Had To Make You Mine

by Kat Long

  I closed my eyes and turned around. While his back was to me, I whispered, “I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.”

  We could do this. We could stay away. He was right. This was a mistake. But if it was a mistake, why did my chest ache?

  Apparently, his ears were just as impressive as the rest of his body because without missing a beat, he turned and said, “Did you just quote Oscar Wilde?” He looked down at me and tilted one side of his mouth up in the smallest smirk, contradicting his coldness from moments ago. Maybe his nickname should be gas-station burrito instead of Broody McAsshole. Or Icy-Hot.

  “Not to you,” I said.

  “He would never again tempt innocence. He would be good.”

  I turned back around and tilted my head. Of course, he could quote Wilde. Next, I’m sure he’d tell me he moonlighted saving kittens caught high in trees at night.

  “Annaleigh, Blue.”

  The way he said my nickname, softer than my name, almost broke me.

  “Max, you’re right. I think we can agree this can’t get even more complicated than it already is. I don’t want to jeopardize our jobs. We have to set ground rules.”

  He nodded and hung his head, “Right. No complications. But, Blue, you would never be a mistake, and you deserve everything. You deserve so much more than me.”

  With that, he traced my jaw with his fingers before brushing past me towards the backdoor stairwell without so much as a last glance. I only wished the tingling on my skin would leave, like he had.

  - 11 -

  ENCHANTED

  Annaleigh

  I looked at my reflection as I finished my makeup for the Whiskey Gala. My lips were red, and my cheeks were peach. I highlighted my winged eyeliner and gray smokey eyes with a pop of light metallic blue in the inner corner. And after watching a dozen how-to videos, my eyes were sparkling and would stand out through the satin mask. My dress was slate blue and soft satin with a dramatic, plunging neckline, draping front, and train hem. I was wearing long silver earrings that jingled softly as I moved, and my silver heels matched the rhinestones on my mask.

  The fabric caressed my skin like a warm embrace, and for a fleeting moment, I imagined Max running his fingers along the lines of the dress. He was on my mind again with dirty, filthy, lovely thoughts. No matter how many times I told myself we were a bad idea, I kept imagining what it would be like if we’d met under different circumstances.

  Every time I thought of him, my body betrayed me. I remembered the words he said and the way his hands felt on my body. It was like they were made to touch me, and it was terrifying. So was the way he looked at me, like he could see me, more than anyone else had. With the drinks flowing tonight, I was going to have to work extra hard to remember why we were a mistake.

  The town car was due any minute, so I unlocked the door and opened my front curtains to see the street. Baxter jumped on the couch for a better view of any passing squirrels, and I bent down to give him scratches. He wagged his tail in approval, and I sent Jenna a quick text, thanking her for coming over to walk him later.

  I was sitting on the couch, slipping on my heels, when Katie opened my front door and came in, bouncing from foot to foot and pointing to the bathroom. I nodded and stood up, putting a reassuring hand on Baxter’s head.

  She left the door cracked and called down the hallway, “Random question. Is there something going on with you and Max?”

  Oh no!

  Did Jake know? Did Jake tell Katie? What did Max tell Jake?

  The thoughts tumbled out of my head as I heard Katie wash her hands and walk back down the hallway.

  “Katie. What are you talking about?”

  My hands were clammy, and I stared at my feet, not wanting to say anything until she elaborated.

  “So, listen. I brought a date for Max. Leslie, from the club. Remember her from the tennis match last month? He was polite when I introduced them, but then he asked me quietly if you knew he had a date. I said yes because I thought Jake told you. But now, he’s silent and weird and angry.”

  She shrugged her shoulders, and her eyes darted to the window where Jake was standing outside the car with his arms crossed, staring at my closed door.

  “And then Max asked me again if I was sure you knew about him having a date. When I said yes again, he shut down. Leslie is on her second glass of champagne and looking at him like he has three heads. Am I reading too much into this?”

  “Katie. Max is Broody McAsshole,” I said in almost a whisper, hoping to appease whatever was going on in her head and glad our indiscretion was safe.

