Page 55 of Friend Zoned

“You need to eat. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, baby,” I say to him. “Did I tell you how much I miss you?”

Chapter 31

Aiden

“So, I did a thing,” Katherine says. I can see her now, sitting in her office twirling a piece of her hair like she did when we were teens. “I did a little research.”

I stop mid step in the middle of the hotel hallway. My sister can never just fucking leave shit alone.

“She’s clean. It wasn’t a deep dive. Just the standard background check for every employee, but you didn’t tell me her ex-husband works for us too. A midlevel attorney,” she says.

Maybe this call won’t be a total waste. “I want you to find cause to fire him. Don’t do it. At least not yet, but I want leverage,” I tell her. I’d love nothing more than to be the one to show him the door.

“I need to see your face.” She ends the call and FaceTimes me moments later.

“If anyone’s going to show him the door, it’s me.” I realize I have no idea what Camille’s last name is, but when I find out, I’m going to make trouble for her at work too.

“I can and will.”

“Find it. I’m going to can his ass and blackball him. He can sleep in a cardboard box somewhere.”

“Done.” She grins like a Cheshire cat. “Does this mean we have a deal?”

“I’m out. I’m not renewing, and I’ll need to see your contract, but I’m considering it. I need your word on the traveling. I don’t want to do it at all, but no more than three trips per year.”

“I don’t care if you take zero trips per year. That’s what our executive team is for. Listen, we’ll talk later about it. I have to run into a meeting.”

Chapter 32

Jeannie

His white shirt practically comes down to my knees. I make sure to leave the first three buttons undone. I walk out of the closet and go into the adjoining bathroom. My makeup is laid out on the counter, and I freshen my lipstick and powder my nose. I smile at my reflection in the mirror. According to the location tracker, he’s about ten minutes away.

We agreed to share our location last night, right after he asked me to wait for him at home. I should feel strange being here all alone, especially since I’ve only been to his house a handful of times, but I’ve been here for the past few hours. He left my bed early this morning after arriving very late the night before. Because I’m working this weekend, this is my Wednesday off.

Jimmy picked me up a few hours ago and dropped me here since I offered to cook us dinner. It almost feels as if I belong in this huge and fancy townhouse in one of New York City’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Since there was barely anything in his pantry, I got to organize everything I put on the shopping list the way I want. Everything was waiting for me when I got here.

It’s as if his high-end kitchen is mine. I have clothes, including my work uniforms in his closet. He got me my own dresser, which is ridiculous and unnecessary, but so sweet.

When I was first dating Quintin, he had an apartment off campus, and I couldn’t so much as leave a toothbrush there. I don’t think I was ever in his apartment without him, whereas Aiden has already given me the security code to get in. There was no hesitation when he told me I can come over anytime, whether he’s home or not.

I run a hand through my freshly done hair. It’s starting to grow back, and I think I’ll let it. The haircut was an impulse thing a few months ago. It was either that or a tattoo, and since a tattoo is permanent and would likely kill my mother, I opted for the haircut instead.

I check my phone, and he’s five minutes away. I return downstairs and put on my black stilettos along the way to the kitchen. I quickly make the guacamole to go with our dinner, and when I hear the chirping of the alarm and the front door open, I pour our margaritas. I leave them on the island and run to him.

He drops his bags in front of the door and opens his arms. I fly into them and he lifts me off my feet, holding me against his hard body.

“All damn day, all I wanted was you. And those lips,” he says right before he kisses me. “And the tacos. It smells great in here.” He puts me down and takes my hand before walking us to the kitchen. I’ve already set the table, so I grab our drinks and we clink our glasses together. He pulls out a chair for me, but he looks, and I think he finally notices what I’m wearing. He arches an eyebrow.

“My shirt looks good on you,” he says. He reaches for the collar and looks straight down. His nostrils flare, and I think I hear a groan. “You’re wearing nothing underneath this?” He puts his drink on the table and does the same with mine. He pulls me to him. His large hands slide underneath the shirt, and he cups my bare ass. “Oh,” is all he says. He pulls me closer and slowly grinds against me.

His hands leave my ass long enough for him to undo the buttons of my shirt, leaving it open. He takes my hand and puts it on his hard dick. “I need a little dessert before dinner,” he says against my neck. He licks the side and sucks at the base. He’s not gentle, and I know I’ll have a love bite in a few hours, but I don’t care.

I undo his belt, but he pushes my hand away. “I want to try something,” he whispers. “Trust me?” I nod.

He holds my stare while he slowly removes his tie. I hold my breath and wait to see what he does next. He takes both my hands and puts them behind my back. Seconds later, they’re tied.

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