by Wolf, Alex
I stared up at him. “I just want to do my job. Please.”
“Well, if you have problems, you come to me. Understood? And if you have any issues in this department, you come to me.”
“Fine.”
He stepped inside my cubicle and leaned down next to my ear. “I like when you get all sassy.” His words lowered to a whisper. “Keep doing that shit.”
Jesus.
I needed him gone. I was already going to be useless the rest of the afternoon. He was close enough to smell. Both brothers had told me the exact same thing; come directly to them. Was there actually some kind of pissing contest going on behind the scenes? I could see it with Hunter. He’d take me over to the janitor closet and fuck me against the wall if I’d let him. But not Hayes. It seemed so out of the ordinary for him.
“What if you’re not here? Should I call Hayes then?”
Why did I just do that? Just stop, Rory.
Hunter slapped a palm on my desk. It was so loud it startled me.
He turned and smiled, removing his hand. His card was on the desk.
“My cell is on there. I’ll always answer when you call. There’s no reason you’d ever need to talk to my brother. He’ll bore you to death with spreadsheets anyway. He’s not creative like us.”
“Fine. I will. Thanks for the card.”
“No problem.” He lingered outside the cubicle for a few seconds.
I looked over and stared a bit longer than I should’ve. I had to maintain my composure.
“Okay, so I’m gonna get back to work.”
He nodded. “Okay.” Then he walked away.
I sat there for a few minutes. Just sat there and stared at the card with his cell phone number on it, that he said I could call any time I wanted. It was like staring at the launch controls for a nuclear bomb. The second I pushed the button—kaboom. But I was the type of person who just had to push the button.
I flipped it over and it had a note written on it. He’d planned to give it to me the whole time, the sneaky bastard.
Dinner is going to happen. Soon.
I read it several times, before I looked across the room and caught him staring at me over some cubicles. My face flushed with pink. God, he was so demanding, and why was it so fucking hot when he did it?
I shook my head and smiled back at him. His lips curled up. He knew he had me. Fucking knew it. I was helpless. I nodded slowly, accepting my fate.
He turned and walked to the elevators.
My heart pounded in my chest, and the collar of my blouse threatened to strangle me.
What did you just do?
I held up the card and studied it.
“What’s that?” Brie stepped up to my cubicle.
I jolted in my seat and nearly dropped the note. I slid it into a desk drawer. “Nothing. Just something I need to work on.”
She raised an eyebrow, and her eyes darted over to the elevator. “Must be performing well.”
Cold sweat beads broke out across my hairline. “What do you mean?”
She shrugged. “Never seen a brother check up on anyone. Let alone both of them. Wondering what your secret is.”
I looked away. “I think they’re just being nice. They both mentioned something about a new open-door policy and being more accessible to new hires. I don’t know.”
“Hmm, I guess it makes sense. Just be careful. I think people are wondering why they never check in on anyone else, just you. I’m just trying to look out for you.”
“I just want to do my job. I don’t know what to say. It’s not like I can tell them to leave me alone, you know?”
“Yeah.”
I couldn’t tell if she was pissed off, or just curious, or what. God, it was so awkward. Hayes was right, though. Catty was the exact word I’d use to describe the atmosphere. The only thing I knew for a fact, was that people were watching me. The whole damn company, it seemed.
“Thanks, really. I’ll try to figure something out.”
She shrugged and walked away. I sat there for a moment until I was satisfied she’d left, then pulled the card back out from my desk.
Did Hunter want more than just a one-night stand? I mean, technically, I was the one who’d told him it would never be anything more. He’d wanted me to stay longer.
Maybe I should call him. He wouldn’t hook up with employees if it was against the rules. Hayes didn’t seem like a guy that would put up with his little brother breaking the rules. Maybe one date wouldn’t hurt, to see what he was all about. Test the waters. As long as he took me somewhere far away from work.
* * *
That night, I couldn’t get the Hawthorne brothers out of my mind. I grabbed the card out of my purse and stripped out of my skirt.
At first, I was going to call him, but thought maybe a text would be easier. He might be in the middle of something.
Rory: Hey, it’s Rory.
I heaved a sigh when I sent the message. It was over and done with and I couldn’t take it back. I dropped my phone on the bed when the three little dots started bouncing around immediately.
Hunter: Tomorrow?
My mouth dropped open. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, the man moved fast, no doubt about that. It was one thing to suggest I might be open to going to dinner, but putting it on a calendar amped the nerves in my stomach to a whole new level.
Rory: Maybe, but there’s something else.
Hunter: No maybe about it. It’s gonna happen. What’s the other problem?
Butterflies swarmed through my stomach. I waited, unsure how to respond, when another message came.
Hunter: You like Japanese food?
I wasn’t sure. I tried Sushi once, and it wasn’t a great experience, but I figured what the hell. I’d enjoy it if Hunter was there.
Rory: Sounds good.
Hunter: You didn’t answer my question.
Rory: You’re so bossy.
