Had To Make You Mine

by Kat Long

  “Questioning? I don’t understand, Jake,” she said, leaning towards us until I could see an adorable crease on her forehead. I shouldn’t be thinking of how adorable she was in a situation that was quickly becoming ominous, but it was hard not to because she was fucking adorable.

  What the hell was wrong with me?

  I go from questioning her, then back again every time we had a roadblock. Maybe Nicole mind-fucked me more than I cared to admit.

  “These were waiting for me this morning. Neither of you is going to be happy, and frankly, I’m so damn pissed I can barely see straight, but we’ve handled it. You’re going to look at these, and then we are going to have a quick conversation about honesty.”

  Jake tapped the papers and pushed them forward.

  Annaleigh and I both reached for them at the same time and turned them over. The color slowly drained from my face as she put her hand over her mouth, lowering her head and closing her eyes. When she opened them again, her face was hard, like she was forming a plan before I could process what I was seeing.

  Fuck me.

  No wonder Jake was fuming. It was pictures of us, in my office, the day we had afternoon delight. In one photograph, we were embracing, lips millimeters apart, and my belt was undone. On the other, my hand was dangerously low on her hip. The timestamp in the corner was clearly before we disclosed our relationship.

  Jake covered for us, literally saving our asses by having us fudge the date. Annaleigh made the same conclusion a few seconds after me, and her eyes got wide before she took in a big breath.

  “Save it,” Jake started, raising his hand to silence her, something I’d never seen him do. “I don’t want to hear excuses or apologies. I asked you both point-blank if you were together. The moment that answer changed, you should have come to me. But instead of doing that, you sneak around and lie, and I had to lie to Human Resources! I don’t want an apology from either of you, and I don’t want excuses. I want you to both think about how bad this could have been and the consequences of your actions. I’m leaving for the day, but on Monday, we all start over. Open communication. This will not happen again, because I will not cover for you again. Is that understood? Now, what else did you want to tell me, Max?”

  “I got an email from someone. Benjamin, I’m assuming.”

  “What?” Jake said, looking for confirmation from Annaleigh, who nodded slowly.

  “Yes. He threatened repercussions for me for, um, daring to touch what is his.”

  “Send that to me right away, and I would contact the police if he made a threat.”

  “Okay,” I said, reaching out to touch Annaleigh’s thigh under the table.

  She grabbed my hand and squeezed, then said, “This has to end.”

  Her voice was quiet and shaking. I could see the worry pouring out of her. And I obviously still didn’t know the whole story.

  “I know,” Jake answered. “I’m going to speak with HR and reach back out to my neighbor. This will stop now, Annaleigh.”

  “Thank you,” she said, her voice still barely above a whisper.

  Jake looked at us with empathy, but mostly like a disappointed dad who caught his kids out past curfew. And fuck if I didn’t hate putting him in this position. Standing up, I put my hand out to shake his. Annaleigh did the same, her face flooded with relief and embarrassment, much like mine.

  “Jake. Thanks, man. We appreciate you giving us the benefit of the doubt.”

  He nodded and shook my hand. Probably a little harder than necessary, but at this point, he could do the Vulcan Nerve Pinch on me, and I’d smile and say thank you very much.

  “Yes. Jake. This means so much,” Annaleigh said.

  Jake let go of my hand and stepped to her. She was staring at the floor but met his eyes. He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder, patting it softly. She leaned into him, and that uneasy feeling crept into my stomach again. It was intimate, almost too intimate, and I didn’t like it.

  Why was Jake so quick to cover for her? For us? Had he done it before? Did he cover something up with Benjamin? With him and Annaleigh?

  Jake walked out without a word, and I heard the click of his door shutting before soft fingers traced their way up my arm, calming my wayward thoughts. Looking down at her, I forced myself to smile, and she returned it.

  “I feel like I was just sent to the principal’s office,” she said, walking out of the boardroom and sitting down at her desk with a sigh.

  “And then sent to my room without supper,” I added, leaning against her desk and taking off my glasses to clean them with my tie. She reached out and took my glasses, opening her desk drawer and taking out a handkerchief.

  “I’m humiliated, Max. Those pictures. What we did. I can’t even imagine what Jake thinks, and what he had to do. What are we going to do? What’s going to happen?”

  I followed her hands as she cleaned my glasses, not having the words to reassure her. We dodged a damn freight train today, but I kept thinking about that email saying this wasn’t over.

  “Well, for starters, I’m going to peel this orange for you, so you feel better,” I said, touching my finger to my lips before picking one up from her desk. “Then, I’m going to say what a shitty situation this is. But we’ll move forward, together, and handle whatever happens.”

  Shrugging my shoulders, I handed her another slice, hoping to portray the confidence I didn’t feel. Between the email, the pictures, and the intimate touching with Jake, I had the confidence of a fruit fly.

  “You don’t think we should cool down? Take a break?” she asked, looking down at the floor.

  “No. I don’t. We should go to B’s later and then enjoy the rest of the weekend.”

  “I guess you’re right, Max. I’m glad your brother is visiting, but I’ve gotten used to you being around in the morning.”