  “What!” Katie said, her voice so high only dogs could hear her. I leaned down and scratched that sweet spot behind Baxter’s ears because he was looking at Katie like she was crazy. He licked my hand before jumping back on the couch in search of rogue squirrels.

  “Katie, he’s my boss,” I said, sighing and slipping my phone and mask into my silver clutch.

  “And if he wasn’t your boss?” she said, looking guilty for even asking.

  Not willing to give anything up, I stared at her with a straight face until we heard the town car honk its horn.

  “Come on, let’s not keep them waiting. I love the dress, Katie. You look so elegant.”

  Katie wanted to ask more, but thankfully, let it go. I gave Baxter one extra pet and locked the door behind us as we walked out together where Jake was waiting, ever the gentleman.

  He held the door open for us and said with a nod, “Annaleigh, you look lovely this evening.”

  “Thank you, Jake, looking pretty good yourself,” I answered, slipping into the car before him and Katie.

  “Save me a dance later. We need to talk,” he said, giving me a nod and a smile.

  He stepped in after Katie and shut the door, straightening his bowtie and lifting his hand to the driver.

  I sat beside Katie and kept my eyes on the floor, determined not to look at Max, but that lasted all of three seconds. His eyes were dark, smoldering, and one look at the way he was rubbing his hands up and down his thick thighs had me squeezing mine together, remembering how those hands felt on my skin. He was staring at me so hard I was surprised my forehead had not caught fire. Was he angry because he thought I was okay with him having a date? Or was it something else?

  Katie reintroduced us, and Leslie shook my hand as if she expected me to kiss it. Her hands were soft and dainty, and her manicure was flawless. Her dress was red, matching her lips, and it pushed her boobs up to her chin. She didn’t seem like Max’s type, but what did I know? It wasn’t like we’d had long conversations about what we were looking for in a relationship.

  But I knew his fingers lit up every nerve in my body, and I knew I wanted more.

  “So, you’re Max’s secretary, Amy, right? Are you here to hold his coat and bring him cocktails?”

  Leslie laughed as if she had just told a hilarious joke, and the way she emphasized cock in cocktails made my skin crawl. I didn’t want her near Max’s anything, especially his cock. No one looked amused, and the condescending voice she used was irritating as hell. Sitting across from us in the car, she gave me a sickly sweet smile, as if she purposely misused my name and title to instigate a response.

  Jake rubbed the back of his neck and lightly squeezed Katie’s thigh while red slowly crept up her cheeks. It wasn’t her fault. It took me three terrible dates before I realized Katie’s judgment was questionable.

  “Annaleigh, and yes, I am. And don’t you have the subtlety of a brick and the depth of a shot glass? It’s such a pleasure to see you again,” I said with a smile.

  Max held his hand in front of his mouth like he was stifling a grin, and I was rewarded with one dimple and a quick flash of his white, straight teeth. Jake focused intently on something outside the window, and Katie lo
oked wide-eyed at Leslie, who downed her champagne, none the wiser.

  God, I didn’t remember her having the personality of a snobby narcissist. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken the bait, but was her comment necessary? I’d like to think I’m only mean to people who deserve it. Kind of like a vigilante bitch; a bitchilante if you will. And if anyone deserved a sarcastic comment, Leslie Fake-Boobs did.

  I took a bit of pleasure from watching the confusion on her face, but there was too much Botox in her forehead for her to even furrow her eyebrows.

  Petty? Yes.

  Guilty? No.

  “Right, I guess you’ll be getting my drinks as well tonight,” Leslie said, either not understanding or attempting to save face.

  “Absolutely, Leslie. I’ll be happy too,” I said with another smile, looking at Katie and widening my eyes.

  She glanced at Jake as if she knew this set-up was a mistake. And we spent the rest of the drive in uncomfortable silence.

