Page 18 of Seductive Scoundrel

Sitting in the middle of the seats is a small paper bag with a note attached to it and my name written across the front.

Mia, please accept the ride and this simple breakfast as an apology for missing our “date” last night. I wasn’t sure if you would prefer coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice, so ordered you all three.

I spy three paper cups sitting in a cardboard holder on the floor before opening the bag. Inside there’s a breakfast sandwich, a container of fresh fruit, and honey-infused Greek yogurt loaded with granola.

It beats the breakfast of champions I would have had once I got to work. Not that coffee from a vending machine isn’t awesome.

Okay, maybe Mr. Big Dick isn’t so bad after all.

I enjoy my breakfast while Robert weaves through the city, and my mood evens out. After I polish off the last bite, I dig out my phone.

Mia: Thanks for the ride and breakfast.

Dean: Am I’m forgiven?

Mia: I’m thinking about it, but not yet. Standing a girl up when you have phone sex planned hurts.

Dean: Trust me, it was unavoidable. I would have much rather been on the phone with you, and I was more disappointed than you’ll ever realize.

Mia: Good.

My comment is a little mean, but he needs to know that I’m not a pushover or the kind of woman he’s probably used to dating. Plus, I was genuinely disappointed. The self-imposed dry spell I’ve been going through has started to take a toll. As good as toys are, they don’t replace the feel of a naked, sweaty man pressed against you. Moving inside of you. Craving you and devouring every part of you.

Dean: Did you enjoy your breakfast?

Change of topic. Nice tactic.

Mia: That sandwich was to die for! Where’s it from?

Dean: A little deli by Central Park. I was going to take you for brunch after we get up on Sunday. But we can go to the deli – or order in – if you prefer.

Mia: After we wake up on Sunday? Does that mean you’re sending a driver to pick me up?

Dean: I can, however, I thought you’d stay at my place. I anticipate it’s going to be a very late evening.

Mia: I haven’t forgiven you yet.

Dean: But you will. Have a great day, Mia.

Mia: You, too, Dean.

By the time we reach my building, I’m feeling – happy. All is right in my world again. Actually, it’s better than right.

Mr. Big Dick definitely knows the way to this woman’s heart.

That warm, wonderful sensation coursing through me lasts until GI Jane finds me.

“Ford!” she barks. “I’m meeting with the CEO at 10:30 to talk preliminary numbers. You have an hour to pull everything together.”

My mouth slides open and I’m completely dumbstruck. “An hour? That’s too tight. Maybe if I had some notice…”

“I’m giving you notice, what do you think this conversation is called? Now stop stalling and get to it! I need to review everything before I go in.” She shoots me a look that could wither an entire army, and then stomps off.

“Fuck me,” I mumble under my breath, wishing I knew she was coming here today so I could have stayed home.

* * *

This day has been– hell. After putting out the fire from this morning, Jane lobbed six other unexpected tasks at me. I’ve been so engrossed in trying to stay afloat that hours have ticked by without me so much as moving.

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