Page 22 of Seductive Scoundrel

Jeffrey: It’s happening?

Dean: It will.

By the end of the call, I have a commitment from the Swedish team. I won’t have enough time to dedicate to a new company while I’m running Seneca for Dex, but I do have time to bring a few apps to life for some passive income.

My brain isn’t happy unless I have new problems to solve – for a fee.

After three more meetings, Jacqueline interrupts me again, but this time she’s right in front of my desk. “I have sushi. And a stack of calls you need to return.”

She sets the bento box on my desk, and I make a point to avoid looking at her. From a peripheral glimpse, she’s wearing a fitted, nude dress that makes her look naked. I don’t know if she’s trying to get my attention, but it’s not happening.

I flip through the notes and notice that my buddy, Mike Boyd, is still on the list.

“Didn’t you schedule lunch with Mike?”

“I did, but not for a while. You’re too busy for any sooner.”

Mike was the one who hosted the masquerade party where I met Mia, and I’ll know after my test drive tomorrow if I owe him a thank you drink or a punch in the nose.

“Whatever it is can wait.” I decide. “Pick a nice place.”

“I always do. I also canceled everything you had in the calendar with Gwynne as you requested.” Her voice is hesitant like she wants an explanation that I’m not going to give.

“Great.”

I have no problem with silence or waiting people out. I don’t talk for the sake of it, and I don’t give a shit if people are uncomfortable. I enjoy it because they usually blurt out information that’s helpful just to remove the awkwardness.

It’s a full fifteen beats before Jacqueline dares to say what’s on her mind. “Are you bringing someone else to the big charity event?”

I meet her eyes, keeping my gaze away from any parts of her anatomy my cock would find interesting. “Why?”

Her face flushes scarlet, and it’s clear exactly why she’s asking. But she should know by now that I’m not fucking my assistant. “So I can update your calendar.”

“Mia Ford.” I may not have asked her yet, but she’ll say yes. That’s a given.

“Of course. Do you want another coffee?”

“Espresso after lunch.”

“Be back in forty-five.”

“I need to hire an administrative assistant who has a dick,” I say to no one in particular after Jacqueline closes the door.

Being idle is torture for an active guy, and I spend far too much time confined in an office. My calls are conducted while I alternate between pacing and putting on the miniature golf green set up in my office. I should have Jeffrey install a basketball net, too.

When I’m finally starting to pack up for the day, I’m able to check my text messages. It’s a given at this point which ones I’ll read first.

Mia: Wow. You’re spoiling me. You like taking care of women, don’t you?

Dean: I take care of what’s mine. You’re mine right now. You had better not be letting anyone else stick his dick in you.

Mia: Yours until you’re done with me?

Dean: Answer me.

Mia: You didn’t ask a question.

Dean: Mia…

---