Chasing Desire

by Jennifer Domenico

  Macy chuckles. “Not really. You’re in a good mood today.”

  “Yeah, I’m good. What do I have to be unhappy about?” I sift through a few pieces of mail. “Today is my one free day from meetings, right?”

  “Yes. Enjoy it. You’re booked solid tomorrow.”

  “Yippee,” I say with zero enthusiasm.

  “That’s why you get paid the big bucks.”

  “True. Alright, well, I’ve got a mountain of emails and mail to go through, so if you don’t hear from me by lunch time, send in a search party.”

  “You got it, boss.”

  I cherish my once a week no-meeting day. I had no idea when I got this position that this is essentially all I would do. I miss being out with the people and talking about ideas and plans. I miss making storyboards and meeting with clients. I feel a little pang of jealousy when I see Matt out with the team doing those things. Now that I’m on the top floor, I feel removed from the action. I remind myself, though, that this position is just a stepping stone to my future.

  I sit at my desk, going through the multitude of emails demanding my attention, when my intercom buzzes.

  “Brayden, Mackenzie is here to see you. May I send her in?”

  Fucking perfect. My kryptonite is about to walk in here. “Sure.”

  “Hi, there,” Mackenzie says as she enters my office.

  “Hello. How are you?” I hope I sound a lot calmer than I feel.

  “Really well, thank you. I just had a question that Matt wasn’t exactly sure about so I thought I would stop by. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. What can I help you with?”

  “May I sit?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  She does and I can’t tear my eyes from her body and the elegance with which she moves. Leaning back in the chair, she crosses one amazingly toned leg over the other and runs her hand over her silky black stocking. Her eyes shift up to meet mine and I am momentarily hypnotized by their color. If she’s talking, I can’t hear a thing except the beating of my own heart.

  “I assume contacting all my previous clients is an acceptable practice?” she asks.

  I blink my eyes to clear my head. “Definitely. In fact, I would expect it. What I don’t like is trash talking. I think we are good enough that we don’t have to talk shit about our competition.”

  “I would never.”

  “Matt didn’t know the answer to that?”

  She smiles. “That’s not entirely truthful on my part. I asked him if I was able to come up here and talk to you whenever and he said he wasn’t sure about that since your position is new.”

  “So why did you come?”

  “I wanted to talk to you.”

  “Why?”

  “Honestly?” She tosses her hair off her shoulder and my eyes follow as it falls down her back. “When I signed up for this position, I thought I would be working directly with you. It’s what I wanted.”

  “Matt is very accomplished.”

  “I have no doubt, but I wanted you.” She smiles. “To learn from the best.”

  “You’ll have opportunities to work with me as time goes on. We just want you to get acclimated to our corporate environment.”

  “That’s good to hear. I want to make sure you see the benefit of your investment in me directly.”

  “I have no doubt you’ll be a good fit here.” I run my fingers through my hair and wish I hadn’t. It’s a giveaway that I’m nervous. “Is everyone treating you well?”

  “Oh yes. I mean, I haven’t talked to a lot of people yet. I tend to keep to myself and just get my job done.”

  “We are very social here. I’m sure you’ll be invited out.”

  “I won’t go,” she says softly.

  I tilt my head. “Why not?”

  “I don’t like to mix business and pleasure. It leads to trouble and I rarely make exceptions.”

  “What would it take?” Why the fuck did I just ask her that?

  Mackenzie grins. “Perhaps we’ll find out.”

  I shift in my seat. “I bet you’re asked out often by male coworkers.”

  “Why is that?” She twists a lock of hair as though she has no idea she is stunning.

  “You can’t be unaware of your appeal.”

  She leans closer, leaning her arms against my desk. “I have my fans. It doesn’t matter, though. I don’t date coworkers.”

  “That’s good. It’s not the best idea.” I should know.

  “No, it isn’t. I suppose it would take someone really amazing to change that.” She stands up and I have to make myself not stare at her. “Thank you for your time. I hope we’ll have a chance to chat again soon.”

  “I’m sure we will. Have a good day.”

  “I always do.”

  She walks out and I start to breathe again. How does she do that to me? Is it because I know I can’t have her? Macy appears in my doorway.

  “Is it hot in here or is it just me?” she asks.

  “What does that mean?”

  “Mackenzie. She is something else. She walks in a room and the temperature changes. You don’t notice that?”

  Fuck yeah, I notice.

  “She has a presence, yes.”

  “A presence. Right. I think she’s hot and last time I checked, I am a straight female. You have to feel it, too.”

  “She’s obviously attractive, but I’m not focused on that right now. I’m trying to get used to my new responsibilities and stop messing around with people I work with.”

  “Wow,” she says leaning against the doorframe. “I’m impressed.”

  “That I can keep it in my pants? I am somewhat civilized.”

  “Of course you are. She’s just…” Macy shakes her head.

  “What?”

  “Powerful. She could make a priest denounce his vows.”

  I laugh at her comment. “I wonder what she would think of that statement.”

  “Me, too!” Macy’s desk phone rings. “Oh, better run.”

