“I see.” My heart broke at his words. He was finally admitting it. Maria was Harry’s mother and so that meant that Maria and he had had sex before. He had lied to me. I stared at him and I wanted to shout. How could you lie to me like that? So easily. It burned in me that he had no shame about it and I realized that must have been the way he felt with me. Only a lot worse.
“He’s a good boy.” He stared at me intently. “A very handsome boy too. He has his mother’s eyes and my hair.” He laughed. “There’s no mistaking he’s my kid.”
“Why’s that?” I smiled weakly. “Because he’s so handsome?”
“No, because he’s into everything.” He laughed. “He wants to know everything and do everything.”
“He sounds like a good kid.”
“He’s the best. He’s my life.”
“You and Maria are very lucky to have him in your life.”
“We are.” He nodded and stood up. “I should let you get back to work. Come to my office around 11:30 a.m., I need to discuss some things with you.”
“Sure.” I nodded in agreement as he walked out the door.
“Oh, and Katie.” He turned around and gave me a small smile. “I’m glad you came back.”
I smiled to myself as he walked out of the room. I could handle this. Yes, the pain of hearing him talk about his son killed me inside, but I wasn’t going to die. Eventually, it would get better. And I’d be able to work with him without always thinking of the what-ifs.
My phone rang then, and I grabbed it up without looking at the screen. “Hello?”
“Katie, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you!”
“Oh, Matt.” I bit my lower lip. “Sorry, I’ve been busy with work.”
“I haven’t seen you in close to two weeks.” His voice was accusing. “Can I take you out to dinner tonight?”
“Dinner?” I repeated weakly.
“Yes,” he laughed. “It’s what most boyfriends do every once in a while.”
“Funny.” I faked a laugh. “I guess dinner would be fine.”
“Don’t sound so enthusiastic!”
“Sorry, just been busy.”
“I see. Well, I wanted to celebrate my promotion.”
“Promotion?”
“Yeah.”
“At the Wall Street Journal?”
“That is where I’ve been reporting for the last three years.”
“Sorry, sorry.” I rubbed my forehead. “I’m a little distracted. Congratulations, that is great news.”
“So dinner and drinks?”
“Sure.”
“Maybe we can go back to my place after and watch a movie.” His voice was light. “And see where the night takes us.”
“I guess so.” I bit back a sigh. This was getting harder and harder.
“I’ll see you tonight then. I’ll text you the restaurant info.”
“Sounds good.”
“See you later, Katie.”
I hung up and stared at the phone feeling guilty. I felt awful about playing Matt, and I knew that I needed to break up with him. Dating him wasn’t right and it wasn’t fair. Especially seeing as I had essentially used him. Maybe that was why it had all blown up in my face. I’d been using people and lying for months. Even Meg didn’t know the truth. I sighed and went back to the files. I was going to have to come clean and move on. I would dedicate my life to my job. That was all I had left right now.
***
“Hey.” I walked into his office without knocking.
“Have a seat.” He pointed to a chair and whispered as he was on the phone. “Bill, I understand that you think that Epsonal is worth five million, but I’m telling you it’s overpriced. I will give you two million and allow you to keep a 1% equity share in the company, and that’s only because I’m being a nice guy.” He paused. “I have to go now, so think about it. You have 24 hours to accept or decline my offer.” He hung up the phone and smiled at me. “Sorry about that.”
“Are you trying to buy Epsonal, the electronics company?” I asked, frowning slightly.
“Yes, why?” He looked at me in interest.
“What you said was wrong. The company is worth at least twenty million, or at least it will be in a few weeks when the government awards them the military contract.” I answered before realizing I had slipped up. I wasn’t meant to know about the military contract. No one was supposed to know. I only knew because I had seen the files on Matt’s computer when I had been looking for something else.
“How did you know about the contract?” Brandon’s eyes narrowed. “No one is supposed to know about that. Bill, the CEO of the company, doesn’t even know.”
