Changing the Rules

by Sindee Lynn

  Sasha Jordan was not the type of woman he normally went for. Dylan held onto the grunt at the back of his throat. He was glad she was different. For a while he’d thought himself incapable of attracting anything other than the shallow, self serving women he’d been known for dating over the past few years. It’s one of the reasons he’d taken a much needed break from the social circuit he normally dwelled within. He’d gotten tired of the man eaters who often graced his arm at such functions. Only wanting him to ensure their faces showed up in the papers the next morning. He had to admit it was a life he was growing increasingly weary of. Glancing up at Sasha, who was sitting quietly in front of him a smile on her face, he realized he was ready for a change and she could quite possibly offer him that. She turned him on on so many levels. And he was glad to say it went deeper than looks. Sure she was a beauty on the outside and when she smiled her brown eyes sparkled but more than that she was intelligent. He cringed as he thought of some of the conversations he’d had or attempted to have with the women he had dated in the past. And there was no way he was going to just let her walk out of his office without at least trying to see where this attraction could take them.

  The ringing of his phone broke into his thoughts.

  “Yes Carla,” he replied tersely into the phone. His frown deepened as he listened to his secretary. “No it will have to wait. I’m already behind schedule and it’s not that pressing of a matter,” he replied.

  He glanced up at Sasha an apologetic expression on his face. He saw her glance at her watch and took note of the way she was once again fidgeting in her chair. He could feel any connection he’d made during the interview quickly slipping away. He needed to make his move fast.

  “Carla,” he interrupted. “Just reschedule the video conference call for tomorrow after two o’clock. That should be fine.”

  That said Dylan hung up the phone. “I apologize for the interruption.”

  “No apology needed. I hadn't realized it was so late,” she said checking her watch again. “I’m sure you had no intentions of being tied up this long.”

  He noticed the way she looked everywhere but at him. He knew he made her nervous. He only hoped it was a good nervous. The kind that spoke of mutual attraction and maybe an uncertainty of how the other felt. If that was the case he was about to make certain there were no doubts to where his thoughts and feelings were on the matter.

  ***

  Sasha looked anywhere but at the man sitting across from her. The smile now gracing those full lips was too much for her. During the interview she’d been able to forget the crazy emotions he invoked as she’d gone about the business of convincing him why she was the only candidate for this job. But now her mind was no longer preoccupied with business and was free to wander to things better left alone. Like how there was a lock of hair that kept falling over his forehead and how the corners of his eyes crinkled in the cutest way when he looked to be deep in thought. And oh yeah, the fact he had the most amazing blue eyes she had ever seen. Yeah it was definitely time to leave.

  “You make it sound like torture,” Dylan replied, giving her a slanted grin.

  It was the one from her dream earlier in the elevator. Wait when had she established she’d been dreaming?

  “Trust me it was anything but. In fact I have enjoyed this far more than I could have anticipated. Presco is a company that firmly believes in promoting from within whenever possible. Unfortunately we were not able to do that this time and have been searching for just the right fit for this position for quite some time.”

  She could understand that. It was a position where Presco’s multi million dollar customers were involved. The person for this job would be responsible for personal accounts and not company accounts. It was a whole different ballgame when it was your money on the line as opposed to a company’s. So she nodded her head in complete understanding.

  “When do you think a decision will be made?”

  “Actually, I have made my decision,” he paused briefly before continuing. “And the job is yours if you want it.”

  Sasha couldn’t have kept the excited look from her face if she had wanted to. For weeks she’d fretted over whether or not she would hear anything on the resume she’d submitted on a whim. It had been four long months of waiting until finally she’d received the call for an initial interview. Then there had been more weeks of waiting until she’d gotten a second interview. The panel interview had followed. By the time she’d received notice of her interview with Mr. Shaunessy, she had been so weary of the whole process she’d almost withdrawn her name from the running. But now as she allowed the excitement of obtaining the job she’d wanted take over, she was glad she hadn't. There was nothing better than knowing a company as prominent as Presco found you worthy.

  “Thank you very much Mr. Matthews. I would be honored to accept.”

  The discussion over salary and job responsibilities lasted another thirty minutes. Having done her research and knowing what she was worth to her current company, Sasha had figured she would be more valuable to her new one.

  She was still riding high over Dylan’s praise of her negotiation skills, when she felt rather than saw a change in the way he was regarding her. She brought her eyes to meet his slowly. Afraid and excited at the same time of what she would see reflected in their blue depth. It only took her a second to realize the gaze staring back at her no longer held an interest for Sasha Jordan, new employee of Presco Financial, but for Sasha Jordan the woman.

  She watched as if in a trance as Dylan pushed back his chair and rose smoothly to his feet. She didn’t have long to wait before his destination was clear. His lean body was perched on the corner of his massive desk with his legs crossed at the ankles. She kept her gaze firmly locked just below that magnificent chest of his, but just above his taut stomach which led to other areas of his anatomy best left unnoticed. Her palms grew damp and her pulse rate quickened at his nearness. Suddenly it was a struggle for her to get any air into her lungs.

