An evil smile spread over her face. “Beef tenderloin with cognac butter, shaved broccoli apple salad with tarragon and bacon, and chocolate almond cheesecake bars.”
My mouth fell open as I dropped the pen. “What the hell? That’s an entire meal and I don’t even know what half that shit means.”
Melissa laughed. “Oh man, I just wanted to see your reaction. Okay seriously, it has to be a meal made with beef tenderloin.”
“What’s a beef tenderloin? A type of steak?”
Staring at me with a stunned expression, Melissa shook her head. “Jesus, I hope whatever you agreed to if Grayson wins it isn’t anything too crazy.”
My face blushed as Melissa’s eyes grew wider. Leaning toward me, she dropped her mouth open. “Oh. My. God. Meagan Atwood you have to tell me what it is.”
“Two words . . . hell no.”
With a pout, Melissa dropped back against the chair. “Okay this is not fair. You can’t ask me to be a part of this and not tell me what the stakes are.”
“Nope. It’s too personal.”
“It’s anal sex isn’t it?”
I sat there with a stunned expression on my face. “W-what? Why is that the first thing you think of?”
Melissa shot me a please look. “I may be older than you, but I’ve been out with you and I’ve seen you with guys.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I said as I gave her a dirty look. “Are you calling me a whore?”
With a laugh and a brush of her hand, Melissa dapped at her eyes. “No! I’m just saying you’re . . . friendly . . . with the boys and I would have to guess you’ve had your fair share of sexual encounters, but I don’t take you for the kind of girl that would let any guy dive into the deep dark world of anal sex.”
Who was this person sitting across from me?
“Who are you? The deep dark world of anal sex? You make it sound forbidden.”
“Isn’t it?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t think it’s something you’d sit around the table and tell your mother about, but no, I don’t think it’s forbidden. I also don’t think it would be something I would attempt to do with just any guy.”
Leaning forward, Melissa gave me a wink. “And we both know, Grayson is not just any guy.”
My face flashed hot again. “No. He most certainly is not.”
My phone buzzed as Jennifer came over the line. “Meagan, Mitchell called and asked if he could come in earlier. Your schedule was clear, so I said yes.”
Hitting the button, I said, “Thanks, Jennifer. When will he be here?”
“Thirty minutes.”
Melissa stood and looked down at me. “How are things going with him?”
With a smile, I stood as well. “I think good. His girlfriend came to see me not too long ago. Said Mitchell was starting to get involved with some of the football guys who were pulling pranks and such. Looks like she was able to pull him away from it. He seems to be doing good.”
With a smile and nod, Melissa made her way to her door. “Pay close attention, Meagan. Sometimes these kids have a way of hiding things when they’re hurting the worst.”
My heart dropped to my stomach as I gave her a weak smile while she retreated out of my office.
I loved my job, but sometimes I felt so helpless. The only thing I could do is pray like hell that they listened to what I talked to them about. There was something about Mitchell though that I felt such a connection with.
Burying my face in my hands, I let out a moan. “I need something strong to drink.”
Grabbing my jacket and purse, I headed out of the office. Walking past Jennifer, I smiled and said, “I need a quick Starbucks run before Mitchell gets here. I’ll be right back.”
Jennifer lifted her hand and called out, “Get me my normal!”
The Starbucks was less than a minute walk from my office. I wasn’t sure if that was a blessing or a curse. I pulled out my phone and sent Grayson a text asking how his day was. I knew he was just as nervous as I was about my father’s visit.
My face blushed as I thought about last night and this morning. We had fucked like rabbits both times. The thought of not sleeping in the same bed with Grayson for four nights killed me as much as it did him.
“Must be something good you’re thinking about.”
Looking up, I saw the guy from the movies that Grayson had a funny feeling about.
“Excuse me?” I asked as I took a step back. Something about the way he was looking at me had me on edge.
“It’s Meagan, right?”
My phone went off in my hand while I attempted to smile politely. “Yes. I’m sorry I don’t remember your name.”
“Joshua. Joshua Black.”
With a quick nod, I said, “That’s right.”
“I was just commenting on your flushed cheeks. You must have been thinking about something good.”
My head jerked back. He did not just go there.
“Must just be the weather outside.”
With a smirk, Joshua nodded his head. “You meeting Detective Bennett?”
Glancing toward the door, I shook my head and turned back to the front. “Um, yes. I work around the corner so it’s an easy place to meet.”