Page 39 of Resisting the Temptation
“Of course. I’ll probably bring Jordan. What about you?”
Who the fuck is Jordan?
“Black tie events aren’t my thing.”
“You’d look delectable in a tux.” She sighs then straightens. “Sorry. That was supposed to be an inside thought.”
I keep my face neutral, even though I’m practically puffing my chest. At least now I know she’s notentirelyunaffected by me.
“My dad will probably talk me into going to show a united front. I hate it though. The schmoozing is the worst part of this job.” I don’t know why I keep talking. I don’t need to tell her this. She doesn’t need to know anything more than what I like in a scene.
“I never would have guessed,” she deadpans.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re not exactly ‘Mr. Personable.’ Most of the sales guys are scared of you; that’s why they usually only ask for Alex, Drew, or me. Same with the crews. You have a really good work ethic, have innovative ideas, and you’re great at planning, but you don’t take the time to get to know people.”
“I’m here to do a job, not—”
“Be friends. I know. But what’s the worst thing that could happen if you showed you were human and not a robot?”
I don’t know why I find it hard to connect with people. My parents are both extremely friendly, it’s what makes my dad a good businessman. My siblings have no problem charming people. They thrive off of attention and interacting with people, but I’m the opposite. Anhour into a company party and I want to crawl out of my skin. Ten minutes with a salesman and I start getting irritated because I have work to do, I can’t be chatting the day away. If I need their services, I’ll give them a call.
I prefer to focus on the job. Maybe because I saw how hard my dad worked to build this company with my Nono, and I don’t want it to fail. Schmoozing may be an important part of the job, but the work part is what keeps the business afloat. If everyone only focused on connections, then the work wouldn’t get done.
Instead of answering her seriously, I break my rules and give her a suggestive smile. “You know plenty well hownotroboticI am, honey.”
Emma’s jaw literally drops open, and she sputters, “You—you broke your own rule! We’re at work!”
I shrug. “I’m the one who made the rule, I can break it without punishment. Besides, we’re in the truck, which doesn’t count.”
She scoffs but remains quiet, her cheeks flushing as her thighs squeeze together.
Fantastic, now I’m thinking about pulling the truck over and making her ride me right here in the driver’s seat.
Saturday can’t come soon enough.
Chapter 19
Emma
I’m running late, and Ben’s not going to be happy when I finally make it to the club.
I hope he spanks me as my punishment.
God, I’m so mad at him though. Howdarehe break his own rule by talking about our arrangement at work? I was so shocked I couldn’t think of a single witty thing to say back.
The rest of the day he acted like nothing ever happened, reverting to his grumpy self. I don’t understand why he’s so sweet and talkative with me at the club but barely says a word at work.
I guess it’s the same reason I’m bubbly and talkative at work but submit to him. Two sides of our personalities. I want to see more of the club side of him. I want to know why he’s so grumpy all the time.
That’s girlfriend territory, Emma. Stop it.
When I finally get to the club, I rush to our room and unlock the door with my card.
Ben is sitting in the armchair, and his head whips up towards me when I step inside.
He looks extra mad. His shoulders are tight and his jaw clenched. He stands abruptly and crosses his arms over his broad chest, showcasing the muscles I don’t get to drool over daily.
