by Kat T. Masen
“I already did that, now I’m flicking through the movie channel trying to find something to watch.”
I cough, a tickle caught in my throat as I almost choke on her words. How does she manage to do this to me all the time?
“You okay there, soldier? You seem to be at a loss for words.” I can hear the smile in her voice—the little tease knows how to rile me up.
“You’re one of two things right now… a terrible liar or the biggest cock tease to ever walk this earth.”
“I guess you’ll never know…”
I shake my head, laughing. “Then I suggest settling for the porn channel. If you’re lying, that should get you started.”
“R-rated porn is not my style,” she says simply.
“R-rated porn is not your style?” I repeat. “What porn is your style, may I ask?”
“A lady never tells,” she taunts. “But you, you’re easy to peg. I’d say you’re into anal. Fisting is probably too much for you.”
This time, I’m rendered speechless. There’s only one guy I know who isn’t into anal—Tom. He tried it once, freaked out which in return made the girl freak out, and he never tried it again. As for the fisting, she’s right. Something about having an arm up someone’s pussy seems a bit too much. Keep it tight—that’s my motto.
“It appears the cat got your tongue, Noah?”
My fucking dick is raging like fire, stiff as a board underneath my boxers. What is this woman doing to me? She’s killing you, little by little.
“Your pussy needs my tongue,” I harden my tone. “God, what are you doing to me?”
“The same thing you’re doing to me, Noah Mason.” It follows with silence, shallow breaths echoing through the speaker.
“We need to change subjects. Any minute now Ava will sleepwalk into my room,” I tell her, reluctant to walk away from this subject.
Morgan laughs. “Is that your niece?”
“Uh-huh, and she’s the behaved one.”
I tell her about Charlie, what it was like growing up with her and how much of a great mother she is to the girls. It compels her to open up about her mom, and how when she died, she felt the need to protect Scarlett from the nasty people in Hollywood. “Scarlett has a really big heart, and quite often, she’ll only see the good in people. I just didn’t want anyone taking advantage of her. There are some horror stories about young women being taken advantage of. I couldn’t have that happen to my sister.”
“But what about you?” I ask her with good intentions. “Is this what you want to do?”
“I want the best for her. But no, I always wanted to be a Disney princess.”
I burst out laughing—it’s cute and something Ava would say. “Don’t most little girls?”
“Oh no,” she says. “I wasn’t young. I remember one year when I was eighteen I think, Dad, Scarlett and I went to Disneyland. I’d just been accepted into college and Scarlett’s career was starting to take off. Dad wasn’t coping well with the both of us almost leaving home, so he decided to take us there. We were watching the parade, and there was this kid sitting in a wheelchair. She would have been maybe five. Her head was completely shaved and her skin was extremely pale. She was awfully sick,” she says sadly, then continues, “The princesses, all of them, stopped the float and climbed off, so they could all shake her hand. You should have seen her face. It’s just stuck in my memory, you know. How happy they made her doing something so simple.”
“Do you know what happened to the little girl?” I ask, hopeful.
“No,” she mumbles. “I’d like to hope that wherever she is, she’s in peace.”
“So, you wanted to make people happy.”
“Yes, I did. I wanted to spend every day smiling and making people happy.”
“Then what happened?”
“I went to college. Got caught up with the wrong crowd, the wrong guys. I ended up in places I never knew how I got there. Random beds. I was a mess. And so, one morning, I decided I didn’t want to be a poor example for Scarlett. She looked up to me.”
“And so you went on to help her,” I fill in the blanks.
“Yes.” I can hear her smile through the phone.
“So, a princess, eh?”
She giggles softly. “Yeah. But a badass one who has tattoos hidden underneath my gown and a shotgun tucked into my garter for all the villains wanting to mess with me.”
It’s easy to picture it. She’s so damn beautiful she could make any costume look sexy.
We talk for hours, about everything. The both of us laughing at each other’s stories. I love hearing her speak. She’s led an interesting life, a little on the dangerous side when she was younger, but thankfully she outgrew that rebel attitude.
After our yawns become consistent, we both decide to end the call and catch up if possible tomorrow. She has an early flight to LA and I’ll be in meetings with clients for most of the day.
It never seems like time is on our side.
***
I’m tired the next day.
Our phone call ended somewhere around three am, when Addison decided to wake up and scream the house down. Charlie said she was teething. Great. I still have to function as a human being.
I’m on my third coffee when Haden strolls into my office.
“Got a minute?” he asks.
“Sure,” I tell him, prying my eyes away from my laptop. “What’s up?”
“Presley’s called an impromptu meeting. That woman will be the death of me.”
I follow Haden’s lead to the meeting room while he complains the whole way there about her overbearing ways. The editing team are already seated, and so I take a seat, leaving an empty spot beside me.
Karina, the young girl from finance, walks into the room immediately spotting the seat beside me. She walks over, sits down, which forces me to say hello.
“Hey, Karina.”
“Hey, Noah.” She grins, keeping her voice low. “It’s a shame you weren’t able to make it out to drinks. You missed Larry, the editor, doing a round of shots, then proceeding to do his rendition of Magic Mike.”
