Page 14 of Losing Forever
That is not the point. It's his first day on the job and he's already taking a break—with our receptionist!
“Is he bringing something back for us?” Not that I’m hungry.
“Maybe.” Noah shrugs. “If you want something, text him.”
A moment later, my phone dings. I grab it from the top of the desk. Noah texted me Grayson’s contact information.
I picture Caitlyn hanging on his muscular arm, batting her lashes up at his beautiful face. She would date him—sleep with him—without worry, I’m sure.
My skin prickles with annoyance and I shiver, wanting to rid myself of these ugly feelings. I shouldn’t care about what Grayson does. For so long, I haven’t cared about anything, haven’t allowed myself to. So why now and why with him?
Because I had a slight crush on him all those years ago? Because even at fourteen he had abs and the smirk of a heartbreaker. I shouldn’t have thought about him at all after the way he treated me, but I couldn’t control my dreams and for months after our encounter, he starred in them. Only the events in the pool went differently. All the guys left us alone, and he apologized for being mean to me and then kissed me. It was epic and stupid, and so long ago.
I’d forgotten about those dreams and wouldn’t have remembered them if he hadn’t come back into my life. But now he’s here, and I’m feeling things I don’t like. I need to push past this and focus on what’s important—doing well, moving on, and not disappointing my aunt and uncle.
“Is Calvin coming in today?” I ask Noah.
Calvin is the construction manager. He monitors the job sites and makes sure the work is getting done. He’s also rarely here, but he has his own office. And now Grayson does, too. I don’t need an office to myself, but I don’t see why Grayson gets his own if he’s not going to be here, either.
“He’s overseeing two other projects.” Noah flips through a spiral notebook filled with information about construction permits.
The thing is huge. I'm glad it's not part of my job description. “Can I use his office?”
“Sure. I need to make a few calls, so that would help. I always feel like I’m distracting you.” He glances up at me. “Did you decide on the flooring and prices for the house we chose to flip?”
“Yes, but I didn’t order the supplies because it goes on sale today. I’ll do it now.”
I get my laptop and set up in Calvin’s office. It's directly across from Grayson’s, but Calvin's desk faces the wall, with a partition blocking the reception area.
When Grayson returns with Caitlyn, I won't even notice. He can flirt with her all he wants. I'll be too busy working in my private space to pay attention.
Problem solved.
6
Grayson
Caitlyn and I grab our order from the counter. A dozen donuts and four coffees to go. I hold open the door and follow her onto the sidewalk as we head back to the office.
“It's sweet of you to buy this for all of us on your first day.” Caitlyn's brown eyes beam up at me.
She's hot. Blonde hair, tan skin, nice tits, a curvy ass. She’s petite for my height, but I’m sure we can figure it out. Her slight Southern accent is sexy as hell, too. She grew up in Georgia but moved to Clearwater during high school.
I flash her my famous panty-melting grin. Girls love it. Back in college, after a game, there were always groupies—jersey chasers—waiting outside the field house for us, hoping to get an invite back to our place. Noah and I had a house off campus with two other athletes. We were known for our parties and inviting a few lucky ladies to escort us home before the crowd rolled in.
I put my arm around Caitlyn’s shoulder. “We should make this a weekly thing. Donut Thursday. What do you think?”
She reminds me of the jersey chasers back on campus. Easy to charm and eager to please, which has me wondering if Noah’s slept with her. The Noah I shared a house with would have. I need to ask him. If he has, I’m out. I have a strict no-sloppy-seconds policy. Anything more causes complications. I learn from my mistakes.
Caitlyn curls into my side and rests her hand on my abs. “I think if I eat donuts every Thursday, it'll go straight to my thighs.”
“I can think of a few ways to burn those extra calories.” I wink.
Her cheeks turn bright red, but she doesn't duck her head. Instead, she holds my gaze. “I'm sure you could. How are you at personal training?”
Damn, she makes this too easy.It's almost not fun. Almost. “I'm an expert at all physical activities.”
Her blush deepens, and this time she tucks her chin and smiles. “You're teasing me. Guys like you don't date girls like me.” She nudges my body with hers as we walk.
