Lasting Attraction

by Ashley Beale

  I pause at the door and shake my head. "Fuck you. Who said that I have feelings for Miah?"

  His hand grips at my shoulder. "Maybe because you eye fuck the shit out of her every time she comes around."

  "Right," I say sarcastically and walk back towards the conference room.

  The conference is already cleared out by the time we get back in there, and its just Miah in the room. She eyes us both but doesn't say anything. Evan grabs his folder and grabs at my shoulder as he walks back out to leave. "Thanks man." He looks in Miah's direction then gives me a wink before walking out of the room.

  "What happened?" I ask Miah as I walk to grab my folder.

  She continues picking up different things left in the room while pushing in chairs. "The board members basically said things need to settle down or their going to annul the paperwork for the merger, if still possible. Apparently just because the numbers work it doesn't mean the companies actually go well together."

  "It's not the companies," I tell her, "its the tension between the employees."

  She pauses and looks over at me, a wild grin on her face. "The tension?" Her eyebrow lifts up in a very seductive way, indicating she knows there has been a lot of sexual tension between us.

  I walk in her direction and grab at her hips, ready to release all the built up tension I have on her- both sexual and work related. She bites at those full lips and shakes her head, even though her body is giving off a completely different reaction.

  "I'm sorry about last time we hooked up."

  "You still with that girl?" She knows I'm not, and even if I were, I have a feeling once again, she wouldn't give a shit.

  I bring my lips close to her ear and flick out my tongue before responding. "I'm not with anyone."

  "Say my name," she whispers.

  "Miah," I respond in a whisper before biting down on her lobe. She moans out in respond the same time I hike up her skirt. "And these damn outfits you wear. I swear you're trying to kill me."

  Her hand reaches down between us to unbutton my slacks. "I wouldn't dare do such a thing to you, Pierce Daniels. If I killed you, I wouldn't be able to have this again." Her hand reaches around my hardened cock and I can't help moan out in desire. This is going to be one of the fastest fucks, and thankfully, right over this damn conference table. I won't feel bored in another meeting again.

  Once her skirt is up and my pants are down, I turn Miah right around, bending her over the table. I pull her thong to the side and slide my finger through her slit, feeling the wet warmth. "Fuck, I don't have a god damn condom," I mutter, pissed.

  Miah moves her hand over her shoulder, passing me a foil packet. "My bra holds more than my tits."

  "You're incredible," I tell her. I rip open the packet, slide the condom in, and without notice push myself inside Miah. She screams out in pleasure and I love feeling her adjust around my dick. I thrust in and out of her hard, feeling my balls hit against her clit while my hands squeeze into her hips.

  The more I hear my name being screamed out, or feel her pump my dick with her insides, I come that much closer to releasing. "Fuck, baby, you need to come. You need to fucking come for me now."

  I can feel the moment she starts to do just that, and I don't hold back, releasing everything inside me. My mind goes blank and to stop myself from calling her the wrong name this time, I bite my tongue.

  Once we're both back in our attire, Miah spreads her hands over my chest and kisses softly on my lips. "I hate to be the one who asks this first, but would you go on a date with me sometime?"

  I wasn't exactly expecting that. Not now at least. Shit, maybe not even ever. I really don't want to get into anything serious, especially not until all this shit with Cassie is cleared, but a date can't hurt I guess. We've already gotten intimate, may as well treat her nice at least once. I'll have to let her know that I can't be anything serious, but that can wait until the date. I try not to sigh, even though I feel the need, nothing wanting to disrespect her. "That sounds nice."

  She smiles, surprising me to see her so excited about wanting to date me. "I can't wait."

  I'm not going to lie, I'm fucking terrified about tomorrow. The last four weeks have been perfection, and it all could be interrupted tomorrow. In fact, it could all disappear altogether.

  After I gave Cassie the promise ring, we left Sea World and went back to the apartment. We didn't come out of the bedroom until the next morning when I had to leave for work. I felt bad, knowing she didn't eat anything all night, so the next night when I came home from work, I brought home takeout. We had a quickie before we ate dinner, then spent another night in the bedroom after.

