Fuck, I should let her be. She needed a man who would be gentle and caring, who had a damn heart.
The sun had come up by the time I returned to my condo. I had time for a quick shower and change before meeting my team in the office.
As the cold water ran down my back, it didn’t stop the blood from heating up my cock. My hand instinctively slid down my shaft while my mind savored the thought of Melody’s small hands, replacing mine. I placed my head on the cold marble, dreaming of her as my hand rapidly moved until I finished with her name falling from my lips.
“Good morning, Mr. Schilling.”
She perked up as I approached her large desk. She looked perfect, as always. I was sure not a strand of black hair was out of place in her tight updo. I was sure she had on her usual black attire with a pair of fuck-me heels. I had thought about it briefly when she first started working for me, but I never mixed business with pleasure. Well, until now.
“Good morning, Elena. Can you see if Graham can meet this afternoon?” I said, passing her desk.
“Mr. Morgan is already on your calendar.”
I stopped and turned around at my door. She looked concerned, and she should be. I usually knew my schedule, but it had been a long weekend.
“What time is the meeting?”
Elena looked at her laptop. “It started ten minutes ago,” she said quietly.
“Hell, why didn’t you tell me! Reschedule the team. Tell them we’ll meet in sixty.”
Swiftly, I went into my office to collect the files and came out with her scurrying behind me as I headed to the elevator.
“I assumed you were with him, then when you showed up here, I thought Mr. Morgan had rescheduled.”
The elevator arrived, and Elena stood staring, wide-eyed until the doors closed.
I hurried past the receptionist, and when I turned the corner to Graham’s assistant, she told me to go in.
“I apologize for my tardiness. I didn’t realize we had a meeting.”
Graham looked up from his screen and nodded toward the chair in front of him. He was pissed. I would have been too, and I was surprised he didn’t tell me to get out. His time was valuable, and he demanded respect.
I set the one file that could explain my absence on top of his desk. He glanced at the name, continued to type for several minutes, then reached over for the document.
I sat back and waited while he reviewed the information.
“You’ve been busy.” His eyes stayed on the file.
“The asshole ruined a date this weekend for that.”
He placed the file down with a chuckle. “I remember when Walter cockblocked you in school.”
I shook my head. “He was an idiot, too.”
Graham and I were roommates at Wharton. We had both been going through a tough time with our families. He kept to himself most of the time, but we had some good times and eventually became friends. I trusted him like a brother—as much trust as I could give anyone.
“Ben, looking over the numbers that came from Genevieve, it adds up.”
How he could still be in business with his ex, who had hidden his child from him, amazed me, but I knew his wife loved his daughter and wanted their kids to be raised together.
“She’s certain?” I asked.
“I checked them.”
“Transfer all of it.”
He rolled his fingers over his watch as he studied me. I knew he was concerned with my decision, even though he wouldn’t say it.
“Five p.m., the transfer will happen.”
That was his way of letting me think about it. I didn’t need time; I needed this to go away, for Gianna’s sake.
Graham handed me back the file and resumed his typing. That was my cue to leave.
Returning home for the evening, I relaxed in the lounger, turned on the Bose to some rock music, and sipped bourbon as I stared out across the river.
After an hour, the muscles in my neck were still tight. I knew a run could help, so I forced myself off the lounger and changed.
When I got back, I took a shower and ripped out another pleasurable moment, thinking about Melody before I texted her.
Ben: Friday 7pm. Dinner.
I watched the dots appear, then go away.
What the hell? It hadn’t been that long since we talked. I would have called her yesterday if it weren’t for my father.
Melody: I can’t. I’m working.
Ben: After. I’ll come and pick you up.
Melody: Do I need to eat before this date?
I threw my head back, laughing. My sweet Songbird was feisty.
Ben: It’s up to you because you’ll be taking everything I got, so don’t fill up.
The dots disappeared.
Melody: I’m off at 9pm. Will you need directions again?
Ben: I’ll see you at 9pm. I promise we won’t be interrupted.
That was the truth.
I needed to see her, even if it wasn’t in her best interest.
I was a selfish bastard and didn’t care.
Chapter Six
Melody
I was surprised but pleased to receive Ben’s text. After a couple of days, I assumed he wasn’t interested.
The way he was looking at me... I always wished for someone who was attentive. My wish became a nightmare with Derek, but Ben was intense... in a strange, good way, versus the psycho way.
I sang another love song, embarrassed and nervous about the provocative lyrics. Ben sat in the same booth as the other night, grinning at me. His smile was exquisitely crooked and extremely sexy. He didn’t smile often, but when he did, it was warming. When his lips curved into that smoldering smirk of a grin, it was maddening and tough to concentrate. His gaze was seductive, which would cause a fog of unbridled lust to take over my senses.
The flirting became heavy from afar, and I was afraid of where the night would end. I wasn’t experienced. Derek was my second sexual partner, and even though he was sensitive about fulfilling my needs, I wasn’t sure how to direct him. My first time was a cluster of weirdness in high school. An older man like Ben was very experienced.
“What, no drink?” I asked.
When I finished my set and came to meet Ben, he had paid the check and was putting on his coat. He reached out for mine and held it open for my arms to push through. Then he turned me to face him.
“I want you all to myself.”
The warmth of his body pressed against me, and that familiar fog fell over me until reality kicked in.
“Hey, Mel. You did great tonight.”
I jumped, grabbing hold of Ben’s forearms. I turned to see the tall, skinny blond smiling as his green eyes inspected Ben.
“Derek, uh, what are you doing here?” I hissed.
He leaned in to kiss my cheek, and I backed away.
“Why wouldn’t I be here? I’m always here when you play.”
“You are...?” Ben asked.
“I’m Melody’s boyfriend, Derek.”
“Derek!” I looked at Ben. “Excuse me for a moment.”
I pulled Derek by the arm to the back hallway. It was dark, but there were small illuminating lights along a red wall. It wasn’t private, being close to the bathroom, but it was the only place we couldn’t be heard.