Hunter: That’s why I’m your boss. Spit it out.
My fingers moved and hit send on the next message before I could stop myself.
Rory: I swallow, actually.
I figured I could make him as crazy and insane as he was making me. Bastard. I knew he’d have some clever comeback, but it wouldn’t stop the fact that I’d still gotten to him.
Hunter: You gonna tell me or not?
Well, that was no fun.
Rory: I’m not sure how to say it, because I don’t want you causing more problems for me in my department.
Hunter: Did someone do something or say something to you?
Rory: It’s no big deal. People are just wondering why you and Hayes check on me and nobody else.
Hunter: I’ll take care of it. You won’t be bothered again.
Fuck. What was he going to do? Go through and interrogate the staff? I should’ve just kept my mouth shut.
Rory: Please don’t give anyone problems. I don’t want to deal with drama at work.
Hunter: Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not the CIA. I’ll make sure we check on other people too if we come by. Jesus, ya narcissist.
I smiled and bit my lip, shaking my head at my phone.
Rory: Okay, thanks. :)
Hunter: I’ll pick you up for dinner tomorrow. Be ready at 7.
Rory: I should just meet you there. You don’t know where I live.
Hunter: Yes, I do.
Rory: What?
Hunter: Employee file.
Rory: Please don’t creep me out before our date.
Hunter: Just be ready.
Rory: Fine, see you then.
Hunter: Oh, Rory?
Rory: Yeah?
Hunter: You didn’t swallow last time. Your pussy took every last drop. :)
I squirmed on my bed.
Jesus.
I could still remember how it felt when he came inside me. He’d practically drilled me to the bed, as deep as he could possibly go. Hunter said some of the dirtiest things I’d ever heard, which was definitely my weakness in the bedroom.
He’d been right about one thing; he’d ruined me for every other man. Obviously, I hadn’t slept with anyone since him, but I couldn’t help but think he was right. I think it was why I’d agreed to go on this ridiculous date. I needed to feel him inside me again, whether my brain wanted it to happen or not.
* * *
Seconds seemed like hours the next day at work. I most definitely would not be telling anyone I was going on a date with Hunter. That’d be social suicide with all the glances and looks I was already getting. Fortunately, both of them stayed away from me for the entire day. The weird thing was that I easily knew Hunter’s motive. But, why had Hayes checked on me?
I went straight home from work. I wore a black dress with gold sequins that cut off mid-thigh. It was sexy, but formal.
I put on more makeup than usual, and did my hair. Looking in the mirror, I felt good about the outcome.
About that time, I heard a rumble outside.
Jesus, I forgot all about his car. That was going to be bad news. It was already hard enough to shut my hormones off any time he walked in a room, now I had to compete with him and the car.
He walked to the door. We did the whole thing all over again. He held open the doors, and glared at me when I tried to do it for myself. Something was different about him, though. It was like he was attempting to be a gentleman.
To say he looked hot as fuck was an understatement. He’d changed into a navy pin stripe and lost the tie. Shirt open at the collar.
When we walked in, the woman at the podium looked up. “Oh, right this way, Mr. Hawthorne.”
He nudged me with his elbow as we followed. “They know me here. I’m kind of a big deal.”
I laughed. It was obvious he was joking, but it was the first one he’d made since he picked me up. Thank God. I was more at ease with cocky, joking Hunter.
“Follow me.” The hostess grabbed two menus and led us through a darkened room and into another.
I glanced around. It was a private room.
Hunter grinned that ornery grin of his again, and sat down on a cushion.
I looked around the room, searching for help. No wonder he’d barely made any jokes. He was saving it up for the punchline. Probably knew for a fact that I’d wear a dress, and a short one at that.
“Problem, Rory?” His chest bounced up and down, holding in a laugh, but his eyes raked up and down my body. “Never been to a traditional Japanese restaurant before?” His eyes widened. “Because, you acted like you had. In your text, you know? I have it right here, if you want to read it.” He held up his phone.
I shook my head. “Not like this. And you let me come dressed like this. No wonder you had that smirk on your face the whole time, asshole.”
He snickered. “You look amazing. I won’t mind the view.” He patted the cushion where I was supposed to sit. “Come on. I won’t look if you don’t want me to.”
“You’re a liar.” I shook my head, trying not to grin, and took a deep breath. “You don’t look shitty either.”
He nearly choked on his water, and laughed. “Thank you. Best compliment I’ve ever received. I’ll have to remember that on your performance review.” He sketched a checkmark in the air with his finger. “Not shitty.” We both smiled. “Come on. Sit down. I’ve seen it before.” His lips curled up even more. “Wait, you don’t have anything on under there, do you?” He lowered his head, like he was trying to get a look.
My words came through gritted teeth. “Stop.” My cheeks had to be bright pink.
“Man, slow down over there. It’s just a date. I’m not that easy.”
I grabbed the menu off the cushion and then slowly, with some ease, lowered myself down to it. It wasn’t easy, but by turning my legs to the side and propping myself up that way, I could make do. I smirked at the disappointment on his face.
