“I know, but he’s coming in to get things ready for me. We just came from Doug and Ilana’s wedding.”
That got a grin out of the older man. “Oh, she’s a sweetheart. Always has a nice word and a smile.”
One of the great mysteries of life was how Ilana was so sweet, kind, and funny while Jude was…well, Jude. Must’ve missed the sign-up for the happy gene when they were being handed out.
“Mason, what’re you doing here?” Jude stood in the entranceway with a coffee in hand.
“I told you I’d be coming. If I’m jumping in right away tomorrow, I need to see what’s on my plate today.”
Jude’s gaze traveled over Mason from top to bottom, and Mason felt devoured as those fathomless dark eyes touched upon every part of his body.
“You changed.”
Mason licked his suddenly dry lips. “Yeah. I didn’t want to come here dressed inappropriately.”
“Follow me.” He brushed past Mason. “How are you, Dennis?”
“Fine, Mr. Staubman. Congratulations on the wedding.”
A rare smile crossed Jude’s face. “Thank you. And here’s your iced coffee. Oat milk and two Splendas.” He set the cup on the ledge.
Mason didn’t know whether to be more shocked by Jude’s gorgeous smile or the fact that he’d brought the security guard a coffee. But from the casual manner between the two men, it didn’t seem like it was a one-time thing.
“Thank you. It’s sure a hot one today.”
“That it is.” Smile gone, Jude glanced over his shoulder. “Coming?” He walked to the elevator banks, leaving Mason to scramble after him. Jude might be kind to the security guard, but Mason remained low on his list.
“You didn’t need to come today,” Jude told him on the way up. “I’m sure with your superior skills, as you’ve said, you’d be able to jump right in.”
Jude’s mocking tone grated on him. “Why? Do I make you uncomfortable because we spent the night together?”
“I’d hardly call me passing out ‘spending the night together.’ Don’t flatter yourself. It wasn’t that memorable.”
Stung by Jude’s coldness, Mason bit back the nasty insult he was ready to hurl and kept his mouth shut. He didn’t need to lose this job before he’d had a chance to start.
The elevator opened into the offices of The Company. Mason couldn’t help a swell of pride that his brother had accomplished so much all on his own. Their parents had offered to help with initial capital, but Doug and Jude refused, choosing to take out loans and hustle their talents. Mason had studied their financials and wasn’t surprised to see they had a net worth of over ten million dollars, predicted to go higher.
“This way.” After punching in a code on the wall panel, Jude strode through the glass front doors, and Mason followed silently. He’d only been here a few times, but he liked the bright colors and prints on the wall of their customers’ products and ad campaigns. It was important to showcase the talent they represented to potential clients coming in.
“Whoever decorated has a good eye.”
Jude stopped in front of one of two offices at the far end and unlocked the door. “Thank you.” He walked inside the large, airy office.
Shocked, Mason stood in the doorway. “You?”
Jude arched a dark brow. “Yes, me.”
Mason took a seat at the conference table. “I’ll admit I’m surprised. I thought you’d have used a decorator. Being a businessman and all…”
Amusement crinkled the corners of Jude’s eyes. “You think I have no talent?”
“Oh, trust me, I know you have talent, but decorating wasn’t high on the list.”
Tension simmered between them, and recalling Jude’s tongue inside him, Mason felt heat sweep through him. His breath hitched as Jude’s hungry gaze roamed over him.
But then as fast as it had risen, the glow of lust faded from Jude, and his eyes grew stony. “I didn’t feel we needed to pay an excessive amount of money for someone to tell me what I already knew. Ilana helped pick out the colors.” He booted up his computer. “I’m going to put you in an office down the hall. Deirdre’s office is the one directly across from mine, but she’ll be in tomorrow to pack her things, so I don’t want you there yet.”
“Understandable.”
