Chapter One

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GRAYSON

 

I was never late. Today was no exception. Despite juggling two jobs, I always made it work. As an equal partner in Montgomery Inc., the tech company my brother and I built, I handled meetings and charmed clients, while William did all the computer coding stuff that I didn’t have the brains for.

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My other job wasn’t much different. Consultant for Campbell Publishing House. It was a favor for William, who had invested in the company to pull it from the brink of bankruptcy… and to win over the love of his life. At least I had the freedom to set my own hours, not that it mattered when every waking moment seemed to be a working one.

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The elevator rumbled beneath my feet as it ascended to CPH’s office, its deep hum serving as an oddly meditative backdrop. I yanked off my tie, stuffed it into my leather briefcase, and popped open my collar, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension in my neck. I hated ties. For a businessman, my distaste for having a noose around my throat was nothing short of a tragedy.

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I had planned to come in early this morning, but a call from William had forced me to make a detour around William’s place.

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Nicole, William’s wife, had greeted me at the door. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. Campbell, the founder of Campbell Publishing House. At eight months pregnant, Nicole radiated a mix of joy and exhaustion. When I saw her standing there, her round belly prominent beneath her dress, a strange jolt of electricity shot down my spine. It was all too easy to imagine both Campbell sisters pregnant.

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The younger Campbell sister, Ava Campbell, was the publishing director of Campbell Publishing House and a delicious pain in my ass. She was amazing at her job. She knew how to modernize the company, and she possessed a good nose when it came to authors. Not to mention, the employees not only liked her but respected her and her opinion.

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Because of her, I didn’t actually need to work at CPH anymore. Ava was more than capable of running the business without me. But it was also because of her that I didn’t want to leave. The chocolate-haired beauty with a kind heart, intelligent head, curvy body, and warm hands made me come back to CPH almost every day despite Ava’s hate for him.

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Yes, the prim and proper Ava Campbell hated me. Hated that I got to her. Hated that she always moaned out my name when I made her come undone while sprawled out on my desk.

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I chuckled at the memory. The battle wounds on my upper back still throbbed; the ever-so-professional Ava Campbell sure did know how to tear flesh.

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The hatred was mutual. I hated Ava just as much. Hated how she, more often than not, seemed immune to my charms. Hated how she called me out on my bullshit. Hated how she made me look forward to seeing her every day and how my days were bleaker when I didn’t. And I absolutely hated how she wanted absolutely nothing to do with me beyond our after-office-hours routine.

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It had been my intention to get in early today and confront Ava about last Saturday night, but my brother had railroaded that plan. Until now. The woman had the audacity to bring a potential new author as her date to the opening night of Nicole’s art exhibition.

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That was why, two hours later than I’d intended, I was striding through CPH, heading straight for Ava’s office. Employees buzzed around the office like bees, each absorbed in their own tasks.

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Ava’s eyes were on me the second I stepped out of the elevator. She always had her office door open when she wasn’t in a meeting. The glare she sent my way was cold, so cold it burned. I didn’t know what her problem was; I hadn’t done anything wrong. But I was most definitely going to find out what had gotten her panties in a twist.

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With a big smile plastered across my face, I moved expertly through the office, saying good morning to people on my way. I even gave old Mrs. Philip a wink, making the woman’s apple cheeks burn as bright as Rudolph’s nose.

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Before entering Ava’s office, I paused at her assistant’s desk. Elaine, a striking redhead, was always more than willing to jump when I asked her to. I hadn’t slept with her, and honestly, I didn’t even want to. Ava had bewitched me that much.

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By now, I knew what pissed Ava off, and me talking to her assistant was definitely on her top-ten list of annoying things I could do to get a rile out of her.

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Leisurely, I bent over the table, complimenting Elaine's penmanship. I wasn’t lying; she did have nice handwriting. It wasn’t something you saw often these days, with computers and tablets taking over the world. While I chatted with Elaine, Ava’s typing on the computer got louder and louder.

I smiled wider.

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After a few more minutes, I gave Elaine a quick goodbye and pointed toward Ava’s door, telling her I would go in and try to tame the shrew. Elaine chuckled and called me naughty under her breath. If only I had wanted Elaine, it would have been so much easier. Too easy.

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When I shut the door to Ava’s office, an angry glare awaited me, but I just grinned.

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‘’Tame the shrew? Seriously?’’ Ava hissed. ‘’You can’t talk to my assistant like that about me.’’

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I hoisted my palms in surrender. ‘’It was just some harmless fun.’’

