by Dawn Martens
I look at her, really look at her. I shouldn’t have brought her. She’s one of my only repeaters, besides when I’m stupid and repeat with Stacy. I also know how she feels about Cori. She says she likes her, but at the same time, constantly talks bad about her.
“Then go get something,” I say, shrugging.
“Okay then,” she says slowly. “How about I just go home? Because if you are just going to be staring at her all night, it’s not going to be fun for me.”
I blow out a breath and glare down at Jodi. “Then leave,” I say, not liking how she’s talking about Cori, and leave her side. I hear her grumble and then her heels clicking on the floor as she walks away.
Fuck. I want her so damn bad. I walk over when I see her walk away from Mark, making her way to Clara. I’m close enough to hear their conversation, and I’m fighting so damn hard not to storm over there.
“Fuck, Clara, my vagina hurts,” Cori complains. Mother fucker.
Clara giggles. “Girl, did you at least get off?”
I stiffen, please say no.
“No, I’ve only ever come for Randy. Mark is just an itch. I told him it’s no more, though. He’s not taking it well,” Cori informs her. “My vagina hurts because I couldn’t even get wet for him. That’s never happened to me before. Ugh.”
Clara giggles at her.
I clench my jaw. Who the fuck is this Cori?
That’s it. I storm over and pull Cori aside.
“Why does your pussy hurt, Cori?” I demand.
She looks up at me in shock. “Why do you think?” she answers with defiance, full of attitude.
I glare at her, and she matches it. “I never realized you were such a slut,” I tell her, seething.
Corinne’s face pales. “Fuck you, asshole. You are my boss. This is none of your business,” she retorts, throwing her hands out in anger.
“It damn well is my business when you are fucking some dickhead in the bathroom of my company party!”
“Oh, fuck you, buddy. Just fuck you,” she snaps out, hurt by my accusations, and storms away from me.
What the hell? Am I in some crazy ass alternate universe? Because this is not my Cori. The Cori I know is a shy, sweet girl.
“Hey there, big guy.” I hear from behind me. I look back and see it’s Melissa, Cori’s sister.
“Hi,” I grumble.
Melissa giggles. “Let me guess. You’ve just realized Cori has been playing you big time, pretending to be this shy, frumpy little thing.” I turn around, grabbing her arm, and pull her out into the hall.
“What is wrong with her?” I demand.
Her eyebrows shoot up, and then she grins. “This is Cori.”
“No, it’s not. The Cori I know does not dress or act like that. Hell, she doesn’t even talk like that.”
“Actually, yeah, this is the real her. She loves sex but avoids serious commitment. She also loves showing skin, the more the better,” Melissa tells me, crossing her arms over her chest.
I shake my head. “No way. Cori is always polite and sweet. She’s not that,” I say, throwing my arm out. I also always thought that, with the way Cori acts, is that she was a virgin. She’s sure always acted like it.
Melissa snorts and rolls her eyes. “Actually, she is just like that for you, and only you. She’s had a crush on you for years, but no, you don’t see that. I kept telling her to let you see her real side, but nope.”
I stiffen at her words. “She wants me?”
Melissa’s face pales, realizing she gave away something she shouldn’t have. “Oh shit. No, no, no, no, no, you can’t say anything.”
A slow grin spreads across my face, and Melissa slaps herself. “Shit, you aren’t gonna let that go now, are you?”
“Hell no,” I say and leave her side.
Chapter 6
Cori
Everything is going great tonight. Music is pumping through the speakers, Melly’s food is a hit, and I’m high on life. Well, I’m kind of hurt, really, because Blake is such an ass. I can’t believe he called me a slut. Who the hell does he think he is? I can count on two hands the amount of men I’ve slept with in my life, and for the last few years, it’s only been the Saylor twins and Randy. Blake has a new Barbie every week. I rarely order flowers for the same woman twice.
I see Mark sauntering over to me, and I roll my eyes as he’s sidetracked by Kelli-Ann’s huge rack. I shake my head and turn around, and instantly smash into a brick wall. I look up and Blake is there. I can’t read his expression, and that has me worried.
