Page 9

CHAPTER NINE

I woke up in a sweat again for what felt like the hundredth time this week. My legs were tangled in my white sheets, making my bed look like I actually experienced the sex I couldn’t stop dreaming about.

I groaned as I covered my flushed face with my hands. It was bad enough that I had to deal with being around Cameron during the day at the office. Ever since that day in my office, it had been incredibly awkward between us. I couldn’t bear to stand too close to him. Even sitting together in the back of the company car made me feel flustered, because I’d guiltily remember all the things we’d done together.

Now, I couldn’t even find peace in my sleep. I’d just dreamed that we were in this very bed. He was stretched over me, strong and muscly, and he’d been fucking me so good .

My heart fluttered at the thought, the sensation trailing down into the depths of my stomach and between my thighs. I shook my head at myself and sat up. Stop it. What’s wrong with you?

Why was I so desperate to feel his touch in the first place? Sure, he was hot as hell, but there were plenty of good-looking guys in the world.

Maybe I just needed to get laid.

I had basically zero social life. I worked a lot and barely took vacations. It was only natural that I’d ache for the man who I spent most of my time with.

All I had to do was burn off my pent-up desire with someone else.

So, what were my other options? I needed someone who would be down for some fooling around. Someone who was good looking enough, but definitely not someone who I’d catch feelings for.

Russell’s face floated in my mind, and I sighed. Sure, he was good-looking, but his personality was not my favorite.

Then again, I supposed I wouldn’t have to hear him talk much if we were having sex.

Eventually, I managed to fall back asleep. Once I woke up, I called Russell before I could lose my nerve.

“Hello?” Russell answered, some noise in the background.

“Hey, Russell. It’s Alison,” I said, my voice more energetic than I felt. “How are you? ”

“Ah, hello, Alison,” Russell replied, his tone humming with interest. After I spoke to him at the auction, I was surprised that he was even entertaining me. “I’m good, just at the gym. I always get a workout done in the morning. It does wonders for my productivity for the rest of the day.”

“That’s wonderful,” I said. “What are you doing tonight?”

“Why do you ask?” He sounded sly. “Do you have something in mind?”

I took a deep breath. I was going to look desperate, but it didn’t matter, not when I had to fix my sexual frustration. “Would you like to meet up for drinks later? Say, seven o’clock?”

“Well, well,” he said, a smile in his voice.

I was glad I couldn’t see his smug expression. “Yes or no?” I said.

“Count me in. Let’s meet at Vine and Nectar,” Russell told me.

Of course. One of the fanciest bars in the city. There was no harm in trying something new, though, right? I could stand to enjoy an overpriced drink in a beautiful, bright venue if it took my mind off my troubles.

“Perfect,” I said. “See you there.”

I hung up and dropped my phone back onto my bed, hoping that I made the right choice.

For the rest of the day, I worked in my home office, exercised in my building’s gym, and tried to keep myself busy until it was time to get ready. After I showered, I opened up my drawer where I kept my panties, bras, and other pieces of lingerie, my eyes skimming over my options. I wanted to dress to impress tonight. I picked out a black, lace set with a thong. It would do nicely, especially paired with the black bodycon dress I had in mind.

I got dressed and did a few turns in front of my full length mirror, smiling a little at the deep V-neckline that was covered just enough to entice Russell to want to see more. The bottom of my dress stopped a little past mid-thigh, certain to have his eyes roaming.

Sure, I was wrapping myself up and presenting myself like a present, but this was what I wanted. This was what I needed to stop my steamy dreams.

Maybe I was sort of using Russell, which made me feel a flicker of guilt, but even if I was honest about using him to get another guy off my mind, he would probably still be game to fuck me. I had seen the way he looked at me.

When I arrived at Vine and Nectar, I found it looked exactly like it had sounded: expensive wooden furniture and golden hanging lights. Round tables and booths of people filled most of the space, but the bar was circular and huge. Jazzy, sophisticated music floated in the slightly warm air as I walked toward the bar.

I spotted Russell and took the seat beside him. “Hey,” I said, flashing him a small smile .

His eyes swept over me. “Wow. Look at you.”

I felt a stir of confidence inside of me, prompting my smile to bolden. Tonight could be fun if I allowed it to be. “Thank you. You look nice too.”

He wore a light tan suit with a silk, olive green pocket square, and his hair was neat and slicked back from his face. The smell of his aftershave was nice too.

This could work, I told myself.

Russell grinned and flagged down the bartender. “Old fashioned for me. Manhattan for her.”

I wasn’t the biggest Manhattan fan, and it bothered me that he ordered me, but I’d let it go for now. I was here for one thing only.