“And you’re using that lack of information to buy his company from him early.” I shook my head in shock. “So you can get it cheap.”
“That’s how business works.” He shrugged.
“But that’s illegal, that’s inside information.” My mouth dropped open. “That’s wrong.”
“It can’t be that inside if you’ve read about it somewhere.” His eyes challenged me and I kept my mouth shut. There was no way I was going to tell him that I read it while snooping around in my reporter boyfriend’s laptop.
“What did you want to see me about?” I changed the subject.
“I wanted to let you know that I am going to need you to start working nights.” He leafed through some files. “You’re the best manager I have right now and I need to work with you on some important projects.”
“Okay.” I swallowed hard as he undid the knot of his tie and pulled it off.
“Excuse me, there are some days that ties make me feel like I’m suffocating.”
“No worries.” I smiled weakly and watched as he pulled his jacket off as well. I watched as his chest muscles flexed beneath his shirt and shifted in my seat. He was so sexy, just staring at him turned me on.
“I have a business trip planned for next weekend that I need you to come on.”
“Oh?”
“It’s in London.” He smiled as I gasped. “I know you’ve always wanted to go.”
“Are you sure you need me to go?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “I’m very sure.”
“I’ll try and make it work then.”
“Apologize to your boyfriend, Tom. I hope I’m not ruining any plans.”
“His name is Matt, and no, you’re not.”
“Good.” Brandon stood up and walked to his office door and slammed it shut and locked it, before walking back over to me.
“What are you doing?” I whispered as he stood in front of me, unbuttoning his shirt.
“Disrobing.” He grinned and threw it on the ground.
“But why? I thought you told me to come because you needed to discuss something with me?”
“I do. I need to discuss how hot you are and how my cock is aching to fuck you.”
“What?” My face heated up as my hand ran to his chest.
“I know you want me too.” He pulled me up. “You can’t deny the unbelievable chemistry we have, Katie.”
“We shouldn’t do this, Brandon.” I shook my head and gasped as he grabbed my hand and placed it over his already hard cock.
“I’m hard just from looking at you. I need to be inside of you.” He growled and his lips came down on mine softly, waiting to see how I would react. I was too weak, I couldn’t resist him and I kissed him back passionately, opening my mouth to let his tongue in and sucking on it. His hands worked their way under my skirt and he pulled it up so that it was sitting on my waist. His fingers slipped between my legs and rubbed me through my panties. I groaned at his touch and traced my fingers down his back and to his ass.
“Oh Katie, I can never get enough of you.” He groaned and ripped open my blouse, burying his head in the valley between my breasts before nudging my left bra cup to the side with his nose and then devouring my nipple. I moaned as my body arched towards him and he moved me back slightly and lifted me onto the desk.
I leaned
forward and grabbed his belt and pulled him towards me. His eyes darkened as I undid his buckle and unzipped him. His cock sprang out hard and proud, and desire sprung through me. I couldn’t stop myself from running my fingers along his shaft and teasing him. I couldn’t keep my hands off of this man. Our sexual chemistry was too great. I closed my eyes as he pushed me back onto the desk and pulled my panties down to my knees.
“Sex in the office never gets old, does it?” He growled down at me as his fingers rubbed me gently. I moaned as he fingered me and then lifted my legs up to his shoulders. He pulled my ass down to the edge of the table and then slowly entered me. His cock drove into me slowly and his finger rubbed my clit as he slid in and out of me. I groaned at his touch, it felt too good, too intense. My body could barely stand how sweet the pleasure was that was building up in me.
“You feel so good.” Brandon’s voice was tense as he increased his pace. “Your pussy was made for me. Each time I make love to you, it welcomes me back with pleasure.” His eyes glittered down on me. “I could get used to these office fucks.” His hands reached up to squeeze my breasts and I held on to the table as he started moving faster and faster. “Oh, Katie. Fuck. I’m going to come.” He groaned and my body started to orgasm in response to his words.
