What would it really feel like?
I turn away and take a deep, calming breath as Blake crosses the room to Dom and shakes his hand.
“We’re just wrapping up here.”
“No problem. I’m a little early. I’m meeting my sisters for lunch in a few hours, so I thought I’d see if you could squeeze me in.”
“Absolutely.”
“We’re done here,” I hear myself say, as I power the iPad down and stand, preparing myself for Dom’s usual flirtatious come-ons and charming smile. I can stay professional.
I will stay professional.
I smile at both of the handsome men, but instead of offering me a cocky smile, Dom simply nods at me and turns to leave the room.
“I’ll meet you in your office,” he says to Blake, who turns a questioning look to me. I just shrug.
“Who knows? But I need my bag from your office.” I march with my head held high into Blake’s office and retrieve my handbag, shove my iPad inside and turn to Dominic. “The wines you chose are perfect. Thank you.”
He nods. “My pleasure.”
I don’t know what else to say, so I fumble through with, “Enjoy your sisters. Thanks again, Blake.”
Before I can turn to leave, Blake pulls me into his arms and gives me a big hug, rocking me back and forth.
“I’ll call you later. Take something for the headache.”
I pull away and again Dom is watching me with hot blue eyes. He rubs his hands over his mouth and looks like he wants to say something, but he doesn’t.
And I can’t figure out why I want him to. It’s good that he’s not asking me out or flirting with me.
I’d just turn him down like I always do.
“I will.” I nod and walk out of Blake’s office and wonder what in the hell that was all about.
Chapter Two
~Dominic~
Alecia sends me one last long look and then walks out of Blake’s office, head held high and hair pulled up in a smooth twist at the back of her head, if a bit unruly today. She’s wearing a pink suit that fits her like a glove, molded to her amazing figure, and the sexiest heels I’ve ever seen. The confusion in her brown eyes sends an unexpected pain through my chest, but I quickly dismiss it.
I can understand that for the sake of professionalism she’s turned down my advances over the past year, but she never once mentioned that she was in a relationship.
Had I known, I would have backed off long ago. I don’t poach on another man’s territory.
Ever.
Certainly not on a man that I consider my friend and a respected colleague.
“So, like Alecia said, the wines were a hit with your brother and Meg,” Blake says, as he sits behind his desk.
“I’m happy to hear it,” I reply and smile to myself. It’s still a bit of a surprise to hear the words your brother.
I have four of them, and despite knowing them now for more than a year, there are moments that it still knocks me back a step. I’ve grown to love the Montgomery family, and to my utter shock, they’ve welcomed me into the family as if I’d been with them since birth.
But I wasn’t.
“How many bottles will I need to order?” Blake asks, bringing me from my thoughts.
“None. My staff will take care of it. We have plenty on hand.”
Blake cocks a brow in surprise. “It’s a lot of wine.”
“I have a lot of wine,” I reply with a smirk.
“Okay, one less thing for me to worry about.” He shrugs and taps some keys on his computer. “So, we need to talk about the family reunion event late next month.”
“Yes.” I lace my fingers and cross my legs. “Did they decide on a menu?”
“They can’t come to an agreement.” He rolls his eyes. “Some are vegetarians. Some aren’t. Blah, blah, blah.”
I laugh and shake my head. “You’ll figure it out. I can choose a red and a white that will compliment almost anything and call it a day.”
“That works.” He nods. “You know, you should hire someone to handle all this stuff for you.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Seriously. Alecia does this stuff. You should hire her to organize your events.”
No. Way. “I’m quite sure Alecia is busy enough with her own business and her relationship.”
His eyes jerk up to mine and his hands still on his keyboard. “Alecia’s in a relationship?”
I cock my head to the side and narrow my gaze on my friend. “You’re going to tell me you’re not sleeping with her?”
Blake blinks and then laughs, clapping his hands as if I’ve just told the best joke all year.
I don’t find it particularly funny.
“No.” He shakes his head and goes back to typing on the computer. “That ship has sailed, man.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that she and I started out as fuck buddies and discovered that we actually liked each other, but weren’t in love with each other. God, I haven’t slept with Leash in…almost two years.” He shakes his head again and chuckles.
“You’re very affectionate for a friend.”
He stops typing again and watches me for a moment before answering. I don’t drop my gaze.
“I love her like a sister. I know her, inside and out, and would do just about anything for her. She’s probably one of the best people I know. She had a shit day, and needed a hug. So I gave her one.”