“The files you need should be in this folder.” Derek’s massive forearm reaches past me to move the mouse and I stay laser-focused on the screen so I don’t notice how long and thick his fingers are.
“Thank you. I thought I looked there.”
“Things could be better organized.” I appreciate him not making me feel stupid for overlooking the folder. “How’s everything else going?” He straightens and takes a step back, but the nearness of him is still extremely distracting.
I can’t help but recall Nathan’s taunt, when he told me that all four of the men like to get with one woman. What would it be like to wrap myself around this massive man?
I let out a deep breath and paste a big smile on my face, returning my focus to company business. “Everything’s great. I’m still getting up to speed on some things, but I hope I’m helping out.”
“You definitely are. From everything I hear, you’re doing great. We’re all glad to have you.”
Glad to have me. Aargh! Why can’t I leave my libido at home when I come into work?
“Need anything else?” he asks.
“I’m all set. Thanks again.” If he only knew what kinds of things were running through my head while I keep a professional expression on my face.
“Okay. I’m on my way out, but I’ll see you at the meeting this afternoon?” Derek tilts his head to the side and smiles and suddenly reminds me of a big, friendly puppy. Very endearing. I never knew a man his size could be so adorable.
“See you then.”
Three times a week, there are office meetings in the afternoons, with the purpose of keeping all of us in the loop on project developments, new prospects and other business.
The meetings are usually brief, but they’re still the hardest part of the day for me. Being in a conference room with the four men can be overwhelming. Even with Amy there as a distraction, my body still reacts to the nearness of Nathan, Ash, Derek, and Landon.
I go into a semi-panic mode on Wednesday when Amy gets a text and needs to leave mid-meeting to pick up her daughter. Left alone with the fantastic fuckable four, it’s nearly impossible to focus on the business agenda.
I yank my attention back to Nathan, who’s talking about a prospective client, but it’s his playful eyes and strong jawline, visible even beneath his trim beard, that keep drawing my focus.
Then Landon gives a report on one of the current builds and I’m distracted by his unruly hair. I imagine reaching over and pushing back the long blond strand that flops over his brow, and then sliding my fingers down over the stubble on his cheeks.
These men make me feel like a ridiculously horny teenager, nearly unable to control my impulses, but it’s not my fault. I’m convinced that any woman in my position would be having the same thoughts. Clearly, from what Amy’s said, many women do fall prey to their irresistible good looks.
The important thing is that I am controlling my impulses. Sure, my mind runs wild when I’m with them, but I’m not acting on my desires.
“What do you think, Lacy?”
Oh, shit. One of them was talking to me, and I was so wrapped up in fantasy that I don’t even know who spoke. “Sorry, what’s that?”
It’s Derek. “We’re going out for drinks after work. Are you available?”
The pen I’d been holding slips out of my hand and rolls off the table onto the floor. “Oh, umm, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Landon retrieves my pen and holds it out to me. “Why? Because you’re dating someone?”
I pause for a beat before answering. “Yes.”
“Is it serious?”
The vaguely unsatisfying dates with David flash through my mind. “Well, no, but –”
“Then why not go out and have some fun with us?” Derek asks.
I slide my chair back and gather my notes, hugging them against my chest as if to provide a barrier between me and the four men. “Listen, I used to be all about the fun, but things have changed for me. All of a sudden, my body wants a baby and wants it badly, and I want to find a man who wants the same thing. Going out and having meaningless fun isn’t going to help.”
“What’s life without some meaningless fun once in a while?” Landon says, leaning back in his chair, a carefree grin stretching across his handsome face.
“We could show you an amazing time.” Derek has turned on that puppy dog expression again, with the kind of eyes that could persuade a person to do anything he asked.
“I know I would have a great time with you, and trust me, I am tempted. I’m so painfully tempted on a daily basis that I would quit this job if my family didn’t need the money so badly. It would really help me out if you just let me do my work and not tempt me with invitations.”