  “I like being around in the morning, Blue. I like being in your space. Let’s try to put this behind us.”

  I handed her the rest of the orange, and she nodded, touching her finger to her lips. It felt like it should be five o’clock, but it wasn’t even ten. Scrubbing my hand over my face, I walked into my office, shut the door, and dove into the growing pile of paperwork on my desk, wishing we were already at B’s.

  - 23 -

  OUT OF SYNC

  Annaleigh

  I was so embarrassed I could barely see straight. What in the world was I thinking? The words on my computer screen were blurry, and my thumb was throbbing from where I’d chewed the nail. There was no way I’d be able to do anything productive. But there was always mind-numbing filing and shredding.

  My chair squeaked as I spun it around, standing up to brew a cup of tea. I hated to bother Jake, but I needed my lavender honey from his office. The mug felt heavy in my hands as I moved forward and knocked on Jake’s door.

  “Come in,” he said, standing beside his desk and packing up his laptop. He stopped and looked at me, putting the cords away and putting his hands on his hips. I walked over to his machine and got the water started before turning to look at him. His face was unreadable, and once again, I didn’t know what he’d say.

  “Jake. I’m so sorry we—I put you in this position. Please know I am still willing to take full responsibility for my actions and never would expect or assume you would cover for me, for us. I’m so ashamed.”

  “Come here, Anna. Sit down.”

  He motioned to the chairs in front of his desk, crossing his arms in front of him and still pulling off that disappointed, dad-look with practiced ease.

  “I understand why you two didn’t come to me sooner. This situation with Benjamin is awful, and disclosing a relationship with a superior while another employee wrongfully accuses you of sexual misconduct just looks bad. But we have worked together long enough that you should have trusted me.”

  “You’re right, Jake.
”

  “I know. There’s a reason I have the corner office,” he said with a smile. “Go finish making your tea. And just so you know, I could make your hair curl with the stories I could tell you about when Katie and I started dating and all the tennis lessons we missed.”

  He used air quotes for tennis and rubbed the back of his neck, smiling.

  “But what happens when this gets out, and people talk? I’ll be a laughingstock, dating my boss. They’ll question my ethics,” I said, standing up and watching the hot water fill my mug.

  “I won’t sugar-coat this for you. You’re right. They will. But when have you let what people say bother you? You’re damn good at your job. Without you, this place wouldn’t be half of what it is, and you know it. The real question is, will you let what people say get to you? Or will you rise above it and show them how wrong they are?”

  Letting his words sink in, I steeped the tea, adding honey and blowing on the top. Jake put his hand in his pocket and took out his keys, then patted his jacket and shirt pocket, looking for something. Putting the tea down, I walked over and picked up his phone, handing it to him with a smile. He nodded and slid it in his pocket, leveling me with his mastered dad-look again.

  “Thanks. See what I mean. This place, and me especially, would fall apart without you. Now don’t sweat this, Annaleigh. HR didn’t ask for copies of the pictures, and I’ve already called Officer Hanson. He’s added this evidence to your file to see if this warrants an arrest. Try to put this behind you and enjoy the weekend. Plus, people do crazy things when they’re in love. Trust me, I know.”

  With another smile, he picked up his laptop bag and slung it over his shoulder before he walked out.

  In love?

  That was crazy talk. We just started dating and hadn’t been together long enough to be in love. In like maybe, and definitely in lust, but not in love. And regardless of what Jake said, I was worried about what people here thought.

  What if the bank wasn’t the best fit for me anymore? Was this a sign?

  The tendrils from the tea swirled, and I focused on the steam, weighing my options before popping a handful of calcium chews and putting in my air pods, willing the day to move faster.

  It didn’t.

  The day passed at a snail’s pace. I could count on one hand the times I’d left the office before five. But today, I did exactly that. I shut down my computer as fast as my exhausted hands would let me and took Max’s as we walked to the lobby.

  “So, it’s true then,” Elise said, almost sneering. “You two are together.”

  “Hi Elise,” I said, with a smile, trying not to let on how drained from the day I was feeling. I didn’t have the energy to deal with her drama. “Yes, Max and I are dating. Have a pleasant weekend.”

  “I’m sure it won’t be as good as yours,” she said, focusing back on her computer as we walked by and pressed the elevator. When the doors opened, she mumbled something loud enough for me to hear. Shaking my head, Max followed me into the small space and pulled me close.

  I melted and wrapped my arms around his waist, laying my head on his chest and feeling his muscles, letting his strength soothe me. Everything felt better when he was touching me, holding me.

  Was this love?

  “What did she say, Blue?” he asked, leaning down and brushing my hair from my face.

  “She said if fucking someone was the way to an EA position, she would have tried it years ago.”

  “What the hell?”

  “I know, Max. People are cruel. It just makes me think, you know.”

  “Think about what?”

  “Maybe it’s time to move on to something else, to look for a new opportunity.”

  “That’s bullshit,” he said, squeezing me harder. “You know how valuable you are to the company. Don’t let people determine how you live your life. I’ll leave the bank before I let you do it.”

  “Let me? Come on, Max. Think about it. This could be a good thing.”

