“That sounds like a compliment.”
“It is. I think at this point, we just need to get you bringing in some new business.”
“I will. Don’t worry about that. I assure you I won’t let you down.”
“I’m not worried. I have confidence in your abilities or I wouldn’t have hired you.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Are you ready to head back?” I ask.
“Yes. I’d like to stop in the ladies and freshen up real quick, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
Mackenzie stands and runs her hands over her dress to straighten it out. The very act causes my eyes to follow her hands as they roll over her hips. She looks up at me, moving her hair from her face.
“Be right back,” she says.
She walks away and I strain not to stare. Matt was right. She is every man’s dream. I could have her, too, if only…
“Brayden?”
I hear my sister’s voice. Looking up, I see her headed straight for me. I stand and hug her.
“Hey! What are you doing here?”
“Meeting my friend for lunch. I called you to see if you could stop by, but you didn’t answer your phone.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t hear it.”
“Are you with someone?”
“A coworker.”
“Oh?” Ariel looks around.
“She’s in the bathroom.”
“She?”
“Yeah, she. I work with she’s, you know.”
Ariel laughs. “True. How is everything?”
“Great. You?”
“Really good.” Ariel looks past me and that’s when I realize Mackenzie is back. My sister does the same thing every person seems to do when they see her- check her out from head to toe.
“Hello,” Mackenzie says from behind me.
“Hi,” Ariel replies.
“Ariel, this is Mackenzie. Mackenzie, my sister, Ariel.”
“Oh, so nice to meet you,” Mackenzie says.
“Likewise,” my sister replies. Her eyes shift to mine and I know I’m going to get the third degree later. There is one person who I can never hide my feelings from and she is giving me quite the look right now.
“Well,” I say, “We should be getting back to the office. Good to see you, sis.” I kiss her cheek. “Have fun at lunch.”
“I’ll call you later,” she replies.
“I expect you will.”
I take Mackenzie by the arm, not really meaning to. It was just my instinct. Ushering her out the door, I release her once we are outside.
“Your sister is lovely.”
“Yeah, she is.” I look both ways to make sure we can cross the street.
Just before we enter the building, Mackenzie stops. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable at lunch. I just felt I should address the attraction between us, but I don’t want you to worry about me, Brayden. I’ll always be professional. No matter what does or doesn’t happen between us.”
“I think it’s best if we just keep things strictly business.”
“I agree.”
I release a heavy sigh and press the elevator button. When the doors open, it fills up with people putting some much needed distance between the two of us. We get to her floor and she exits the elevator after saying goodbye.
Fuck. Me.
As expected, my phone rings as soon as I’m back in my office and it’s Ariel. I’m not excited at all about the conversation that is about to take place, but I do my best to sound as neutral as possible.
“Hey, sis.”
“Hey, yourself. That girl you had lunch with was amazing. Is she your new girl?”
“No.”
“Why are you lying?”
“I’m not, Ariel.”
“Based on what I just saw you totally have the hots for her.”
“Well, for once you are completely wrong. I take every team member out to lunch once a quarter and it was Mackenzie’s turn.”
“There was tension there. I felt it.”
“No tension. We get along fine.”
“I meant of the sexual variety,” she says, raising her voice slightly.
“I don’t know what you mean and I can’t help what you feel, but I am telling you, there is absolutely nothing between me and that girl. She works for me and that is the extent of it.”
“Seriously?”
“One hundred percent.”
“Hmm.” She’s silent for a moment. “Well, I will say that I actually believe you right now.”
“You should.”
“I was kind of hoping you found someone special.”
“Not yet. She’s just a coworker.”
“Too bad. She’s gorgeous.”
“Yes, everyone says that.”
“You don’t notice it?”
“Sure. I’m not blind, but I’m doing my best to ignore it and maintain a professional relationship with her and all the other women I work with.”
“Impressive.”
“To me, too.” I laugh. “I’m working on it.”
“That’s great. I was just sure you were with her. The energy between the two of you was fierce. In a good way.”
So I am not the only one who feels that when Mac is around.
“I’ll let you know if it changes.” I chuckle. “I have to get back to work now if the interrogation is over.”
“It is. Talk to you later, bro.”
“Yep.”
Sitting at my desk, I can’t stop thinking about the lunch conversation. Now I’m clear that she wants me as much as I want her. I can’t do it, though. I have way too much to lose. Getting involved with someone who reports to me could spell career suicide.
I don’t see how it could be a good thing. If she’s as amazing in bed as she looks like she would be, I would never be able to get enough of her. If we find that we don’t get along, it could make our relationship volatile.
There is just no ideal way for this to work.
The next day, I sit at my desk, dreading this morning’s meeting. In ten minutes, I will have to interact with her again. How long can I resist this temptation? I sigh and pick up my planner to head to the staff meeting.
Now I have to see her and act like her presence doesn’t completely pull the rug out from under me. I have to be cool, professional, and unaffected. I have to act like I’m still me and not the teenage boy with a constant hard on I seem to be morphing into.
