by Raquel Belle
“Thank you, Marissa.”
The woman delivered a smile that was way too suggestive, and Evie barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Maybe Jared was sleeping with her. The woman was blonde and gorgeous—Jared’s type. Evie had looked him up after learning he was the client her father wanted her to work for. The myriad of pictures she’d seen of him with a different woman on his arm at every social event had made her physically ill. They made her wonder why he’d accepted her one-night stand proposition. It seemed she was the opposite of his type. Those pictures swirled in her mind's eye now, upsetting her. After learning what a man-whore Jared was, she knew then that keeping her hands off of him and ensuring that he kept his off of her was the best thing to do.
Evie would never become one of those women seen on his arm once and then never to be seen again. Why then was she giving Marissa the evil eye as the woman strutted out of the office as if she was on a runway? The possibility that she was jealous almost had her gasping out loud. Come on, Evie get yourself together.
“Good morning, Evie,” Jared said, as he quirked a brow. “Evie?”
She blinked, her eyes jumping to him. “Good morning.”
“You were a million miles away just now. Everything alright?”
“Of course.”
“Good.” He studied her with narrowed eyes that made her feel like a specimen under a microscope. “Please, have a seat.” He nodded to a chair in front of the mahogany desk.
Evie moved to the chair, annoyed when he didn’t move. He stood inches from the chair, and she had to brush past him to take her seat. They barely even touched but somehow, yet her skin caught fire. Every cell of her being was hyperaware of him. It was bordering on ridiculous, her physical reaction to him. She wanted it to stop. How did she make it stop? Her breathing was a bit unsteady as she sat. Jared hadn’t moved, he was still slightly perched on the edge of his desk with his ankles crossed, staring at her, wearing a frown that somehow only added to his good looks.
She nearly melted under the intensity of his stare. “Are we going to get started?” Great. Now she sounded all breathy like Marissa.
Jared straightened and nodded. “Of course.” He rounded the desk and sat. Having the piece of furniture between them gave Evie an ounce of comfort. “I won’t keep you long. I suppose it would have been simpler to send you an email, but I felt better having a face-to-face meeting for your first project.”
“That’s fine. I’ll come whenever you want me to.”
His eyes shifted from his computer screen to her, a teasing glint in his eyes. His mouth curled into a salacious grin. “I know, Evie. I remember perfectly.”
Her brows knitted. Clearly, she was missing something. Slowly, her muddled brain found clarity as a memory surfaced. During the night they’d shared in her hotel room, she’d shattered twice at his command. He’d gotten her so worked up with his fingers and skillful mouth that all he’d had to do was tell her to come and her body had followed his command, as if she was wired to do his bidding. She tensed, the flushing of her entire face inevitable. Was it possible to be livid and turned on at the same time? Because she was both.
She cursed the part of her that relished in the memory of them together and that wanted to respond to his inappropriate teasing with a playful comment of her own. It was happening all over again. That was how she’d fallen into her ex-fiancé's web. She’d shown up at the music studio to consult with the label owner, James. Eventually, she’d fallen into his bed, and the line between professionalism and her own personal world had been blurred. That hadn’t worked out well for her, and she was not about to put herself into that position again. She could easily be sidetracked by Jared as much as she tried to convince herself otherwise. There was something about him that she couldn’t resist, and it was better to end things here and now.
She swallowed and then grabbed her handbag and stood up. “I can’t do this. I’ll have Garrison get you another lawyer.”
Jared’s teasing grin turned into a frown, and his eyes widened. “What?”
Chapter Eight
Jared
It happened so fast—Jared was left frozen for about half a minute. First, he’d slipped up and made a completely inappropriate comment, and the next moment, Evie fled. He couldn’t believe that comment had slipped out. It was like his dick had transmitted the words to his mouth before his brain could process and stop him.