  If we're not eating, sleeping, or fucking, then we're usually out on a date or with friends. Always together. Always. Well, of course, except when I'm at work. I used to be scared of being this attached to someone- anyone- but with Cassie, it just fits. We're both finally so damn happy, its surreal.

  Which is half the reason I'm terrified.

  It seems every single damn time we're doing well, something happens. Something usually meaning Pierce. We're doing the damn swab test in the morning, then the ultrasound in the afternoon to find out the sex. He wants to be included in the ultrasound, just in case the baby is his. He said he didn't want to miss out on such an important moment, and Cassie agreed without even asking me. I don't blame her really, even if it frustrates the shit out of me. I don't blame Pierce either. If the roles were reversed, I'd want to be there too. I just don't want to see his smug face.

  Except, of course, when he sees that ring on Cassie's finger.

  I still feel like shit that it’s such a cheap ring. I only paid twenty three dollars on it, but she seems to like regardless. She still doesn't know how much money I lost out on when I dropped my contract for fighting. If not for this job Mason got me, I'd be borrowing money off my dad for sure. It sucks being this broke, especially with a baby on the way. We have so much to buy still. I plan on selling all my furniture in my room anyways, and use that towards a crib and all that.

  Cassie's mom has been buying random things here and there, especially diapers. I don't know what half the things are though. Shit like a burp cloth, or butt paste. It creeps me out completely, but I try not to show it. If I do show it, Cassie just laughs and says that it'll all work out.

  I hope more than ever it works out. When I told her I'd stay with her, regardless to if the baby is mine or not, I meant it. I meant every single word I told her. It was so much harder than I thought it'd be to tell her truth about my feelings, and about why I came to San Diego two years ago. She understood, she accepted everything I said, and we've been open and honest about a lot with one another. I couldn't be happier with her. With us.

  For tonight, I was planning on bringing Cassie out on another date, wanting to remind her just how much I love her, but she made other plans. Apparently we're going to Mason and Aubrey's for a damn game night. I like hanging out with Mason, and love that Aubrey and Cassie are still best friends, but a game night? I'm not twelve anymore. I agreed though, wanting to make Cassie happy. So here is to Monopoly and whatever else the girls have decided on.

  Once I get back to the apartment from work, I hurry and get into the shower. I half expect Cassie to meet me in here, as she does on most days, but by the time I get out, I haven't even heard a peep from her. I know her car was in the parking lot, so she is home. Maybe she didn't hear me come in. I wrap a towel around myself and walk out of the steamy bathroom. Walking into the bedroom, Cassie is curled into a ball on the bed, a blanket wrapped around her with a little bit of drool hanging from her lip. How is it that I find it incredibly adorable?

  I get dressed before I plant a kiss on Cassie's forehead. "Hey, baby, time to go."

  "Mm, I don't wanna," she whispers with her eyes still shut.

  I can't help but chuckle and kiss her forehead again. "You don't have to tell me twice."

  She pushes against my chest just as I'm about to climb into bed with her. "No
, we need to go. Aubrey would be so upset if we didn't."

  "Can't you just tell them you're sick?"

  She smiles up at me and shakes her head. "No, I want to go. Don't you?"

  "Since when have you known me to play board games?"

  She giggles while she sits up, then shrugs her shoulders. "You'll have fun tonight I promise."

  "Of course I will. Because I'll be with you."

  She makes a face at me that causes me to laugh, then she climbs out of bed to get ready.

  By the time we arrive at Mason's, Cassie is complaining about being hungry... again. She finally has a rounded belly and is noticeably pregnant, but with the amount she eats, I'm surprised she isn't twice her size. I've always thought she was gorgeous, but now? Gorgeous is the biggest understatement. That girl is radiant. She is perfection. Made just for me.

  Mason is busy feeding Dakota when we walk in, but he makes sure to greet us, as Aubrey comes running and hugs Cassie. She then proceeds to get down on her knees so she can kiss and rub Cassie's belly. I think she is twice as excited about Cassie being pregnant than she was when she was knocked up.