Walking into the conference room, I see her chatting with Matt. She looks up at me and while I feel like I just walked into a wall, she looks as calm and neutral as she usually does. How the fuck does she do that, and why can’t I anymore?
“Morning, Brayden,” she says.
“Morning.” I sit down and open my planner to start taking notes, avoiding eye contact with her. I’m keenly aware that she is looking at me. I can literally feel her eyes on me. When I glance up, my feeling is confirmed. Her expression is… the best word I can think of is hungry. Desirous. It makes me want to climb across this table and fuck her right here in front of everyone.
“Shall we get started?” I ask.
Matt speaks first. “We have several updates. Mackenzie, do you want to go first?”
“Sure.” She opens a folder and pulls a few papers out. “I mentioned to you yesterday that I’ve started contacting my former clients to tell them about my change and have several phone meetings set up. So far, everyone I’ve called has been receptive.”
“Good to hear,” I say.
“Yes, I’m working on a presentation for Starfire right now.”
“I’ll look forward to seeing that.”
She smiles and I feel a strong tug between my legs. Fuck. Fortunately, the focus shifts to others and I am sufficiently distracted. But she is always on my mind one way or another. The only thing I want right now is to get out of this room and far away from her.
Another account rep, Tami, starts to update me on her progress
. When she finishes, I have a few questions for her.
“Last month you were working on getting that upstart fragrance line. Do you have any updates on that?”
Tami grins. “Yes, I was saving that for last. They have really made me work for their attention. I’ve had to follow up a few times, but they finally agreed to a meeting next week. To my knowledge, they haven’t met with anyone else yet.”
I write that down. “That’s great news. I’m sure you’ll be able to close the deal, but do let me or Matt know if you need something.”
“I will. Thank you.”
I finish the meeting listening to the rest of the updates while trying to ignore Mackenzie’s presence. When it’s over, I walk away quickly, trying to clear my head. I’m so unaccustomed to a feeling of longing like this. Normally, when I see a woman I want, I get her, fuck her, and then we’re done. Immediate gratification. It sucks that I didn’t meet Mackenzie months ago before this promotion, before she worked here, before everything changed.
Luckily, I have another meeting to get to so I can’t linger. I can pretend to be interested in work while my eyes take in every detail of hers only to conjure them later while I lay in bed wishing her hands were the ones touching me instead of my own. I need to find a way to start avoiding her.
Maybe I should go out with someone. I haven’t been on a date since my last disaster with Meredith. That’s what I’ll do. Find someone to distract me from the most desirable woman I’ve ever met.
A few hours later, my phone rings and I see Mackenzie’s extension light up on the panel. Knowing Macy took her break, I pick up and answer.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Brayden. Got a second for me?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I was wondering if I could get your thoughts on something I’m working on for Starfire. I’m not sure I’m going in the right direction with it.”
“Okay, do you want to come upstairs?”
“I’m super busy right now as I’m sure you are. Would you have a few moments after work tonight?”
I hesitate. “Why after hours?”
“Honestly? I don’t want to hurt Matt’s feelings. He’s already given me his thoughts, but I’m just not sure.”
“Oh, okay, that makes sense. I can hang out for a little while after work.”
“Great. I’ll meet you in the conference room on your floor? It’s quieter up there.”
“See you then.”
I hang up my phone and notice how hard my heart is beating in my chest. I’ll be alone with Mackenzie. Shit.
Five-thirty finally rolls around. I’ve been distracted all day knowing this moment was coming. I don’t have to interact with her constantly, but every moment I do is filled with a desire I’m not sure I’ve ever felt for anyone else. Mackenzie does something for me. She ticks all the boxes and I want her. The only thing that keeps me sane is the knowledge that getting physically involved with her is wrong on so many levels. I’ve done well keeping it in my pants since my promotion and I plan to keep it that way.
The elevator doors open and she steps off, walking confidently in my direction. Fuck, this woman knows how to dress her body. Every outfit she wears is like something out of a designer magazine. The fit is right, the colors complement her skin tone, and every positive aspect of her figure is on display. She is classy, tasteful, and definitely sexy.
“Hello,” she says.
“Hey.”
“I’ll just get right to business.” She starts laying out her ideas on the conference room table.
I think she’s talking, but I can’t hear a word. All I can focus on is her incredible ass and the way her wavy hair falls down her back. As she speaks, she makes the tiniest gestures, but they drive me crazy. The way she runs her fingers through her hair, or tugs on the necklace that dangles around her neck.
“Did you hear me?” she asks.
Um, no. “Say that last part again.”
“I was saying that the company’s image up until now has been pretty safe. Personally, I think their ads are boring.” She points to one of her storyboards. “I think what they need is something far more progressive, but I’m not sure how they’ll take it. That’s why I made several different storyboards.”
“Hmm.” I wish I could answer her, but I wasn’t paying attention.