“Thanks for meeting me here on such short notice,” I told him as I angled my body more toward him and crossed my legs.

“Of course. I couldn’t say no.”

“Why’s that?” I asked, tilting my head.

Russell gestured to me. “You don’t say no to a woman who looks like you.”

“Something tells me you don’t get told no a lot either.”

Russell chuckled and shrugged. He nodded to the bartender when he set our drinks down in front of us. After taking a sip of his whiskey, Russell turned back to me, his hand brushing the back of my arm. “I have a lot to offer a woman.”

“Like?” I asked before sipping on my Manhattan, forcing myself not to grimace at the taste of whiskey.

“I can buy them whatever they want. Get them connections with whoever they want,” Russell replied with a satisfied smirk. “I’ve helped out quite a few people. I could help you out too.”

I thought he was going to talk about what he could offer physically , not what he could offer in the realm of business or money.

If I really gave it some thought about what he would be like in bed, it probably wouldn’t be too different from how he acted outside of the bedroom: selfish. And not selfish in a hot, assertive manner like Cameron when he ordered me down on my knees to please him. The type of selfish where he would focus on getting himself off before even thinking about trying to please me.

I took a deep breath. I’d got dressed up and came all the way out here. I was going to give him a chance. Who knew? Maybe he’d surprise me.

“I’m not looking for that type of help,” I assured him as I rested my hand on my bare knee, drawing his eyes to the few inches of exposed thigh that my dress didn’t cover.

“I could help you scale your business more. People let pride get to their heads. They refuse to ask for help and seek counsel. Don’t be naive like them.”

I took another sip to cover up my irritation. I was trying to throw hints left and right, but he was so blinded by his reputation and his money .

Wait. Was I just like him? When people looked at me, did they see a woman who also only cared about business, success, and cash? The thought stunned me into silence for a moment.

Eventually, I found my voice. “I’d rather not talk about business,” I said, forcing a light smile onto my face.

Russell raised an eyebrow at me. “Too stressful?”

“No. I just don’t like to mix business and pleasure.”

He gave me a sly smile.

“Besides, it’s important to have a life outside of work,” I continued, which was laughable. I was the least qualified person to say that.

He nodded. “I agree. I often golf with my buddies or go out to restaurants.” He started talking about all the exclusive places he’d dined at.

I nodded as I listened to him, waiting for him to ask me a question, but he never did. After his review of every restaurant in the city, he spoke about his luxury watch collection and then the sports car he wanted to buy.

As minutes turned into an hour, I lost my patience. I’d forgotten how self-absorbed he was. This was a terrible idea. Why had I chosen him?

I finished up my drink, not even feeling a buzz.

“Want another drink?” Russell asked as I set down my empty glass.

I shook my head. “I’m done for the night.”

Russell checked the time on his watch. “The night is still young.” He shot me a suggestive look. “Come home with me.”

The opportunity that I prepared for was right in front of me. All I had to do was accept and let him whisk me away to his penthouse or wherever he stayed. He’d probably give me an hour long tour, pointing out all the expensive furniture, before leading me to his bedroom.

Did I really want to listen to him talk even more just to get laid?

The answer was clear: no.

“I’m sorry, Russell,” I said, feeling guilty since I’d totally wasted his time. “I need to head home.”

His face screwed up. “What do you mean? You dress up for me like this and flirt with me, but you don’t want to come home with me. Are you playing some sort of game?”

“I’m more tired than I thought I’d be. I had a big day.”

We both knew it was a lie.

Russell scoffed and tossed some money on the bar. “Goodnight, Alison,” he said, and walked out without sparing me a second glance.

I watched him leave feeling genuinely guilty — I hated having my time wasted too — but also relieved. I must’ve temporarily lost my mind to think having anything to do with Russell would be a good idea.

Once I stepped out of the bar, I looked up and down the street as the dark night sky loomed overhead, pleased to see that the sidewalks were well-lit. A walk to clear my head wasn’t a bad idea.

I started down the street, passing by closed shops and busy restaurants and bars. I ventured west, the buildings becoming older. That’s when I noticed the street sign on the corner. Clermont Street.

This was Cameron’s street.

I hadn’t ever been to his place before, but I recognized the street name from his employee file. Unable to help my curiosity, I wandered on, checking the specific addresses of the apartment buildings before heading to the left where a four-story building was wedged between a laundromat and a sandwich shop. This was it. This was his building.

I lingered outside, staring at the intercom box next to the front door. What was he doing right now? Watching TV? Reading a book? Cooking?

Or maybe he wasn’t even in. Maybe he was out at a bar, flirting with a beautiful woman.

Before I could stop myself, I hit the call button on the intercom.