Page 38 of Forbidden Desire

Plus, my pent-up frustration at work, both sexual and not, has been building up the past few days. After my errands for a made-up quest with Erica ended in a nearly three-hour lunch filled with conversation and genuine smiles across her lips, I can barely stop thinking about her. Even more than before. It’s like we had turned some sort of corner over good Italian food in a little corner booth, but then her walls went back up. It’s like I could visibly see her building them back up frantically as the waiter brought our check.

The past two days, everything had gone back to the way it was. She was back to her cold self, carefully avoiding me, even though we work alongside each other. It’s a wonder how she keeps her distance when we are in the same room or havinga conversation. It’s impressive, but ultimately frustrating. So frustrating.

Now that I know more about her, I want more. I can’t just have a morsel, I need the whole goddamn cake, and I want to lick the plate clean.

“You’re gone again,” says Jacob, bringing me back to reality.

“Sorry,” I mutter.

“It’s not just work that’s got you like this, Marco. Hate to admit it to you, but I’m your best friend and I know you better than you know yourself. Although this whole pining away thing is new for you.”

“I can’t help it,” I say. “We have a history. Erica, the woman who works for me.”

Jacob looks at me, confused.

“I met her over a year ago at a party forThe NY Daily Newswhen I was still scoping them out. I lost track of the owner, but somehow found her and we spent the night talking, which led to dancing, which led to…”

“Fucking,” Jacob finishes with a sly smile.

“And it was mind-blowing,” I say, leaning back in the booth and staring up at the ceiling. The colorful, flashing lights are harshagainst the darkness of the club. I blink a few times before sitting up straight to face Jacob, who sits there with a knowing look.

“I knew something was going on between you two.”

“Nothing is going on,” I say, shaking my head.

“You weren’t the only one castingfuck meglances that night.”

“What are youtalkingabout?” I ask, rolling my eyes.

“I saw the way she looked at you too.”

“She didn’t.”

“You must have missed it then. But you both were pretty obvious to me. So, what’s going on with you two? A little fun in the office?”

“No. None at all,” I groan.

“Yeah right,” says Jacob, shaking his head in disbelief.

“I’m serious. We just had that one night together, and then we didn’t see each other again until a few weeks ago.”

“Well, why don’t you start things up again?”

“I’ve tried, but she’s pissed at me for taking over the paper. I think she hates me most days.”

“Wow. That’s new for you. Women are practically on their knees within five minutes of meeting you.”

“Ha. I wish. I feel like I’m going crazy with her around. I need some sort of release.”

Jacob looks around at the club. It’s filled with young women dancing on the floor or waiting for someone to buy them drinks at the bar.

“Take your pick,” he says, gesturing around the room. “In fact, let me help you.”

“Please don’t,” I say, but it’s too late. He’s already waving over two girls who are nearby at a cocktail table. They whisper something to each other before giggling and making their way over with their drinks.

“Hello,” says the blonde one, looking at me with a smile that is surprisingly suggestive for first meeting someone.

“Hey,” I say, taking a sip of my drink and giving Jacob an annoyed look. But he’s already busy getting to know the blonde’s friend, a lanky raven-haired beauty who has sidled up beside him. I sigh frustratedly and scooch over in the booth to make room for the blonde one.

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