She’d asked him to forget that night, but how could he? She had been so responsive and had amazed him with how she’d erupted as soon as he’d commanded her to. It was unlike anything he’d ever experienced with any other woman. Something like that was ingrained in a man’s memory for all time, even a man who changed women like he changed his suits. He’d been with so many women, finding something special and memorable about at least one was a huge feat. Evie had that something special and memorable. Hell, all too often he woke up in the middle of the night sweating and panting after reliving their night together in his dreams. But, what was he thinking making that comment?
He had never been sued for sexual harassment, but he could very well be on his way. So much for keeping it professional. Finally recovering from the shock of her announcement, he shot out of his chair. “What do you mean ‘new lawyer?’” She was already out the door.
“Evie!” He scurried out the door and nearly mowed over his personal assistant, who had just returned to the office. “Shit, Anna, I’m sorry.” he steadied her and kept going. Anna turned to gape at him, as he ran through the door that closed off his private office from the rest of the Hawthorne Industries, and passed the receptionist. Marissa looked from him to a retreating Evie with curiosity. “Ms. Davis, wait.”
He ignored the receptionist’s intrigued stare and took off after his runaway lawyer. He nearly dissolved into hysterical laughter as he raced toward the elevator where Evie was violently jabbing the button. Jared Hawthorne did not run after women for personal or professional purposes. He ran behind no one. So, why was he running behind Evie like some lap dog? Why not let her go and employ someone else? It would certainly be far less trouble. She stepped into the elevator and frantically jabbed another button to close the door, her eyes wide as he neared. Before the doors slid shut, he shot a hand out, stopping them, his gaze colliding with hers. He knew why he’d run after her. She had turned his world upside down since running into her again. No, she’d turned it upside down since the morning she disappeared, leaving him in bed. Evie was an enigma. He became more intrigued with her with each meeting, and it drove him crazy.
He stepped into the elevator and let the doors slide shut. She took two steps back, but he advanced, the muscles in his jaws ticking. She was out of breath from her power walk, and her chest rose and fell, drawing his attention to the swell of cleavage above her silk blouse. He swallowed and forced his gaze back upward, reminding himself that he was supposed to be annoyed with her.
“Is this how you conduct meetings, Ms. Davis? Run out on a client without an explanation? Not very professional of you.”
He watched her expression transform from wariness, to outrage, to unadulterated fury. Her pert nose flared, and her eyes narrowed to slits, the blue orbs turning midnight. She was incredible to watch, and her anger turned him on. He thought she might slap him or maybe kick him in the shin—she looked that angry. The possibility of her lashing out in such a manner aroused him even more. He was a sick bastard. Or maybe he wasn’t because he never reacted like that to anyone before. Just her.
She jabbed him in the chest. “How dare you lecture me about professionalism, when you made such an inappropriate comment during a business meeting? One would think you were some horny frat boy with no self-control rather than a grown, successful businessman.” She jabbed him harder for effect. “Despicable.”
He leaned forward, his own annoyance mounting by the fact that she was haughtily lecturing him like some schoolmarm- a very sexy one at that. “I’m sorry. It slipped out. Okay?” He could have stopped there.
He should have. But God help him, he wanted her riled up just a little more for his sick enjoyment. “It wasn’t like it was a lie. You did, in fact, come on my command. Twice.”
She huffed. “You are such an asshole.”
He shrugged. “So I’ve heard. You’re not all that easy to get along with either.”
“What is your problem anyway? Is it that hard for you to put aside the fact that we were intimate once?”
“It was way more than once,” he said.
Two patches of pink highlighted her cheeks as she shook her head. “You’ve slept with tons of women. Why can’t you just forget the one time with me?”