  I wave as she rushes out. Even women are affected by Mackenzie. At least my instinct was right about her dating coworkers. Something tells me, though, that she is going to get me in trouble. I don’t know how yet, but I’m positive of it.

  Later that evening, I lie in bed and stare at the ceiling. This is the longest stretch of time I’ve gone without having sex with something other than my hand. I need a woman. I need to feel skin, breasts, thighs. I need to spread her legs open and run my tongue over her until she cries out my name. I need to slide inside her, deep inside and feel her nails dig into my back. I need to have sex.

  The hard-on between my legs is driving me crazy. As I run my hands up and down my shaft, I close my eyes and try to block the image in my mind. I can’t. There is only one face I see and it’s the one I wish I could avoid. The beautiful redhead who I talk to at least twice a day. I see her sparkling green eyes twinkle when I walk by. I hear her sultry voice speak my name. I imagine her fingers touching that necklace that dangles enticingly in her cleavage.

  I explode in my hands and exhale deeply. Fuck.

  It’s been a few weeks since Mackenzie walked into my life. Today is the lunch date I promised her. I’m nervous to be alone with her again. Nervous and excited. Every interaction with her makes me want her more. Taking a deep breath, I pick up my phone and dial Mackenzie’s extension. I hope I don’t lose my cool. She’s just a beautiful woman and I’ve had plenty. I can handle being around her. Can’t I?

  “Mackenzie Reed speaking.”

  “Hello, Mac. Are you ready for lunch?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Okay. I’ll meet you in the lobby.” I pause for just a second. “Just so you know, it’s likely a rumor will start about us as soon as we’re seen together.” I know all too well that a rumor is started every time I’m seen with a female. My well-earned reputation precedes me.

  “Comes with the territory,” she replies casually.

  “What territory is that?
”

  “Being young, female, and I’m told, somewhat attractive. Didn’t you say I have appeal?”

  “No comment.”

  She laughs. “Why not?”

  Quickly changing the subject, I reply, “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  I hang up and want to kick myself. I should have invited someone along, but it’s no different than if I was going out with Matt or Daniel or Macy. This is just a business lunch between coworkers. Walking to the elevators, I do my best to act nonchalant. I’ve already decided we’re just going across the street where plenty of people will see us and know that nothing is going on. At least, nothing outside of my fantasies.

  When I get to the lobby, she is already there, wearing a white dress that looks incredible against her tan skin and red hair. She has to have one of the most perfect backsides I have ever seen. Such a tiny waist that curves deliciously into a plump but firm ass. The slit up the back offers just a peek of her toned legs. She spins around and then smiles when she sees me. The front of the dress is even better. It highlights how curvy she is, but perfectly proportioned. Her cleavage could make a grown man cry. I love that damn necklace she wears every day. She has to look astounding naked. Even though she is remarkably sexy, she has the perfect balance between that and professionalism.

  “Hi,” she says.

  “Hi. Ready?”

  “Mmm hmm.”

  I tip my head at her. “After you.”

  We walk outside and I have to do everything in my power to restrain myself from touching her. I want to desperately. Any part of her, even just her arm. She walks past me and the scent of her perfume grabs me around the neck and bashes my head into the wall. At least, that’s what it feels like.

  “What fragrance do you wear?” I ask.

  “A lot of different things. The one I’m wearing right now is called Sexy.”

  “Fitting,” I mumble.

  “What did you say?”

  “I said it’s nice.” I smile and open the door to the restaurant for her.

  As the hostess seats us, we walk past several people from the office. I introduce Mac to everyone, making it clear she is the new account executive. It’s a well-known fact that I lunch with everyone on my team at least once a quarter.

  We get to our table and sit down. I order a Stella and Mackenzie quickly follows suit. Staring at the menu, I try to think about what we are going to talk about besides my desire to fuck her. Right now.

  “Thanks for the lunch invite, Brayden. It’s nice to get out the office for something other than work.” She laughs softly. “Client kind of work. You know what I mean.”

  “I do. I think it’s good to do, too.”

  “You seem quiet.”

  “Do I? I’m good, just deciding what to have.” I’ll have an order of Mackenzie to go.

  “Oooh, this smothered burrito looks really good.”

  “Do you eat stuff like that?”

  “Yeah. I didn’t get this body eating carrots. If I didn’t work out I would be as big as a house. I love eating. Anything I can get my hands on.”

  “I like women with healthy appetites. Nothing is worse than a woman who only eats salads, but really wants a cheeseburger.”

  “Agreed. I’m not into deprivation. I think life is for living and enjoying to the fullest. I deny myself nothing. If I want a piece of cake, I’m having it.”

  “Good for you.”

  “What about you?”

  “Do I eat cake?”

  “No, do you deprive yourself of enjoyable things?”

  Shit. Lately that answer would be yes. “Not if I can help it.”

  “You seem like the kind of man who goes after what he wants.”

  “I do.”

  Mackenzie smiles and tilts her head at me slightly. She opens her mouth to speak when the waitress approaches.

  “Hi, I’m Janice. Can I take your order?”

  “Are you ready?” I ask.

  “Yes, I’ll have the smothered burrito please.”

  “Okay. You, sir?”

  “I’ll have the bacon cheeseburger, medium.”

