by Aspen Drake
“No way.” I don’t know if I should be pissed off or flattered. I think I’m pissed. Why would he ask Mark instead of coming directly to me? Even though this is ultimately a prostitution situation, Mark is not my pimp. If I want to go work for Garrett, I will. And when I told him I didn’t, I meant it.
Mark has zero input in the matter.
And Garrett had no right to go above my head and ask my boss.
“What an ass.”
Mark chuckles. “I take it he didn’t run this past you first?”
“Not exactly. He wanted me to work on the weekends for him, but I told him that’s out of the question. I need a day job.”
Mark smiles as he crosses his ankle over his knee and leans back. “I don’t want to see you go anywhere, so I’m happy to hear that you plan to stay. I think you can become very wealthy if you stick this out for a while.”
“Yeah, that’s my plan.” I sigh heavily at what my life has become. Is prostitution really my life plan? I guess it is. It might not be the most respectable plan ever, but it’s certainly the most lucrative for someone without a college degree.
“Glad we talked.” Mark stands up and stretches his long arms over his head. “Damn, I need to get into shape. I spent an hour on my bike yesterday, and everything hurts.” He shakes his head as he reaches for the door. “Let me know if you need anything, Angel. Anything at all.”
Yeah, what I need is to not have men trying to control me, regardless of how sweet and sexy and disgustingly rich they might be.
Chapter 7
Garrett
I hold off a week, but that’s all I can do. I want to see Angel again.
Today.
Okay, fine, I want to fuck her more than anything. Seeing is a bonus, but I’ll do it in a blindfold if necessary. I just like the way my hard cock fits inside her as if she is a lock and I’m the key made just for her.
When I open the door to her office, Angel is sitting at the desk with a book in her hand. She immediately closes it and sets it aside. “Hello, Garrett. Come on in.”
I kiss each of her cheeks despite her insistence that she doesn’t like to be kissed. Her heartbeat races and her body temperature rises whenever my lips touch her, so I know she’s just being stubborn. “You look beautiful today.”
“Thank you.” She pulls away from me quickly and reaches for her notepad before sitting back down at the desk.
I guess we’re not using the couch today. “So, how are you doing?”
“Fine.” Her tone is clipped, and I can sense her annoyance. “What would you like to talk about today?”
“What has you so upset.” It’s not a question, it’s a response. I hold her gaze, not allowing her to ignore me by looking away.
“I’m not upset, Garrett. And we’re here to talk about what you want.”
“We are.” I blow out a frustrated breath. I hope we’re not going to talk in circles for the next hour. “What I want is to hear about why you’re acting so cold. Are you mad at me?”
Angel’s shoulders relax, and her eyes soften. “A little.”
“Why?” I whisper, thinking back to my last visit. I don’t remember being rough or doing anything that could have hurt her, but maybe I did. “What did I do?”
“You talked to Mark behind my back?” She stands up and marches to the back of the room before coming back. “You might just think of me as a whore, but he’s not my pimp.”
Shit. That’s not at all what I was expecting. “Angel, please.” I stand up and pull her into my arms. She resists but doesn’t completely pull away. And after a second of me holding her against my chest, she sighs and relaxes in my arms. “I didn’t mean to insult you. I was just telling him how much I enjoy your company and that I’d love a more exclusive arrangement with you.”
Angel inhales deeply before shoving out of my arms. “I appreciate that, Garrett. I really do. But I already told you. I need this job right now. I need the benefits and the hours and tips. I’m sorry, but please let it go.”
“If this is about money, I—” She cuts me off before I can continue.
“It’s not.” She holds up her hand to stop me. “At least not completely.”
“Then why?” I reach for her hand and am grateful when she places it in mine. “Is it me? I thought you enjoyed our times together, but if you don’t, I won’t continue to bother you.”
“It’s not you.” She closes her eyes and tilts her head back against the sofa cushion. “You’re my favorite client. But I have other responsibilities to consider and I can’t let this opportunity pass. It’s not exactly the kind of job you can come back to when you’re fifty.”
“Well, you probably could…” I give her hand a squeeze.
Angel smiles but doesn’t look at me. “You know what I mean. If I do this now, I can set myself up for the future. That’s what I need to do.”
I don’t understand what she’s talking about. She’s not making any sense. “How is that any different from what I’m offering, other than the fact that you’d only be with me? You wouldn’t have to deal with several different clients all day. Everything else would be the same. You can choose your hours, and I’ll provide full benefits under one of my other companies. Whatever you need is yours.”
“Because being exclusive would be too close to being real.” Angel shakes her head and finally meets my gaze. “It’s easy to stay disconnected from my clients because they come and go and there are no real feelings involved. But if it’s just you…”
“What?” I really thought she was attracted to me, but it seems less and less likely with every word she says. “You just said I’m your favorite. I don’t understand.”
“Don’t make me say it, Garrett.” She covers her hands with her palms and turns away. “Let’s just get your session started.”
“Not a chance.” I reach for her wrists and gently pull them away from her face. “Say it.”
