Page 17 of Boss with Benefits

Both Brady and Deacon looked at the big screen to see what the fuss was all about. One of the teams had scored a touchdown. Brady still wasn’t sure who was playing or if he’d care if he knew.

He leaned over the table and spoke to his friend just loud enough for Deacon to hear. “I really messed up this time.”

“How so?”

“I have a secret. Big secret.”

“Uh-oh.” Deacon looked over the top of his beer mug. “Sounds bad. What did you do?”

“It’s more of awho-did-I-do thing.”

Deacon snorted. “Who was it this time?”

Brady winced. “I slept with Jess. My business partner.”

There was a long, awkward silence followed by…

“W-what?” Deacon squeaked. “Are you saying you gave in and had sex with the goddess you work with? What happened to not mixing business with pleasure, buddy?”

“Just a two-week thing. No strings.”

Deacon shrugged. “So what if you slept with your partner? What’s the big deal? Is she married?”

“No.”

“Boyfriend?”

“No,” Brady said. “She doesn’t have anyone.”

Deacon threw his hands up. “Then what is the problem? She’s beautiful, right?”

Brady’s jaw tightened. “Her stupid ex trying to take her kid… and that’s not the worst part. She has to live like a freaking nun until it’s over. Meaning I can’t touch her.”

“Is this one of your rescue things? You do like a damsel in distress.”

“That’s not what this is about.”

“But she needs your help, right?” Deacon asked.

“We were having a good time.” Brady threw his hands up and made a face. “We were having a great time. Now it’s over. Like that.”

He tried to snap his fingers, but couldn’t for some reason.

“So?” Deacon shrugged. “You would have dumped her sooner or later anyway.”

“Custody cases can take months.”

Deacon advised him. “You can always find someone to keep you company in the meantime. She isn’t the only woman in the world.”

Brady compressed his lips to keep the truth inside. He didn’t want to be with any other woman. At least not at the moment. Other women had temporarily lost their appeal. What had Jessica done to him?

“I don’t know what to do,” Brady repeated.

“If this babe means so much to you, help her get custody,” Deacon said.

“She doesn’t deserve this, man. Devoted mom. She won’t have sex with me ‘til her ex g-goes away.”

“If you help her keep him, she’ll be grateful.” Deacon winked. “Maybereallygrateful.”