Page 55 of The Assignment: Room 3

Flex: That’s cute. You see me as Superman. Make no mistake. He wouldn’t know how to satisfy you, pet.

Me: And you do?

Flex: You tell me. I kept count of how many times you came on my face the other night.

Even though we’re not in the same room, I feel my cheeks flush.

Me: I seem to remember making you hoarse shouting my name, Master.

Flex: I’m happy to admit that you rock my world, pet.

Me: You’re pretty good yourself.

Flex: Are you free for lunch today?

Me: You want to have lunch with me? At the club?

Flex: If you want. I was thinking a restaurant, but if you want to be my meal, I’m on board.

Is he asking me out on a date? I’m staring at my phone like an idiot when Dalton appears at my desk. “Morning, Celest. Do you have the Lincoln file we spoke about the other day? I’m really intrigued. Sounds like a great find. Keep it up, and we’ll talk promotion.”

I attempt to school my face to a professional neutral, but I can’t temper my smile. “Of course. I finished it up last night. There is a full takeover strategy, keeping your preferred terms.” Dalton isalways generous when buying small, family-run businesses. It’s one of the things I admire most about him.

“Awesome. Have Audrey set up a lunch meeting for us next week.”

“Yes, Mr. Callaghan.”

“Please, call me Dalton. I think we can class ourselves as colleaguesandfriends at this point.”

“Thank you, Dalton.”

“Don’t keep Flex waiting. He gets pissy when you don’t get back to him immediately. He thinks the world starts and ends with him.” I glance at my phone, a new text from Flex lighting up my screen.

“Is it okay that he and I are friends?”

Dalton looks puzzled. “That is none of my business. Who you see in your free time is up to you.”

“I know, but he’s your best friend, and I’m your employee.”

“If I say ‘no,’ would you stop talking to him?”

I think about it for a moment, and the gut-punch hits me. I don’t think I could. Flex has gotten under my skin, not because of the sex—although that is tremendous—but because we have become true friends. I look forward to talking to him at night once Gracie is in bed.

“That’s what I thought. Just be careful, Celest. He’s not as hard as he makes out to be. Don’t hurt him.”

I’m stunned. Speechless. Does Dalton believe there’s something more between Flex and me?Is there more between us?

When Dalton leaves, I check my phone.

Flex: Don’t rush to say yes. Tell a guy you just want him for his cock, without telling him you want him for his cock.

Me: Sorry, I was talking to Dalton. Some of us work for a living. ;0)

Flex: I’m working on getting myself a lunch date right now.

Me: And I’m your backup if she cancels?

Flex: I only have eyes for you.

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