“You don’t get it, Paige. It was the best kiss ever. Getting laid with some rando won’t get my mind off Magnus Heron. It might even make it worse.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Wanna bet? Getting laid will so get your mind off Boss Killjoy. But if you doubt me, there’s only one way to find out. I’ll even leave you the apartment to yourself on Friday night so you have the perfect chance.”
“It’s been more than a month since Arizona. I’m still riled up about it and the mountain of work that’s always there doesn’t change it. I’m not sure a close encounter of the sexy kind will help.” I sigh.
Paige smiles and does this funky chest pop from side to side.
“What are you doing?” I ask, side-eyeing her.
“Dancing until you let me work my magic. You convinced yet or should I plan on doing this all night?” She sticks her tongue out, wiggling a brow.
“Seriously. Why do I take advice from you again?” I laugh, knowing full well what her superpowers are. If there’s one thing she’s good at, it’s raising the mood through the silliest, most embarrassing antics ever.
“Give it a chance,” she insists, flopping back in her seat.
What can I say? If her bizarre fix works, I shouldn’t turn her down.
We spend our whole time over noodles and wantons with her showing me the ropes. Every trick in existence to land a perfectly hot date to knock Mag off his growly pedestal.
I go back to work on Friday, the last day of work before New Year’s Eve, which is kind of awesome.
Despite having the entire week clear, I don’t want to get buried.
I’m there by five for one day and then have several more off. The date Paige helped set up is right after work. So I’ve come dressed in a low-cut, skin-tight red dress and the shock and awe heels my parents bought.
When I bring Mag’s coffee in, he’s at his desk.
Surprise.
I set the coffee down with an audible thump.
“Since when are you at your desk this bright and early? It’s a slow time of year.”
He looks up from his laptop, a notepad at his side, holding a pencil. “With virtually everyone out, I don’t have meetings. It’s been nice. I can actually get vision work done for the new year.” His eyes saunter up and down my body, narrowing before resting on my face. “That’s a bright damn dress.”
I run my fingers down it. “Too bright, you think?”
He swallows, his throat moving.
“No, no, I was just...surprised is all.” He shakes his head, tapping his pencil against the desk. “You’re a striking woman, but you know that.”
“Is that a problem, Mag?” I ask, fluttering my fingers against my chest in mock-worry.
“Hardly,” he snaps, looking at my neckline with eyes like pointed daggers before meeting my gaze again. “It’s simply not as conservative as your usual style.”
He clears his throat.
I grin. “Actually, I have a date when I’m out of here today, and your eyes say this was the right choice. Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Date?” Those hell-blue eyes go electric as his eyebrows arch.
Today, King Grump definitely fits his name.
“Since it’s the holidays, I won’t berate you, but here’s a reminder,” he growls, still glaring. “You’re at work, Miss Bristol. When we have a full crew again, I expect you to show up dressed professionally.”
“Mr. Heron, I read the dress code three times this morning. I’m not infringing anything.”
There’s a loud snap as the pencil breaks like a twig in his hands.
“You’d better hurry up if you want to make your date. Just because we’re low on work doesn’t mean you’re here for nothing,” he grumbles.
I walk away with a saucy switch of my hips.
God, does it feel good to see Magus Heron jealous.
Predictably, he hides in his office most of the day, and I get caught up. The emails trickled in slowly, luckily. At four o’clock, I order a grilled chicken wrap with pesto and an heirloom grain salad from his favorite deli and go knock on his office door.
“Yes?” he calls.
I walk in. “You’re right. With no one here, it’s easy to get work done. I’m caught up from vacation and heading out. I ordered your dinner. It should be here at six thirty as usual. See you Monday.”
He glances at the clock and then me. “You’re really leaving early?”
“Yes,” I say. “You gave me a week off, remember? Have a good night.”
I’m almost out the door when he calls after me again.
“Where’s this boy taking you?” Mag growls, not a hint of real interest in his voice.
Hello, Mr. Hyde.
His chest heaves, his nostrils flare, and I can hear him breathing.
Nice to know he remembered my plans.
“I’m not sure yet. We’re figuring that out soon,” I lie. “Goodbye, Mr. Heron. Have a peaceful, productive evening.”
His face hardens like stone, and I can feel the brimstone shooting out of his eyes on my back, fiery as smelted metal.
I grab my coat and leave, humming to myself.
14
Wolf Boy (Magnus)
Damn Sabrina Bristol and that sizzling red devil’s dress.
This is my fault. I shouldn’t have avoided her after kissing her. Making out with her.
No matter how many times I tell myself, it wasn’t just some random kiss.
I haven’t been able to pry it out of my fucking skull for a month. Every night since Phoenix, I’ve clenched my teeth and wrapped my fist around my cock, feverishly wishing it was her.
And now she’s out with someone else.
Some kid her own age, probably, who won’t know what to do with her.
Damn it straight to hell.
Ruby comes strolling in through my office door, interrupting me mid-brood.
“What are you doing here?” I snap, then sigh, running a hand over my face. “Sorry. Holiday stress.”
She turns her face up and gives me a cutting look. “Holidays. Really?”
I don’t answer.
“Did you at least see my email about the new marketing hire for our PPC campaigns? I don’t think it’s going to work out. He’s failed the blueprint courses three times and he’s showing up late. I’ve documented enough to get rid of him now, if you’d like. Since the manager, Trudeau, isn’t in this week, I thought I’d bring it straight to you.”
I have no idea what she’s even talking about.
Not cool. It’s my job to know what’s going on.
“Whatever you think, Ruby. Throw him out the door, give him more time, put him on probation...or wait for Trudeau.”
“Jesus.” She crosses the room and sits in front of my desk. “What’s wrong, Mag? You’ve been distracted for weeks.”
“Nothing,” I say coldly. Maybe if I can sell her, we’ll both believe it.
“You haven’t read any of my emails today, have you?”
She’s known me for so long, lying to her is pointless.
I meet her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ve been locked away planning our January initiatives.”