Page 84 of The Merger

I glance at my security guard. “Hey, Gray. Shut the fuck up.”

He chuckles as we step onto the private landing. “Dominic cleared the rooms a few minutes ago, boss. You’re good to go.”

“Thanks.”

I scan my key card and enter my home away from home for the next few days.

The room is bright, thanks to the open curtains at the far end of the space. A small kitchenette is to my left and, as I pass through the living area, doors to the two bedrooms on either side of me. I stop at the windows and take in the view.Not bad. A large pool surrounded by palm trees ripples in the Phoenix sunlight, and beyond that is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

I yank off my tie and remove my jacket, tossing them over the back of a chair. My shirt has felt too tight since I boarded the plane this morning. My mind has been too chaotic, too.

“You knew this was going to happen, dipshit,” I mutter, slipping off my shoes. “This is why you had rules. This is why you didn’t screw with Carys Johnson.”

It’s only been twelve hours since I last saw her, and I’m dying to see her again.

I’m fucked. I’m so fucking fucked.

I slide my phone from my pocket, my finger poised to call her.

“No,” I say. “Don’t call her. Get yourself together, man.”

My growl fills the room.

Of all weeks, this is the one I had to fly across the country. This is the only time Jacobson could meet to discuss expanding Brewer Group into new markets worldwide. The only week of the last decade that I had a reason—a desire—to get up that didn’t involve work.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to try to make you happy.”

Her words from the other day live rent-free in my head. I can’t shake them. I know she meant it sexually, but even then—no one has ever tried to make me happy. Not without stipulations. Not without getting more from me than they’re willing to give.

I’m not quite sure how to process this and I know how to process everything.

Everything but her.

I’ve wanted to call her since the moment she pulled away in that ridiculous little car this morning, beeping the horn as she drove out of sight. There’s something about her voice that makes the list of shit I have to do feel lighter. The day seems less pissy. My life less lonely.

Even though she’s not mine and I’ll never have the chance to make that happen—I know that and accept it—that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy her while it lasts.

“Fuck it,” I say, opening my text app instead of my call log.If that isn’t getting to be the theme of my life lately.

Me: Are you walking okay today?

Her response is immediate, putting a smile on my face.

Carys: Nope. I’m officially hobbling. Courtney asked me what was wrong, and I wasn’t prepared. So I told her I went horseback riding last night.

I laugh, shaking my head.

Me: Well, that’s not too far from the truth since you climbed on my cock without a rubber just before the alarm went off this morning.

Waking up to a naked Carys riding my cock—her tits bouncing while she whispered moans in the soft morning light—will forever be one of my favorite memories.

I unfasten my pants and adjust myself.

Carys: I heard no complaints.

Me: I have no complaints. You’re welcome to do that as often as you like.

Carys: I wish I could do it right now.