  I sit at the table and nod my head in Mason's direction while the girls make their way towards the cupboards to start dinner. That was my one stipulation, dinner.

  "What she eating now?" I ask Mason.

  He grins over at me. "Bananas. Its only the third food we've tried on her. She liked the peas and carrots so far, but I wanted to try a fruit."

  I slowly just nod my head, realizing I'm in way over my head. I know nothing about this stuff. Mason has been nothing but an amazing father, and I truly idolize him because damn, he makes this stuff look so easy. He laughs, bringing me out of my day dream. "It takes practice, but trust me, you'll get the hang of it all in no time. Take things one at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself. I felt the same way."

  "I didn't even say anything," I say in defense.

  He laughs even more, whipping some splattered banana from Dakota's face. "You don't need to. That look on your face said it all." I don't say anything, I just keep watching him feed his daughter. He looks towards where the girls are starting on the dinner, completely oblivious to us, before he looks over at me again. "You nervous about tomorrow?"

  "You have no fucking clue."

  "If it makes you feel any better, I haven't seen Cassie happier than she’s been these last few weeks. Aubrey even says that Cassie is on cloud nine."

  I just continue to watch him as he cleans Dakota and the highchair, then pulls her out from it. He looks back over at me when I don't say anything he raises a brow, rocking her back and forth in his arms. "It'll be okay. It'll all work out how its supposed to."

  "That is what I'm worried about," I mumble.

  Mason gives me a sad smile but doesn't say much. I stand up and walk towards Cassie as he brings his daughter into the other room to go in her play pen. "Smells good out here," I say, wrapping my arms around Cassie from behind. She peeks over her shoulder at me to give me a brief kiss.

  "Just some cheese ravioli and a cease salad."

  "I can't wait." I place my chin on her shoulder and watch as she chops up some lettuce for the salad.

  "Boys. Out." Aubrey orders. I look over at her and she has a stern look on her face.

  I back away with my hands in the air, surrendering to her murderous glare. "Got it, Duckey." I wink when she throws a crouton in my direction.

  Mason hands me an opened beer and we go sit in the living room, turning on the television.

  "I think I'm going to be sick."

  I run towards the bathroom and Avery comes running in after me, pulling back my hair as I throw up. I hate when he sees me throw up, but I'm glad he is caring enough to do so.

  "I know, angel, I know. It's okay." He continues trying to encourage me, rubbing my back with one hand. I can't believe I found this with Avery. I've never felt more loved or more precious in my entire life.

  Once my teeth are brushed and my hands are washed, I go into the kitchen to slide on my shoes. Avery ties up his DC's, and grabs the keys to the chair. "Ready?" he asks.

  "No," I admit.

  He just smiles and opens the door anyway. I know he is just as nervous as me, maybe even more so, but he is doing well at taking care of me. I feel dumb for being so nervous. I know both guys are going to be great father's, no matter the result, but its just the idea of it. Plus, I may not even find out today, it could be a few days. But just taking the test is making me nervous, as well as finding out the sex of the baby later today.

  How awkward that will be, too. Ugh. I have seen Pierce a total of two times since we split. Once was when we swapped items, once was last week at the store. He was pumping some gas but he didn't see me. I noticed a girl in his pickup too. All I could wonder is if she were the girl he cheated on me with, but I chose to ignore it. There is nothing I could do about it, and I had no reason to feel any heart broken.

  We arrive at the lab, and I'm still yawning from how early the appointment is. I haven't had my morning coffee yet but I was told I wasn't allowed to beforehand. Avery holds onto my hand while we sit patiently in the waiting room. After five minutes, there is still no Pierce but the first lab technician comes in and asks for me. Avery smiles at me and says he'll be here when I'm done. I know its quick, but going alone still saddens me.

  I walk into the section that closed off behind a curtain and the ladies asks me a few medical questions and makes me confirm I'm actually who I say I am. Once that is all confirmed, she has me open my mouth and she takes a swab sample of my saliva.