I contain my laughter, looking across the table at Larry, a scrawny geek with glasses that rivals Harry Potter. He knows he’s embarrassed himself, retreating behind his notebook, pretending none of us know about his stripping abilities.
The boardroom begins to fill when Presley enters, carrying a large folder.
Karina leans in and whispers, “This book is costing us a fortune. John, head of finance, said we need a lot of sales to profit, and if—”
She doesn’t finish her sentence as Presley calls for attention. I click on my screen, unlocking my program when I hear, “Miss Winters and Ms. Bentley will be attending this meeting.”
My eyes dart to Presley.
Morgan’s standing beside her. Despite our late night, she looks gorgeous. Her shiny black hair is pulled into a sleek ponytail, accentuating her cheekbones. She’s wearing a suit, navy with a very low button-up blouse. I can’t peel my eyes away from her until the people in the room gasp as Scarlett walks in.
Scarlett introduces herself, leaving the entire room—aside from myself—star struck. Like I said, she knows how to charm anyone. And between her dazzling smile and entertaining monologue, she’s left the room speechless.
She’s quick to notice me, grinning with her winning smile. I cannot for the life of me argue she’s not stunning. But I don’t know her. And my mind is preoccupied with the beautiful creature sitting alongside her.
“And so, let’s begin with any concerns,” Presley begins.
Morgan’s gaze lingers on mine, a mischievous grin closely following.
John fires questions about budget restrictions, all of which Morgan takes in stride, answering on Scarlett’s behalf. Haden, being a level-headed businessman, puts the kibosh on John’s tirade.
I never understand how finance people can get their pants in such a twist.
Karina raises her hand, just like in school.
“Miss Winters?” she asks nervously.
“Please, call me Scarlett,” she corrects her gracefully.
“Scarlett,” she repeats. “Given the worldwide success of your latest movies. Plus, the fact that you have the highest fan base on social media, I personally follow you everywhere, how do you think your fans will react to this book?”
Scarlett coyly brushes her curls to the side, her diamond ring almost blinding us. “I think they’ll enjoy it. Understand that life is not always what you see splashed all over the tabloids. That, and the fact I’m really just another human being like them.”
Haden joins the conversation. “I have no doubt in my mind that it’ll be a number one bestseller. We expect preorders to go up in a month. The cover shoot is happening end of this week, and we have the printers ready to go end of next month for the first print run.”
“That’s a fast plan of action, Mr. Cooper,” Presley questions, her eyes disagreeing with his projected timeline.
“Yes. I believe we discussed this last night,” he seethes, trying his best to remain calm.
“Excuse my husband, everyone. His version of discussion is him talking and me biting my tongue,” she says, half joking.
The room laughs, and across the table my eyes meet Morgan’s, playfully flirting until Karina’s hand touches my arm and she leans in to whisper, “Do you think I can get Scarlett to follow me on social media?”
Jesus.
I whisper back in her ear, “If it’s important to you, just ask.”
My focus moves back to Morgan. Her smile has disappeared and she’s no longer eye-fucking me. Instead, looking at the opposite end of the table with a stern glare. With all the questions flying around the room, one is directed at me, by Morgan herself. “The success of this project lies heavily with the marketing strategy. Since Mr. Mason is in charge of this project, perhaps we should direct any concerns to him.” Her tone is condescending, drawing everyone’s attention to me.
Did she seriously just do that?
I want to pull her over this desk, bend her over, and fuck the living daylights out of her to prove I can take charge. But of course, I answer the million questions that have been thrown my way instead. When the firing line is almost over, I pick up my cell and type a quick text to her.
Me: You are so going to pay for that.
She picks up her cell, and thankfully, no one seems to notice as John begins to talk about profit margins. The corner of her lips rise, hiding the smile wanting to escape. She taps on the cell, then places it down and turns her attention to John, blatantly ignoring me. I give it a few moments, not wanting to draw attention to myself.
Morgan: All talk, no action.
This woman is driving me insane. I am the one begging her to the bedroom, yet here she is saying I don’t act quickly enough? That’s it, I’ve had enough.
Me: Keep sitting there with your pretty little smile. When I’m done with you, you’ll be speechless. And for the record, I do enjoy anal.
I wait patiently. She takes a sip from the glass of water sitting on the coaster in front of her. While opening her text, I watch on as she gulps, almost choking. Scarlett turns to face her, asking her if she’s okay. She nods, her nostrils flaring like a raging bull.
The voices in my head are laughing. Celebrating with a victory party.
Checkmate.
I focus my attention on Haden, and talk about the deal we had agreed on with a major book retailer who wants Scarlett to do in-store signings. I also mention the deal with the largest eBook provider in the world, which will showcase the book on their featured page. The advertisement itself was costing us a fortune, but the return will be far greater. Haden, myself, and John discussed this yesterday, agreeing that we need to invest the money to see a return.
“If your time is dedicated entirely to this project, then perhaps, the deadline is achievable,” Morgan implies.
“Ms. Bentley, I can assure you that Noah’s focus is only on Scarlett Winters. We have a great marketing team which he now manages. The team have taken on the smaller projects to free up his time,” Haden adds in my defense.