BANG BANG. The loud knocks on the door made us both freeze.
“Who is it?” Brandon’s went still, his cock still in me as he paused.
“Daddy, it’s me, Harry.” A little voice spoke up and I sat up in horror. Brandon made a face and quickly pulled up his pants and grabbed up his shirt.
“Just a minute, son.” He called out and pushed me to the other side of the table. “Go under the table. Now.” He commanded me and I ran quickly and hid under the table while Brandon quickly got dressed again.
“Daddy,” Harry’s little voice called out as he banged on the door again. “Let me in.”
“Be patient, Harry. I’m coming.” Brandon’s voice sounded loving and patient as I listened to him throwing on his clothes over the loud beating of my heart.
“Daddy,” the voice carried into the room as Brandon opened the door. “You took forever.”
“Sorry, was just finishing up something.”
“We came to take you to lunch.” The boy giggled. “And I want a burger.”
“What do you say?”
“Please.”
“Don’t forget your manners, Harry.” Brandon’s voice was soft. “And I guess I can make time for a burger.”
“Yay!” Harry ran up to the desk and my heart stopped still. What if he decided to sit in his dad’s chair? What if he saw me?
“Come, Harry. Sit on the couch.” Brandon called over to him and I heard the boy’s footsteps retreat.
“Can I get a toy today as well, please, daddy?”
“We’ll see.”
“And some ice cream.” The boy continued and I wanted to laugh. I also really wanted to see what Brandon’s son looked like. His mini-me. His child. It made my heart ache, but I still wanted to see. I guess I wanted to torment myself as to what could have been.
“Now, now, Harry. Don’t you think that’s expecting a bit much?” Brandon’s voice was light and I could tell that he was amused.
“No.”
“There you are, Harry.” A female voice carried through the room and my heart stopped.
“Maria.” Brandon sounded happy and not like someone who had nearly been busted cheating. “Maria, I was wondering where you were.”
“You know your son.” She laughed. “As soon as he’s in the building, he’s rushing to daddy’s office, and he doesn’t care who he leaves behind.”
“Sorry.” Harry laughed and then mumbled something I couldn’t hear.
“Shall we go then?” Brandon laughed. “I’m feeling hungry myself right now. Let’s go get something to eat.”
“Yay.” Harry squealed and I heard him run out of the room and then a few seconds later the door closed. I waited for about two minutes before I crawled out from under the desk and straightened my clothes. There were no tears left for me to cry, though once again I felt ashamed of myself. My heart felt heavy as I walked to the door and I knew what I had to do. I had to leave Marathon Corporation, there was no way that I was going to be able to work with him and be okay. I had made my bed and now I had to get out. If I ever wanted to regain my sanity, I needed to get out now.
Chapter 5
“I’m not sure why you ever dated Matt,” Meg said as she walked with me to the subway station.
“He’s a nice enough guy.” I sighed, feeling guilty. Meg didn’t know the whole story, and I was ashamed of myself for keeping secrets from her.
“I know, he seemed nice.” She agreed. “He just didn’t seem like the sort of guy you go for.”
“What guys?” I rolled my eyes. “Matt’s the only other guy I’ve really dated, besides Brandon.”
“I know, and it’s time for you to finally move on.” Meg stopped and turned towards me. “I don’t want you to hate me for saying this, but I need to say it. What happened wasn’t your fault. Yes, you lied, and yes, you were a dumbass, but you were 18. You made a mistake. You did what you thought you had to do. You were in school, Katie. Your life was just starting. I know it hurts like hell and I can’t imagine what pain you’re going through, but you can’t keep beating yourself up. You need to move on. Please, for the sake of your sanity, you need to move on.”
“I know.” I smiled at her gently. I knew how hard it was for her to talk to me like this. She’d been with me after the breakup and she was the only one who knew everything I’d gone through, everything I’d lost when the relationship had ended.
