Even though we discussed this as my new role in the company, I had my doubts I’d be capable of it. Gage knew as well as I did that my role so far has been a bullshit one. I showed up at work and only occasionally completed something of importance. More times than not I was faking it, yet I didn’t want that anymore. I wanted to put more into this business now since Dad had legitimately handed it over to the two of us.
But there was no way I was letting him know any of this.
Facing him, I decided I’d end this meeting on a more positive note. “How’s Harper?”
His face softened at the mention of her name. My brother was in love.
“She’s great. We’re heading down to that beach town in New Jersey she loves in a couple weeks. I won’t be in the office on that Friday or Monday, you should probably know that. Did Simon tell you? Make sure you’re around to take the reins, OK?” He headed back to his desk. Turning back to me, he had a shit grin on his face.
“What, dude?” I asked.
“So, I might be doing something this weekend…”
Holy…shit.
“Holy shit!” I ran to his side and slapped his back. “No fucking way, man, are you serious?” Then I wrapped him in a bear hug. “This is awesome, Gage. I mean it. I love Harper, and I love her for you.” He hugged me back, harder than I expected.
And it was nice.
Separating, we smiled at each other, a reminder of a long-ago brotherly love rushing back. He knew so little about me now. It was intentional; I liked it better that way for some reason. But this felt good.
“Regarding the job, I’m good and really looking forward to this change. When do I start?” I asked.
Trying to convince myself this was what I wanted was the only way to keep going.
We discussed a few important details before he sent me on my way. Our interaction had me in a better mood than when I’d started my day, which wasn’t the norm when leaving his office.
As I walked into the hall, I was pleasantly surprised to see a striking blonde sitting at her desk in the foyer.
The girl I’ve been trying to forget about but can’t seem to.
I took a moment to appreciate the view as she sat working, engrossed in what she was doing, unaware of my presence. Her hair was in that tight bun she usually wore. She said it kept her looking professional. Today she had on a tight black skirt and a white sweater with a high neck, and I knew it would be clinging to her breasts. While she sat, she never wore her jacket, so I’d get the chance to see the curve of those breasts as I got closer.
“Hey, beautiful,” I said quietly as I approached her desk.
Her bright blue eyes snapped up from her computer and scanned the area for anyone who might have heard me.
“Chase,” she whispered. “I’ve asked you not to do that here.”
Damn, those tits looked better than I expected under that thin white sweater. I sat on the edge of her desk, making it clear I wasn’t going anywhere. A pink glow appeared on her cheeks as she tried to ignore me by staring at her computer screen. But I knew better.
I got her hot and bothered.
“I’m meeting some of the guys at that karaoke bar tonight, you know the one. We went there a few months ago. Wanna come?”
No words. All she did was continue to scan the area with nervous eyes, especially Gage’s door, while trying to make it look like she was working. I reached out and gently took her hand in mine.
“Maryellen,” I said, my voice now a whisper. The skin of her slender hand was like velvet as her fingers lingered in my hold. She lost herself in me for a moment, forgetting where she was. “I miss you.”
Just as quick, she tore her hand from mine as it returned to her keyboard.
Then Gage’s door opened.
I didn’t move. It would have been worse if I had. Instead, I turned to look at my brother with a wide grin. He understood me. He knew this was what I did. Acting this way with Maryellen shouldn’t make it any different.
To him.
But it did to me.
