Page 57 of The Hang Up

“Call me Joshua.” I’d introduced myself as Joshua—and then I realized he probably knew me as the CEO of Miller Technologies. “I mean it, Matthew. I retired for a reason.”

“Yes, sir.”

Roan put a hand over Matthew’s mouth. “Excuse my friend. He doesn’t get out much.”

Matthew pulled his hand away. “Asshole.” And then he realized what he’d said and turned bright red.

“We’re getting a drink.” Roan pulled Matthew toward the bar.

Brock laughed and took a sip of his beer. “Are they together?”

“I had an excuse ready to whisk you away.”

He accepted my change of topic with a flirty grin that made me think we might be okay. “I’d love to hear it.”

No one seemed to notice as I led Brock down the hallway and into my room.

“I’m not complaining,” he said, brushing his fingers down my arm. “But this seems risky.”

“I’m a man of action.”

“Then why aren’t you kissing me already?”

“I love it when you’re bossy.” I kissed him, keeping it light and trying to gauge his mood. He seemed happy. A little sad around the eyes. I teased his lips with barely-there kisses, just needing a connection with him, until he growled and took control. That had been a tactical error because Brock was kissing me like the success of this party—hell, every party out there—depended on it. And who was I to deny him? “Sweetheart, you’re killing me,” I said, pulling away before I couldn’t.

“Just a reminder,” he said, patting my chest.

“Of what? How demonic you are? How much you like to torture me?”

“A reminder of what you get after the party if you’re good.”

Brock left first, and I waited, trying to get my body under control. Once I was decent, I stepped into the hall. If I didn’t look at or think about Brock, I’d be fine.

As I turned the corner, I noticed Sean lurking by the door to my study.

“Looking for someone?”

“You,” he said with a nervous laugh. “Got a minute?”

“Sure.” I led him into my office, glad I hadn’t brought Brock there for our make-out session.

I’d feel more comfortable behind the desk, but instead, I sat on the couch. It was big enough for both of us. And probably several more.

He was smiling, so it couldn’t be about Brock. I willed my body to relax. “What’s up?”

“I’m sorry I unloaded all that stuff on you the other night. I don’t want to see Brock get hurt.”

I nodded. Trying to focus on his words and not the guilt churning in my stomach. I didn’t want Brock to get hurt either. “It’s fine. Brock is family.” I shifted on the couch, feeling restless. I was a horrible person. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”

“No.” He smiled ruefully. “I just realized I’m that guy. The idiot who’s so in love he wants everyone to be in love.”

I swallowed again. “Including me?”

“I thought you were seeing someone. And that maybe you’d invite her to the party. Just as friends. But I know everyone here. And Ben said you weren’t interested in Regina…” He trailed off and glanced up at me, the question there in his eyes.

“No.” I was glad to finally be able to put this to rest. “Regina is amazing, but I don’t think of her like that.”

He nodded. “So unless you’re dating a couple of lesbians, I’m thinking your lady didn’t come.”

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