Had To Make You Mine

by Kat Long

  Annaleigh: NO NO NO NO NO!! HE IS MY BOSS!! My VERY distracting Boss!

  Olivia: If that isn’t the most fucking adorable thing EVER Anna!! This is the beginning of your love story!

  Addison: Your very own dirty, sexy love story Annaleigh! Yes, sir.. I’ll be glad to DICKtate that for you

  Olivia: GIF of someone spitting out a drink

  Annaleigh: GIF of head exploding

  Addison: GIF of dancing eggplants

  Addison: Right away, Sir, I’ll be glad to CUM to your office.

  Jenna: Sorry, dealing with an asshole cat. I agree with Adie. Go for it!

  Annaleigh: GIF of cat filing middle finger

  Olivia: I’m calling it. You are gonna screw each other senseless.

  Annaleigh: YOU ARE NOT HELPING!

  Jenna: We demand details when it happens. Explicit, graphic, dirty details.

  Addison: YES!

  Annaleigh: NO!

  Jenna: YES!

  Olivia: YES!

  Annaleigh: DAMNIT. Y’all are NO HELP!

  Olivia: GIF of dancing hearts

  Addison: GIF of bunnies humping

  Jenna: GIF of facepalm

  Annaleigh: GIF of eye twitching

  I shook my head and put my phone back in my top drawer before taking a bite of the lavender lemon scone from Olivia’s bakery. Wow, this was a great creation!

  Our department had a funding meeting next. I took notes but forgot to upload them and spent an hour trying to remember what happened. A half-hour later, I collated an expense report incorrectly and sent the same email twice. I had to get out of the office. I was so damn distracted. The man I had spent the last seventy-two hours obsessing over was here, in the flesh, and all I could think about was him saying he should have gone out with me that night.

  I closed my laptop and grabbed my purse. I needed my happy place to regroup and reset. The fresh air helped, and I rolled down the windows of my Highlander and turned up the radio. I ordered lunch from a cafe close to the outdoor nursery and finished my sandwich before walking inside. I had already chosen plants for Max’s office, but I spent time walking through the rows and rows of plants and flowers. I found a Tiger-Claw Aloe that would look great on my desk and matching pots for Max’s plants.

  I left feeling content, ready to finish the day with no mistakes. But the closer I got to the bank, the more nervous I was. I headed back upstairs and greeted Charlie, the security officer, and Elise. She gave me a knowing look as I tried to walk by her.

  “And how are you enjoying the new Senior Vice President,” Elise said, hoping for a juicy tidbit of information.

  I put the plants down and smiled, taking out a double chocolate chip cookie from my purse and passing it to her.

  “Hey Elise. He’s adjusting well and will be an asset to the bank.”

  She smiled and opened the bag to take a bite.

  “I don’t think I would be able to concentrate with that Man-Candy sitting so close.”

  Elise leaned forward and wagged her eyebrows. I didn’t answer but felt the color rising in my cheeks.

  “I wouldn’t mind getting under him if you know what I mean,” she said with a wink. “You’re blushing, Annaleigh. I can’t imagine why.”

  I rolled my eyes and picked up the plants. Elise was married with two boys in college but enjoyed pushing my buttons, along with everyone else’s.

  “Elise, I’m not going to answer that. Mr. Jackson is my boss. How’s Randy doing?”

  “Screwing his secretary, thanks for asking. And thanks for the cookie Anna, you must have known I needed an afternoon sugar boost. By the way, here’s the information for furnishing the new office,” Elise said with a tight smile.

  How the hell do you respond to that bombshell?

  “Um, thank you. I sent you a meeting request for you to go over everything with him.”

  “No, that’s okay. I’m sure the two of you can put your heads together to get his office done,” Elise said, giving me a mischievous look.

  She was always looking to cause issues.

  “Get that idea out of your head,” I said with a tight grin on my face, grinding my teeth. No way was I going to give her anything to gossip about now.

  “I don’t know what you mean,” she said, smiling and taking another bite.

