Buying Beth

Straightening beside Johnathan, I instantly feel the two men’s eyes on me, scrutinizing me and sizing me up.

Johnathan and I make quite the pair. He’s dressed in ripped jeans and a tight, faded black t-shirt that hugs all his muscles. I’m dressed in a black Chanel dress and Louboutin pumps.

I may be a little overdressed for the occasion, but I don’t want these guys to forget for a second where I come from.

Suddenly, the shorter of the two men lets out a low whistle between his teeth as he looks me up and down. “Trying to work your way up in the world, Johnathan?” he grins.

Johnathan’s grip on my hand tightens and his eyes narrow as he pulls me into his side. “Shut your mouth, James, before I shut it for you.”

James tips back his head and laughs. Obviously, not the least bit concerned about Johnathan’s threat.

“Never thought I’d see you, of all people, falling for such a…. expensive skirt,” he smirks.

Charlie slides out of the car and instantly latches onto my side. He eyes the two strange men in suits warily and we both jump a little when Johnathan slams the car door shut.

“Keep it up, numbskull,” Johnathan growls and cracks his neck. “I could go a few rounds.”

“Now, now,” James says as he holds his hands up in front of him in a sign of surrender. “I didn’t mean anything by it…”

Johnathan stares at James for a long time before he nods his head and starts to turn away.

But then James snickers. “It’s just that you’re always going on about how all women are leeches, and all they want is to get…”

For a moment, Johnathan’s face turns so red I’m afraid he’s about to bust all the blood vessels in his cheeks. But then he just chuckles and shakes his head, causing James to trail off.

“What’s so funny?” James asks as all the wind goes out of his sails.

“Go on, keep laughing at me, brother,” Johnathan says as he tugs Charlie and I along.

“Okay…” James drawls out as he follows behind us.

When we reach the elevator, Johnathan pushes a button and the doors immediately slide open for us. We step inside, and as we all turn, Johnathan and James come face to face.

“You’re next,” Johnathan smirks.

For a moment, there is only confusion in James’s eyes, but then I watch them fill up with a slow, dawning horror.

With everything going on, I know I should be nervous as hell over the interview about to take place, but with how much James sulks, coupled with the look of pure dejection on his face, I can’t help but feel my own smirk tugging at my lips.

I’m not quite sure what the secret joke here is, but it’s funny watching the big guy squirm beside me.

“Take it back,” James mutters, burning a hole into the back of Johnathan’s head with his glare.

Johnathan strokes his beard thoughtfully for a moment and then chuckles. “No.”

“Damn you, Johnathan. You of all people shouldn’t wish such a fate on someone…”

Johnathan’s arm tightens around me, pulling me closer. I feel his hand wander down, his palm molding around the curve of my waist. He gives a squeeze and then rumbles out appreciatively. “It’s growing on me.”

It as in me?

I tip my head back and give him my best glare, no longer amused by this little interaction.

Johnathan grins at me, his eyes gleaming. “It also has its perks.”

I try to pull out of his embrace, but his beefy arm only further tightens around me, trapping me against his side.

The elevator dings and the doors slide open.

Johnathan’s arm finally loosens and we step out first. As he begins to lead Charlie and I forward, I ‘accidentally’ misstep and end up slamming the heel of my pump down hard on his boot.

“Oops,” I blink innocently as he stumbles and curses.

Behind us, James bursts into laughter, and has to brush past us to exit the elevator. “Has it’s perks, huh?”

“Shut up,” Johnathan mutters as he shakes the pain out of his foot.

James shakes his head, still chuckling, until Johnathan so nicely reminds him, “Remember, you’re next, buddy.”

James reaches up and uses his middle finger to scratch the back of his head as he walks down the hallway.

Straightening, Johnathan puts his foot back down on the floor, stomps it a couple of times, and then stares me down. I return his stare and have to bite my lip to hold back my laughter.

He leans in close to whisper, “Tonight, you’re going to pay for that.”

“Pay for what?” I inquire innocently, looking up at him through my lashes.

Johnathan growls deep in his throat.

I smile sweetly, amused by his annoyance.

“Tonight,” he repeats as if reminding himself and starts to lead me down the hall.

I follow beside him, feeling pretty damn good about myself until we reach the office door.