Great. That made me come off like a pussy. I want to add more to his point, but decide to bite my tongue instead.
“I’m glad his focus is only on Miss Winters.” Her smile fades, her eyes bitterly staring back at me.
“I’m a firm believer in multitasking. And no task will be left undone, Ms. Bentley.”
The chatter between Scarlett and the editors continues on, and unwillingly, I zone out for a few moments, trying to understand why Morgan’s mood has suddenly shifted to bitch.
Scarlett tells everyone she needs to leave because of a red carpet event tonight which she has to start preparing for. It seems to create a buzz amongst the ladies in the office—and Larry, for some reason.
With the meeting wrapping up, Morgan picks up her cell and taps away, ignoring Scarlett as she says her goodbyes. Moments later, my cell vibrates.
Morgan: Let’s see how focused you really are.
And following that text appears a picture. My cell almost tumbles out of my hands like hot coals. She’s wearing only a white tank in the pic, and with her legs spread wide open on the bed, her hand is conveniently positioned right where her pussy is.
I just got selfie-porned.
Fuck me.
I’ve received pictures from women before, but never one that left me drooling like a Saint Bernard staring a bowl of dog food. I have to control myself. The entire room will notice if I stand up with a boner.
Think of something disgusting.
Naked men in the steam room.
Naked men in the steam room giving each other backrubs.
Okay, that does it.
Stop, now, for the love of God, thinking about naked men.
With every one filing out of the meeting room, I stand up quickly, moving around the large meeting table until I’m by her side.
“I need to see you in my office... now,” I demand quietly.
With her head bowed down, she hides the smirk planted on her face and then lifts her head back, ignoring my presence. “Haden, it’s nice to finally meet you.” She shakes his hand politely. “Presley, are you still free to meet with Scarlett tomorrow afternoon? It’ll have to be on set, she has about two hours to spare before they head out to the desert to do the night shoot.”
“I’ve got it scheduled in. Thanks so much for your help, Morgan.” Presley smiles in return.
My presence, along with Morgan’s sudden shyness, creates an awkward tension in the room. Haden and Presley watch the both of us curiously.
“Well, I must head off. I’ve got a meeting across town this afternoon. Mr. Mason, did you need to discuss something?”
I force a smile, nodding my head as I walk toward my office and she follows me. Closing the door behind her, I curse the glass walls that gives everyone a view directly into my office. Sitting at my desk, I ask her to take a seat. She sits in front of me, purposely adjusting her collar which gives me a bird’s eye view to her tits. Fuck me dead. Just act professional, remember the glass windows and the fact that everyone can see into the office.
I quietly observe her, my pen dangling off my lip as she gazes at me with such innocence like she never sent me any picture at all.
“I meant what I said, you’re going to pay for what you did to me in there.”
She leans forward, sliding her cell in front of me. “Such a shame about the glass walls,” she says, looking back. “I was going to apologize in person, but we can’t have everyone knowing, now can we?”
My eyes are completely fixated on her tits, the lace barely covering her nipple. I tighten my thighs, trying to control my dick exploding in my pants.
“So, maybe this will help ease the situation.” She presses play on her cell, and my eyes are glued to the screen. Her hands are sliding down her thigh, across her black panties. Her back arches, and without any delay, she slides them inside her panties, rubbing her clit.<
br />
I have officially died and gone to heaven.
My pen has teeth marks where I’ve unknowingly bitten down, controlling my thirst to have her right here on my desk. She pulls the pen away from my mouth, leaning back against the chair and placing it in hers, biting down exactly where my mouth was.
“How hard is it for you to get out of that meeting this afternoon?” I say roughly. “I could pretty much fuck you all afternoon and night.”
“Apparently you can multitask,” she reminds me with a sly grin. “I have to go.”
I stand up quickly. “You can’t go,” I complain like a spoiled child. “It’s extremely cruel to leave a man this hard, not to mention unprofessional.”
“Oh,” she drags out with a pout. “Poor baby. I’m sure we can sort something out later.”
“I’m serious, Morgan. You can’t keep doing this to me, it’s unfair.”
Her expression changes, sympathizing with my predicament, and just when she’s about to talk, my office phone rings. “Excuse me for just one minute,” I ask, pressing speaker.
“Noah Mason,” I answer.
“Oh my God! You’re alive!” Kate barrels down the phone.
I pick up the receiver. “Yes, I’m alive, but kinda busy right now.”
“Workaholic,” she says. “So, listen, I’m flying to LA for work in a couple of days. There’s this wicked party happening that night. You’re going to be my plus one. I can’t be a loner. How else will I pick up?”
“Sure, just text me the details. Listen I have to go. I’ll see you then.”
“Oh, you’re a boring old sod,” she complains, then hangs up the phone.
Morgan is standing up, watching me. “Who was that?”
“Just a friend.”
“A friend? It sounded like a woman.”
Her tone catches me off guard. “What’s wrong with having a woman for a friend?”
“Because Noah Mason doesn’t come across as a guy who has women friends. Not unless, of course, there’s a hidden agenda.”
“You don’t know me. How could you assume that Kate is anything but a friend?”