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Her scowl didn’t seem to agree. ‘’It’s disrespectful and unprofessional, that’s what it is.’’

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‘’All right, I’m sorry.’’ I strode closer, resting my butt on the edge of her desk—on her side. My leg brushed against hers, the soft touch of her bare skin sending a jolt through me. Damn, I loved the way her legs looked in those tight pencil skirts of hers. ‘’Do you want me to kiss it better?’’ I suggested.

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Ava shot up from her chair and pulled down her skirt, smoothing the nonexistent wrinkles. ‘’What I want is for you to act professionally.’’

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I watched her hands move up and down her body. In my mind, it was my hands instead of hers. When she finally stopped fidgeting, my gaze slowly traveled upward, lingering until it met her eyes. ‘’Where’d be the fun in that?’’

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‘’I mean it, Grayson. Why can’t you act professional all the time? You’re a—’’

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‘’A what? I’m a what, Ava? A handsome devil?’’ I captured a wayward lock of hair that had escaped her tight bun. ‘’Actually, make that an irresistible devil.’’

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Ava bashed my hand away. ‘’You’re a whiplash.’’

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At that, my smile dropped, my lips forming into a thin line. ‘’What’s that supposed to mean?’’

​

‘’It means that when you’re in a meeting, you’re still charming but all businesslike. But when you interact with me, you’re nothing but unprofessional and inappropriate.’’

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‘’Oh, that’s rich coming from you.’’

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‘’What's that supposed to mean?’’

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‘’I'm not the one who brought a potential new author to your sister’s art exhibition as a date,’’ I growled, moving threateningly closer, towering over her. ‘’Despite you saying no to go with me.’’

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‘’It wasn’t a date,’’ Ava exclaimed and shoved me away. ‘’I’ve told you ten times already that Mr. Johnson and I arrived at the same time and walked in together. There’s nothing wrong with that. Nothing unprofessional about it.’’

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‘’Well, you guys sure seemed cozy,’’ I spat, fixing my cufflinks. If only I could rip them out and roll up my sleeves. As a Montgomery, I had practically been born in a suit, but I never did like how tight they had to be.

‘’You’re one to talk, Ava seethed. ‘’You’re the one who disappeared with a blonde model.’’

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Ava’s outburst stunned me into silence. I racked my brain for an answer, but I didn’t have any.

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‘’What blonde? What model?’’

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‘’Are you seriously playing the ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about, I’m so innocent’ card? Do you think I’m that stupid?’’ When I didn’t answer, Ava continued. ‘’You spent the entire night talking to her at the bar. And then poof, you were both gone. It doesn’t take a genius to know what happened after.’’

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I shook my head. All I remembered from that night was whiskey, amazing art, and Ava on a date with Martin fucking Johnson, CPH’s newest author. That is, if we could get him to sign with us.

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One wicked and enticing thought popped into my head. What if. I grinned. What if Ava had been jealous? Could that really have been the case? But then again, hate and lust did often toe the same line.

​

Ava's scrunched-up expression created wrinkles between her eyes. I had long ago named them her thinking wrinkles. They appeared whenever she concentrated heavily on something—a document on her computer screen, or when she had her nose stuck in a manuscript, weighing the pros and cons in that cute, pointy head of hers.

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‘’Tell me, was Martin such lousy company that you had to spend your time keeping track of my movements?’’ I asked, winking at Ava while inching closer to her lips. God, I wanted to ravish those lips. I hadn’t felt them on me since last Friday night in my office. It felt like forever ago.

​

I had hoped Ava would agree to go to Nicole’s art exhibition with me, preferably as a date, but once again, she had said no. I had dreamed of taking her home afterward so I could take my sweet time with her and her body, but again, I had been disappointed.

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I wanted to make her scream, make her claw her nails down my back, unleash the little tiger trapped behind her conservative exterior. I wanted to ruin her for all other men. Settling down with a woman had always terrified the hell out of me, but the thought of coming home to Ava didn’t scare me as much as it should have.

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Ava held her head up high, pursed her lips, and placed her hands on her hips, challenging me. ‘’For your information, Martin was splendid company.’’

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Fine, I thought. If the kitten wanted to play, I’d play.

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‘’So was my blonde,’’ I responded, but immediately regretted my lie when Ava’s eyes fell. The untrained eye wouldn't have caught it, but when it came to Ava Campbell, I didn’t miss a thing.

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‘’Well, I’m happy for you,’’ Ava grumbled.

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‘’Really?’’ I prodded, tilting my head.

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‘’Truly. She looked just like your type.’’

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‘’My type? What's my type?’’

