But she didn’t, and I need to be conscious of that. I need to remember exactly what I’m doing. Trying to secure a deal.
I turn my attention to my computer just as my phone beeps with a text message. I squeeze my eyes shut, attempting to have some self-control, but I fail miserably as I reach for my phone and open up the text from Lottie.
Lottie: What’s for lunch today?
I lean back in my office chair and text her back.
Huxley: Is that one of your questions?
Lottie: Consider it a freebie. Inquiring minds are curious.
Huxley: Not sure. Probably nothing. Getting a lot of work done.
She doesn’t need to know that what I really want for lunch is her goddamn pussy, and if she were here right now, I’d be feasting on her before she could even take her next breath.
Lottie: How can you not eat lunch? I had a donut an hour ago, a huge breakfast burrito for breakfast, and I’m starving, ready to gnaw my arm off. And you skipped out on dinner.
Huxley: I recall it differently. I had my fill of dinner.
Fuck, I can’t help myself. I can’t stop myself from reminding her of how I make her feel, hell, how she makes me feel.
Satisfied.
Lottie: Question—have you always been this dirty?
Huxley: When you know what you want, you go after it. There’s nothing dirty involved, just the truth.
Lottie: Well, that was a scapegoat answer that worked really well for you. Now ask me a question. Distract me while Kelsey fetches us lunch.
Huxley: Do you feel as though you know me a little better?
Lottie: I do, but I’m not sure I would’ve without these questions. I’m glad you’ve been open to them.
Huxley: Your turn.
Lottie: That’s all you’re going to say on the matter?
Huxley: Yes.
Lottie: Okay, I see that I’m getting the closed-off Huxley today, that’s fine. Hmm, question—when was the last time you had sex, and with who?
Huxley: That’s two questions.
Lottie: It’s a two-parter, linked together. It passes.
Huxley: Why do you want to know?
Lottie: Is that your question?
Huxley: Consider it linked as well.
Lottie: Just interested in what your life was like before I rolled in.
Huxley: Last time I had sex, probably three months ago, with a girl I’ve known for a few years. Occasionally we get together just for the hell of it, no strings attached. Don’t have time for anything else.
Lottie: A booty call. I wouldn’t have expected anything less. But three months seems like a long time. I would’ve thought once a week for you.
Huxley: No time. Plus, I told you, when we’re in contract, I don’t seek out anyone else but you.
Lottie: I don’t know how to respond to that.
Huxley: No need. My last question before I go—are you nervous about the pitch today?
Lottie: Honestly?
Huxley: Always.
Lottie: I am. I’m nervous because we’ve been working hard on this. I know we offer a great service, I know a lot is riding on this, and I know you’re not going to just give us something for the hell of it, you’re going to make us earn it.
Huxley: That’s correct.
Lottie: This means a lot to us. Even the opportunity to pitch means a lot. We’ve been practicing, making sure everything is perfect, and when the time comes, I really hope we can show you how beneficial we’d be for Cane Enterprises.
I already know they’re perfect for the job. I’ve done my research on Kelsey, but I’m going to make them pitch anyway, because I’m not the only one who makes the decisions. Breaker and JP have to be a yes as well. More so, this is good practice for Kelsey and an excellent boost in confidence for Lottie. She needs to find her niche in business, given it’s what she’s studied. I see the potential in her. She needs to prove it to herself more than to me.
Huxley: We look forward to your presentation. We’ll see you then.
I set down my phone and turn back to my computer. I look through my emails, but the letters become all jumbled and mashed together. Nothing makes sense.
My mind is unfocused.
Because even though I don’t want to admit it, the only thing I can think about is this: will I be able to go down on Lottie again and . . . when?
“They should be here any minute, right?” JP asks, adjusting his suit.
“Yes,” I say. I can see one of the elevators climbing toward our floor. That has to be them.
“Do we know if the sister is single?” JP asks. “She’s really hot.”
“No idea, but if we sign a contract with her, it wouldn’t be a good idea to pursue her,” I say.