Angie’s cheeks are pink as she looks at me with devastated eyes. “If it’s just you, I’ll probably do something stupid like fall in love. And that’ll just hurt too much when it’s all over. I’m not strong enough for that right now. I need to just go to work and collect a paycheck. No emotions attached.” She smiles sadly. “And I don’t think I can do that with you.”
Again, not at all what I was expecting to hear. But her insight is just further proof that she’s smarter than the average woman. She knows herself well enough to not trust that she can stay detached…and she knows me well enough to know I’m not boyfriend material.
I might like the idea of a boyfriend experience with her, it would be short term and distant, not a real relationship at all. I have no interest in that. My life is too hectic, and my businesses are too important. This development project with Finn will take all my time for the next eight months. Other than a quick fuck now and then and a lot of compensation, I don’t have anything more to offer a woman like Angel.
“Fair enough.” I scoot back to put some space between us. “I respect your decision, and I’ll drop it.”
“Thank you.” Angel looks genuinely relieved that we’re moving on from the topic. “Can we get to the good stuff now?”
I smirk and loosen the tie around my neck. “That’s what I’m here for.”
Despite starting off somewhat awkwardly, Angel is a consummate professional and fucks me like there’s nowhere else in the world she’d rather be. And despite my reluctance to ever be in a real relationship again, I have to admit that there’s nowhere I’d rather be either.
***
Over the next several weeks, I try to stay busy on my own projects and avoid going back to visit Angel. I don’t want to make her uncomfortable and I don’t want to torture myself with the knowledge that I can only have a small part of her…after several other men have had her first.
In fact, I wouldn’t have any reason to see her at all, if not for running into her at a fundraising auction for the children’s center for performing arts. I’ve been a supporting mem
ber for over ten years, and I’ve never seen Angel at an event in the past. But when I step away from some of my partners from a startup I’m invested in, there she is.
Sitting at a table next to a young boy and a beautiful woman.
“The brunette is taken, so don’t get any ideas.”
I turn and see Sebastian James at my side. “Hey, Sebastian. How are you?”
Sebastian shakes my outstretched hand and pats my opposite shoulder. “I’m well, Garrett. How are you?”
“Good. It’s been a while.”
“Yeah, and for good reason.” He laughs, resting his thumb on his jaw and covering his mouth with his forefinger. “I don’t think I’ve seen you since CES last year.”
I groan quietly at the unwelcomed memory. “I thought we agreed to never mention CES.”
Sebastian holds in a smile as he slides his hands into his pockets. “Yeah, that was a fun night.”
I don’t remember much of what happened on the last night of the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas, but I was there with my venture capital team. Sebastian came with a group of friends as a guest to our hospitality suite after the show. There were drugs and strippers and so much alcohol I couldn’t remember where I was when I woke up the next day. Or why there was a Wrangler’s patch tattooed on my ass. I still never got the story on that, but I had the tattoo removed as soon as I got home from my trip.
“So, the brunette?” My eyes are still glued to Angel, but now I’m curious about the people she’s sitting with.”
“Yes, my fiancée, Emma. You should come meet her.”
“I’d like that.” I follow Sebastian to his table and wink when Angel recognizes me.
Her eyes move from me to Sebastian, silently questioning us about how we know each other.
“Garrett Madison, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Emma White.” I reach for Emma’s hand and brush a soft kiss over her knuckles. “It’s a pleasure.”
Emma’s blue eyes sparkle and I can see why Sebastian is so smitten with her. “The pleasure’s mine, Mr. Madison.”
“Please, call me Garrett. Sebastian and I go way back. No need for formalities among friends.”
Sebastian pulls Emma to his side then gestures to Angel. “And this is her best friend, Angie Pavel. Angie, this is Garrett Madison.
“Angie.” I reach for her shoulders and pull her in for a kiss on the cheek. “It’s lovely to see you again.”
“Hi, Garrett.” She’s a little stiff, as if she’s not sure how to react to me.
I hate that.
“How do you…” Emma starts to ask but then quickly realizes the connection. “Oh, okay.”
“Yeah.” Angel gives her a shy smile, confirming her friend’s suspicion.
I can’t help but notice the child is leaning toward Angel. “And who is this little man?”
Angel practically shakes herself back into the conversation. “Oh, sorry. This is my nephew, Owen. He’s living with me for a while.”
Interesting. Now all her hesitation about working nights and weekends makes a lot more sense. I extend my hand to Owen, gently shaking his. “It’s nice to meet you, Owen.”
His grip is firm, as firm it can be for a young boy. “Nice to meet you.”
I glance at the three open seats at the table. “May I join you?”
“Of course.” Emma points to the seat next to Owen. “My brother is sitting there, but those seats are open.”
“Excellent.” I pull out the chair across from Emma and have a seat, carefully watching Angel’s reaction.
She’s clearly uncomfortable with my presence, but I don’t know if it’s because of the conversation we had when I last saw her or if there’s something between her and the brother that I’m intruding on.
Either way, I can’t exactly walk away now, so I spread my napkin on my lap and try to ignore the surge of energy I suddenly feel in my bones. I don’t know if I want to flee the scene or pull Angel into my arms, but I’m definitely out of it for a few minutes.
“Have you bid on anything, Garrett?” Angel asks, trying to make conversation.