“Uh, hi,” I say quietly and try to skirt around him. He pulls me back and glares at me.
“I didn’t think you were this kind of girl, Cori. One that sleeps around, not only that but with a married man,” he reveals, his jaw clenching.
I frown. “I’ve never slept with a married man, or any man that is in a relationship. I do have my limits.”
He gives an ugly laugh. “You can’t tell me you didn’t know that Mark and Lark Saylor are married and have been for years. Even have a few kids between them.” It hits me like a blow. Oh shit, I’m a home wrecker. Melly too. Oh no.
“What?” I breathe out in shock.
His brows go up. “You really didn’t know?”
I shake my head no, whip my head toward where Mark is chatting up Kelli-Ann, and glare at him. “It’s a good thing I planned to break it off with him tonight,” I mutter.
“Why are you splitting with him?” Blake asks.
I roll my eyes. “He’s getting too clingy, wanting to make more out of what we do. I’m not down with that.”
His eyes widen in shock at my answer. “Why did you never let me see this side of you before?” Blake asks me.
I shrug. “I didn’t want you to think badly of me. I also knew how your last secretary was, and I didn’t want you to think I was anything like her. Angel got me this job, and I wanted him to be proud of me. Didn’t want him hearing about me being the office slut because, then, he might look at me differently.” One thing I always held in high regard was Angel’s opinion. He saved me, took care of me and Melly. I never want to disappoint him.
Blake’s last secretary, apparently, was a screaming bitch. I also was told that they threw a going away party for her. She ended up marrying her hockey player boyfriend, so she quit to follow him around. However, she wasn’t even invited to her own party because it was more of a ‘thank God she’s gone’ party. According to Clara, she found out about it and ended up crashing said party. I would have loved to have been there for that. Sounded like it would’ve been hilarious.
Blake’s face softens. “Cori, I wouldn’t have thought that. It just would have made getting into your pants a hell of a lot easier,” he says with a half smirk.
I glare at him. “Whatever, Blake. I have some people to talk to, so, yeah… bye,” I say and walk off. What the heck did he mean by that? Did he just admit he has wanted me? Or maybe he just wants me now.
BLAKE
I’m still stewing over the fact that I just found out Cori has been crushing on me for years. I’m also pissed she never showed me this side of her before, because I would have made a move a long ass time ago, instead of getting my dick wet somewhere else whenever I thought about dragging her onto my desk.
I always held off because she seemed kind of shy and skittish. I didn’t think she’d ever go for something like that. Or for someone like me, considering she’s planned most of my ‘dates’ over the last few years.
Cori in deep conversation with Mark, and suddenly, I see her slap him across the face. I smile and walk closer, wanting to hear what is being said.
“I can’t believe you! You’re married? How could you do that to your wife? I was gonna end it with you, anyways, because I told you I don’t do relationships, only sex, but now I’m ending it because you’re fucking married!” Hearing her cuss shocks me. I’ve never known her to swear, ever. Usually, she’ll say frig or frack, never fuck. And hearing her say ‘fucking’ ha
s my dick springing to life.
Cori walks away from Mark, and he stands there, looking down at the floor before turning on his heel, walking out of the building. His face is red with white fingerprints where her hand struck him. He is retreating like the dog he is with his tail between his legs.
Turning around, I find Cori flirting with the bartender, downing shot after shot. I shake my head and go to her, grabbing her by the arm, and drag her down the hall.
I take a good look at her, watching her bite her lip, her eyes on my mouth. Fuck, I hope I don’t regret this. Wrapping my hands around the back of her neck, I crush my mouth to hers. She gives me a little moan, and I force her mouth open with my tongue, tasting the liquor she just consumed.
I pull back slightly, staring into her beautiful hazel eyes. “If I had known this side of you before, you would have been underneath me a long ass time ago.” Apparently, this was the wrong thing to say. Suddenly, I’m dropped to the floor, cupping my balls, while Cori stands over me.