  “Now Sasha, if I may address you by your first name?” he asked pausing.

  All she could manage was a small nod. Her eyes still locked on that small area she had deemed would not send her into cardiac arrest.

  “Sasha,” he said his voice coming out silky smooth.

  The way he said it felt almost like a caress against her skin. For one wild moment, she allowed herself to wonder how it would sound if he were to call her name at the height of passion, just as an orgasm moved through him.

  “I’d like to discuss another matter with you.”

  Sasha was certain she didn’t want to know what it was he wanted to discuss. She knew it with every part of her being. But she sat just the same, unable to move, unable to breathe as she waited for him to continue.

  “I normally don’t make it a habit of hitting on people who work for me. Especially ones I’ve just hired.”

  A soft chuckle sounded from above her.

  “In fact I can honestly say I have never dated anyone from within Presco. Just makes for better working conditions. But there is something about you. I find myself wanting to get to know you outside of the office.”

  All remaining air left her lungs. Oh god. What was she supposed to do now? Her insides screamed for her to say yes. They begged for her to give them what they’d wanted since first laying eyes on him in the elevator. She dragged a much needed breath of air into her deprived lungs in hopes it would allow her to think a little clearer.

  She attempted to bring forth the good sense and reasoning that had served her through the years. She tried to convince herself it was not a good thing his being interested in her. But the only thing rushing to the forefront was excitement. Excitement over the fact a man like Dylan Matthews wanted to get to know her better. Joy of finally having confirmation she had not been imagining his earlier interest. Heat crept up her neck over the implications. If she hadn't dreamed it then that meant…. She slowly lifted her gaze to meet his. A wave of panic washed over
her at what she saw. The intensity reflected in his gaze was enough to cause her to run screaming from his office or push him to the floor and have her way with him. This was not good. With great effort Sasha found her voice and prayed it wouldn't betray the chaos going on within her.

  “Mr. Matthews,” she began.

  “Please call me Dylan,” he interrupted throwing her another slanted grin.

  Her will almost crumbled under the weight of that smile. She took another deep breath and tried again.

  “Mr. Matthews I’m certain we will become better acquainted to some degree through my employment here. However, I would prefer we keep any relationship between us strictly professional.”

  A thoughtful look came across his face. Good, she told herself, he’s thinking about this rationally. He was a numbers guy and would be able to deduce the futility of any personal relationship between them. Besides it was what was best for all involved if they kept things strictly professional. The sadness sitting in her chest over what she’d never know caught her a little off guard. Sasha quickly pushed it to the back. This was for the best.

  “I don’t believe I can do that. What’s more I’m not positive that’s what you really want either.”

  Dammit, she screamed inside. How could he possibly know what she wanted? They’d only just met today. Her mind conjured up an image of their ride up together earlier. The look she’d sent his way had definitely been one of interest, if not something more. But that had been a dream, she told herself. There was no way she could have been so bold as to … Oh god she needed to make this right. And make him understand.

  “Mr. Matthews I’m not sure what has given you the impression I would be interested in something other than the job I came here for this morning.”

  A deep chuckle met her ears and she cringed. “Sasha, surely you’re not going to sit there and tell me you don’t feel the electricity in the air around us. I felt it the moment I laid eyes on you. Even before you got in the elevator this morning.”

  Chapter 4

  Sasha’s head came up. It was confirmation she had hoped would never come. He had known she was looking at him. Reacting to him. How had he been able to remain so causal and relaxed when she’d practically been on fire? But he hadn't had he? He’d reached for her and she’d wanted his touch. Her face flamed with embarrassment. Her eyes fell to her proclaimed safe zone once again.

  “That’s right I recall every aspect of our ride up in the elevator this morning. How could I not?”

  His voice had softened and the way his blue gaze roamed over her was affecting her breathing. The warmth of it spread through her body. Had he really been as affected by their encounter as she had? She wished she could tell herself it didn’t matter but she found she wanted to know she held some mysterious power over him, as he seemed to have over her and her better judgment.

  “It took every ounce of control I possessed not to push you against the wall and have my way with you.”

  Have his way with her? The thought both thrilled and frightened her at the same time. The question of whether or not she would have attempted to stop him crossed her mind. Oh god she was in way over her head. These types of things didn’t happen to her. No matter how exciting it was to have a man the likes of Dylan Matthews express his interest in her she could not accept the offer. Nothing good could come out of it. Besides she didn’t do white men and after her last go round of romance in the work place and the disaster it had turned out to be she had added that to her list of rules. Why did she need to keep reminding herself of these simple things? Sasha realized she needed to get out of here before she made a fool of herself for certain.

  “Mr. Matthews I make it a habit to avoid office relationships and I’m sorry if I gave off confusing signals.”

  “It’s Dylan and I don’t think there was any confusion on my part about where your thoughts were earlier.”

