RUSH (Montgomery Men #1) - C.A. Harms Page 0,17

call her,” he said as he tossed the message slips onto my desk. “You’ve been an ass for three days, more than usual.”

Again I would allow very few people to speak to me in that manner. Lex always laid it all out without hesitation and spoke what was on his mind. He wasn’t shy and didn’t sugarcoat shit.

“Your patience is for shit, and you’re making me want to use up some of my vacation time to get the hell away from your cranky ass. So either you call her, or I’m taking the rest of the day off.” He cocked his hip out and rested his hand there, challenging me.

The elevator chimed, and the sound echoed throughout the open entry. With my office door still open, it sounded much louder than usual.

Lex spun around and shook his head in displeasure as he exited my office. Cocky little fucker. I approached my door and listened as he greeted our visitor, feeling disappointed when I realized it was just Farris, our mailman.

The frustration of wanting something that was apparently out of my reach was beginning to get to me. I never had to play games, or chase any woman. Getting women had always been easy for me—wink, smile, buy her a few drinks, and bam, next thing I know I’m waking up satisfied and ready for a new day. But Kiera was obviously immune to my charms.

I had to get my head out of my ass and move the fuck on. This shit was so out of character for me. I could have my pick of a hundred different women with one visit to the nearest restaurant, or fucking grocery store for that matter. Why the hell was I so hung up on the spicy brunette that still showed no signs of interest in me?

“Well it’s not a phone call but . . . ,” Lex announced from my door as he smugly walked toward me and held out the small envelope. “Here ya go.”

I looked down at the envelope, which was a soft shade of blue. Mr. Montgomery along with my address was scribbled on the front. The section for the return address was simply stamped with Stockman and Wright Law Office.

Irritation set in.

I slipped my finger beneath the seal and ripped it open a little too aggressively. It exposed the card within, which had a simple thank you written on the front in calligraphy.

I wadded up the torn envelope in my hand as I stared down at the card, taking a few seconds to control my irritation before flipping it open and reading the message inside.

The flowers were beautiful, and my office smells amazing. Thank you for the kind gesture. Kiera Masterson.

And the fucking shit was typed out. Not handwritten like the address on the envelope. It was fucking printed using a damn computer, so impersonal and an obvious brush-off.

“Get Ms. Masterson on the phone,” I said, still holding the card. I didn’t even take the time to look up at Lex. Instead I moved around my desk and sat in my chair, waiting.

He scurried off excitedly, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. What the fuck about this entire situation was there to be chipper about? That man needed a Valium

Within minutes the intercom on my desk beeped, followed by Lex’s voice. “She’s on line two. Be nice. She is entirely too sweet for your arrogant, domineering behavior.”

Ignoring his warning, I picked up the phone, still staring at the card and attempted to stay collected.

“I’ve been given the thank-you-card brush-off. I’m offended, Ms. Masterson,” I said into the receiver. My heart thumped rapidly in my chest as I leaned back in my chair and remained calm and cool. “Whatever happened to a simple thank-you call?”

She didn’t answer, and I couldn’t help but smile. Apparently Lex hadn’t warned her that I was the one who needed to talk to her prior to sending the call through to me. I liked that I affected her. I could see that I did when she came to my office. She tried to seem appalled by my words and advances, but the way her body reacted said otherwise.

“Mr. Montgomery,” she finally spoke. “I’m sorry if I came across as unappreciative. I just thought a thank-you card was the best form of contact. Though the flowers are very beautiful, they truly weren’t necessary.”

“I could have gone with my other option, but I can assure you, Kiera, you’d prefer the flowers.” Though I often