evidence of this moment.
I shift back on my heels and hit my head on the desk.
Ben’s eyes widen immediately.
“Ouch,” I say, wincing, as he feels the back of my head.
“You okay?”
“Fine,” I say, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.
The concern evaporates, leaving only the satisfaction of what we just did, coupled with a tension reminding me we could do so much more.
“Hope that wasn’t an important call,” I murmur as I rise.
He grabs my wrist and tugs me hard enough I tumble into his lap.
“It was.” His dark eyes are a gorgeous swirl of smug pleasure and anticipation.
My breasts are tingling, and I know I’m soaked.
“Then you better get back on it,” I say.
His eyes flash as I shift out of his lap. “That’s it?”
I scoff, straightening my clothes. “I delivered a grade-A fantasy to your office on demand. This far exceeds the criteria for friendship, or fake dating.”
“Hey friend,” he calls when I get to the door.
I turn back to see him standing, fastening his pants.
“You’re going to pay for this.”
“Sounds like some vague male bullshit.” I smile the smile of a woman who made a king give up his crown.
He grabs his headphones, winding the cord around his hand as he crosses to me and lays a hand on the door behind my head. “I assure you, it’s quite concrete. I’m going to take you apart again and again until you beg me to put you back together.”
The scent of sex and Ben blend together, a heady cocktail that makes me want to rethink my departure, but I hold strong.
“That doesn’t sound like me.”
He claims my mouth in a hard kiss that leaves me breathless.
Ben’s lips curve in a smile that's familiar enough I ache and wicked enough I tremble.
“That’s why I’m going to enjoy it so much.”
20
Since Daisy came to the office last week, we've both been looking for excuses to see one another. At least, in the moments we can find around work and her being home for Lil.
I’ve dreamed up new places to put Jet so I can text her pictures.
I've canceled work lunches, breakfasts, for an excuse to see Daisy.
Those handful of moments across from her at restaurants are nowhere near enough.
All I can think of is being inside her again. Since the Vineyard more than a week ago, it’s all I can think about.
Ben: We’re still on for our adventure this afternoon?
I send the text from the office kitchen at lunch.
Dots appear a moment later.
Daisy: Only if you bring Jet.
Ben: You sound as if you like him more than me.
Daisy: You sound as if you’re jealous of a three-inch toy.
Ben: My masculinity is under zero threat. I have a lot more inches than that to offer.
Someone bumps my shoulder, heading for the coffee maker, and I look up. My eyes narrow.
“Your assistant quit again?”
Holt slams down his mug and hits the dispenser. “No.”
There’s still time. It’s only lunch.
The new tech investment got delayed a week thanks to an emergency, so this morning we finally voted.
He smiles tightly. “You think you won today? It's one investment. Xavier might be infatuated with you, but I can see through it. You’ve been distracted, and I’m sure he wouldn’t approve of you using your office for lunchtime quickies. I’ve seen your girlfriend leaving this office looking worked over.”
My shoulders tighten. “If you’re questioning my commitment, don’t bother.”
He shrugs, reaching for the fridge door. “I’m just saying I could’ve given her something more than five minutes on my desk.”
I slam the refrigerator door shut hard enough, the appliance hits the wall. The anger that rises up is forceful and immediate, taking both of us by surprise. Holt’s face tightens. I’m ready to rip his head off his body, and it’s not even acting.
“Listen to me,” I mutter. “You can have an opinion on our acquisitions and deals. You don’t get an opinion on my girlfriend.”
But Holt’s eyes glint in triumph before I turn and head down the hall, then walk in Tris’s door uninvited.
He points at his phone, which he’s on. I cross to the window.
Finally there’s a disgruntled sigh behind me. “Let me call you back.”
The sound of his chair makes me turn.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, big brother?”
“Holt is fucking with me.”
Tris stares at me as if I’m speaking Mandarin. “This is not new. He’s pissed Xavier didn’t side with him.”
“He’s building a bigger case, trying to make it seem as if I’m not committed to this firm.” I don’t mention