Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 467(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
She was pale, with dark circles under her eyes. And all the light was gone from her expression. I shut my eyes at the sight of her anxiety. I finished my call and headed to my desk, sitting down. I winced a little as the fabric pulled over my groin. Sam was right, and the area was still rather sensitive. At least all the swelling was gone. Curious, I opened the package, revealing a flower arrangement made from fruit. Melon, cantaloupe, pineapple, and strawberries had been fashioned into flowers, creating an edible feast for the eyes. I shook my head even as I smiled. I pushed the intercom, waiting as Myers answered.
“Yes, Mr. Bane?”
“I need the Clarkson budget and for you to come into my office.”
“Yes, sir.”
A moment later, she came in, handing me the file. She sat down, opening her ever-present notebook, and waited expectantly. I studied her for a moment. She was wearing one of my favorite outfits, the moss-green lacy blouse and layered skirt in varied hues of the same green, complementing her coloring. Her gaze was fixed on her notebook, but I noticed a tremble in her hand.
“How are you…Magnolia?” I asked quietly.
Her eyes lifted to mine in surprise.
“I owe you a huge apology.” I kept talking. “I shouldn’t have snapped, and I shouldn’t have told you to leave.”
“You were angry.”
I tilted my head. “I was in pain, and I wasn’t thinking straight. It wasn’t your fault. We needed a condom, you had one, and I didn’t check. I was too caught up in the moment. In you.” I paused. “In us.”
“I didn’t know.”
“I know that. And I’m sorry. I should have called you last night, but I was afraid you’d hang up on me.”
“Your, ah, friend helped?”
“Yes. His medical office is two buildings down. Sam and I have known each other for years. We met in college and have stayed in close touch. He gave me a shot and some cream, which helped. Then he teased me mercilessly, and we went for a beer.” I waited until she met my eyes again. “I told him all about you.”
“Oh.”
“He thinks you’re good for me. Aside from the kill-me-with-a-condom thing.”
Her eyes widened. “You could have died?” Her voice rose as she spoke, her horror evident.
“Sorry, I was teasing. Some people have severe reactions.”
She gaped at me. “I saw your dick. That looked pretty severe.”
Simply hearing her say dick made mine twitch. I ignored it—I wasn’t ready for that yet. But hopefully soon.
“It was bad, but it’s all fine. I am fine.” I waited. “Are we fine?”
“Yesterday was inappropriate.”
“We seem to excel at inappropriate,” I agreed.
“I’m not sure what we are.”
I sighed. “Neither am I. But I would like to talk to you about it. How about tonight, you come to dinner at my place? We’ll order in and talk.”
She nodded.
I indicated the edible arrangement. “Thank you for this.”
She pursed her lips. “I wasn’t sure on the proper protocol when you make someone’s dick swell up that way or their balls turn that shade of purple. I already make you sandwiches. Flowers seemed too girly. Fruit felt like the way to go.”
I began to chuckle. “Good plan, Magnolia.”
She stood. “I’ll go back to my desk now.”
I rose out of my chair, going to the front of the desk. I leaned against the wood and trailed my fingers down her cheek. “Everything is okay, you know that?”
“Yes.”
“I’m fine.”
“Good.”
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.”
“Put the fruit in the fridge, and we’ll have some after lunch, okay? I have meetings all day.”
“I know,” she replied with a roll of her eyes. “I take care of your schedule.”
I leaned close and brushed my lips on hers. “You take good care of it.”
I felt the tremble of her mouth, and I kissed her again. “Everything is good, Myers,” I whispered. “As long as you’re okay, I’m okay.”
“I’m good.” She turned to go, but I caught her hand.
“I want my card.”
“Card?” she repeated.
“The one you took from the fruit.”
“Oh, it was just the bill.”
I pulled her close and slid my hand into her pocket, holding up the small envelope. “Liar.”
“Give it back! I decided it wasn’t appropriate.”
Holding it aloft, I moved back to my side of the desk, sitting down. “And as I said, we excel at inappropriate.”
I opened the card, staring at the words.
Roses are red,
Your dick was too,
Sorry about the condom,
And your balls turning blue.
I read them once. Twice. Looked up at her. Back at the card.
She shrugged. “It seemed fitting.”
Laughing, I reached over, pulling her close. I kissed her, still laughing.
“Oh, Myers. Thank God I hired you.”
Every time I looked at the card, I started to laugh. When Sam called to check in, I read it to him, and his laughter was long and loud.
“I need to meet this girl.”
“Soon. We’re still navigating this—it’s pretty new.”