“Because I ...Because you …” He couldn’t put his feelings into words, especially not for someone else’s ears. He didn’t even want to think too much about what he was feeling. So, he shifted his focus from her question to the fact that they were so in each other’s faces, so close that if he leaned forward just a little, their lips would touch, Then he did something that was sure to get him slapped. He leaned forward to capture her mouth in a commanding kiss that was fueled by his frustration and his need for her. He swallowed her startled gasp and stepped closer, wanting to lay his hands anywhere on her body, he was but afraid she would retaliate and do him bodily harm. Evie tensed and then, to his surprise, relaxed with a small sigh. He touched her then, palmed her hips to pull her closer as their tongues clashed. Just as he deepened the kiss, reaching for her hair to pull the neat bun loose, she seemed to come to her senses and shoved at his chest.
Jared stumbled backward but quickly steadied himself. His eyes found hers, immediately apologetic. She gawked at him, eyes like saucers and glistening lips parted. Her breathing was just as ragged as his. “Evie, I’m …”
In a quick second, she wrapped his tie around her fist and hauled him back to her. His body crashed into hers, sending her into the wall. He caged her in, palms flat on either side of her head, as he matched the urgent strokes of her tongue. She tasted just like he remembered—no, she tasted better, all sweetness, fire, and woman. He dropped a hand to find her stocking clad thigh. Trailing his fingers a little further up, he groaned when he felt the straps of a garter belt. Jesus Christ, now he knew what she wore under her prim and proper outfits when she was at work. He would always wonder what kind of sexy undergarments she wore under her modest attire from that moment on. He nearly shoved her skirt up around her waist, undid his zipper and took her right there, but her soft moan seeped into his lustful haze, bringing him back to his senses. They were in an elevator where any of his employees could be waiting on any floor and they’d get an eye full when the doors slid open.
Word would spread like wildfire that he was fucking the new lawyer. He didn’t care about his reputation. It was no secret that he was a bit of a man-whore. Though, he kept his roaming dick away from his employees. It was the threat to Evie’s reputation that forced him to break the kiss and step back. Their rough breathing echoed in the quiet, metal box. He stared at her, and she stared at the floor, chest heaving, face flushed. He could read her like a book, every emotion was printed on her face before she composed herself. She was shocked, ashamed and then defeated. Her shoulders slumped.
“I can’t believe I just did that.”
“I started it,” he grunted, in a weak attempt to make her feel better. He wasn’t successful. Her expression was still pained when she met his gaze.
“I don’t know what came over me." She looked around and groaned. “We’re in an elevator for Christ’s sake. What if someone …” She shook her head and straightened her skirt. “I don’t even want to think about it.”
“I’m sorry.” He said the words for her benefit, but he didn’t mean them. He wasn’t sorry for kissing her. He wanted to do it again, but she looked utterly miserable. He didn’t know how to feel about that. Insulted? Women didn’t usually look so dejected after kissing him. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”
She sighed. “You weren't thinking and neither was I. This is why we can’t work together, Jared. Our professional relationship has been tainted before it even began.”
“’Tainted?’ Evie, you’re being a tad too dramatic, don’t you think?”
She folded her arms and retreated to a corner of the elevator. “Every time you look at me, all you see is me naked in bed with you, right? You’ll never respect me, Jared. I can’t work with you like this.”
He was struck momentarily speechless. He couldn’t deny that he did think about them in bed together when he looked at her, but that didn’t mean he didn’t respect her. He took a few steps closer to her. “Wait a minute, Evie, I do …”
The elevator came to a stop, and the doors slid open. Someone stepped in and nodded to them then did a double take. “Mr. Hawthorne, good morning, sir.”
“Good morning,” Jared mumbled annoyed by the interruption though, he shouldn’t be because they were in a public elevator. He tapped his foot impatiently, waiting to get Evie alone again. Unfortunately, as they continued their descent, the elevator only filled up more. Soon, there were so many bodies that he was forced closer to Evie. Each time he brushed against her, he felt her stiffen and gritted his teeth. Almost everyone that entered sent him surprised greetings. His face wasn’t one they saw often. Jared used a private elevator on the other side of the building that led to the underground parking lot. He was usually in and out without many people seeing him.
