“Fucking hell, Brock, that needs to be the end of it,” I warn myself. “Just stop thinking about her, that’s all.”
But I know I won’t be able to, not until I have her. See, during my time as a wealthy and powerful man, I’ve become very used to getting what I want, and right now, that’s her.
4
Jodi
I can’t believe what I’m doing. Not wearing panties to work, it feels wild. But since Brock has started subtly teasing me back, I feel like I need to up the stakes a little bit, to find a new way to get to him.
“Your skirt’s a bit longer today,” Josh comments as I head into the staff room. “That makes a nice change.”
“Oh, shut up, Josh.” I roll my eyes and turn my back to him. “It’s none of your business what I wear.”
From what Shelley has told me about Josh, he’s a former playboy who’s been tied down by a particular woman. While he’s happy in that relationship, he needs somewhere to let out his pent-up flirting. The other girls treat him like he’s harmless and it’s just a bit of fun, but it pisses me off. I’ve been backed into a corner by men for far too long, and it won’t happen again. I’ll say what I think, and it’s tough shit if he doesn’t like it.
By this point, it feels like I have Brock on my side no matter what I say . . . particularly since I’m in the right.
“Oh, I know it’s none of my business, but you aren’t exactly wearing it for me, are you?”
“I’m not wearing it for anyone, you ass. I dress how I want to dress. If I like skirts, dresses, and lipstick, so be it.” I spin around and shoot him the evil eye. “So why don’t you keep your bullshit opinions to yourself?”
“Okay, fine. If you want to pretend you don’t have the hots for Brock, then so be it.”
“What does it matter to you?” I press my hands to my hips. “Do you have the hots for him?”
His cheeks flame an angry shade of red. “Don’t be an idiot. I’m trying to protect my friend.”
“From me?” I toss my head back and laugh nastily. “Well, be assured, you don’t need to. He’s just my boss.”
“You tell yourself that all you want, but I can see right through you. He’s been hurt before.”
I part my lips, ready to snap back, but nothing comes out. I have to admit that blows me away a little. I know he told me he was married once, but I just assumed he cheated on her. Maybe I’m wrong.
“Hmm, speechless, that tells me everything. It seems you’re just another notch on the bedpost rather than the real deal. Sorry to break it to you, girl. I know this must be a disappointment.”
“Oh, just fuck off, Josh. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you. Let’s keep it that way.”
“Seems you don’t know Brock much either. That’s all I’m trying to let you know.”
I stalk into the office, anger rolling off me in waves. I felt all sexy and fired up when I came to work, just like I do every day, but now I’m just so annoyed. That man is an idiot. I don’t like him one bit. I’m so glad I don’t have to work in the casino every single day with him as the manager. I’m surprised Shelley hasn’t killed him.
“Are you okay, Jodi?” Brock asks in his chocolaty smooth voice. “You look annoyed.”
Usually, I don’t get him involved with the petty bullshit, but today Josh has gone too far.
“Josh, your wonderful manager, is being an asshole this morning.”
“Oh yeah? Gossiping? For some reason, that man is an expert in gossiping.”
“Yeah, kind of. He was talking about . . .” Maybe I shouldn’t have started this. “Well, you actually.”
He rolls his eyes and snorts, not looking as pissed off as I would be. “What this time?”
“He was . . .” I feel bad. Now that my anger has subsided, I don’t think this is wise. I don’t want to hurt Brock with my words. I just want to vent. “Talking about your marriage.”
“Oh, really? Even though it’s been over for years? He needs to find new material.”
I perch on the edge of his desk, intrigue getting the better of me. “What happened?”