“Asshole,” she says and storms out.
Shit, I need to make her mine. It takes me a few minutes for the pain to go away, and once it does, I’m up and off searching for her. I look around the room and spot Adam and Clara yelling at each other. I shake my head. Those two need to get their shit together.
I look to find Melissa smiling as she places more food on the big long table by the far wall. I go to her quickly.
“Melissa,” I say, coming close. “Where did Cori go?”
She smiles. “She said she had to go home, wasn’t feeling well. Personally, I think it’s because she feels guilty about the Mark thing. She never would have been with him if she knew he was married. That pig!” she says, looking disgusted. “I can’t wait to see Lark so I can also give him a piece of my mind. I’m also vindictive, because I’m going to find out who their wives are and give an anonymous tip about their cheating.” She has an evil gleam in her eye.
Man, does she ever look scary. “Leave it alone, Melly. I’m sure their wives know, or will soon find out on their own,” I say, shaking my head. She rolls her eyes at me. “I’m gonna make the rounds, talk to some people, and then we can start clearing out.”
I’ll talk to Cori at work tomorrow, I decide.
Chapter 7
Cori
I woke up this morning, feeling fine. Yay me. No hangover. But I also forgot to let Melly know about what all happened last night. I was asleep when she came home, and she didn’t wake me up. Then this morning, I realized I was running late so I didn’t get the chance to fill her in on how Blake spoke to me.
Sitting at my desk, I lean back in the chair and sigh. Today looks like a full workload.
I swivel around in the chair with my eyes closed. Yes, that is something a five year old does, but I do it when I’m bored. It’s fun. My chair stops abruptly.
“Hey there, beautiful,” Blake says, grinning down at me.
I stiffen in my seat and glare at him. “I’m not doing this.”
“We’re doing this,” he says firmly. Right, sure we are.
“Let the chair go,” I snap at him. He never once looked at me before, not the way he’s looking at me now. Why wasn’t I good enough before? Was it just because he couldn’t see what was under my baggy clothes? Or is it the fact that he now knows I’m easy.
“No.” He is smiling smugly. I used to go weak in the knees for that smile.
“Problem here, Cori?” I look up and see Mark Saylor glaring at Blake. Oh, great. Guess my talk with him last night didn’t work.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, standing up and stepping back from Blake.
“You free this weekend?” Mark asks, holding out a bouquet of Lilies.
“No, she’s not,” Blake growls out, interrupting, then stalks over to me and pulls me into him.
I try to move out of Blake’s hold, but he doesn’t let me budge.
“I think you should let go of my girl there,” Mark says with anger.
“Your girl?” he says, snorting. “Don’t think so.”
“Where were you the other night when my dick was in her?” Mark says with a smirk.
There is gonna be a fight here—I know there is.
“Mark, please, we talked last night. You shouldn’t be here,” I butt in.
“Cori, come on. You can’t be serious about that,” Mark whines.
I shake my head. “I told you. I don’t do married men. Ever. So it’s over.”
“Whatever, Cori,” Mark says, looking pissed then walks away, throwing the flowers in the trash can by the elevator.
I let out a sigh and stiffen when Blake’s hands tighten on my arms.
“Your days of fucking around are over,” Blake says, anger dripping off him.
“You can’t tell me who I can and can’t sleep with.” He might be the boss here, but he can’t dictate shit about what I can and can’t do on my personal time.
“Yes, I fucking can,” he says into my hair. “I’ll let you get to work. Don’t leave after. We’ll go out to get some supper.”
“Fine,” I lie. I do not intend to be here by the time he gets off.
He kisses my temple and walks away. Just wait until I get home to tell Melly about this.
The day passes by fast, but I’m constantly checking the area to see if Blake is around. Luckily, he’s been swamped so he hasn’t made an appearance. I have been sneaking and looking at other wanted ads in my spare time.
Four-thirty hits, and it’s leaving time for me. I switch off the phones so all calls go directly to the machine and walk out, locking the door behind me. The staff upstairs don’t leave for another hour, but they all have keys to close up behind them.