  Once I sign my lab work, I walk back into the waiting room to see Pierce and Avery both sitting on opposite sides of the waiting room. Talk about being nervous. I smile over at Pierce as I take my seat next to Avery, just staring at the floor. I don't think I've ever been in a more awkward situation than this, and its only going to get worse when its time for the ultrasound later this afternoon.

  Avery's name is called next. He squeezes my knee before he stands up and I look over at him. He smiles softly and runs his finger down my cheek. "I'll be five minutes, stop stressing out. I love you." He kisses my lips softly and I know its only because Pierce is close by. He is trying to be romantic, and I feel like a bitch when I pull my head back.

  "Hurry up," I mutter.

  He looks at my confused for a moment before he stands up and follows the same lady I was just back there with.

  When he is out of sight, I take a deep breath and look over at Pierce. He is on his phone, texting someone or playing a game. My heart hurts at the thought of him texting the girl he was with the other day, but I'd never admit it out loud. It doesn't matter that my heart is with Avery, that he is the love of my life, that I'm beyond thrilled with the outcome of who I ended up with, because a piece of my heart will always belong with Pierce.

  Instead, I clear my throat and wait for him to look up in my direction. When he does, he lifts his lips into a sad smile. "Thanks for coming," I tell him. The second it leaves my mouth I realize I sound incredibly pathetic.

  Apparently he doesn't mind though, because she smiles a little larger. "Wouldn't miss it."

  "How have you been?" I ask.

  "Um, alright."

  "Everything okay?"

  He snorts out a dry laugh and tilts his head back so he is looking in the direction of the ceiling. "Oh, just fucking perfect."

  "I'm sorry," I whisper to him.

  He looks back at me and just stares, like he is memorizing me. After a few second, he whispers back, "don't be sorry, please."

  As much as I want to ask him why not, I just smile softly and nod my head. "Okay," I tell him after another second. "Is the whole merger thing with your work going well?" Last I knew it was official, but I never received an update beyond that.

  "Now it is. It took some time, we had some minor personal issues, but its all been dealt with and we're doing well. My dad signed the company over to Evan and me this week, so we're now officially CEOs."
>
  "Wow, Pierce, that is awesome. I'm so happy for you."

  "Thanks," he says excitedly.

  I really am happy for him. It warms my heart to know that things are looking in the right direction for him.

  Avery comes out and sits down next to me, immediately grabbing my hand and kissing it. I know its a possessive thing, and I completely understand it, but it doesn't change the fact it annoys me. I don't like feeling owned like that. Its too controlling. The only time I want to feel owned, is in the bedroom.

  Pierce's name is called. He stands up and looks over at us. "So I'll see you at one thirty then."

  "See you then," I tell him.

  When he is out of sight with the lady, I stand up and grab at my purse before walking towards the entrance. Avery keeps up pace with me but doesn't say anything until we're out of the lab. "Are you angry with me?"

  I don't look at him as I make my way towards the car. "Nope."

  "I feel as though you are."

  "No, Avery, I'm not. I'm just... I don't know. Frustrated, I guess."

  "Well, I think we all are!"

  I turn just as I reach the car and give him a pointed look. "Excuse me? I'm sorry, but I'm not frustrated with his whole triangle pregnancy bullshit, I'm frustrated with your need to claim me in front of Pierce."

  "Whys that, Cassie?" Avery gets closer to me and cocks his head to the side.

  "Because its just plain rude."

  He shakes his head and walks towards the driver’s seat, getting in then slamming the door shut. I climb into the passenger seat, mirroring his actions. We both are completely quiet as he makes his way to a bakery for me to get a coffee and food. I don't want to be angry with him, but I'm just annoyed in general.

  When we pull into the bakery, he keeps the car idling and pulls out his cell phone. I look over at him, confused. "You're not coming in?"

  "Nope."

  "Avery, I'm sorry-"

  "Don't," he cuts me off, still not looking at me. "Just go get your damn coffee and muffin or whatever you're fucking eating."