worth. It wasn’t exactly my first choice, but since that was out of the question, I had to settle for second best. There was no way I’d apply to work at the best finance company in Cincinnati. Not while Declan and Charles were in charge.
I might’ve considered applying there, but that was before the thing where I’d slept with Charles had happened. And before Charles had started ignoring me. Or maybe it wasn’t ignoring if I’d just sent one message, which he hadn’t answered.
Regardless, working for Charles and Declan was out of the question. Too many reasons could make that awkward. For one, I wouldn’t know why I got the job. Perhaps it would be because of my capabilities. Perhaps because Declan was sleeping with my father. Or perhaps because I’d slept with one of the board members.
Messy messy.
Why didn’t you think about that before you touched him, Auggie?
It was so not the time to dwell on what Charles and I had done.
“Tell me about your experience at JMM,” Schmidt said without looking up from my résumé. “What kind of clients did you work with, and what would you say is your best success working there?”
The back-and-forth continued for a while, him throwing questions at me and me answering them smoothly and honestly. I had nothing to hide. Except what I did with Charles. I stumbled with my response about what I’d bring to the table at AIM, but I kept going, pushing sharp suits and a clean-shaven face from my mind.
Schmidt’s appearance was sloppy. He had a stain on his shirt, his hair was unkempt, and if he meant to keep a beard, he should think about grooming it. Charles would—nope, not going there.
A one-time fling was all I could afford with Charles. I couldn’t allow him to take up my thoughts like I wanted more from him. After meeting his wife from hell, that wasn’t likely.
“Wow, I haven’t been impressed with a résumé and interview like this in a long time.” We’d been at it for almost forty-five minutes.
The man was thorough about his interviews. I had to give him that.
“Thank you.”
My résumé was only that long because I’d spent my life as a do-gooder. I’d never idled the time away like Oscar had. While he’d been attending school part-time and moaning about keeping a job, I’d opted for full-time tuition while also working full-time. Crazy times, but it had been worth it. By the time I’d received my degree, I already had four solid years of experience.
When classes were out, I took on other part-time jobs, making contacts and getting acquainted with faces I’d later come to interact with. I hadn’t started my job expecting to only gain from it. I’d also brought a contacts with me.
“I have to be frank with you, August.” I tried to hide my wince. Only Charles called me August. My name had especially sounded good on his lips when I was deep inside him.
The front of my pants tightened, and I tugged at the knot of my tie, loosening it just a bit. I’d been the one and only man to sleep with Charles. Maybe that was the reason I couldn’t get that night out of my mind. The Dom in me felt possessive, and only patience and common sense kept me from asserting my claim. From doing something stupid like showing up at his doorstep.
As much as I desired Charles, he was a man free to decide whom he wanted to share his bed with, and from the way he’d ignored my text, one night had been enough for him.
“August?”
I blinked at Schmidt. Shit, I’d missed his question. Thoughts of Charles popped up at the most inconvenient times.
“Sorry, can you repeat the question?”
Schmidt frowned at me, but he asked again, “How soon can you start?”
“I’ll be available as of next week Monday.” I needed the job and should probably jump on it, but Declan and Owen had entrusted me with their dog. I didn’t want to dump the animal on a pet sitter and break my promise.
“Great, that should be enough time for me to have the office secretary clean up for your arrival.”
A knock sounded on the door, and both Schmidt and I turned toward the intrusion.
A tall attractive individual entered the room, rocking a flattering yellow dress and peep-toe shoes. Hair styled in a cute chin-length bob and makeup subtly done. They entered the office almost timidly, clutching a file to their chest, their Adam’s apple bobbing as