Twenty-One
Scarlett
T he sound of the phone ringing wakes me from my daze, and I can’t help but wonder how long it was ringing before I actually heard it. I set my papers down on top of the filing cabinet, and move back to my desk. I really wish Dad would go for my suggestion to turn everything digital.
“Superior Construction. This is Scarlett, how can I help you?” I answer.
“Hey, Scarlett. This is Adam Burns. I just emailed you a few documents. I just wanted to touch base to make sure that Ray has a chance to look at them,” his energetic voice comes through the phone.
“Hello, Mr. Burns,” I reply, quickly clicking the mouse and finding the email sitting in my inbox. “I see them right here. My dad actually isn’t in the office at the moment, but I’ll make sure he sees them,” I tell him.
“Please, call me Adam. And thank you for handling so much of this. Ray is lucky to have such a helpful assistant,” he adds smoothly and I feel my skin crawl. Last time he was in the office I could feel his eyes all over me. And James had noticed too.
It hadn’t been the first time that some sleazeball had ogled me like that, but for some reason seeing the way it effected James made it feel different. I had pretended like I hadn’t noticed the attention that Adam was giving me, like it was just part of the job. James’s reaction, on the other hand, had turned me on in a way like I had never felt before. I had never experienced a man being jealous as a result of me.
“If Ray could get back to me before the end of the week, that would be great. We’re excited to get started on this project,” his voice reminds me that we’re still on the phone.
“Yes, I’m sure he’ll have time to review them over the next couple days and get back to you,” I answer professionally.
“Thank you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you all again soon. Maybe…,” he clears his throat before continuing. “Maybe we could get a drink the next time I’m in town,” he suggests.
“I’m sure my dad would like that. Just let me know the next time you’ll be in town and I’ll make sure you’re on his calendar,” I offer.
“Actually, I meant you, not Ray,” he clarifies, although I already knew exactly what he was thinking. I was trying to avoid this situation.
“Well, thank you for the offer, but I’m actually involved,” I share, and suddenly my mind starts to spin.
Does James feel the same? Would he want me telling people? I know we both had fun this morning, but I think we need to talk about what we both really want.
“I should have known that a gorgeous girl like you wouldn’t be single,” Adam says with a soft chuckle.
“Okay, well, I’ll make sure that my dad gets these documents and I’ll have him call you,” I ignore his previous comment, wanting to get off this call as quickly as possible.
“Thanks, doll,” he offers and the line goes dead.
Just as I place the phone back on the receiver, the office door opens. My dad steps inside, followed closely by James. He seems to fill the room, and I let my eyes focus on him. His lips curve into a broad grin as our eyes meet, and I practically melt into my seat.
“Take the rest of the day off once your filing is done,” Dad says, moving past me and into his office.
“I can’t. I’ve got a couple invoices to get out,” I answer. “Oh, and Adam Burns sent some stuff he wants you to look over and then call him back,” I add, my eyes still locked on James as he takes two large strides toward my desk.
“Don’t have time for that today. We’re heading out in the next fifteen or twenty minutes,” Dad calls out in reply.
He reemerges from his office, tucking an envelope inside his cut. I’m sure it’s probably cash, but I don’t ask. Most of the time not knowing is the better option.
“Seriously, we might be back late, so finish up here and go hang by the pool,” Dad says, dropping a quick kiss to the top of my head.
“Okay, I will,” I agree to appease him.
“See you later, honey. I’ll, uh… I’ll give you two a minute,” he says, offering a wink and then slapping James on the shoulder before leaving us alone.
Was that really just my father? It’s going to take me a minute to get used to him being okay with this.
“Damn, darlin’. You look beautiful,” James offers, and I feel my skin heat as I stand from my seat and move around the desk to meet him.
“Thank you. Will you let me know when you get back?” I ask.
“I will,” he says, running his thumb softly over my jawline, before dropping his other hand to the hem of my skirt.
“Have you been thinking about me? Because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this all damn day,” his husky words cause me to shiver as his hand slides up my thigh, brushing the damp fabric between my thighs.
“Fuck, sweetheart,” he groans, feeling my obvious excitement.
“Mmhmm,” I hum as his fingers push carefully past the fabric and begin to glide over my slick slit.
His fingers slip easily inside of me and I lift my hands, gripping his biceps to keep myself standing. Just when I’m ready to climb on the desk and beg him to finally fuck me, he pulls his hand away, leaving me wanting.
“It fuckin’ kills me to walk away from you right now, but the boys are out there waiting on my ass, your dad included,” he grins. “And if I take too long, they’ll all know what we’re doing in here. And I don’t want them having that thought in their minds. The image of your body, and you coming is for me and me alone,” his deep voice causes my body to pulse.
“Until later, I guess,” I manage to pant out, feeling completely needy.
He places a soft kiss to my lips before lifting his hand to his mouth. I watch as he once again pulls his fingers into his mouth after touching me.
“Now I’ll have your scent on me all day, and the taste of your sweet honey on my tongue,” he says and my chest feels warm, the heat quickly spreading to my cheeks.
His mouth covers mine again, this time with more force. His tongue pushes past my lips, caressing mine and making me instantly crave him more.
“I’ll find you when we get back, and we’ll finish this,” he whispers in promise against my lips.
“Okay,” I mouth, but no sound comes out. His kiss has consumed me, stealing my voice.
“I’ll see you in a couple hours, darlin’,” he smiles back at me before turning and leaving me alone in the office.
My hands drop to the surface of the desk, holding me steady. How does he manage to affect me in such an extreme way?
I manage to move back around the desk and fall into my seat, letting my head rest back as I take a few deep breaths, calming my still aroused body. Outside, the roar of bikes comes to life and within seconds the sound begins to fade as they ride away.
I refocus my attention back on work, it’s the only way I’ll make it through this. I print the email from Adam Burns, seeing it’s something about contracting and licensing for the planned construction of a new multi-level strip club and casino. So, this is what Dad signed on to help them with. I’m not surprised he was excited. I slide them into a manila folder and step into Dad’s office, leaving them on his desk to review next time he sits down.
After about thirty minutes, I’ve finished up the last of my tasks. The sun is still shining outside and my body still feels the lingering heat from my interaction with James. I’m ready to throw on a bikini and hopefully cool off by the pool.