  As we pulled up to the hotel, I took out my mask and slipped it on, watching everyone do the same. Jake got out of the car first and held his hand for Katie. Max followed suit, holding his hand for Leslie, but let go as soon as her heels were on the pavement. He stayed back for a second as if he wanted to hold his hand out for me, but I took one look at Leslie’s face and shook my head. Max pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation as Jake side-stepped him and held out his hand to me. I mouthed sorry, and Jake shrugged his shoulders.

  The couples were greeted right away, and after a thank you to the doorman and passing over our invitations, I peeled off gracefully to the bar with a subtle nod to Jake, letting him know where I was heading. He tapped his jacket pocket before shaking the hotel owner’s hand.

  I nodded, walking through the lobby and taking out my cell phone for Jake’s text-messaged drink order. I reminded him of our table number before slipping my phone back in my clutch.

  The hallways were decorated with black and gray, leading to a beautiful open ballroom with a mezzanine, grand staircase, white columns, and a dark wood ceiling.

  The bar took up a good portion of the back wall and had high-top stools made of the same dark wood, giving the entire room a mysterious vibe. I stood at the end, raising my hand to get the bartender’s attention and looking over the bourbon selection.

  I ordered Jake’s drinks and decided on Buffalo Trace for myself, asking for a double, neat with a twist. I looked up a minute later when the bartender cleared his throat and put the drinks in front of me. I rubbed an orange peel around the rim of my glass and dropped it in, studying him. He was a good-looking guy with shaggy blonde hair and bright blue eyes. His shirt was tight, showing off his muscles, and he gave me a wide smile.

  “The name’s Hugh, and you let me know if you need anything this evening.” He winked before turning to help a guy that flagged him down toward the other end of the bar. I smiled back and nodded. He was a great-looking guy but did nothing to pique my interest.

  Jake came up a minute later to pick up his drinks, saying thank you before getting cornered by another guest. I shook my head and turned around to face the banquet room with its large chandeliers and black tablecloths.

  I focused on the bourbons’ golden liquid as I swirled the glass, taking in each color as it dripped down the side. Just as I brought the glass to my lips, butterflies took flight in my stomach. Max’s eyes were on me. I could feel them. I could feel him approach. I hated this pull, hated this attraction, hated that I had to watch him with someone else tonight.

  His black tuxedo was perfectly tailored to his body, and I took a moment to peruse the way his jacket showcased his broad shoulders as he walked over. The detailed gold mask looked like it was made to fit his face, and my pulse increased the closer he came.

  “Exquisite, Annaleigh,” he said, his voice raw and husky. Holy shit, I think my panties just disintegrated. He dragged his eyes slowly over my body and bit his lower lip as if he wanted nothing more than to trace them against my body. I was ready to let him, my stupid body betraying me.

  “You soon lingered above my emptiness. A magical soul whose miracles manifest. At the sight of your aesthetics, my heart knew peace. Doubts dissipated as my knees felt weak.”

  That was more than a lyric. That was the beginning of a song. As the words replayed in my mind, I looked at Max.

  He pursed his lips and stepped closer. “Tell me what you’re thinking, Blue.”

  I shook my head. I shouldn’t tell him. “I, um. Thank you for the compliment, Max. You look very suave tonight.”

  “Hmm,” he said, as if he knew I was lying. “Thanks. Whiskey?” He nodded at my glass and reached towards me, tucking a stray wisp of hair behind my ear. His hand stayed a moment longer than it should have, and when he pulled away, he jammed his hands in his front pockets.

  “Bourbon,” I answered.

  “A woman after my heart.” He signaled Hugh and ordering a Woodford Reserve on the rocks and a vodka sprite.

  “Amateur. That’s no way to drink bourbon.” I nodded to the ice in his glass after Hugh set down his drinks and held up my own. “It’s too good to waste with water.”

  “I beg to differ,” he said, taking a sip. “The ice with the liquors’ burn, nothing’s better.”

  “Agree to disagree.” I clinked my glass against his, and he drank again, letting the ice rattle. I imagined what it would be like to taste the ice-cold bourbon on his lips before feeling the warmth of his tongue. His eyes narrowed as if he could read my thoughts, and I felt my nipples pucker, begging for his attention.