  I didn’t have time to play any more of her games, so I walked away and sat the plants by my desk. Needing an afternoon caffeine boost, I went into Jake’s office to use the hot water on his coffee maker. I filled up my Executive Assistant, Because Badass Miracle Worker Isn’t An Official Job Title mug, he got me for Christmas when the two of them walked in together.

  “Hi Anna, good timing, let’s go over details for the Whiskey Gala and Tennessee, please,” Jake said, walking over to hand me an orange.

  “Of course, I’ll get my tablet. Would either of you like coffee or tea?”

  “I’ll take an Earl Grey please, Anna. Max?” Jake said, looking at Max.

  “Coffee please, just cream,” Max replied, the corner of his mouth ticking up. He met my eyes and smirked just enough to show one glorious dimple. Yep, he was going to be a problem.

  “Not a tea drinker?” Jake said, not noticing my foot tapping nervously on the carpet.

  Jake brought his coffee cup over and handed it to me. I busied myself making coffee for Max and tea for Jake and me, pretending I didn’t feel Max’s eyes on me.

  “Never had a cup of tea I liked actually,” Max said, taking off his glasses and cleaning them on his tie, again. What was with that? I made a note to pick up a lens cleaner and a lint cloth for him.

  “Ah, well, if you ever want to venture to the dark side, ask Anna to make you a cup. She picks the best blends, and now, it’s all I drink.”

  I smiled at Jake’s compliment and plated everything before we began. We sat at his table, each taking a sip before I started, “Raymond sent me an email today asking to be moved to your table at the Gala. I said the table was full, so we need to adjust the seating chart.”

  “Good call, thanks. I’ll see if we have any prospects to invite,” Jake replied.

  I nodded and made a note before continuing. “Great. Also, your tux will be ready Thursday. I sent it to the same place as Katie’s dress so you can pick up both that afternoon. And remember, everyone needs a mask, and there’s a cocktail hour before dinner. The car will be at your house at seven o’clock Saturday.”

  “Perfect, please plan on riding with us, Anna. You too, Max.”

  ‘Umm. I have a tux but not a mask,” Max said, taking the extra cream from the table and adding what could only be described as an obscene amount to his coffee. He might as well be drinking milk.

  “No worries, Max. I’ll pick up several options for you this week.” I clenched my thighs under the table, not able to shake the image of Max’s lips wrapped around his coffee cup.

  What was wrong with me?

  “Thank you, Anna,” he said, as his thigh lightly brushed mine.

  When it did, a jolt of electricity shot up my leg like I’d been given an electric shock, and a shiver ran up my spine. I took a deep breath, taking in his spicy scent all over again while goosebumps pebbled my skin. His eyes narrowed, and he cleared his throat.

  He felt it too, this desire. This pull. This spark. Didn’t he?

  Seven hours.

  We had been around each other for seven hours. What would happen tomorrow? Next week? Next month? I’d spent half of today fantasizing about him and the other half worrying because I was fantasizing about him. His thick, muscular thigh brushed mine again as he listened intently to whatever Jake was talking about now.

  Whatever Jake was talking about… Shit!

  “....Atlas Hotel?” Jake finished, looking to me for a response that I didn’t have because I wasn’t listening.

 
It had taken close to three years for Jake and me to develop the working relationship we had. I could predict what he needed before he realized he needed it, and I could usually answer his questions before he asked them. Now, not only did I not have an answer, but I had no idea what he’d just said.

  “So, a connecting suite,” Max said, jogging my memory enough to jump back in before Jake was the wiser.

  “Yes, you and Jake will have a two-room suite with a common living and conference area. I’ll be on a floor below with our Retail, Credit Management, and Treasury partners. I’ll spend most of the week in the shared conference space working remotely while everyone is attending lectures. Two evenings have scheduled events, and two are free. I’ll have an updated itinerary as we get closer.”

  “Great. Thank you both,” Jake said, standing up and adjusting his jacket. “I’m heading to pick up Caleb from baseball practice. See you both in the morning.”

  He patted his pockets, and I picked up his phone and handed it to him.

  I stood up, smiling awkwardly at them both, and took my tea to my desk. Sitting down in a haze, I adjusted my new succulent and looked over my notes. I tried to gather my thoughts but was interrupted by a quiet throat clearing. Max was standing in front of my desk with his arms crossed.

