Page 52 of The Fix Up

“Yes.” Holly pressed her lips together and tried to keep her thoughts professional instead of letting them stray to the other ways Ben could take charge. “I’ve been working with him on it, but honestly, I think just being in a position of power is bringing it out in him.”

“That’s probably not the only position that’s bringing out his inner alpha male.” Miriam grinned. “Who knew hooking up with your client was exactly what you needed to bring out his inner beast?”

“Right,” Holly said, grabbing another chip. “So whatever’s been happening between us is just a technique to take his career to the next level. There’s nothing more to it.”

“You keep telling yourself that.”

“Come on, Miriam.” Holly sighed. “My job is to further this guy’s career. I’m being paid well to do that right now, but there’s sure as hell no future in a relationship with that dynamic. Been there, done that,divorcedthat. End of story.”

“I don’t think that’s it, hon. Maybe there could be more if you wanted it.”

“I don’t want it,” Holly insisted, pretty sure that was true. “I should probably stop falling into bed with the guy, though.”

“Technically, you haven’t fallen into bed with anyone. There’s been a living room floor, a conference room floor?—”

“I can’t believe I keep falling onto the floor for this guy.”

Miriam sipped her wine, considering. “That doesn’t have the same ring to it.”

Holly buried her head in her hands, knowing she should probably feel guiltier than she did. She’d get to the guilt in a minute, but right now she couldn’t stop thinking about the feel of him in her mouth, the way he gripped her hair and groaned her name as he came.

“I have to stop this,” she said. “With Chase and the bank breathing down my neck, it’s completely stupid for me to go risking the most lucrative client I have right now.”

“Are you sure Ben’s not becoming more than a client?”

“What do you mean?”

“I see the look in your eye. You’re smitten with the guy.”

“I can’t be.”

“Whatever you say.” Miriam gave her a knowing look, then picked up her wineglass and drained the last of it before glancing at her watch. “Look, sweetie, I have to get home and feed Phuzeei. Not that my cat is more important than your needs right now, but?—”

“No, it’s fine. I’ve been whining to you long enough.”

“It’s not whining. It’s never whining when there are orgasms involved.” Miriam stood up and Holly followed suit. “You’ll be fine, hon. Besides, he’s obviously happy with your professional services. Blowjobs aside, he likes what you’re doing for him.”

“I’m glad his presentation went well.”

“And the rest of this rebrand will go well, too. As for the loan—” Miriam trailed off, looking a bit less confident. “Well, if worse comes to worst, we can run the business out of a cardboard box and brand the whole concept as the hot new minimalist trend.”

“Ugh. I’m going to be fretting about it all weekend, you know. Like what if the money doesn’t come through for some reason?”

“Try not to think about it. There’s nothing else you can do right now anyway, and worrying will just make you sick.” Miriam strode toward the door, Prada handbag looped over one arm as Holly followed behind her. “Are you in for the night?”

“I think so. I’m exhausted from all the stress about money. I’m just going to put on some pajamas and crawl into bed.”

Miriam grinned. “Put on the cashmere ones he bought you. Besides being luxurious, they’re probably dripping with his pheromones.”

“There’s a nice mental picture.”

“Good night.” Miriam bent down and gave her a hug. “Have a good weekend.”

Holly hugged back, then closed the door behind Miriam, not feeling a whole lot better than she had when her friend had stopped by an hour ago after the event. Then again, she didn’t feel worse.

She glanced at her phone, wondering if she’d hear from him again. After he’d texted to let her know the presentation had gone well, she’d texted back a brief message congratulating him. She hadn’t heard from him since.

Holly trudged to the bedroom to put on her pajamas. Okay, fine—she put on the ones she’d gotten from Ben. Was that so wrong? They were comfortable, and they were new.

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