  He glanced down and took in a sharp breath, stepping closer, so my back brushed along the edge of the bar. His eyes narrowed, and he traced one finger up my arm. I looked behind him and saw Leslie standing with her arms crossed. I understood the possessiveness she felt, and I hated how sour the next words would feel tumbling out of my mouth.

  “Your date’s waiting.”

  “You don’t approve?”

  “My opinion doesn’t matter, Max.”

  “Agree to disagree, Blue,” he said, mimicking my earlier words. He took another step forward and brushed his thumb along my elbow. My entire body shuddered, and I leaned into him. “I never meant to make you think we would be a mistake. I meant what I said. I don’t want to stay away.”

  How do I answer that?

  “Anna! Do you—” Jake said, hurrying towards us and breaking the moment. He just saved me from telling Max, telling Max… something.

  “Yes, right here, Jake.” I took several of his business cards out of my clutch and passed them over.

  “Perfect, thank you.” He put them in his jacket with a nod, walking back to Katie and the couple they were talking to a few feet away.

  “Ah, Annaleigh,” Max said, his eyes darting to Leslie then back to me.

  “Here, Max, yours came in yesterday. Now go mingle. Bring Leslie her drink.”

  He took the cards from my hand, and where his fingers touched mine, sparks danced. He glanced down at our fingers, silently asking me if I felt it too. I did. He knew I did.

  “Go, Max. We have to stop. I can’t take it. If this were supposed to continue, we wouldn’t keep having misunderstandings and interruptions.”

  “Or maybe the interruptions will make the reward that much sweeter, Blue.”

  “No, it has to be a sign. This is the Universe telling us it’s a bad idea.”

  “The Universe?” he chuckled. “I didn’t take you as someone who believes in signs from the Universe.”

  “Well, you don’t really know me, do you? We hardly know each other. Maybe I believe. Maybe this is life, the Universe…” I lifted my hand in some sort of grand gesture, but he interrupted.

  “And everything?”

  “Maybe. But enough, Max. It’s too much. You twist my insides and get me so turned on I can’t think straight. Either we finish thi
s, or you walk away.”

  He adjusted his lapels and picked up Leslie’s drink, glaring at me. I sat my drink down and crossed my arms over my chest, “And Max. If your lips ever touch my neck again, you better not fucking stop.”

  I didn’t mean it as a challenge or a dare, and I wasn’t trying to goad him into doing anything. I was just sick of the back-and-forth bullshit.

  His eyes got wide, and his pupils went as dark as his tux. He stalked over to Leslie, who was already talking to another masked guest. She took her drink without so much as a glance, and he looked my way, eyes narrowing in frustration. I could read his eyes as well as he could read mine.

  You want me, Blue. You want us.

  I never said I didn’t.

  I’d make you scream.

  I’d make you beg.

  You’d be worth it, Blue.

  Those eyes held so many hot, dirty, naked promises as he circled the room with Leslie. When I caught his eyes again, he crossed his arms and licked his lips. Shaking off my frustration, I took a big sip of bourbon, and he smirked at me. I wanted to wipe that cocky smile off his face, but that would have to wait as couples were making their way into the dining room.

  I purposely sat across from him at our table and even played the diligent assistant and brought Leslie another drink. When the dessert and dancing started, I stayed to finish my chocolate mousse while Jake and Katie took a turn around the floor. I hoped one day I’d be able to find someone who looked at me the way Jake looked at Katie. Remembering the way Max looked at me, I thought, maybe, I already had.

  He had drifted off and was deep in conversation with someone across the room while Leslie was back at the bar. Sighing, I took another bite of mousse and pulled Leslie’s untouched dessert closer. Might as well take advantage of the opportunity to have more chocolate. Frank Sinatra played in the background, and I hummed along, watching the couples dance. Just as I took a bite, a sweaty hand touched my shoulder, and I looked up to see Benjamin towering over me.