Page 5 of My Office Rival

“I’m in control of this, not you,” he said roughly. The words wound me tighter. Why was that so hot?

He set a punishing pace after that, driving into me, deep and rhythmic and just right on the edge of what I could handle. He controlled my body with punishing hands and rough thrusts, and I loved it. I was moaning, crying out, begging to come, but each time I got right to that precipice, he stilled.How does he even know when I’m close?Most men couldn’t be bothered with anything except their own pleasure, but this man, he was absurdly in tune with my body.

“Please, Jason. Please. I’m so close.”

“Is that an order?” His tone was dark.

“Yes,” I cried. “Now.”

He shuddered and complied, stroking into me and circling my clit with one finger. Again. Again. I cried out and came, the sweet sharp edge of my orgasm rushing through me until I was limp. Only then did I feel him drive into me one final time and then let out a shout, coming hard, his helpless thrusts bucking against me.

4

JASON

Incredible. She was incredible. Had I played with her the way I wanted? No. Was she fantastic? Yes.And she has so much potential. What I wouldn’t give for a second night…The thought seared me. I never permitted a second night, didn’t let myself want one. But now…fuck. She was under my skin.I reclined back against the pillows, breathing heavily. I glanced over at Cynthia, who was sprawled out like a goddess. Her red curls spilled over the sides of the pillow and tumbled over her shoulders.

“Your hair is beautiful.” It slipped out before I realized what I was saying.

She cracked an eye. “It’s a pain in the ass, but thank you. I’m quite vain about it. There’s a whole method for taking care of curly hair. You could try it. I bet you’d have some great curls if you didn’t gel the shit out of it all the time.”

I ran my fingers through the thick blond strands. “You noticed that?”

“You present a pretty starched exterior on Zoom. I assumed it was intentional.” She said it without judgment, but I still grimaced. That was my reputation around the office. I’d been naturally reticent whenI started, still scared of making a mistake. It had stuck, especially with how guarded I was. People assumed I was a snob, or just an asshole. Convenient for me, since it kept them from asking questions about my past.

“It is, and it isn’t. I guess there are sides of me I don’t show at work. Like this one,” I said carefully.

She snorted a laugh, those red curls shaking slightly. Her brown eyes danced with amusement. “Yeah, no shit. I didn’t think you were showing up to work saying, ‘I like it rough’ to your managing partner.”

I grinned back at her. “No way.”

We fell silent, and it should have been awkward, but it was comfortable. Not that I knew much about post-coital bliss. Women didn’t usually stay over. Most sex for me was relatively transactional.What if I pull her against me?It had been years since I’d cuddled with anyone. The dip of her waist called to me and my hand flexed.She’d be so smooth right there.But she didn’t seem like the type to appreciate casual affection.

“So, what do you do for fun, Jason Elliott?” She turned toward me, pillowing her head on her hand.

“Well, I read a lot.”Wow, I sound cool.“I watch a lot of documentaries. Boring, I know.” I flushed slightly. “I do theNew York Timescrossword every day, but I can only complete Monday through Friday with any regularity. I’m just not cultured enough for the weekend crossword. I go to Central Park a lot and just wander around. I like to try new recipes and new restaurants. There’s a new Italian place on 53rdstreet with fantastic lasagna.” I stopped. I was rambling. “Ah, sorry. You didn’t need my whole life story.”

“No, no. It’s interesting.” She quirked an eyebrow at me. “It’s rare to meet someone in our industry who has so many hobbies. If you asked me, I would say travel, especially at the drop of a hat, seeing live music, walking around my neighborhood, and trying new cocktail bars.” She wrinkled her nose. “Although, with the way this last deal went, I haven’t had much time for any of that. The stress is starting to get to me this year, which is unusual. At a certain pointyou develop thick skin, but…maybe I’m just tired.” She sounded resigned.

“I know the feeling,” I said and propped my head on my hand. Her eyes dropped to my biceps and her nostrils flared slightly. I couldn’t help but flex. She thought I looked amazing and I wanted to show off for her, just a little.

“So, will I be facing you on a deal anytime soon?” she asked, idly playing with a curl.It had felt so good wrapped around my hand.

“Uh, I’m not sure.” Desire made my head foggy. “Would that be weird?”

“Maybe.” Her cheeks were a little pink. I nodded my agreement. It would be awkward negotiating against her, pretending I didn’t know what she looked like naked.

“Anyway, a one-night stand is a one-night stand. I can manage if I see you on a deal.” She sounded so casual and my heart tripped.She’s right.What was I hoping for? A second night? I didn’t give that to strangers, much less a damn colleague. This was dumb as it was. I couldn’t carry on with someone I saw across the conference table.

She stretched languidly. Her breasts pushed up, and I swallowed hard.Damn, she was hot.I’d never realized how sexy she was under her suits.Yeah, it would be weird being her opposing counsel again.I probably wouldn’t see her for a while, though. We faced each other only about once a year.This was it.Why did that feel so shitty?

“You’re right.” I scrubbed a hand over my face.

“Say that again. I want to record it.” She winked, and I grinned. “I’ll save it for the next time you torture me in a negotiation.” Her lips pursed in annoyance.

“That bad?”

“Would it kill you to send me typos privately?” She groused.

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