  Finally he moved to take his seat behind his desk, his elbows on the surface. But his gaze was no less intense. How could she respond to that? She knew exactly what he was referring to. Think Sasha. This conversation is heading towards dangerous grounds. Grounds you are not familiar with. Who the hell was she kidding? She’d been on unfamiliar grounds since they finished discussing salary.

  “Have you ever dated a woman of color before ….Dylan?” Sasha asked her tongue wrapping around his first name.

  “I will admit I have not had the pleasure. But in case you hadn't noticed, I am trying to rectify that right now,” he replied sending her another smile.

  Flattery was not the emotion she should be feeling and Sasha knew that. But as much as she hated to admit it, she was elated he had never dated a black woman before. It meant he found her interesting enough to be the first. She tried to tamp down on the feelings as best she could. She needed to concentrate on finding a way out of this mess.

  “Well then there you have it. I believe what we might have here is just the thrill of a new experience.”

  Now there was a thought that didn’t exactly thrill her. She wanted to feel as if she were different to him. Not another reasonably attractive black woman he was hitting on. Sure Sasha realized that wasn’t the point but she couldn't help it.

  “Ah but I would have to disagree with you. I don’t exactly live in a bubble. I’ve had ample opportunity to date a woman of color. But with any woman I have to be interested enough to want to make a move,” he said leaning forward on his desk, his gaze holding hers captive. “And you, Sasha Jordan, from the moment I first saw you rushing across the lobby have been moving me in one direction. And that direction is closer to you.”

  She had dealt with gorgeous men before. Men who seemed to exude sex from their very pores but she had always been able to control her feelings and think rationally. But with Dylan, she found it hard to control the pure, hot, unexplainable desire that moved through her. She had never had this emotional tug of war within herself before. Fighting against what her body wanted without caring what the cost and what her mind said she could never have.

  “Let me ask you a question? Have you ever dated someone outside of your race before?”

  Was he kidding?

  “Never,” she said as if he’d dealt her a serious insult.

  Apparently her response hadn't offended him if the small smile on his lips was anything to go by.

  “Then I can understand your reluctance to do so. All I’m asking is for you to think about it. Think about what we could possibly offer one another in a relationship.”

  “And what is that?” she snapped.

  She recalled another relationship that was to have been about a mutual sharing but had backfired royally with her on the other end looking like a fool. It was the reason she didn’t get involved with anyone she worked with.

  “A helping hand up the corporate ladder as long as I grace your sheets. I refuse to have people wonder how I got this position. Questioning which set of qualifications you used to hire me.”

  Sasha saw the muscle in Dylan’s jaw twitching and wondered if perhaps she’d said too much. Thoughts of her ex, Melvin, had caused her words to come out harsher than intended. Her hopes for her perfect job were quickly going down the drain.

  “That’s not what I was getting at. If you give me the chance you will find I guard my personal life very closely and those who share in it even closer.”

  She wasn’t sure how to respond so she simply sat there in silence for several moments. How had this interview gotten so far off track?

  “I believe it’s time for me to go Mr. Matthews.”

  Sasha picked up her briefcase and stood. She allowed the rational side of her brain to take over as she squared her shoulders and locked her emotions away deep inside. Later she would pull them all out and sort through the muck to find out what had happened. Once she discovered what had happened she would be able to ensure it never happened again. Maybe add a new rule. Rule #6: No drooling over guys in elevators - they may be your interviewer and future boss. The thought brou
ght a small smile to her lips.

  Dylan brushed past her, successfully blocking her way to the door. He was so close. The fragrance of his cologne wrapped itself around them like a cocoon. She was sure he could tell how much he was affecting her. How could she hide it? It was in the rapid rise and fall of her breasts beneath her jacket. It was in the wide-eyed expression she now held as she stared at his chest.

  “So it’s running for you. Strange you struck me as braver than that.” He challenged.

  “I’m sorry but you have me confused with someone else. Just ask my friends. I’m not very brave at all.”

  She fought the urge to push him out of the way and walk out the door leaving him and the job she had dreamed of obtaining behind. She was certain the reality of this would hit her as soon as she got out of this office and could think clearly again. But Sasha wasn’t sure if she would feel anger over her complete loss of control over the situation or with herself for not taking him up on what he was offering.

  “Where exactly should I go to ask them?” Dylan asked nonchalantly.

  “Murphy’s Bar and Grill.”

  She could have bitten her tongue off. How could she have been so thoughtless as to divulge such personal information? Had she subconsciously wanted him to know where he could find her if he wanted to see her again? No, that was definitely not it. Just calm down, she told herself. After all it’s not like he will ever show up there. Surely he had better things to do than try and track you down at a hole in the wall like Murphy’s.

  He surprised her when he stepped aside without commenting. Her gaze reluctantly followed him as he moved to the window behind his desk. Sasha took his turned back as her cue to leave. She headed towards the door once more. Well so much for her perfect job.