Page 31 of Selfish Suit (Steamy Latte Reads Collection #1)

THE INTERN

IVY

Missed call. Dominic Sutton.

Missed call. Dominic Sutton.

Dominic (Don’t Answer. It’ll never Work)

You didn’t have to lie to me about leaving…

I deserve an explanation.

Who’s being “selfish” now?

I ’m still mentally counting the minutes since I walked out of Sutton Headquarters, still trying to make myself believe that I made the right decision.

Outside of sex and a passion for marketing, Dominic and I have nothing in common. Our worlds are far too different to ever coexist, and the only place where I’m willing to believe in fairytales and fantasies is in a promotional campaign.

Sighing, I pull on my blazer and walk around my new living room in search of my subway pass.

This place is a simple brownstone walk-up, far across town from the amenity-laden places Tracey showed me. Far away from anything that remotely resembles the world of Sutton.

I make sure I have my files and rush out the door to my new job: Front Edge Group—a mid-sized marketing firm that has upfront views of the Hudson River.

Another huge (and necessary) change…

I step into the conference room for onboarding and smile politely at the two other new hires beside me.

The Human Resources manager walks us through policies, perks, company culture.

Nothing exciting. Nothing scandalous. Just... ordinary.

Exactly what I need.

“Our owner will stop in shortly to introduce himself,” she says. “He’ll take over the second half of your orientation.”

I take a long sip of coffee and focus on the ferry boat cruising by our window.

Minutes later, the door opens behind us and heavy footsteps fill the room.

I glance up with a smile?—

And my stomach drops.

Dominic?

He stares at me for a few seconds before extending his hand to the other new hires. When he shakes my hand, every nerve in my body comes to life, and his fingers linger against my skin a little longer than necessary.

“I don’t typically come to my boutique firm this early in the season, but…” His eyes meet mine. “I received an email with your names and thought I’d make an exception.”

The other two women blush and hang on his every word as he gives a shortened version of his bio, and then he thanks us for our time and hands us his business card.

I never knew he had business cards, but as the card touches my hand, I can’t help but notice the tagline in grey italics:

“The most selfLESS CEO in Manhattan.”

I hold back a laugh.

“It was nice meeting you ladies,” he says. “If you ever need anything, or want to consider working at the main headquarters, let me know.”

“Thank you.” I push up my chair and follow them to the door.

“Miss Locke.” His voice pins me to the spot. “Stay behind, please.”

“I have work to do.”

“I doubt it. You just started here…”

I turn around to face him, hating how my heart instantly reacts. How it can’t determine the difference between lust and true emotions.

“I didn’t know you owned this company,” I say.

“It’s only a partial stake,” he shrugs. “Just enough to matter.”

“Well, it’s nice seeing you again, but?—”

“So, you’re trying to control shit that’s out of your hands?” A slow smile crosses his face. “I need you to come with me for brunch.”

“Now?”

“Just for one hour.”

“And if I say no?”

“We can talk right here.”

“There’s nothing to discuss...” I look over my shoulder and keep my voice low. “I’m not sleeping with you again.”

“You miss having sex with me that much?”

Yes . “No.”

“I miss sex with you,” he says, looking me up and down. “Terribly.”

“There are thousands of other women who would happily give you that opportunity.”

“I’m only interested in one,” he says. “And if she says one more sarcastic thing, I’ll be pushing her against that wall until she finally gives in to brunch.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“I thought so.”

He gestures for me to walk with him outside, leading me next door inside the restaurant where I first picked up his Uber Eats order.

This time I’m seeing it like a patron.

All white-clothed tables and elegant candle centerpieces.

The server ushers us into a private booth near the back; I order a wine. He orders a whiskey.

“I would like you to come back and work for me,” he says. “Without any assistant duties.”

“I doubt that would work…”

“You don’t have to work on the same floor,” he says. “But our marketing team could use you, and I’d raise your salary again.”

“Mr. Sutton?—”

“Dominic.” He corrects me. “We’re not going backwards. Just think about that offer for a few nights and get back to me.”

“Okay.” I nod. “I will.”

We stare at each other in silence until the server returns with menus.

Neither of us opens them.

“It should be illegal for them to charge what they do for pasta,” I say. “It’s just noodles and dressing.”

“Prepared by a world-class chef.” He smiles, sipping his drink. “It makes a difference…”

“I’m back with Nolan now,” I say. “We’re on good terms again.”

“Let’s discuss a potential relationship between us,” he says. “I would like to explore that.”

“Did you not hear what I just said about being with Nolan again?”

“I did, but since we both know you’re too smart to ever go back to him, I’m not taking the bait... I’ve never had an exclusive girlfriend, but I’d like you to be mine if you’ll give me the chance.”

I study him. My fingers curl around the wine glass.

This man—who wrecked my plans, upended my routine, and made me feel everything I told myself I didn’t want—looks like he means it.

“You really think this can work?”

“I think we can work better than you think.”

I lean in, slowly. “And what exactly do you think we are, Dominic?”

He doesn't blink. “Not temporary.”

I swallow. “I need more than just late nights and sex in locked offices.”

“I know,” he says. “You need someone who listens. Someone who doesn’t make you feel disposable. Someone who lets you have your own voice—and doesn’t punish you for using it.”

“You’ll still be demanding,” I say. “Still bossy. Still act like the world spins just for you.”

“You’ll still drive me insane and argue with me for no reason.”

I cross my arms. “So what makes you think I won’t be tempted to walk away again?”

He leans forward. “Because I won’t let you forget what it feels like to stay.”

I say nothing.

That one hits deeper than I want it to.

He doesn’t push. He just waits.

I tap the edge of my wine glass. “If this implodes, and you make a fool out of me?—”

“I won’t.”

“But if you do…”

He reaches for my hand. “Can you please just give me a fucking chance? I really like you—I liked you from day one, and I miss you… I would also prefer if you held off on arguing with me for a few hours so we can pick up where we should’ve left off before you left my boardroom.”

“I don’t know,” I say, giving in, “Not sure if I want everyone knowing that I’m dating the most selfish man in Manhattan.”

“I’ve never been the slightest bit selfish with you—especially in the bedroom,” he says, standing and squeezing my hand. “And I’m about to regret you calling me that again.”

“I haven’t said yes to giving you a chance yet.”

“It’s okay.” He pulls me against him and presses a long kiss against my lips. “I know exactly how to get it out of you…”

—The End?—