“Well, it won’t be what I resort to first, that’s for sure. Especially if I want to take the job they offered.” She pumps her eyebrows back at me.
“What?” Tired of standing, I grab Avery’s hand and guide us to the couch. She sits right next to me and tucks in her knees carefully, still holding her mug full of coffee.
“That feels so good to say out loud. Technically, I’m not supposed to say anything, but it’s been eating away at me. That’s what Mason and I were arguing about.”
“They don’t want to offer Mason a job?”
She scrunches her lips. “SEO specialists aren’t exactly hard to come by. Their offer is for me and me alone—only if I can convince the board of directors to keep the company intact. Mason made up some story about how the CMO was a misogynist pig, but I think he suspected they were interested in bringing me on board, which is why he tried to keep a buffer between us. I might’ve gone behind his back and reached out anyway, which is why he’s so furious at me.”
“Fuck him,” I mumble. “How’s the offer?”
“Phenomenal. A seven-figure salary, perks, great benefits.”
“So, is that a promotion?”
She must hear the skepticism in my tone. “Yes. Why?
“Well, aren’t you your own boss right now?”
“Ah,” she exhales. “Indeed, I am. But most of my job is laying out a plan, providing instruction, and then moving on, letting the company execute my vision. Mason does more of the website and traffic maintenance, so he gets to create longer-term relationships with clients. I’ve always been a little jealous of that. For once, I think it’d be pretty great to have one dedicated project and see it through. To stick around to help the company shift and pivot when things get tricky again.”
I smile as I tuck my hands behind my head. When I can postpone no longer, I ask her the main question on my mind. “Where is the job?”
“There’d be some travel, but it’s wherever I want. They’ll even pay for relocation if I request it.”
Legacy Resorts and I seem to have the same agenda. Step one, offer Avery everything she deserves. Step two, take her away from her piece of shit ex. I squeeze her knee, unable to play it cool. This is just too perfect for it not to be meant to be.
“So it’s a done deal. Work your charm, save the company, secure the job, and hey, if you’re looking for a fresh start, I think Las Vegas looks really good on you.”
Her smile is half-baked at best and for a while, she doesn’t say a word. Her eyes turn down as a heaviness falls over the room. Our bodies are touching, but I can feel the distance she just put between us.
“It’s not that simple.”
“Mason?” I ask.
She nods solemnly. “If the roles were reversed and he abandoned me and the business, it’d be unforgivable. I don’t want to be in a relationship with him, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still…” She trails off, raising her shoulders and then dropping them.
“Still what?”
“Respect what we built together. There was a point in time when we only had each other. When one of us doubted, the other believed. We both logged twelve-hour days, no weekends for years, trying to build something out of nothing. The funny thing is it’s harder to let go of our business relationship than our actual relationship.” Avery exhales sharply and I watch her entire body tense. “Look, I already know what you’re going to say.”
“What am I going to say?”
Her tone grows mocking. “He’s an ass. Here’s your chance for revenge. He doesn’t deserve you. If he were in your shoes, he’d—”
I hold up my hand to stop her. “I was going to say, I think it’s very impressive how loyal and considerate you are.” I tap the tip of her nose affectionately. “Whatever decision you make is the right one. And if you hate it, it’s never too late to make a change.” She seems startled by my response, so I ask, “What?”
“Nothing,” she mutters, yet her lips barely move and her words come out as more of a whisper as her eyes widen. “Nothing at all.”
“What?” I ask again. “Tell me.”
“I’m just really used to my friends—well, friend—telling me what decision to make. It’s refreshing to hear you say you think I’ll make the right choice.”
“Well, I do. Truly.” Her eyes lock on mine and her lips part slightly. The urge to slide my tongue between them almost overcomes me. I stand up, leaving her.
“Where are you going?” She holds out her hand, but I’m a few inches out of reach.
“If I sit here with you a moment longer, I’m going to fuck you silly, and I need to keep it together until Friday.”
She pats the couch with both hands and pouts like a child. “I already agreed to the photo shoot.”
I smirk at her. “I realize, but I don’t know if you’re actually going to follow through.”
She narrows her eyes, her seafoam green pupils turning to slits. “So you don’t trust me.”
“Oh, I trust that you’re a lot smarter than me, and I only have one bargaining chip. I’m holding onto it.” I wink at her before running my finger over my chin. “And another lesson for you, Queen. Say no every now and then. Just because you can. Make him wait. Make him work for it. It’ll make a man fucking feral for you.”
Her clipped smile turns into a grin. I turn toward the bedroom but whip back around when I see Avery biting her lower lip in my peripherals.
“Something on your mind, Avery?” I ask in a teasing tone.
“What’s the kinkiest thing you’ve ever done?”
Three women at once. “Nothing crazy.”
“I’m serious.”
“I’m not as experienced as you’re probably thinking,” I say with a grimace. I’m probably far more experienced.
“You’ve still had way more sex than me.” She blinks at me, the look on her face not exactly cautious, definitely not innocent…it’s…
What is that? Curiosity? “Go ahead and ask me for whatever it is you want to try. I’m pretty confident I’m going to say yes.”
“I had this dream last night and you were…” She trails off and gently holds her hands to her throat. I let out a controlled breath, begging my cock to stay under control because I can’t hide an erection in my thin briefs. “Did you use to do that with your ex?”
“Yes. But what did I tell you about compar—”
“Did she like it? Did you?” Avery interrupts, her curiosity at its peak.
Deep inhale. Long exhale. “Yes, and yes.”
“In my dream, it was really intense…in a good way.” She clears her throat, trying to fake a bravado. “I want to know how it actually feels. Do you know how to do that without hurting me?”
I nod slowly. “Definitely.”
“Okay, then, if you’re okay with it, I’d like to try that…among some other stuff.” Now her eyes hit the floor, like her brave request exhausted her and she wants to crawl back into her cave of shame.