Each time he forced out a polite smile and greeting when all he wanted to do was order everybody out, so he could get a moment with Evie. How could she think he didn’t respect her because they slept together? It was ludicrous! They had no idea they’d be thrown back together professionally when they shared that blissful night. It was safe to say their situation was way different than two colleagues falling into bed. He had the utmost respect for her, and that was why he’d ultimately decided to have her join his team of trusted associates.
He stole glances of her every so often. She remained rigid, head held straight until the lift reached the first floor, and the remaining bodies along with her filed out. Jared followed, keeping his voice as low as he could. “Evie, stop. We’re not done here.”
“I think we are,” she said.
“This is ridiculous. Surely, you can stop and talk to me.”
She did stop. She wheeled around, exuding such vehemence, he took a step back. “Look, I know I’m not handling this the way I should be. I’m just not feeling ... I just need some time to get myself together. Please.”
She seemed more deflated at that moment than she had before so he backed off. He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Fine, as long as you don’t do anything rash like go to Garrison and quit before we’ve had a chance to talk.”
Evie nodded. “I’m sorry. This isn’t how I usually …”
“Say no more. I’m not in any rush with this particular project. I can give you some time to think.” His phone was already buzzing in his pocket. No doubt it was Anna trying to find out where he was to take some call or another. “ I need to get back upstairs. We’ll talk later.”
A tad more composed than she was a few minutes ago, Evie looked him in the eyes. “Thank you.”
He watched her disappear through the revolving doors before heading back to the elevator. Jared endured another onslaught of “howdies” and “Wow, it’s strange seeing you in these parts, Mr. Hawthorne” before he strolled back into his private office wearing a frown.
“Everything alright, Mr. Hawthorne?” Marissa gazed up at him from her desk with an innocent look. He knew she was far from innocent. The woman had been trying to get into his pants the entire six months she worked for him. He doubted she would make it to seven months. “If you need anything, please let me know,” she practically purred
Jared scowled. “I doubt I’ll be needing anything from you, Marissa, but thanks.” Her saccharine smile dropped, and he walked off. Note to self, remind Anna to start vetting prospective receptionists.
Anna glanced up, clearly s
ensing his presence and quickly returned her attention back to her computer screen to type profusely. “Mr. Hawthorne you received a call from Joel Calloway from Calloway Steel while you were gone. He’ll be in his office until twelve if you wish to call back today.”
“Thanks.”
When he didn’t move, Anna gave him a puzzled look. “Did you need something, sir?”
“I’m sorry for nearly running you over earlier.”
Anna’s eyes danced with merriment. “I think you pay me enough to mow me over from time to time if you wish.” She laughed. “It’s fine, sir.”
“Aren’t you going to ask why I was chasing my ten o’clock through the door?”
“Despite my title of personal assistant. Have I ever been one to insert myself into your personal business?”
“No.”
Anna cocked a brow and shrugged. Jared grinned as he studied the brunette with the pixie cut. Now that he thought about it, he liked her because she was sharp, funny, smart, and damn good at her job, like Evie. If Anna wasn’t an employee, and if she wasn’t married, he’d have a good time hanging out with her. It occurred to him then that maybe he’d been going after the wrong type of women his entire life. Perhaps the superficial, bleach blonde models weren’t his type after all.
Anna glanced up from her computer screen again to find him still standing there. “Something else on your mind, sir?”
Jared let out a breath. “Am I am an asshole, Anna?”
He had no idea what she could have choked on, but she’d dissolved into a fit of coughing. “Mr. Hawthorne, what …?”
“It’s alright, Anna. You can be honest with me. You’ve been working for me for what? Five years now?” She’d been with him from the beginning before he evolved his business into a conglomerate. Anna was one of three people who probably knew him better than he knew himself. Work aside, she'd gone through his sour moods, his happy moods, his pensive moods, his defeated moods, and his ugly breakups before he realized long-term relationships weren’t for him. She’d seen him nervous, agitated, angry, everything.
