“Maybe not from where you’re sitting.”
“That’s a very good point. I’m in a position of power, and while that’s the way I prefer things normally, you technically work for me, and I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. So at any time, if you’d like me to recuse myself from being your mentor, just say the word, and I’ll have someone else assigned. I’ll tell Ellie it turns out I’m too busy. Understood?”
I nodded.
“Would you like to end this now and have someone else assigned as your mentor?”
I shook my head.
“Good. Then let’s get back to business. We met under very different circumstances, outside of work, and we’re attracted to each other. But for obvious reasons, nothing should come of it. How am I doing? Are you in agreement so far?”
I swallowed. “Yes, I work for you.”
Jagger’s eyes gleamed. “That wasn’t the reason I was referring to. I wouldn’t give two shits if that were the only obstacle.”
“Then…what?”
“We have different needs.”
“What do you need?”
His eyes narrowed. “Do you really want me to answer that?”
I swallowed and nodded.
He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I like to play games and fuck hard, Sutton. You need a man who will be gentle with you and take his time, someone who wants something more from you than your submission.”
Fuck hard. Submission. I felt an ache grow between my legs. I couldn’t remember a time I’d been so turned on, and yet this man was basically telling me I was inexperienced, and nothing was ever going to happen. My body’s reaction was laughable, really.
Jagger studied my face. His jaw clenched tight. “Christ, I need my head examined being near you right now.”
I felt my brows pull. “Right now? Why?”
“Because it’s dangerous when you look at me like that.”
I was genuinely confused. “Like what?”
“Like you might like it my way.”
A knock at the door interrupted our conversation. Jagger sat back in his chair and cleared his throat. “Come in!”
His assistant opened the door. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Your noon appointment is here early. I put him in the conference room.”
“Thank you. Tell Jim I’ll be a few minutes.”
She nodded and pulled the door shut.
“I need to go to that meeting,” Jagger said. “We’re supposed to go to lunch with our mentees today. But perhaps we should postpone until tomorrow, to give you some time to consider whether you’d like me to step back from the mentorship program.” He stood and pulled his jacket from the back of the seat. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your first day.”
My head was spinning as I climbed to my feet. Jagger walked me out. He put his hand on the knob, but didn’t open the door.
“If you decide to have me as your mentor, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t wear that perfume. It’s the same one you wore at the wedding.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. Are you allergic?”
He smiled. “No. I fucking love it.”
***