She looks over at me. “I’m just not sure if I should take the more conservative approach or just go for it and push the envelope. What do you think?”
What do I think? I can’t think. I just want to touch her. I am acting like a total douche right now.
“I’m not sure,” I say. I need to get my head straight and focus on work. “Can you show me the slides again that you are considering?”
“Sure. Do you want to see these up close?” she asks.
I stand and walk closer. As I lean over the conference table, I smell Mackenzie’s perfume- sexy and floral. The perfect feminine compliment to her allure. She tucks her hair behind her ear and turns her face slightly towards me. Her tongue slides seductively over her top lip, begging me to repeat the action.
“Brayden?” she asks. “What’s on your mind? You seem distracted.”
I gaze into her eyes and watch her demeanor soften. I reach over and just barely touch her hair. She smiles and leans closer to me and before I know it, her lips touch mine and we kiss. I grab her face and hold her close as our tongues acquaint themselves. This is not just a regular kiss, though. This is pent up sexual tension. This is hunger.
I grab her shoulders and twist her around so that her back is on the table, shoving the storyboards and notes out of the way as I do. She returns my groping, her hands sliding up and down my back and through my hair. My hand moves down her body, stopping just below the hem of her skirt. I move it up, reveling in the feel of her silky flesh in my hands. A moan escapes her lips and that only makes me want her more.
Just as I’m about to unbutton my slacks and climb inside this woman an unpleasant thought hits me. I could ruin everything I’ve worked so hard for. I need to think about this before I do something I regret. I move away abruptly, leaving Mackenzie panting and disheveled on the boardroom table. Walking across the room, I stare out the window at the San Diego skyline.
“What’s the matter?” Mackenzie asks, propping herself up on her elbows.
“I’m sorry for that. I just forgot where I was for a minute.”
“Look at me,” she says.
I turn around and it’s nearly impossible not to return to her. I can see her lacy bra peeking out from the top of her blouse and I’m fucking dying to remove it. I don’t know what to do. I’m so fucking turned on right now.
“You don’t want me?” she asks.
“I do want you, Mac. Very much. It’s just not right. It will mess up our work relationship.”
“I see,” Mackenzie says softly. She stands and pulls her skirt back into place. “This is awkward.”
“It is. It’s my fault. I overstepped my bounds.”
“I let you.”
“It’s obvious we are attracted to each other and in different circumstances, maybe there could be something. I just don’t think this is a good idea. I’ve worked hard to get to this point in my life and let’s just say I don’t have a good rep around here when it comes to women. I’m doing my best to avoid any future incidents.”
“I understand. My reputation is important to me, too. I definitely don’t want to be the subject of office gossip.” She looks down for a moment before gazing back at me. “I’ll be honest with you, though, and tell you that there is something about you that makes me forget all that. Something that makes me want to be in your arms. It’s hard to ignore.”
“I feel the same way.”
“Something to think about it.”
“Trust me, I do.” All the motherfucking time.
She walks towards me and I feel myself flinch. When she reaches me, she presses her body against mine and runs her perfectly manicured hand over my chest.
Leaning forward, she plants a very soft kiss on my lips.
“It was a nice kiss,” she says.
“I agree. We just have to practice some restraint.”
“I know.” She smiles. “I guess I’ll have to make my own decision about the ad campaign.”
“What did Matt say?”
“He said to do what’s best for the client and to think about that more than what I want.”
“That’s good advice.”
“It is.” She grins. “I think I’ll go for an in-between approach. A little edgy, but not too far.”
“That sounds like a good plan.”
Mackenzie walks back to the conference table and starts to pack up her things. The whole time my eyes linger on her body and I think about how close I was to seeing what she keeps between her legs. When she turns around I’m still staring at her and she smiles.
“Goodnight, Brayden.”
“Goodnight, Mac.”
She leaves the room and I can finally breathe again. I pace back and forth in front of the large window trying to figure out what I’m going to do. Mackenzie is everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman. Sexy, smart, confident—but is it more than just professional compatibility and attraction? I don’t know. It’s a lot to risk.
Walking back to my office, I try to make sense of it all. The attraction between Mackenzie and me is overwhelming. I’m drawn to her like the proverbial moth to the flame. Every time we are in the same room, I can barely focus on anything but her. If I hadn’t been promoted, I would have fucked her weeks ago, but I have far more to lose now in my new role than I did when I was screwing interns. I need to tread carefully with her.
After getting dressed, I grab my phone and my keys and head out the door for work. Once I arrive, I walk through the office saying good morning to my team, holding my breath for the moment that I see Mackenzie. I glance casually at her desk and she looks up from her keyboard and smiles.
“Morning, Brayden,” she says. Her tone is professional and neutral.
“Morning.” I move on quickly and go up to my floor. I stop by Macy’s desk to chat. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself. I ordered a coffee for you.” She hands me a cardboard cup from my favorite place. “It’s still hot.”
Chasing Desire Page 12
