Maybe because she was more of an equal than a subordinate, my specialty. Not that I fucked women from the company. But the passion I’d shared with her had been close enough.
Not that I’d ever worried about rules in the past.
I headed to the locker room, throwing open the metal door with enough force it was driven into the one next to mine.
“You’re in a shitty mood today.” The deep voice held a chuckle, which annoyed me even more.
The trouble with owning a company gym was that I was forced to deal with people I’d prefer having time away from.
Including my best friend.
“Yeah, well, both yesterday and last night weren’t what I thought they would be.” I shoved my wallet, keys, and sunglasses inside. When I slammed the door, the sound echoed. I shot a glance toward Michael while fisting my hand to keep from slamming my palm against the metal. The frustration also confused the hell out of me.
When I was with a woman, the few hours spent were either at her home or when circumstances required, at a hotel. I always paid for the location, leaving in the middle of the night to ensure there wouldn’t be pointed questions when we were forced to spend time together in the morning.
When can we see each other again?
Are you going to call me?
Wasn’t I good enough?
The few times I’d fallen asleep, waking to find a woman beside me, the questions had turned into accusations, the ugly, biting words left for seconds before I walked out.
You’re a motherfucking asshole and terrible in bed.
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath and why? Because I’d broken almost every rule in being with her. Worse, if I was forced to look myself in the mirror and admit the truth, I wouldn’t have minded waking up beside her.
“Jesus. Does that mean you took my advice and took Ms. Blair to Caroline Manor?” Michael’s actions were casual, taking his time to change clothes into gym gear.
“Yeah, I did.”
“And? Don’t leave me waiting with bated breath.”
“I don’t know. I don’t think she was impressed.”
“Maybe it was your presentation.”
I turned and leaned against the locker. “I don’t know, but she’s tough. My guess is she’s not going to be cooperative.”
Michael laughed. “She’s not one of your assistants you can order around like she should ask how high when you say jump.”
“I don’t do that.” An image of Vanessa swaying her hips as she provided me with a sultry peep show continued running in my mind. Just thinking about her made me uncomfortable. The shorts were suddenly too tight and too confining.
I’d left her sleeping, typical behavior for me, but I’d been the one to walk away from my own floating home away from home. That wasn’t anything like my usual behavior. Hell, I’d set out fuckingmuffins and fresh fruit. I scrubbed my jaw, uncertain why I’d gone to the lengths.
“Bullshit. I’ve seen it, Chris. You’re my buddy and all, but you’re a hard ass and not in a good way. You need to remind yourself that you sought out Ms. Blair and not the other way around.”
“Yeah? Well, she needs me. Her bank account is bleeding in red and there wasn’t a single soul in her office when I went there.”
“You were seriously checking up on her.” He grinned as he tugged a shirt over his head.
“That’s what good businessmen do.”
“Uh-huh. Are you certain you’re not interested in her?”
When I snorted, he opened his eyes wider, staring at me in such a way I knew he could easily read right through me. “What? Don’t fucking say it.”
“Hey, I watched her marketing video after you made such a big deal about your meeting. She’s gorgeous. Just your type.”
