“And, it was hot. She was naked. I was going to. But then I stopped. Felt guilty.”
“You know, if you don't use your dick, it will turn to stone and fall clean off your body.”
I start cracking up and so does Riley.
“I remember when Camden told us that when we caught him beating off in his room.”
Riley says with a laugh, “I know I sure as hell never risked finding out if he was right.”
“Mine hasn't turned to stone. Well, except for yesterday. I was as hard as granite. Vanessa’s beautiful. Smart. And those god damned red lips. I know you have a rule about not having sex with coworkers.”
“That's Keatyn's rule for me. You should totally fuck Vanessa. And, as your boss, I'd highly recommend it.”
I squint my eyes, the thought of my brother having been with her bothers me way more than it should. “You recommend it because the two of you have . . . ?”
“What? No. I’ve never been with her. I’m just saying you should.”
“What do you know about her ex?”
“He couldn't keep his dick in his pants. But I think it was more than that. He destroyed her. She almost lost her business. I suppose the two of you have a lot in common. You both got fucked over. You need to get back in the saddle again. And Vanessa has a fucking equestrian center. She's got lots of saddles. So go for a ride, bro. Hook up with her this weekend.”
“I won’t be here this weekend. Keatyn’s flying the girls to Sonoma. We’re meeting them there and spending the weekend at the vineyard. Dallas is going with his kids too.”
“So, then, you better get on her today,” Riley says as I head out.
I see Keatyn’s still at her desk. She waves me in.
“You and Riley okay?”
“Yeah, we’re good. You know all my brothers are encouraging me to, uh, get back in the saddle again.”
“Dawson, you’ll know when the time is right. Actually, it sounds like the time was almost right yesterday.”
“How long do you think a widow should wait before he starts dating again?”
“My mom started dating about a year after my dad died.”
“How old were you?”
“Almost ten.”
“And what did you think?”
“I was kind of a little shit about it, until she met Tommy. Are you thinking about asking Vanessa on a date?”
“Maybe. Does Captive have a rule about that?”
Keatyn grins. “That rule is only for your brother. And, technically, Vanessa isn’t an employee. So you like her, huh?”
“Yeah, I think I do.”
“Good, we have a meeting with her in your office in ten minutes.”
“We do?”
“Yep. I want to get you both up to speed on Daddy’s Angel. I’ll see you in a few.”
As I walk out of Keatyn’s office, Tyler joins me. “I have all sorts of stuff for you in your office. So do you like the decor?” he asks me.
“Yeah, it’s great,” I reply, taking it all in again. The walls are dark teal and there is a coffee table made from a tree trunk sitting in front of a comfortable brown leather couch. I have an industrial looking desk with a lush suede chair to match.
“Keatyn worried about the color.”
“She has good taste.”
“That she does,” he says. “Have a seat. On the desk, you have your new cell phone, business credit card, business cards, swipe key to access anywhere in the building, and laptop.” He hands me a piece of paper. “After your meeting with Vanessa and Keatyn, you have an appointment with Human Resources to get your benefits set up, and then a meeting with the marketing staff. From there, you’re having lunch and playing golf with Riley, Dallas, and Knox.”
“Golf? I’m not really dressed for that.”
Tyler turns and presses his palm into the wood-sheathed wall behind him. A door pops open revealing a large closet stocked with clothing ranging from golf attire to formal wear.
“Behind here,” Tyler says, opening another door, “is your full private lavatory. There are many times when you will go directly from work to another event, so all the executive suites are set up in similar fashion.”
“Wow,” I say. “This is great.”
“And there’s Vanessa,” Tyler says. “I’ll leave you now. I’m interviewing assistants for you today. Do you have any special requirements?”
“Can you clone yourself?” I joke.
“I’ll see what I can do,” he says, exiting, and leaving me face to face with Vanessa.
“Good morning,” I say politely.
“Good morning,” she replies brusquely, setting her briefcase on the coffee table. She’s wearing a tailored black skirt that reveals long bare legs and leopard print high heels, but all I’m seeing is her lying on the bed last night, naked.
I feel myself start to harden.
And it drives me toward her.
“I’m sorry about last night,” I tell her, sweeping her into my arms and lowering my lips to hers.
At first, her body feels stiff against mine.
But as our lips touch and our tongues collide, her stance softens.
She returns my kiss with passion.