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CAN’T BE BOUGHT

Victoria Vallo

Chapter One

Adam watched Ben throughout the entire meeting, not caring if anyone noticed. The horn-rimmed glasses couldn’t hide Ben’s bright green eyes, and the dark frames actually made him look more handsome. Adam looked at Ben’s neatly combed hair and remembered how wild it had been the last time they saw each other. His heart actually sped up a little as he recalled running his fingers through it in the club three nights earlier.

Ben’s gaze flicked to him once, and the coldness there stung.

Adam shifted in his seat, trying to focus on the people talking, but his gaze kept returning to Ben. When the meeting finally ended, Adam stood up right away and strode to the door. “Ben, I need to see you in my office, please. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

Adam glanced back as he stopped at the door.

Everyone looked at Ben, who sat at the table with his eyes fixed on its wooden surface. When he noticed everyone looking at him, Ben nodded curtly. “Yes, sir.”

Adam nodded, hoping he looked casual even as his hand shook as he reached for the doorknob. He bolted to the executive bathroom and locked himself in. He leaned against the door and looked himself over in the giant mirror. Tugging at his suit, he straightened to eye himself from every angle.

Maybe once I apologize again, he’ll give me a second chance.

The need and hunger had been so beautiful in Ben’s eyes … until Adam had asked him what his name was. Ben’s countenance had filled with dismay, and then with anger. Adam had caressed his thigh and tried to kiss him again, only to be shoved back into the corner of the private booth. Ben had stood and jerked his jacket on before leaning over and saying, “Ben. Which you ought to know since I’ve worked for you for three fucking years!”

Recognition had slowly come to him then as he searched Ben’s face, but it had been too late. He’d reached out, trying to find the right words to make Ben stay, but his hand had been slapped away as the younger man fled the club, pushing people aside as he went.

Adam left the bathroom and made his way down the hall, his gaze fixed on the door of his office at the very end of the hall. Ben hadn’t closed it behind him, so Adam could see him sitting there, only partially obscured. Ben’s thumb tapped out a beat on the arm of the chair. Was he nervous or angry? Adam didn’t want him to be either. He wanted to rush into the office and lock the door before throwing Ben up against the wall and kissing him again.

But that wasn’t an option. Adam didn’t even care that Ben worked for him—he’d deal with any fallout that came. The problem, of course, was that Ben probably wouldn’t kiss him back. He’d likely slap Adam again, in the face this time.

Adam walked into his office and slowly shut the door. Ben didn’t look up as Adam walked around to the other side of his desk. He stood there waiting for Ben to look up, and he cleared his throat at last when Ben refused to acknowledge him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. I wish you’d given me the chance to get a full sentence out before storming off,” Adam said.

Ben lifted his gaze from the floor to the desk. “If you’re going to make a bunch of excuses, don’t bother. It won’t do you any good.” His gaze finally rose to Adam’s face. “And I don’t want to hear it.”

“Can you at least give me a couple of minutes? I’m more than willing to put up with the hostility, if you’ll hear me out.”

Ben gestured for him to proceed after a long hesitation.

Adam opened his mouth but then shut it again. He made his way around the desk and sat in the chair beside Ben. “I’m not making excuses here. You looked very different. Yes, you have worked here for three years, but I didn’t hire you. Steven did. And you’ve only been directly under me for two months. You don’t talk much in the meetings.”

“But we’ve talked before. More than once.”

“Yes, I remember that now. And I’m a little stunned I didn’t know you instantly by those eyes, with or without the glasses.” He swallowed, his throat dry. “They’re stunning. I could hardly focus in the meeting just now. And I thought about you all weekend.” He paused, hoping for some reaction. When none came, he said, “I work with so many people. All I can do is apologize.”

“All right. Apology accepted.” Ben rose. “May I leave now?”

“I want to have dinner with you. Coffee. Something.” Adam rose and took a step closer. “Please.”

“Why?”

“Why? Because I can’t stop thinking about you. Seeing you leaning on the bar. Our eyes meeting. The smile you gave me. The way you looked as you walked over to me.”

Ben sighed. “The way you whisked me to that private booth and ran your hand up my leg right away.” He shook his head. “I don’t go that fast with strangers.”

“Neither do I. Usually.” Adam hesitated. “You saying you wouldn’t have come over like that if I’d been a stranger?”

“No. I’d have waited for you to come to me. Stayed at the bar, at least for a while.”

“That another mark against me?” Adam asked, though he wasn’t sure he wanted to know.