“A few things, but they’re just a few token bids to get the auction started. If I don’t win anything substantial, I’ll show my support through a direct donation. What about you?”
Owen grins widely and looks up at his aunt, waiting for her to respond.
Angel wraps her arm around his shoulder and pulls him to her side. “Yes, we did, but I explained to Owen that lots of people are still bidding, so we might not win anything tonight.” She looks down at her nephew. “You understand that, right? There’s only one of each prize and lots of people are placing bids them. So only the last person who bids the highest amount will get it.”
His grin fades, but he nods his head. “Yes. I know we won’t get anything.”
“What did you bid on?” The thought of this child walking out of here without whatever he seems so excited about is heartbreaking.
Angel seems sad that she has to force such disappointment on her nephew, but he’s handling it well. “There’s an overnight stay in the aquarium and a painting party for his entire class. We put bids on both, but I don’t know how it’ll turn out.”
I notice Emma giving a pointed look at Sebastian and he subtly nods. I’m guessing he has the same idea in mind that I have. “Well, we’ll just have to wait until the end of the night to find out who the winner is.”
Owen nods vigorously. “Yeah, but I hope it’s us.”
A man suddenly appears to my right and pulls out the chair beside me before dropping into it, placing a plate full of fruit and treats in front of Owen. “Jesus, those people are ruthless. I barely got out of there with all my fingers.”
Owen giggles as he reaches for a chocolate dipped strawberry. “Thank you, Uncle Eli.”
“Anytime, buddy.” The man ruffles Owens hair before turning toward me. “Hey, man. I’m Eli White.”
“Good to meet you, Eli. I’m Garrett Madison, a friend of Sebastian’s.”
“Oh, cool.” He turns to Sebastian and shrugs. “He’s a good guy.”
Emma scoffs. “Oh, come on. You know you have a man crush on my future husband. Just admit it.”
Sebastian smiles and shakes his head while Eli mumbles choice words at his sister before Angel kicks him under the table to shut him up.
“Not in front of Owen, please.”
Owen chimes in at the mention of his name. “It’s okay, Auntie Angie. I know all those words already.”
Angie just rolls her eyes. “Well, just like how you’re not allowed to say them, you don’t need to hear them.”
The salad course interrupts the conversation, giving us all a welcome respite from the bickering.
As soon as everyone digs into their food, I thumb out a text to Melissa, one of my assistant who is volunteering at the auction table. Who has the winning bids on the aquarium overnight stay and the classroom painting party?
A moment later, Melissa responds. Eli White is hugely in the lead for both. Do you want to bid?
I glance at the man sitting beside me and wonder just what his interest in Angel really is. No, unless someone else outbids him. If so, double their bid. But if Eli stays in the top slot, leave it be.
Chapter 8
Angie
Garrett looks good in a tux. I mean, really good. Like better than any mere mortal should. His hair is cut short on the sides with just a few dark locks artfully arranged to fall casually across his forehead. It’s sexy as hell.
And his blue eyes stay trained on me through the entire meal. Well, that’s not true. When he’s not carefully watching me, he’s staring at Eli. Some part of me feels guilty that Garrett obviously thinks Eli and I are here together.
But it’s better this way.
The less Garrett tries to pursue me, the easier it is for me to resist. Because right at this moment, if he even tilted his head in my direction, beckoning me to follow him into a back room for quick fuck, I’d be there.
I just wouldn’t be able to stop myself.
Not having Garrett visit me at work lately has been disappointing, but it’s made it easier for me to stay focused on my goals.
And my most important goal is sitting right beside me, trying to avoid the vegetables on his plate.
“Owen.” I wait for him to look at me before continuing so I know he’s really listening. “I heard the desserts around here are pretty amazing. If you want some, you need to finish those off.”
Owen glares at me then spears an asparagus stalk with his fork. “Fine. But you have to eat yours too.”
My plate is almost empty, except for a few of the roasted potatoes I was resisting. I’ve been trying to watch my carbs, but I guess that will have to take a backburner for the evening. “Fine.” I stab a potato with my fork and quickly pop it into my mouth. “Mmm, delicious.”
Owen giggles and finishes the rest of his mixed vegetables just before the plates are taken away and the dessert course is served.
“Should we go check to see if we won yet?” Owen asks before taking a big bite of cake.
“No, it’ll be more fun if it’s a surprise. Besides, if the bids are too high, I won’t be able to outbid them anyway.” I look Owen in the eye to make sure he understands what I’m saying.
“I know, Auntie Angie. We have to be reasonable.”
I grin at his choice of words. I’ve had to use them often when it comes to Owen. I’m afraid he has his mother’s addictive personality. Keeping him from overindulging on the good stuff and obsessing about the bad stuff has been a challenge for us both. “Exactly right, little man. We’ll just wait and see what happens.”
There are a few speeches that seem to drone on and on before a woman in a sequin gown takes the stage to announce the auction winners.
She starts with the lowest dollar items first, working her way up to the really big items. A bottle of Dom Pérignon goes for $375. A painting by an up-and-coming local artist goes for $700. And a beach house weekend in Pescadero goes for $1200.