Page 66 of The Final Draft

I insisted on taking the subway, but Julian wouldn’t hear of it. When Kat drops me off at the glass high-rise that is home to The Decker Agency, I have my working-woman-in-New-York-City moment. I’m surrounded by men in suits and women in professional dress moving quickly, getting to their next high-powered meeting. The atmosphere feels very corporate and unfamiliar, but I can imagine Julian here, closing multimillion-dollar deals.

When I step off the elevator and enter The Decker Agency, I’m a little taken aback. The office has a low-key vibe, with its open layout and casually dressed employees. Various groups of people are chatting and laughing with each other. A quiet hum of conversation fills the air. An enormous wall is covered with large screens TVs, each displaying a different sporting event. A far cry from the corporate feel downstairs.

I’m greeted warmly by the sweet receptionist. “Miss Cartwright, I was told to expect you. Mr. Decker’s meeting is running long, but let me call Violet, and she’ll escort you to his office, where you can wait for him.”

“Oh, I don’t want to be a bother. I can wait here.” As I glance at the large waiting room filled with comfortable seating, I’m approached by a tall, distinguished looking man dressed in dark jeans and a sweater. He’s casual, but professional. He looks more like a finance bro at the club than a sports agent. Although admittedly, I’ve only seen Julian out of work, and I’ve never been to Lawson’s agency, so maybe they’re all this way.

“You must be the mystery woman who has charmed our Julian into a permanent goofy smile.” I shake my head and scoff at his assessment. “I’ve got her, Brit,” he says to the receptionist. He turns his attention back to me. “I’m Patrick McCoy, Julian’s business partner.” He extends his hand, and I take it.

“Harper Cartwright. It’s nice to meet you. Julian’s told me about you.” Julian respects Patrick and has the highest regards for him. He says Patrick is the brains behind the business, but he doesn’t give himself enough credit.

“And yet he’s told me so little about you.” He scans me from head to toe. I’m wearing a pencil skirt, heels, and a conservative blouse. My hair is pulled up into a high pony for a polished and professional look. I wasn’t sure what to expect in his office, and I didn’t want to embarrass him in front of his colleagues. After scanning the room, I’ve clearly overdressed.

“Come on, you can wait in his office.” Patrick holds his arm out, showing me the way. Patrick introduces me to Violet, and they leave me in the office to wait.

His office is inviting, personal, and totally Julian. It feels like an extension of his apartment. Relaxed, livable.

His simple, modern desk is off to the side of the room, giving me the impression he doesn’t do much work there. It’s uncluttered. The only thing on it is his closed laptop next to a large monitor. There’s a sitting area with a red sofa and a few leather chairs set around a large coffee table. I bet this is his primary working area because Julian is about people, connection, not computers and emails.

He has several bookshelves filled with pictures, sports memorabilia, and one case full of lewd snow globes that have piqued my curiosity. I can’t wait to ask him about those. Chance Fuller’s blue and gold college jersey is framed and hung prominently next to Julian’s diplomas from Michigan and Wharton. It’s not surprising that Chance’s non-NHL jersey carries more value to Julian. I recall the way he talked about his best friend saving him and giving him the idea of becoming an agent. His sentimentality is touching.

I drop my tote bag with my laptop and notebooks in a chair and continue my perusal of his office. He has a collector’s wet dream of signed baseballs, hockey sticks, and footballs. Most include personal notes to Julian. Similarly, the pictures are candid and personal. This isn’t a trophy case; it’s his life, his people. It makes him more endearing in my eyes.

Julian walks in, makes a beeline for me, and greets me with a casual but workplace appropriate kiss. I can’t stop my giggles.

“I missed you,” he whispers. How is that possible when it’s been less than twenty-four hours? He left last night around ten o’clock, and it’s not even lunchtime. He looks around the office and seems disappointed. “I thought you might bring Noodle.”

“Zac’s home and keeps grumbling about me stealing his dog. Said something about you getting him a Noodle-inclusive contract. You might win him over yet.” I playfully push him away.

There’s a light knock on the door and Violet nervously interrupts. “Mr. Decker, I’ve ordered your lunch. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, thank you, Violet. I’ll let you know when we’re ready to eat. Thank you.” She nods and closes the door behind her.

“Hiding your secret?” I tease.

“You.” Kiss. “Are not.” Kiss. “A secret.” Kiss. “I want to announce us to the world when you’re ready. But I’m okay with a soft launch at the wedding this weekend.” He kisses me before I can respond. It’s hot, needy, and turning me on. His hand slides under my skirt and up my thigh. While this is not what I planned, Julian is more the spontaneous type, and who am I to argue? I’m glad Violet closed the door, but the back wall is floor to ceiling glass.

“You look like a hot-as-fuck librarian. Like the day I saw you at NYU.” He trails kisses down my neck. “Is that what you had in mind? Remind me of the first time I wanted to make you mine? Fuck Harper, you’re driving me crazy right now.”

“Well, not exactly,” I hedge.

He pulls back and looks at me. His ocean blue eyes swirl with lust, and I’m encouraged to act out a fantasy I’ve had since I saw the first office sex scene inScandal. “Why don’t you go sit at your desk, and I’ll show you what I was thinking.”

His smirk goes to his eyes, and he looks intrigued. He obeys and sits in his office chair, spins toward me, and gives me thenow whatlook. I’ve never done anything like this, but his grin gives me the confidence to proceed. He must be able to read my mind because he leans back further and puts his hands behind his head.

I saunter over and stop in front of him and go down on my knees. His eyes light up with anticipation as I reach for his belt and unbuckle it. I work the button on his pants, and he gets hard before my eyes. I pull his pants and briefs down to his knees, and he’s where I want him. I’ve never felt so powerful and desired in my life.

“Babe, you don’t have to,” he starts, but I shut him up by licking him, taking him in my mouth, tightening my lips around the head of his cock. He’s girthy and long, and while I worry about taking him all in, I relax into the moment. I grip him at the base and get to work with my mouth. His hooded eyes are locked on me, his hands gripping the arms of his chair. I moan, and he must like that because he’s reciting a poem of praise for me.

“This image will be a forever memory, babe. My god, you’re an angel with a demon mouth. You’re so fucking amazing. You’re mine, Harper. Gorgeous. Fuck babe, you’ve got me. I’m yours whether or not you want me. Your mouth is sinful and beautiful. Those red lips will kill me, but I’m gonna die happy.” Julian is always chatty and talks during sex, telling me what feels good, asking what I like. But this? It’s pure praise.

I up my game, taking as much as I can without gagging and hollow out my cheeks. He must really like that as his hand caresses my face with so much affection, I might die right here. Making him feel good is my only desire. Maybe I have a secret praise kink? Or maybe it’s all Julian.

“Babe, I’m about to come down your throat if you don’t stop,” he warns, and I go harder, signaling that’s exactly what I want.The thrill of doing this to him spurs me on. I’m loving this feeling of empowerment. Adoration.

He comes hard. I can see the intensity in his eyes, but he restrains himself from shouting. We’re in his office, after all. I’m so damn proud of myself, and this fantasy was everything I wanted. When I stand and lick my lips, his eyes go wild, and I realize I may have made a mistake. Oh no. I can’t stop my panic because I think I’ve unlocked another level of Julian’s crazy.

CHAPTER

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