“Please don’t ever say that again,” I growl in disgust.
She smiles happily, standing up from the table. “I’m off to get ready for work. Behave yourself. I don’t want a call that you’re locked up again. And speaking of which, you owe me big time for that.”
“Uh-huh.” I motion for her to scurry on, and the second she leaves the kitchen, I let out a bothersome huff then yell back at her, “And don’t you dare give the girls sugar that night.”
***
All day, I can’t stop thinking about tonight.
Part of me wants to make up some excuse because I just can’t be bothered with her. And the other part of me—sadistic Noah—wants to meet with her, so I can push her buttons and irritate her just like she does me.
I bury myself in work for most of the day, and when there’s an hour left, I get a text from her.
Morgan: I’m sorry, Mr. Mason, I won’t be able to meet tonight. I will organize another time to complete this. Regards, Morgan Bentley
What the fuck? I reread the message, making sure my eyes aren’t playing tricks on me. She bailed on me. I’ve been reading the wrong signs, and why I care, I still have no idea. Fuck! Just as I’m about to send a text back when Karina, one of the girls in finance, taps on my door.
“Hey, Noah.” She smiles.
Karina has been tailing me since day one. Cute, but young. Younger than I usually would entertain. Fresh out of college, young.
“Oh, hey, Karina,” I respond with a forced smile.
“You look annoyed,” she points out, motioning for the cell that sits in my hand.
“Just an unprofessional client.”
“I know what you mean. Today, I spent an hour on the phone arguing about an invoice. The person on the other line had the audacity to tell me to go back to high school.”
Ouch. Like I said, she’s young.
“Is there something I can help you with?” I ask, tired and desperate to get out of here. Maybe Lex will be up for a drink tonight. I need male bonding time more than anything.
“Oh yeah, duh.” She laughs, walking further into my office. “A bunch of us are heading to Melrose for a drink. Just wanted to see if you’re free to come hang with us?”
I could fuck her. I mean, she’s easy. Wearing that low-cut top and her tits jiggling and bouncing around everywhere. But much like my almost-dirty text to Zoey, this would be a way to vent my frustrations with Morgan. Buried in some other woman’s pussy.
“How about I meet you guys down there?” I suggest.
“Sounds like a plan,” she cheers. “Okay, so see you there, Noah.”
She stumbles awkwardly out of the room, leaving me alone. I’m still annoyed as to why Morgan would flake on our meeting, and the more I think about it, the more riled I become. I take out my cell and dial Kate’s number.
“Hey, what’s up, my California bro?” she answers, way too cheerful.
“Would it be wrong to go to drinks and screw a twenty-two-year-old?”
“That depends. How did you meet her?”
“At work,” I reply.
“Uh… hell to the no. Remember what Charlie said… don’t shit where you eat.”
“You’re no fun,” I complain. “And when Charlie said that, she was referring to you.”
“Why the sudden urge to get your pants off?” she questions intuitively. “Besides, what’s happening with Scarlett?”
“Absolutely nothing. I still haven’t met her,” I respond, defeated.