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‘’Beautiful, legs for days, curvy…’’

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I took a step closer, ready to slay my prey. ‘’What else?’’

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‘’Blonde hair,’’ Ava stuttered, her eyes flickering between my eyes and lips. ‘’And a dress that left nothing to the imagination.’’

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I froze up. ‘’So that’s what you think of me? That’s all you think I care about? Blondes and short dresses?’’

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Despite all the time we’d spent together, that was still how she saw me. I didn’t blame Ava for her view of me. After all, I did have a colorful history with women. But for some reason, it stung when Ava admitted she saw me as nothing but a flirt.

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Ava didn’t verbally respond to my question, but her gaze fell to the floor, and her cheeks became a lovely shade of pink.

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Right after a knock sounded, the door to her office opened. We both sprang apart. Ava stumbled back and positioned her office chair between us. Elaine walked in with a smile, holding a big bouquet of colorful roses.

 

‘’Sorry for the interruption, but these came for you,’’ Elaine announced, strutting over to Ava, who greedily embraced the flowers.

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Who the fuck was giving my woman flowers? And why hadn't I locked the door? Oh, right, locking the door wouldn't be a professional thing to do. Ava would have my balls on a silver platter if I tried to pull a stunt like that in the middle of the workday.

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Awkwardness quickly arose when Elaine remained in the office. She clearly wanted to know who the bouquet was from, and so did I, for that matter. But three to tango was, in my experience, never the ideal solution. Elaine needed to go. When the phone at her desk rang, I felt saved by the bell.

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With the door closed once again, Ava placed the bouquet on the corner of her desk and read the attached card. I flinched when a smile spread across her lips.

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Who the hell were they from?

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I didn’t bother asking. Instead, I stormed over, ripped the note from her hand, and read it myself.

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‘’I’d love to see you tonight. Osteria dei Mascalzoni restaurant at 6 p.m. Signed Martin Johnson.’’ I cocked an angry eyebrow Ava's way. ‘’This date seems real professional,’’ I huffed, my tone laced with sarcasm as I threw the card in the wastebasket beside Ava's desk.

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‘’Wow. Real mature of you,’’ Ava responded, fetching the small note. ‘’And once again, it’s not a date but a working dinner.’’

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I reached out and gently cupped one of the rose petals, leaning closer to Ava, close enough to inhale a deep breath of her perfume. I hummed softly. So sweet.

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‘’I called Martin earlier, but I only got a hold of his voicemail,’’ Ava whispered, her voice trembling. ‘’I asked to meet at Osteria dei Mascalzoni tonight to discuss his contract. We need him to sign with us.’’

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Visions of Ava and Martin Johnson overtook my mind, and I didn’t like what I was seeing. I clenched my hands and squared my jaw, ready for battle. Leaning in, I whispered against her ear. ‘’Just how much are you willing to do to get him to sign?’’

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Ava whipped around, the top of her head barely reaching the tip of my jaw, and that was with heels on. ‘’That was a low blow, Grayson, and you know it.’’

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As usual, she was right. It was a low blow, a literal low blow. I wanted nothing more than to make her smile again, to wipe that frown off her face. I hated that I was the reason for it, but then images of Martin Johnson and Ava together at my favorite restaurant flashed through my mind, reigniting my fury.

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Before thinking, I wrapped my hand around Ava’s exposed throat. Her slender neck fit so well in my palm. She gasped, and her brown eyes grew black with excitement.

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‘’Of all the places you could have taken him for this so-called working dinner,’’ I grumbled, the words tasting sour in my mouth. ‘’Why Osteria dei Mascalzoni?’’

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‘’Why not? You’ve been raving on and on about the place for months. You said it was a high-quality restaurant.’’

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‘’I said it was a great restaurant for a date,'' I exclaimed. ‘’A romantic date.’’

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‘’Oh,’’ Ava quipped, her eyes flickering with confusion, clearly not understanding why I was so upset.

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But why would she? It wasn’t like she knew Osteria dei Mascalzoni was my favorite restaurant in the whole damn city—a hidden gem. She didn’t know that I had wanted to take her there for our first date, to a place I’d never shared with anyone before. It had always been my secret spot, a place that felt like mine, and now the thought of her there with him… it twisted something deep inside me.

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I rubbed my thumb over her pulse point. Every time she inhaled and exhaled, it jumped underneath my hand. The rhythm made my cock pulsate with need. ‘’Maybe I should join you tonight?’’ I suggested.

​

‘’No, that will not be necessary. I’m perfectly capable of handling the meeting myself. I don’t need a babysitter.’’

