitting.

  Now I’ve reached a point where I have to accept that this isn’t something I can fix. No amount of hard work or dedication will right this situation.

  “You’re right. I haven’t been myself.”

  Jason looks stunned at my agreement but just then the elevator doors slide open. The head of the agency is waiting there to greet us, with the two lead marketing executives who have been working on our account standing directly behind him. Mya Taylor and Milo Hamilton worked together on the campaign that launched Lavin Bridal into a very successful year. Approving the campaign for that launch wasn’t nearly so difficult and I can concede that it was entirely due to my state of mind.

  Clumsy Girl is gone, as surely as if she was just a figment of my imagination. I’ve heard it from everyone over the last month, Jason, my brother and even the bartender at the bar I can’t seem to stay away from.

  She’s gone.

  It sucks the way things ended but I have to accept that it did end. Casey and I had a brief, magical moment and it changed me.

  Maybe that’s all it was meant to do.

  I extend my hand. “James, I apologize for arriving so early. I hope we haven’t inconvenienced you too greatly.”

  He shakes my hand and then motions to the others. “It’s no problem at all. The team has put together a fantastic presentation for you today.”

  As he’s speaking, my eyes are drawn to the reception desk behind him. A young woman stands and then when she notices me, freezes. But she’s not the one I’m looking at. No, all of my attention is on the young woman sitting behind the desk, her attention fixed on her computer. She’s wearing some type of headset and her dark hair is twisted up into a bun. But there’s no mistaking that face.

  That adorable, frustrating face.

  Clumsy Girl is here.

  My feet move forward without my permission as I walk away from James, leaving Jason and Kate to continue with the pleasantries. I’m definitely being rude but that’s something I’ll have to deal with later. After looking for her so long, maybe this is where I finally crack. Hell, the woman I’m staring at is probably a sixty year old grandmother and my mind is simply superimposing the image I’ve longed to see.

  Then she looks up and sees me. Her face freezes into a mask of horror. After a few seconds where we stare at each other in mutual disbelief, she murmurs something to the woman next to her.

  And that’s when I get angry.

  “James, please introduce me to your new receptionist. I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure.”

  Everyone stills at my command. Or maybe because my voice feels abnormally loud. I clear my throat and smooth my tie, mainly to keep my hands busy so they don’t reach out and grab the woman staring back at me defiantly from behind the desk.

  “Of course. Mr. Lavin, this is Cassandra Michaels. She’s been here with us for about two months and has been a great asset to the team.”

  While he talks I hold Casey’s gaze, delighted by how her cheeks flush red under the praise. She darts a glance over at me and then does an awkward half wave, as if I’ll settle for that. But I’ve spent the last two months searching for her after she gave me a fake name so I’m not letting her off that easily.

  I approach the reception desk with my hand outstretched, knowing that she’ll have to get up and shake it or appear rude.

  She swallows, the sound audible. But she stands and walks around the desk. Or at least, she tries to. However, it appears she’s forgotten that her headset is connected to the computer so as she walks away, the cord yanks her back and she lands sprawled on the floor.

  Staring right up between my legs.

  “Kill me now.”

  I chuckle softly at her mumbled curses. Her voice was barely above a whisper but everyone else must have heard it too because I hear choking sounds behind me that can only be laughter.

  “Are you okay, Casey?” James appears at my elbow with a hand outstretched to help her up. But there’s no way he’s touching her before I do. So I lean down and extend a hand. She looks hesitant but finally takes it.

  “I’m so sorry, sir.”

  Hearing her call me that takes me from shock to outrage. Sir? Like I’m some stranger she’s meeting for the first time? I have a sudden overwhelming urge to remind her just how well we know each other but the pleading look in her eyes stops me.

  “Please. Don’t get me fired.” She whispers, turning her head away slightly so James can’t hear.

  “There is nothing to be sorry for,” I say loud enough for everyone to hear.

  Then I bring her hand to my mouth and dust a kiss over her knuckles. The gesture will look polite to anyone watching but Casey sucks in a sudden breath.

  James and the others have already started talking amongst themselves about the meeting. No one is paying attention to us right now. They don’t feel the heat being generated right at their feet.

  “I can’t say the sight of you in any position is something to apologize for,” I finish in a voice for her alone.

  When she sees that no one is looking anymore, Casey rips her hand from mine. “What are you doing here?”

  “I have a meeting,” I reply, knowing the casual response will annoy her. But who can blame me for wanting to see those honey eyes light up with fire again? I’ve seen just how passionate she can get, after all.

  She pulls off her headset with a frustrated huff. “Look, what happened between us… we should just forget about it. Right? We can do that.”

  “What am I supposed to forget exactly? How much fun we had talking in the bar that night? Or that we spent hours bringing each other pleasure? That I’ve never felt anything like that with another woman? Which part is supposed to be so forgettable?”

  My bold statement is met with a glare before she plasters on a wide smile. “Of course, Mr. Lavin. It was so nice to meet you, too!”

  When I turn, I catch Jason’s eye. He’s staring at Casey but I don’t think he’s recognized her yet.

  The others have started walking toward the hallway that leads to the conference room. I can’t stay here too much longer without drawing undue attention which is exactly what Casey has asked me not to do.

  Her eyes turn pleading. “Please, don’t make a scene. I need this job.”

  As angry as I am, I can’t ignore the desperation in her voice. She told me that night at the bar that she was celebrating getting a new job, one she was very excited and grateful for. No matter how pissed I was to wake up alone, I wouldn’t want to take that from her.

  “I won’t say anything.”

  Her shoulders drop in relief and she lets out a sigh that reminds me a little too much of the sounds she made that night in my arms. It definitely pricks at my ego that she seems to have no problem moving on from the night we shared when I’ve been haunted by it ever since. Could it be possible that the night that was life changing for me was only average for her?

  Then our eyes meet again and she shivers. Heat explodes between us and I have to clench my hands into fists to keep from reaching out for her. No, she feels this, too. But wants to deny it for some reason.

  “Thank you. For not saying anything. You should go. Everyone is staring.”

  “I’ll go. But Casey,” I wait until she meets my eyes. “I won’t be forgetting about that night any time soon. And neither will you.”

  Are you ready to discover all the ways two people can drive each other crazy in the office? Find out in the full-length novel, ASK ME.

  * * *

  You’ve heard from Andre. Now meet Casey!

  * * *

 
Turn the page for an exclusive excerpt of ASK ME.

  Andre

  I’m that guy. The one women want and other men want to be.

  Arrogant? Maybe.

  Accurate? Abso-F’ing-lutely.

  So when my brother dares me to hit on women as a regular guy, I’m up for the challenge. It turns out quite a few ladies like ripped jeans just as much as haute couture. Except for one. Casey. Nothing I do impresses this girl which only makes me want her more. For the first time, I’m smitten.

  Until she ditches me after a night of intense passion.

  * * *

  Casey

  If it’s possible to screw up a good thing, I’m the girl who’ll figure out how. So when I get a new job, I celebrate with one last night of fun before focusing on climbing the corporate ladder.

  Until my night of fun walks into the office and I discover who he really is. My firm’s biggest client and my new nightmare.

  Egotistical, entitled and infuriating, Andre Lavin is not making it easy for me to ignore him. In a battle of wills, we’ll see who can hold out the longest.

  And who is still standing at the end.

  * * *

  ASK ME is the kind of outrageous romantic comedy that will have you clutching your pearls and laughing until you cry! This standalone romance features crossover characters from the USA TODAY bestselling book BEG ME.

  * * *

  Get ASK ME Now

  * * *

  Excerpt of ASK ME

  © October 2018 M. Malone

  Andre