  “Thanks for that. My mind had drifted,” I said, fanning myself with the tablet and wondering why I’d opted for hot tea instead of a cold-brew.

  “Why?” He didn’t try to fill the silence with unnecessary chatter. He merely waited for me.

  “I don’t know.”

  And I didn’t. Something was happening to me—something I didn’t understand and didn’t like.

  “I should have gone out with you that night,” he said, with a voice so low I could barely hear him.

  “And then what?” I said, looking down at my hands and talking just as soft. “We would have gone out? Danced? Kissed? Fucked? Imagine, just for a second, Max, if that had happened, and then gotten out here? I’d become the office slut overnight. I’m behind with my work already and so distracted. Today has been a disaster, and no matter how much I wish it could be different, it can’t. So please, Max. Walk away.”

  A wave of exhaustion crashed over me, and I finally looked up with flushed cheeks and a sad smile. His pupils got dark, and he straightened his tie, taking a step away from me.

  “Forget what I said. Consider it done. Don’t disturb me for the remainder of the afternoon.” His voice was cold and harsh, and he pushed up his glasses, walking to his office and taking a seat. His eyes met mine, those bourbon eyes unyielding until I looked away. I put in my air pods and got back to work, pretending what I said was what I wanted.

  - 6 -

  STARS IN THE SKY

  Annaleigh

  I contemplated not going into work all night, tossing and turning, before finally giving up and getting out of bed at three to make coffee. My nerves were shot. I prided myself on being good at several things. I had a kick-ass voice, moderate dance skills, and could make a damn good strawberry shortcake. But above all that, I was good at my job. I was great at my job. And Max made me so distracted I couldn’t concentrate.

  I’d almost thrown up Tuesday morning and only managed to choke down half a banana before I felt sick again. My shower didn’t help, but I did manage to eat the rest of the banana before picking up Max’s coffee with extra cream.

  I sat behind my desk, pretending to work and tapping my heel nervously on the carpet. The office was quiet and empty when I’d shown up, and I was grateful for the solitude. I felt like such a failure yesterday. I was unprofessional and allowed my emotions to get the better of me. And today wasn’t shaping up to be any better. I exhaled and adjusted my necklace. Each time I heard the elevator ding, I turned around to glance toward the lobby.

  I couldn’t decide what was worse, hoping that he had quit or hoping he would show up with a smile.

  But by eight-thirty, Max hadn’t shown up. I tried not to worry and made three circuits around the office to water the plants and peek out the window before I gave up and sent him a text.

  Annaleigh: Your coffee will be cold by the time you get here.

  Max: Good Morning to you too.

  Annaleigh: Will you make the 10am call?

  Max: Yes. I’m in line at the DMV.

  Annaleigh: Unless you’re close to the front of the line, leave and go back Thursday. You’re more likely to get in then. I can download the change of address forms ahead of time.

  Max: Thanks. Wish I had known that yesterday. Leaving now, be there in 30.

  I dropped my phone on my desk and smoothed my hair. Thirty minutes. I had thirty minutes to get my life together.

  Twenty-eight minutes later, I heard the elevator ding. Max walked through the office all confident in a navy pinstripe suit and matching vest. His dark brown hair was artfully messy, giving him a casual but professional look. I’d bet my right kidney he spent a half-hour in front of the mirror perfecting it. Maybe that was the real reason he was late, and the DMV was just an excuse.

  Max walked by me with a curt nod, not even saying good morning. He stonewalled me. I get it, we had a less than perfect start, and he was keeping me at arm’s length. Why would he do anything different? I told him to walk away. It was for the best.

  When I got to the office Wednesday, Max was waiting with a smile and an orange. He looked stylish and handsome in a black suit and blue vest. His mood swings were giving me whiplash, but I returned his smile and sat down.

  “Thanks again for saving hours of my life yesterday. Here, someone told me these are your favorite. Consider it a peace offering for my attitude,” he said, passing me an orange.

