Arson & Ache (Surrender to Them 8)

“I’m not saying that it doesn’t intrigue me a little bit, but the last thing I want to see when I’m getting hot and heavy with a girl is your dick ready to go as soon as I’m done.” He chuckled and shook his head.

“You’re insinuating that you would go first?” I raised an eyebrow and laughed. “She might be the kind of girl that wants both of us at the same time.”

“I don’t think so.” Kincaid shook his head back and forth.

“Let’s go on one more date with her—the two of us. If you’re still adamant that you don’t think something could work after that, then I’ll back off.” I turned my head towards the window.

I really hope this isn’t a mistake, but I don’t want to miss my chance entirely.

“Fine.” Kincaid growled under his breath. “One more date—then she’s all mine.”

I’ll call this a temporary victory—but now the hourglass is running.

Marissa

“You’re a freaking legend.” Hannah looked up at me as I walked towards my desk with Ms. Stone’s coffee in my hand.

“What do you mean?” I looked at her in confusion.

“Everyone heard.” A grin spread across Hannah’s face. “You made Olivia Adams fall out of her heels!”

“She didn’t—fall.” I put Ms. Stone’s coffee on the edge of my desk and took a seat. “She might have stumbled, but it was just because she was shocked that I bid so much.”

“What about you? Did you fall—in love with Mr. February and Mr. December?” Hannah giggled and put her hand over her mouth.

“Not exactly.” I shook my head back and forth. “It was an amazing night though.”

“You have to tell me all about it.” Hannah leaned forward eagerly. “Oh wait, here comes Ms. Stone. Tell me later.”

I hopped to my feet and grabbed Ms. Stone’s coffee as she approached. I hoped that she wasn’t upset with me. She didn’t seem upset when I talked to her on the phone, but she was busy. I had seen her blow someone off because she was working on something else, then ream them for the very thing they confessed to once she finally fit them into her schedule. I didn’t want to be reamed. It was bad enough to get yelled at. That was only a sample of her wrath, and I was happy that I had never been on the receiving end of the worst of it. I waited with my legs trembling as she approached, fully prepared to accept whatever punishment I deserved—even if I wasn’t looking forward to it.

“My office—now!” Ms. Stone took her coffee and kept walking without missing a beat.

“I’m sure she means me.” I looked over at Hannah.

“Well I didn’t spend three and a half million dollars.” Hannah shrugged and walked towards her desk.

And I didn’t even follow the itinerary after we left the restaurant. Oh god, I really am going to get reamed.

“Before you destroy me, can I just apologize?” I walked into Ms

. Stone’s office with my hands up in defense.

“Sit the fuck down.” Ms. Stone dropped her purse with a thud and took a seat.

“Yes ma’am.” I cowered as I sank into the chair across from her.

“How was your date?” It was a question, but it was so direct that it didn’t sound like she was actually asking one.

“It was—fine.” I looked up and grimaced, still prepared to get the brunt of her anger.

“I saw the pictures. They were good.” She folded her hands in a pyramid and stared at me.

“Thank you?” I think that’s the right response.

“Will you sit the fuck up straight and stop cowering like I’m going to reach across my desk and slap your mascara off?” Ms. Stone leaned forward and narrowed her eyes. “I just told you that you did a good job.”

“I’m sorry.” I tried to straighten my posture. “I was just worried that you were going to be mad once you had time to think about how much money I spent.”