“I hope Matt doesn’t cry when you dump him.” Meg made a face to lighten the mood.
“That would be bad.” I laughed. “But I think he’ll be fine.”
“And you’re handing in your resignation tomorrow as well?”
“Yeah.” I nodded my head assertively. “I need to move on, but I also need to be professional about it. I can’t just sit in my room and pretend that life isn’t still going on, just because I’m depressed.”
“I’m proud of you.”
“I couldn’t do this without you.” I squeezed her hands gratefully. “I’m so upset that we have to rely on your savings.
“Don’t even think about it.” She shook her head. “That’s what best friends are for. I’ll make more money. I’ll be able to go on a trip another time.”
“I love you, Meg.”
“I love you too, Katie.” She gave me a quick hug. “Now go break up with Matt gently while I go and try to get a job.”
“Good luck.” I grinned at her. “You’ll be a shoo-in for the bartender job.”
“Let’s hope so.” She groaned. “At this point, we just need money.”
“You got this.”
“Thanks, luv, see you later.”
“Bye.” I watched her hurrying down the street and said a quick prayer for her. She was hoping to get this part-time bartender job that had been advertised in the laundromat. The pay was great, and no experience was needed. If she got it, it would definitely help us as we both looked for new jobs. I took a deep breath and ran down to catch the train. This was it. My old life was about to end, and my new one was ready to begin.
***
I didn’t have the heart to break up with Matt over dinner. It just seemed too cruel to congratulate him on his promotion and then dump him in the next breath. I decided to do it in his apartment, and then I’d come clean about everything. I wanted him to know what I had done and why, so he could understand that he had done nothing wrong. The reason I was ending things wasn’t because I no longer liked him. It was because I was still in love with someone else.
We walked into his apartment and I watched as Matt hurried into the kitchen to get a bottle of wine. He seemed like he was excited, and I had a bad feeling that he thought that tonight was going to be the night that we consummated our relationship.
He
brought back two glasses of red wine and I took mine eagerly. I was going to need liquid courage to get me through the night.
“What movie do you want to watch?” He shifted closer to me on the couch and I tried not to recoil.
“Actually, I was hoping we could talk.” I took a deep breath and he frowned at me.
“Sure, but what do you want to talk about?”
“It’s over, Matt. I can’t go out with you anymore,” I blurted out, and I was surprised that his face remained the same. Even the expression in his eyes didn’t look shocked or upset.
“I see.” He nodded and sipped some more wine. “Why is that?”
I took a deep breath and let it out. “About seven years ago, I dated a guy. A successful businessman. I loved him, but things went wrong. I waited for him to come back to me and he never did. I tried to forget him, but I couldn’t.” I chewed on my lower lip as I continued on with my story. “About a year ago, I decided that I was going to try to see him again. Maybe get close to him, see if any of the old feelings were there. I wanted to see if we could give the relationship another go.”
“Okay.”
“I didn’t want it to be a one-off encounter.” I sighed. “I wanted us to be around each other. I wanted to see if perhaps we could make it work. So I started trying researching him. I found a lot of articles about him. Business stuff, you know. And I realized that the best way for me to get back into his life would be if I went to work for him. But I knew that he liked to flip companies. I knew I had to get in with a company before he did, so it wouldn’t look suspicious. So I needed to get a contact, someone who knew a lot about business.”
“And that’s where I came in?” Matt raised an eyebrow and I nodded.
“Most of the articles I read about him were written by you. You seemed to have information that others didn’t.” I bit my lip. “So I orchestrated a meeting in the lobby of your office building.”
“The classic woman-bumps-into-man-and-spills-coffee-on-him routine.” He spoke slowly as he remembered our first encounter.
“I didn’t mean to use you.” I sighed. “I wanted to be friends, but you were so nice and it just kind of became a dating thing.”
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