  I smiled and opened my desk drawer, taking out one I had left yesterday. He shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck, clearly unsure of what to say. I reached out and took his, tossing mine back in the still-open drawer.

  “Yours looks tastier. Thank you, Max. And here,” I said, taking a handkerchief from my desk drawer. “This will work better than your tie.”

  He looked at the handkerchief and then back to me. I stood up, walked around to him, folded it into a triangle, and tucked it in his front jacket pocket. Max tracked the movement with his eyes and put his hand over mine.

  “Thank you,” he said, removing his hand.

  He gave me a tight smile and cleared his throat, turning around and walking into his office. I sat back down and peeled the orange, confused as hell.

  Max: Reminder for tomorrow. I’ll be at the DMV first thing.

  Annaleigh: Noted. See you shortly.

  Max: I heard a song this morning and thought of you. Blue by Beyonce. Have you listened to the lyrics?

  Annaleigh: Didn’t take you for a Beyonce kinda guy. Will give it a listen.

  I put in my air pods, downloaded the song, closed my eyes for a minute, and listened to the lyrics. Before Queen B even got to the chorus, my heart was racing.

  Annaleigh: I enjoyed the song. Have you heard Complicated by Fitz and The Tantrums?

  Max: I’ll give it a listen.

  Annaleigh: I came back from lunch to find a beautiful blue planter for my Tiger-Aloe. Any idea who I should thank? My Tiger Aloe is happy. So am I. Meetings scheduled, calendar updates to follow. New song for you, You Can’t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones.

  Max: Glad you like the planter, no idea who you should thank. I prefer Crossfire by Brandon Flowers. Out of the office this afternoon and early meeting tomorrow. Will be in late. Please have a Nitro cold brew with extra cream ready for me at 10:00 am.

  I attempted to distract myself after he left that afternoon by answering a few emails, but my attention span was nonexistent. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed, picking up another orange to peel and ignoring a notification on my phone to call my doctor and schedule bloodwork. For the first time in I don’t k
now how many years, I was ready for the week to end.

  - 7 -

  YOUR AESTHETICS

  Max

  After infinite distractions later, my concentration was nonexistent. I’d spent this last week irritated and blankly staring at my portfolio, only thinking about her. Today and tomorrow, I had to be productive. Jake and I had conference calls all morning and two meetings with clients that would take me out for most of the afternoon. Tomorrow should be a breeze and give me time to get my head on straight before the Whiskey Gala Saturday.

  Blue. Anna. Annaleigh: I loved saying her full name, letting the syllables roll off my tongue. I loved texting her, knowing that smart mouth would put me in my place with a quick-witted, sarcastic comment or a very subtle innuendo—and the flirting, the presents, the skirts. And I couldn’t let go of the fact that I’d never been drawn to someone as much as I was to her.

  But at the same time, I was damn pissed that work didn’t have my full attention. It was her fault. I went between ignoring her to not being able to keep my eyes off her. It was maddening.

  I ran my fingers through my hair while I stood under the hot shower, willing myself to not think about the way she nibbled on her bottom lip when she concentrated, or the delicate curve of her neck when she pushed her blonde hair over her shoulders. Or those damnable back-seamed thigh highs.

  Shaking my head, I gave in, angrily gripping my cock. My thumb brushed over the swollen tip, and I stroked down hard. Bracing one hand on the shower wall, I moved my hand faster, knowing this was going to be quick and rough.

  I closed my eyes, and there she was, under my desk with her knees spread and a red-painted finger held to her lips. She bent forward to unzip my pants, and I got a teasing peek at her cleavage. My eyes squeezed harder, imagining her taking my cock to the back of her throat in one smooth, wet motion. My hand moved faster, tightening the grip to the point of pain, almost hearing the sexy little moans she would make while bobbing up and down. I would thread my fingers through her hair and pull, urging her to go deeper. And she would.

  Her tongue would lap and swirl over the head, and I mimicked the motion with my thumb, stroking harder, faster, right to the edge. My balls went tight, and I ground my teeth, groaning her name loudly until hot, sticky ropes of come coated the shower wall. My hand slowed down as I squeezed out every drop of pleasure.