Beckett “What a kickass day,” I say before taking another swig of my vodka on the rocks. “I’ll drink to that,” Rhys says before gulping down his vintage bourbon. “We’ll have to get Valerie and my executive assistant to work together to find an expensive gift to thank Easton.” “What do you get a billionaire and future prince?” “I don’t know. A new castle?” We laugh. “Whatever it takes, we’ll go the distance,” Rhys says. “Arianne is worth it. She’s exactly what we need.” In more ways than one. It was a long day for our prim new consultant. After dinner at Le Specialità, Arianne declared she was exhausted. As much as I would’ve loved to hang out with her more and get to know the woman behind the genius, I had to let her go. After putting her in a chauffeured car, Rhys and I made our way by foot to one of our favorite hangouts—the Quintus Hotel. We k ept it low key tonight. We ditched the gentlemen’s lounge in favor of the bar for late-night drinks. “She blew me away by how fast she picked up on everything,” I say. “Same here. I was even more shocked when she agreed with Easton about the potential valuation of our company,” Rhys says. “I thought he was pulling your leg. Six to seven billion?” “I still can’t believe it myself.” I shake my head. “After today, I can see how we can reach—if not surpass—that, thanks to Arianne’s expertise,” Rhys says. “I agree.” “We threw a lot at her, but she didn’t seem fazed at all.” “She’s something else,” I say. We bombarded her with a tsunami of information. In our defense, she was insatiable. The more we threw at her, the more her eyes lit up with excitement. That’s the kind of enthusiasm we were hoping for. “There’s one thing, though,” Rhys says. “What’s that?” “Shame on Easton for misleading us.” My eyebrows hit my forehead. “In what way?” “Didn’t you say Arianne describes herself as a nerd and finance geek?” “That’s what Easton told me.” “Hmph.” I expect Rhys to elaborate, but he moves his attention to his bourbon. “What am I missing?” “Nerds didn’t look like Arianne when I was in high school. If they did, I would’ve joined the chess club, reading club, and campus Mensa group.” I laugh, shaking my head. “You had me going there.” “My jaw dropped when I walked into the conference room and saw her.” This is the first time we’ve had a chance to talk since this morning. “Mine too,” I say, “I’m sure I did a piss poor job at hiding my shock.” “Your expression was priceless.” Rhys chuckles. “This may sound gauche, but I’ve never met such a striking combination of brains and beauty before,” I say. “Some might argue it’s a reflection of the type of women I tend to go for... I guess it is.”
“You’re not going after her, right?” Well, I was planning on it. “Did you hear me say that?” “I just want to confirm. You couldn’t shut up about the woman in the elevator after your first encounter. Had it not been for the fact you were on the east coast, I bet you would’ve gone back to that building every single day at the same time in the hopes of bumping into her again—” “Like I have nothing else to do,” I say. I’m unwilling to admit how many times it’s crossed my mind. “Knowing you, I bet your cock couldn’t wait to say Welcome aboard when you st epped into the conference room and recognized your sweetsmelling, short-lived roomie.” “What do you take me for?” “The manwhore you are, Christensen,” he says. “Your threshold for resisting beautiful women is fairly low—like nonexistent.” “It isn’t a crime to appreciate beauty.” “Regardless of how gorgeous Arianne is, she isn’t your type.” “Why do you say that?” “She doesn’t come across like the kind of woman who would fall all over herself just because you’re a pretty boy, and she isn’t impressed by your rock-star status. That’s rare.” He’s right on both counts. It’s easy-peasy to get a woman to drop her panties in a heartbeat. “She’s never watched the entertainment show you co-judge.” Yeah, the show opened the door to a whole new generation of hot, young women. “Not only are you two complete opposites—” “Like you’re two peas in a pod.” He ignores me. “Arianne seems to be one of the rare gems who’s immune to mighty Bad Boy Christensen.” Fucker. “I’ll take it one st ep further, I’m not even sure she likes you.” I came to the same conclusion within ten minutes of meeting her. “I have no problems charming a woman,” I say. “You don’t get it, do you? Your fucks are easy lays, too eager to spread them wide—” “Hey, I take