  “Great. I’ll be back soon.” The waitress walks away.

  “Were you going to say something?” I ask.

  “I shouldn’t.”

  “Why not? You can be open with me.”

  “Can I?”

  “In fact, I appreciate it when people are.”

  “Okay.” She exhales deeply and folds the napkin in her lap. “If I’m not mistaken, there seems to be a shared attraction between us and I’m not sure what to do about that.”

  I am speechless for a moment. I definitely wasn’t expecting her to say that.

  “So I wondered, if you always go after something you want, if you would go after me. I also wondered if I would want you to. In case you haven’t noticed, I always go after what I want, too.”

  “Do you want me?” I shouldn’t have asked that.

  “Would we be having this conversation otherwise?”

  “No.”

  “Right.”

  “Mac, listen, I think you’re incredible and obviously very attractive.”

  “But?”

  “But, we work together.”

  “And?”

  “We have a lot to lose if things got crazy.”

  “You’re right.”

  That’s it? She’s just going to let it go. Do I want her to?

  “I just wonder if it’s all going to be too much someday. We might cross the line if we don’t keep our guard up.”

  “I’m your boss. It would be highly inappropriate.”

  “I know.”

  “Besides, I thought you said you didn’t date coworkers?”

  “I also said it would take something special to make an exception. I think you are that for me.”

  “Why?”

  “There is a crazy attraction between us, a constant pull towards each other. I can’t be the only one who feels it.” She grins.

  “You aren’t.”

  “Shall we talk about work now?”

  Her sudden topic change is startling but welcome. My dick is so hard I swear it’s gonna pop out of my pants. If I had to get up from the table right now, I would be embarrassed. I start to ask her a question as two of our coworkers approach. It dawns on me why the sudden shift in her demeanor occurred.

  “Hey, Brayden.” I look up to see James and Tony standing at our table.

  “Hey, Tony. James.” I nod my head at them. “Have you guys met Mackenzie Reed? She’s our new account executive in my division.”

  James extends his hand first. “No, but we’ve heard a lot about you.” I notice Tony nudge him in the side. Mackenzie notices, too.

  “Already? I haven’t worked here very long.”

  “News travels fast,” Tony says. “Plus, we hear you came from Christiansen.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Welcome. Hope you like it so far,” he says.

  “I do.”

  James is literally staring at her with the dumbest look on his face. I clear my throat to get his attention. He looks at me and grins sheepishly.

  “Tony and James work in automotive,” I say.

  Mackenzie nods. “Nice. I always had an interest in cars. They can be so sexy.”

  There she goes with that word again. I wish she wouldn’t say it. All it does is draw my attention to how much she is. I have a feeling it’s affected the guys the same way.

  “Well, you’re welcome to come down for a tour of our department any time you want,” Tony says.

  “Your department looks exactly like her department,” I say, throwing a dirty look in Tony’s direction.

  “Yeah, but we can show her some of the ideas we have. Get her opinion.”

  “She has plenty of her own work to do.”

  Tony looks at me like it’s a showdown. If he knows what’s good for him he’ll back the fuck off. For some reason, I’ve never gotten along with him. Mackenzie grins and flips her hair
off her shoulder.

  “Brayden is right. I’m very busy just getting settled in, but I’ll keep your offer in mind for the future.”

  Tony grins and shoots me a look that says he thinks he won.

  “Besides,” Mackenzie continues. “I’m knee deep in trying to keep my new boss satisfied.” She glances at me and smiles. “With my work.”

  Now it’s my turn to look smug. I try to ignore the fact that I have no business acting this way over her.

  “It was nice to meet you,” Tony says, shaking Mackenzie’s hand.

  “You, too,” she says. “And you, James.”

  He smiles. “Yeah, definitely.” He shakes her hand. “See you around, Brayden.”

  “Yep.” I swear I hear him mutter “lucky bastard” as he walks away. “Well, that was terrific. Tony was practically hitting on you.”

  “I’m used to it.”

  “I’m sure you are.”

  “You were sweet to come to my defense. I don’t need it, though. I’m quite skilled at thwarting unwanted advances.”

  “I saw that.”

  I’m thankful when the food arrives. I dig into my burger so I don’t have to speak. Mackenzie seems content with her meal, too.

  “I make you uncomfortable,” she says a few minutes later.

  “No.”

  “No?”

  “Uncomfortable isn’t the right word.”

  “What is then?”

  Hard. Horny. Crazy. “Distracted.”

  “Hmm, I’ll take that.”

  “That makes you happy?”

  “Yep. As long as I make you feel something.”

  She definitely does that.

  “Why don’t we talk about work and how that’s going for you?”

  “Good idea. I’ve made calls to all my top accounts since I left Christiansen. I wanted them to hear the news from me first. So far, response has been positive and I’m setting up several meetings with them. I’ve been shadowing Matt and learning a lot from him.”

  “How about the other team members?”

  “It seems to be going well. Like I said, I tend to keep to myself at first. I’m an observer. I don’t like to come in and take over the place.”

  “Matt says you are fitting in well and he’s been impressed with your work.” I laugh softly. “Actually, he said watching you work is a lot like watching me.”