  “Doubt it. Why should you change to accommodate other people?”

  “But what if we break up and end up hating each other? How could we still be impartial? How could we still work together?”

  “Right, but what if this goes all the way? You always assume the worst, Blue.”

  He shook his head and let go when the elevator doors opened, walking out together to our cars. “We’re driving together to B’s. I need you close, Blue,” he said, opening the door to his truck and pinching my butt as I stepped in.

  He started the truck, playing the familiar music of Old Dominion. Smiling, I reached over and took his hand as he pulled out of the parking garage.

  “Didn’t take you as someone who listens to Country Music.”

  “Well, ever since I heard this super sexy chick sing at a country bar, I’ve been switching things up.”

  Bringing my hand to his lips, he kissed it and winked before focusing back on the road.

  “Oh? Sexy chick, you say? I’m a little jealous,” I replied, distracting myself.

  And there was no better distraction than listening to Max when he talked sweet or dirty. Especially dirty.

  “Don’t worry. I only have eyes for you, Blue.”

  “I’m glad. So, your brother’s coming tomorrow? Tell me about him.”

  “Oh. He’s a great guy, a few years younger than me, and happily married. Warren is really into music. I remember growing up. He was always playing music or writing, and all set to go to college when my parents…”

  I felt him tense, and he let go of my hand, white-knuckling the steering wheel.

  “What happened, Honey-Bun? I’m here.”

  He smiled at the corny nickname, blowing out a deep breath and lifting his shoulders in a half shrug. I reached across and pried his hand from the wheel, taking it in mine and rubbing slow circles on his palm.

  “You always know what I need, Blue,” he said, pulling my hands to his lips.

  “Growing up, our parents were more like social coordinators, trying to cram us into the perfect All-American family. We were expected to practice law at our father’s firm and marry well. I tried to fit into their perfect bubble, letting them control every aspect of my life, molding me into their idea of perfection. Warren fought their control, and they tolerated it until he graduated high school. He left the night he graduated. My parents told me it was his decision, and I fucking believed them. I was a jaded asshole.”

  “Because you believed your parents?”

  “Yes, exactly. My brother’s gay. The night he came out to them, my father wrote him a check and said he never wanted to see him again. Can you imagine? He had his whole life ahead of him. I still don’t know the whole story. He tried to reach out over the years, but I never answered. Years later, when I walked in on my ex-fiancé cheating, he was the only one I called. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed him. He has this way, you know, this way of putting everything into perspective. He’s always been my best friend, and I’ll never forgive myself for losing sight of that. We’re playing golf tomorrow. We have a lot of years to make up for,” he said, taking his hand from mine to adjust his glasses.

  “I’m glad he’s visiting so you can reconnect.”

  Max’s story sounded so familiar, parents not accepting children, brothers divided. It was heartbreaking. Max’s brother did a brave thing. Forgiving him. Letting him back into his life.

  “Me too, it’s a long time coming. I was such an idiot.”

  “I can tell you blame yourself. And believe me, I know a thing or two about that, Max. I’d like to meet him one day. The way you talk about him sounds so familiar. But honestly, your parents… I’ll skip that family reunion.”

  “Yeah, there’s no love lost there. I argued with my father the other week and have been avoiding calls from him and my mother since then. Speaking of parents, there is som
ething I need to tell you,” he said, turning into the bar and finding a place to park.

  “Sure, of course. Let’s head in and grab a table.” I picked up my purse and stepped down from the truck. “Are you ready to meet some of my family?”

  “Of course, I am. And even more ready to have a drink after our day.”

  We walked hand in hand, and he opened the door for me. The crowd was small since it was early, and as always, the familiar sounds and smells drew me in. I loved this place. We chose a table near the stage, and I waved to UB behind the bar. He gave me a two-finger salute before turning to pour a beer. Max scooted his chair closer to mine and handed me a bar menu before glancing over it.

  “I’m glad I’m checking this place out. I’ve wanted to since that day at the beach when I made an ass of myself. It reminds me of the bar where I first met Jake back in Chicago. So, what’s good?” he asked as a server came over to get our drink order.

  “Oh,” I answered, taking a moment to peruse the menu. “Everything. But the burgers are the best. There’s always a new one on special. I think this week it’s provolone with guacamole. And that’s Uncle Bob behind the bar.”

  Max turned his head and nodded in greeting and Uncle Bob returned the gesture.

  “Damn, that sounds good.”

  “Right! My aunt comes up with the best combos.”

  “It’s a shame I’m going to miss hearing you play this weekend.” He gave me a mischievous smile and cocked his head to the side like he had a secret.

  “You know I’d love to meet your brother, but I don’t want to take away from you two catching up.”

  The server dropped off our beers, and I took a long pull, glancing around the familiar space.

  “Have you come up with something better than Honey-Bun yet?” he said, unbuttoning the top buttons of his shirt.

  “Ugh, no. The girls call you Broody Max, BM for short. You didn’t exactly make a good first impression. I believe my vote was Sexy McGrumpy.”

  “Humm. Max McHotness, maybe. Or, Sex-God is always an excellent choice.”