offense to that.” He flashes me a Are you fucking kidding me look before continuing. “Beckett, it’s going to take a lot more than a little cocksureness, pearly white teeth, and baby blue eyes to get a woman like Arianne on her knees.” He had to go there. Every time she st epped out of the conference room to go to the bathroom, my eyes couldn’t help but caress the roundness of her ass. My cock stiffened each and every time. I had to suppress a moan to avoid Rhys’s suspicious gaze. I won’t lie, I prayed she’d ke ep drinking liquids. The struggle between wanting to bite said fine ass and bend her over my knee to leave my imprint for daring to taunt me like that was real. It was a brutal mental battle, but in the end, I had to suppress the urge... and ignore my hard-on. Damn her. When Rhys wasn’t paying attention, I tested the conference room table for sturdiness. Twelve days without pussy is a bitch. Once we’d parted ways after the power outage, I resigned myself she’d remain a mystery I was destined to elevate to a full-blown fantasy. Now, she’s a temptation within reach... one I can’t have. “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, Hartford.” “Do you think I’m blind? You were hanging on her every word.” “What she had to say was insightful.” “You were laying it on thick, as if your life d epended on it.” “I’m always charming.” “You were lathering her with charm.” “Like you weren’t trying hard.” “I was concerned your intense focus would scare the poor woman away.”
“Oh, give it a break.” I roll my eyes. “I’ll concede, she’s incredibly attractive, she has a banging body— despite the conservative suit—and her brain is damn sexy, but at least I can control myself, unlike you.” “I can control myself.” He gives a small smile. He’s unconvinced. “Make sure you remember she’s untouchable,” he says. “I don’t need a lecture, Dad.” “Glad to hear we’re on the same wavelength, son.” I should let it go, but I can’t. “For the record, my interest in Arianne is strictly professional.” I can’t believe I managed to say that with a straight face. “Never mind she’s on contract and doesn’t fall under the non-fraternization clause—” Shit. I curse my mouth. Rhys’s smile is dangerous. “You’ve been obsessing about her all day long.” “I haven’t.” That lie was propelled like a projectile. He shoots me an incredulous side gaze. A few short minutes pass as we focus on our drinks. “Thanks for reminding me of the terms of our office romance policy,” Rhys says, breaking the silence. My head whips in his direction. “I’d love to take her out for drinks when you’re not around. Three’s a crowd.” “Don’t you think that would be unprofessional?” “I’m a gentleman, Christensen. I was talking about taking the time to get to know her. That’s how connections are made.” “Connections?” “Yeah, a word you can’t spell.” “I planned on taking the time to get to know her as well.” Not that I’d know where to start. He laughs. He fucking laughs. “You know what they say, once a playboy, always a playboy.” He mocks. I’m a once and done kind of guy, and I make no qualms about it. You have one chance to impress me. If you blow my mind, I’ll grant you a second ride. Don’t expect a third. I don’t do birthdays or Sundays at your parents’. Connections are for people who are looking for commitment—another word I can’t spell. “Here’s a word you can spell, hiatus.” Rhys grins. “You don’t pose a threat since for the next eighteen days, you agreed to be a good boy and ke ep your cock zipped up.” “Fuck off.” “I’m reminding you of our bet,” he says. I narrow my gaze. “You set me up, Hartford.” “You’re the one who said your interest in Arianne is strictly professional. Mine isn’t. She’s fucking delicious. The somewhat conservative three-piece suit is alluring... a refreshing tease. It makes you want to peel it off to discover what’s hidden underneath...” And I have. Many times today in my mind. “Can you imagine loosening that tight bun and running your fingers through her silky hair?” Yes. “In my experience, the toughest nuts to crack... are the wildest.” My past conquests have been easy. Too easy. Rhys’s vivid description is like audio-porn. I’m as revved up as I was earlier in Arianne’s presence. Damn him. “You can’t go after her.” My argument is weak. I know it. He knows it. “I can and I will.” He stands up and pats me on the shoulder. “It’s a winwin, Christensen. You get the hot bike, and I get the hot girl.”
If I don’t see red.