Arrogant Boss

Everyone ignored me.

Trent leaned forward. “Have you two worked together before?”

Ben nodded. “Yes. I occasionally did work for Pet and Co, where Emily was the main point of liaison. So we’ve collaborated on graphic design work in the past and have established good lines of communication.”

“That’s terrific to hear,” Rachel said. “That means we have some familiarity going forward. I’m sure Emily can vouch for your work?”

I gave a nod. “Yes, he’s an excellent graphic designer.”

Ben pulled out a folder. “I’ve started brainstorming a few ideas since we last spok, but how about you first walk me through your product plan again?”

Julian was mostly quiet throughout the meeting. It was a silence I was used to-I’d seen him adopt the same stance in panels and interviews. Not a ripple of emotion showed on his face, and for all intents and purposes, he looked like the consummate professional. The broad-shouldered tech mogul, the legend.

I knew he would ask me about Ben’s familiarity later.

And the worst part was… I’d have to answer.

It was Mr. Davis-Ben-who suggested that the team should go out for dinner that evening to continue discussing the launch. It was a bit forward, yes, but not unheard of. With anyone else, I wouldn’t have batted an eye.

But he’d asked it with a slick smile aimed towards Emily, and with far too much meaning in his eyes. Josef accepted immediately, but to my surprise, so had Rachel. When Emily gave a shallow nod as well… my decision was made.

“I’ll have my assistant give Rent a call and set up a table for us,” I said. “It’ll be on Hunt.”

Ben’s eyebrows rose. “That would be an honor, Mr. Hunt. I appreciate you taking the time.”

“This launch is important to me. Someone will text you the details.”

“Alright. That sounds good.” Trent cleared his throat, throwing me a look. “I think we’re done here for now, then.”

I could feel the eyes of my employees-they were as surprised by this as Ben. Few were the times I met outside hires, not to mention accompany them out like this. I didn’t technically have the time, but I would postpone my evening meeting. Emily’s gaze was the heaviest.

Ben caught her after the meeting, and the last thing I heard was his eager voice before the door shut. I wanted to save her from that. Barge in and declare that I had need of her for some meeting o r another. But I knew she didn’t want my protectiveness, didn’t want me to claim her in public.

Wouldn’t let me call her mine.

An unwelcome but loud part of me feared it was because of who I was. That she didn’t see a future with someone like me, with someone who had to fly on business trips nearly every week and whose name was mentioned in newspapers. Being with me-actually being mine-would come with strings.

It wasn’t something I had dwelled on for a long time. Most women I had dated in the past had been thrilled with the prospect and had practiced poses in the mirror for their close-ups. It wasn’t very attractive behavior.

On one occasion, a woman had mentioned, just out of the blue, that she admired how a famous billionaire’s wife was handling her husband’s fortune and philanthropy foundation. She’s a role model of mine, the woman had said and looked down at her salad with calculated demureness.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

I’d asked for the check then and there.

These women had been so pervasive, that it hadn’t been until Emily that I’d really reflected on the fact that some women might not want that life. Instead that they might actually distance themselves from me because of it.

And Emily hadn’t given me much indication that she found me interesting beyond the merely physical. Hell, I had to fight to keep the weekly dinners on the books because they were the few times we met fully clothed-when I could talk to her and take care of her and try to make her fall for me.

But there were things men like Ben could give her that I couldn’t, in terms of normalcy. And God knew Emily could get someone else in a heartbeat if she chose to-the woman was a complete stunner. A swish of that dark curtain of hair, a slow wink of her green eyes… She could have her pick of the litter.

I just had to continue making her want to pick me.

Rent was one of the trendiest restaurants in the city. It served over-priced food on over-sized plates, with far too little in each dish. But judging by Ben’s appreciative smile when we entered, he enjoyed being courted to fancy places.

“I’ll be with you in a moment, Mr. Hunt,” a smartly dressed young man said as he darted out from the hostess stand. I undid the top button of my shirt and wished I was anywhere else than here.

My house, for example, with takeaway pizza and Emily’s legs in my lap, her laughter in my ears.

At the moment, she stood next to Ben as they chatted. She’d slipped into a black sheath dress that hugged every aspect of her figure. Her hair hung shiny down her back, reminding me of how it looked across my pillows and how it felt wound through my fingers or looked spread as a curtain around her when she rode me.

Focus, Julian.

Ben gave her a wide, toothy grin and reached over to put his hand on her bare shoulder. Basically sexual harassment, if I had anything to say about it. But judging from Emily’s animated gestures and responses, she didn’t feel harassed at all.

Rachel bumped her elbow into mine. “You’re acting weird.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Okay, let’s say for argument’s sake that you’re not. Since when do you join us for dinners with random contractors? Your time is valuable.”

“It’s like I said: this product launch is important to me. I want to ensure it goes well.”

“Uh-huh.”

Rachel and I went way back, but she was starting to get on my nerves. “Honestly, Rachel, you’re reading too much into this.”

“Am I? Or maybe I’ve just been working for you for the past six years.” She shrugged. “I just want to see you-”

She was interrupted by the waiter. “This way! Your table is in the back.”

We followed him through the dimly lit restaurant. Emily sidled up to me and the familiar scent of her perfume hit me. God, I wanted her.

“Julian?”

“Ace.”

“I feel like I should tell you something.”

“I’m listening.”Her eyes flicked to where our party was weaving through the tables before she found my eyes again. There was concern there, and that more than anything made my stomach tighten with anticipation.

“Ben and I had a one-night-stand once. It never meant anything, not for me.”

My jaw clenched, it was automatic. Fuck. The smarmy bastard.

“I see.”

Her hand curled around my arm, but her voice was decisive. “Julian, it was a long time ago. I just wanted you to know.”

“Of course. Don’t worry about it.”