I get home fifteen minutes later, and Melly is already home, starting supper. “We need to go drinking tonight,” I shout as I close the door.
“Uh oh. Bad day?” she asks, coming out of the kitchen.
“You will not believe what Blake said to me today. Ugh. Damn that man. I pine for him for years, but he never friggin’ notices, and then, finally, he does, and now he just expects me to jump into his arms.” I snort. “Fuck him.”
“I really don’t see what the problems is,” Melissa says, biting her lip.
“The problem is, he never wanted me before, but now suddenly he does. Pfft. Probably just wants an easy lay instead of going out and searching around for it.”
“Or it could be that he’s always liked you and you were too blind to ever see it. Maybe him seeing you in your real element last night made him realize that he just needed to be the one to make the first move,” Melissa says, sounding so damn sure of herself.
“Whatever, I don’t even want to think about this right now. I’m not going to let him do to me what he’s done to so many others. I’m going out tonight.”
“Ugh, but it’s Friday. Every club and bar will be swamped,” Melissa points out. She hates going out on weekends because she hates crowds just as much as I do.
“Yeah, but at Randy’s club, we get V.I.P.”
“Well then, Club Shine it is,” she says, sitting next to me on the couch.
“Hell yes!”
I sink back into the leather, already craving a drink and to get laid. As I said, I know what I like and what I want. And tonight, I need to get drunk and have sex.
“What’s for dinner, bitch?”
“Burgers and Fries,” Melissa says, knowing I try to eat better than that.
I glare at her.
“Oh, come on. Live a little. One burger won’t kill you.”
“No, but it will cause me to die one day of heart problems.” I already had a friggin’ greasy meal this week when I had lunch with Mark.
Melissa smacks me and laughs. “Live a little.”
BLAKE
I check the time on the computer as I shut it down. Five forty-five. Shit. I’m pretty sure Cori isn’t still here. No way would she stick around over an hour to wait for me. I shut down my office and walk out. Monday, I have a meeting with
Angel, Reaper, and Zippo of the Angels Warriors. They are gonna help stake out a foster home that I have a bad feeling about.
I get into the elevator when Adam joins me. “Hey, you up for the club tonight?” he asks me.
I raise an eyebrow. “Ugh, you know I hate going out on Friday nights.” Normally, it’s the one day that Stacy seems to stalk me, and I end up drunk and fucking her.
He shrugs. “Yeah, I know, but I also heard Cori is going there tonight. Something about her getting free drinks there because she’s always screwing the owner.”
“How do you know this?” I say, my jaw instantly clenching.
“Melissa texted me, told me to bring you. You know, the guy Cori hired to do the drinks, the one I told you about who’s her fuck buddy? Yeah, it’s his club.”
“I’m in,” I say instantly.
“Stacy knows her,” Adam confides.
“How the fuck does she know her?” I ask confused.
“They got into a fight at the club last year, I guess. Randy has her banned from the club so she can’t bother Cori again.”
“Well, at least I know if I wanna get drunk and not worry about fucking Stacy, I can go to his club.”
Adam bursts out laughing. “You hook up with her at least once a month. You really sure she means nothing to you?”
“Trust me, she’s an easy fuck, but that’s the only thing good about her.”
He shakes his head.
Chapter 8
Cori
Dressed to the nines, both Melissa and I are ready to go. My hair is down with nice waves. I have on a black skirt and a green open back halter, paired with my favorite black leather studded fuck me heels. Melly looks awesome in her navy blue wrap dress. She looks amazing in navy. It goes great with her complexion and blonde hair. I called Randy and told him I needed a night, including a possible fuck in his office. I’m not picky. He told us to be there at least an hour before open.
Randy is a cool dude; he owns the club Melly and I frequent often, Club Shine. He knows I don’t want anything serious, and he enjoys sex as much as the next man. So why ruin a good thing by complicating with stings, feelings¸ and labels?