He grinned again. “Comfy?”
“Comfort’s overrated.”
“Whatever you say, Sharon Stone.”
I couldn’t stop laughing at the absurdity of the situation as we both looked over the menus. I didn’t know what half of the stuff was.
“Ladies first.” Hunter gestured to me with a head nod.
I couldn’t tell if he was messing with me, or actually being a gentleman.
I smiled. “I trust you. I’ll take whatever he’s having.”
He turned to the waitress and rattled off the order. I still had no clue what he’d just told her.
The waitress wrote it all down and left. When I turned back he was staring at me.
“Do I have something on my face?” I reached for a mirror from my purse.
“No. You’re just nice to look at. Beautiful, in fact.”
“Thanks.” I did my best not to blush. So now he was being sweet? I picked up my glass of water and took a sip. The way he looked at me sent heat straight between my thighs. Maybe it was a mistake. Maybe it wasn’t. One thing was very clear, though. If he kept staring at me, my dress was going to end up on the floor by the end of the night, again.
I knew it was a bad idea, but that was the problem. When he was around, I wanted to be just that. Bad.
* * *
Getting through a meal with Hunter wasn’t the problem. In fact, we kept a nice and easy conversation going. We talked to each other like we’d been friends our entire lives.
In the back of my mind, though, I knew he was going to mention going back to his place after. The anxiety and excitement swirled down into my stomach every time I thought about it. What would I do? That was the question.
He flashed me a side eye while he paid, like maybe it was on the tip of his tongue.
We both walked outside, and he turned to me. “So.”
“So?”
“My place?” That evil grin of his sprang up on his lips.
Yes!
I scolded myself. All I could think of was the conversation at work. All the women at lunch talking about how he’d slept with half the ad staff. It made sense. He was rich, powerful, ridiculously hot—why would he not sleep with tons of women? I didn’t regret our one-night stand at all. I’d wanted it as bad as he did.
But, some kind of a relationship or dating? No way. I’d have to give up a piece of my heart, and Hunter Hawthorne seemed like a man who would rip hearts to shreds.
Despite my body begging to go back to Hunter’s again, my mind won out. “No. Have to work early. Better call it a night.”
He smiled as if the word ‘no’ wasn’t in his vocabulary, yet he still looked like he’d be fine either way. “Always the voice of reason.”
I smiled as we headed back to his car. The weirdest part was, the entire drive home, he didn’t try to convince me to go to his house and sleep with him again. We just picked up our conversation from dinner and ran with it.
Maybe I’d judged him too quickly.
We finally pulled back up to my place, and Hunter walked me to the door.
You’re doing great, just get in the house.
“This was really nice. Japanese isn’t really my thing, but it turned out fantastic. I’ll choose my wardrobe more carefully next time.”
His eyes darted to my attire. “I thought it was the perfect dress to wear.”
I smacked him on the shoulder. “You would.”
“Glad you enjoyed the food.”
Oh no, what’s he doing?
Hunter’s eyes lowered, and that stare came back. The stare like he wanted to devour me, right there on my porch. I tried to glance away. If he looked at me like that much longer, it was going to ignite something.
“Okay, well, see you at work. Goodnight.” My words came out fast, and I tried to reach for the door.
Before I could open it, his hands wrapped around my waist and yanked me to him.
Shit. Shit.
He held me there and stared for a second, long enough to let me make the decision. But I didn’t pull away. I couldn’t.
His mouth crashed into mine, and his tongue pushed up against my lips. I parted, letting h
im in. It was impossible not to. I could still feel his hands on me from the last time, everything he did to me in his bedroom, it was all firmly imprinted in my brain.
His hands slid to my ass, and his fingers dug in, letting me know that I was his now and there was nothing I could do to escape his hold. I didn’t want to escape.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. My hips ground into him, and I moaned into his mouth.
When we parted, my chest was heaving with labored breaths. His eyes darted to the door, and then back to me.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this. Again.” My words came out between each deep breath.
I opened the door and he hauled me through it like a freight train. Somehow, he kicked it closed as soon as we were inside, then pinned me to the wall before I even realized what was happening.
His hands were on my breasts in an instant, and I gasped next to a picture of me graduating college.
Oh, look how far you’ve come. Banging your boss.
I turned away from the photo, unable to look at myself, surrendering to primal needs no matter what it might cost me. He pinched both of my nipples through my dress, and his breath was hot in my ear.
“Didn’t get to have dessert.”
One hand fisted my hair, and the other yanked my dress up over my ass.
Crack!
His palm connected with my bare skin, and I jolted against the wall.
“For not wearing panties.” He smiled against my neck, and thrust his hard cock against me.
Crack!
“Oh God.” I gasped, again.
“For being naughty, and flashing this pussy at my face all night long.” This time he massaged my right cheek in his hand, kneading my flesh with his rough fingers. “Jesus, your ass is a work of art, Rory.”
