Chapter 27
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
Aria
I look at my watch. I am not one to usually count down until it's time to clock out, but Theo has plans for us tonight. He hasn't told me what they are, so I have been left in anticipation, and I really want to get home.
There is an executive meeting starting soon, and Mr. Castin just led a large group of men across the floor to the conference room. I keep trying to refocus on the research I am doing for this new client, but every movement around me keeps pulling my attention away.
My phone lights up.
Everything is ready for tonight.
Can’t wait
I put my phone away, trying to refocus on the task at hand.
“Boyfriend texting you again?” Jonathan leans against the side of his desk, facing me.
“Yup.” Great, he wants to chat. The first time he asked about Theo, it was because he was concerned, but I cannot forgive him for talking to the PI.
“You’re still with him?”
“Yup.” Maybe one-word replies would help get the point across.
I don't want to talk to you!
“Surprising. Aria, you can do so much better.”
“Really? How so?” He's not getting the message, so I may need to make it clearer.
“I mean, what does he have that I don't?"
“So your issue isn't that he is older or dangerous, it's just that he is in the way of you dating me?” I ask, knowing what the answer is.
“I—” I cut him off before he could backpedal.
“So let's see, he makes your yearly salary every week. He has a penthouse in one of the most exclusive buildings in the city. His friends all run Fortune 500 companies.”
“So it all has to do with money?” He smirks.
I smile. “Oh, and there is also the fact I don't have to teach him where the clit is.”
Jonathan’s eyes shift from me to someone standing behind me. Fuck. I look over my shoulder to see Mr. Castin leaning against the wall behind me, with his arms crossed.
“Mr. Castin—” HR, here I come.
“Ms. Mason.” He nods in my direction before focusing on Jonathon.
“I would be careful what you say about Mr. Reeves. He will be attending the executive meeting today, and you wouldn't want to piss him off.” I smile at the thought Theo will be in this building. Just the idea of being near him sends lightning through my core.
“I’m not scared of that old man,” Jonathan retorts. He really isn't making himself look good in front of our boss, not like I have much room to talk.
“You really should be. But I personally would be more concerned about pissing off Ms. Mason.” Both their eyes flick to me.
“She seems the type that would sacrifice her own family if it meant protecting those she loves.” Mr. Castin winks at me, and I smile back.
He knows. I don't know how he knows, but he does.
“Now, if you don’t mind, I need to head to a meeting. I look forward to seeing what things you have to discuss in our end-of-day meeting.” Mr. Castin walks against the back wall to the executive meeting.
I swear he had already walked past with all of the board of execs. I must have been mistaken; it's not like he could be in two places at once.