Page 4 of Tryst

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My name has never sounded so good. Her hand slides away as she walks by me.

I can't let her go like this. I pull her back to me. “It can't happen again, but I didn't regret a thing.” I give her one last kiss slowly brushing my tongue against hers. “Good night, Jade.”

I watch her walk away and know she's going to be so much fucking trouble.

Two Months Later

August

“Gary, that did not happen.”I laugh, perched on the table beside the copier.

“I'm telling you, it did.” He smiles, brushing his shaggy sand-colored hair out of his eye. He is really cute when he does that.

He's sweet but not my type. He would have totally been my type before summer break started weeks ago. I wouldn't have hesitated to flirt back and scoop him up like creamy dip on a chip the first time he asked me out. But things have definitely changed now. My tastes have changed. They're more tall dark, handsome, and forbidden, rather than sweet and charming.

“I won't believe it until I see it myself.” I touch his shoulder.

“Come with us on lunch break.” He covers my hand, giving me his signature charming smile.

“Maybe.”

“Mr. Moore.”

The deep rumbling voice of our boss has me jumping off the table and swiftly standing straight as if I've done something wrong, even though I haven't. I turn, and he stares past me, leveling his glare at Gary.

“Mr. Fox.” Gary clears his throat. His smile disappearing as he stands straight.

Mr. Fox‘s voice sounds like cut glass as he speaks to Gary. “I'm assuming you have more constructive ways to spend your time during work hours, or is this the new pickup spot where you come to salivate over your co-workers?”

Embarrassed from the roots of my hair to the tips of my toes, I take a quick glance around to make sure no one is overhearing this. I stare at this man—his ink-black hair and piercing crystal green eyes, with a voice as sharp as a cracking whip. If I didn't know any better, this would be a disquieting situation, but at this moment I'm more outraged on Gary's behalf that our boss is being a total dick for no other reason than he can.

“No sir,“ Gary says, in a firm but somewhat annoyed tone. “I was updating Jade on an issue in the office that has since been cleared up. If you'll excuse me, I'll get the copies I came for and be on my way.”

Gary has more of an edge than I thought. Good for him not being a passive employee, being unfairly reprimanded for no reason at all.

“You do that,” he says dismissively, turning his whip on me as Gary gathers his papers. “Ms. Hollister, once you've gathered yourself, meet me in my office, and be mindful, don't waste my time.”

I give Gary a weak smile as he waves and walks away. Spinning on my heels in a flash of anger, I train my eyes on the infuriating man, Ian Fox. I blow out a breath and try to get a hold of my temper. Three minutes later, taking my time, I’m walking down the hall. I slip through his door and gently close it, then flick the lock. All pretense of an obedient employee is gone. I march around his desk to give him a piece of my mind. He shoots out of his chair, and I stumble back at his surprising speed. He grabs for my arm and steadies me.

“I hope you've thought better of what you were about to say, or do, Ms. Hollister. I might have to bend you over my desk and show you the error of your young ways.” He smiles with his wickedly irresistible smile. The sparkle in his eyes has the potential to melt me down to nothing, to make me give in to his will, but not now.

I stomp my heeled foot, keeping my voice as low as possible. “What the hell is your problem, Ian?”

“In the office, it’s Mr. Fox for you.” He leans in to kiss me, but I turn my head, refusing his affection for the first time.

“I don't want to see him salivating over you again. I don't want to see you giggling and smiling like a blushing schoolgirl and giving him ideas.”

“We were talking. And I wasn't blushing.” I pull my arm from his touch.

“I didn't like it,” he says, voice stern.

“How outrageous, two employees having a conversation and not trying to discredit each other while clawing our way to the top.” My eyebrow rises along with my sarcastic outrage. “What you saw was unforgivable.” I let the last word drip with as much sarcasm as possible.

He smirks, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I saw the woman I'm fucking, flirting with one of my employees.”

“What you saw was your employee, who is also your partner’s daughter, having a conversation, Uncle Ian—”

“Cut theuncleshit, Jade. You know I can't stand that.” He bristles, his teeth clenched.