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‘’Not as a babysitter, more like a backup to make sure Martin doesn’t try anything.’’

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‘’Still no. I’m a grown woman, and I’m more than capable of handling myself. And believe it or not, some men are actually interested in talking to women and not just sleeping with them.’’

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I scoffed. ‘’That may be, but Martin Johnson isn’t one of them, sweetheart.’’

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Ava rolled her eyes and sighed. ‘’Please stop this nonsense.’’

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I pushed forward, pressing my chest against hers, and lowered my head until our lips were only a breath apart, my hand around her throat the only thing between us.

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‘’Martin Johnson is a dog around your legs waiting to lick up any scraps you’re willing to offer him.’’

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Ava huffed. ‘’What a comparison. And what makes you qualified to spew such an assumption?’’

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‘’I have eyes in my head.’’ I stroked her full lips with the tip of my finger. ‘’And I know a dog when I see one. And Martin Johnson is a dog around you, ’’ Her rose perfume teased my nose and made me salivate. In a gruff tone, I added, ‘’If you don’t put him on a leash, I sure as fuck will.’’

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A burning fire lit in Ava’s dark orbs. A streak of wickedness. I loved to be the one to ignite it. Ava straightened her back and arched a brow. ‘’Are you a dog around me as well, Grayson?’’

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‘’Why? Do you want me to be?’’ I traced her lips again, this time pushing my thumb into her mouth.

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Ava willingly took it, devouring it.

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An epic staring contest ensued. Ava’s chest heaved as she sucked my thumb, her tongue snaking around it. I groaned. My cock was quickly growing jealous of my finger. Ava might be the one doing the licking, but I was her dog, all right. She could ask me anything, and I’d do it in a heartbeat.

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With a pop, my thumb was released from Ava’s hold. ‘’I think you should leave,’’ she mumbled, ignoring my intense gaze. I squeezed her throat until her eyes were on me. ‘’Please, Grayson,’’ she swallowed thickly. ‘’I have work to do, and you’re distracting me.’’

​

‘’I love distracting you.’’ I hovered my lips near her ear, my breath warm as it fanned over her skin. ‘’Come to my office tonight.’’

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Ava shook her head. ‘’I can’t. I have a meeting, remember?’’

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‘’Working dinners don’t last all night,’’ I hissed. They better not. When I could feel Ava was about to decline, I continued. ‘’I need you in my office tonight. I have some paperwork I need you to look at.''

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In defiance, Ava ignored me and moved away, taking her throat, lips, and sweet strawberry rosé scent with her. She sank into her chair, fingers positioned over the computer keyboard, silently signaling for me to leave.

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Robotically, I went to the door. For once, I didn’t know what to say or do. It wasn’t the first time Ava had said no to meeting me in my office after office hours, but she had never actually meant it. She had always shown up. Our sinful time together at night was sacred. We'd lose ourselves in each other, putting the constant bickering between us on hold. But tonight, Ava might not show. I didn’t like that one bit, and I really didn’t like thinking of her being out to dinner with that Johnson-jerk.

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When my hand touched the doorknob, I stopped moving. I needed to say something. I couldn't let Ava have the last word. I had never lost a meeting in my life, and this wouldn’t be my first.

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I looked over my shoulder. Ava now sat in her chair, still as a church mouse, obviously waiting to hear the door's little click as it shut. She was waiting for me to leave before she could breathe again and continue on with her day as though nothing had just transpired between us. It’d be a cold day in Hell before I'd allow that to happen. I wasn’t going to let her breathe. On the contrary, I was going to make her utterly breathless.

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‘’Not that you’ll care or even believe me, but for what it’s worth, that blonde from the art exhibition…’’ At my pause, Ava looked up at me, too curious not to. ‘’I’ve no idea who you’re talking about. My eyes and attention were on a gorgeous brunette all evening. And I most definitely didn't leave the party with some blonde. I left alone.’’

​

‘’Oh please, do you really expect me to believe that? I’ve known you for a year—’’

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‘’Not a year,’’ I interrupted, gripping the silver-coated handle tighter. ‘’It’s been about nine months plus change since we first met at Nicole and William's wedding.’’

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‘’Fine, nine months then. But that’s long enough for you to know I’m no fool. I know of your reputation, Grayson. Hell, the entire city knows of your reputation. Some women even call you Casanova.’’ Ava looked down, fidgeting with her hands behind the computer screen. ‘’I get that you’re not only with me.’’

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Ava's quiet voice was barely above a whisper, and I hated it. I had never despised my reputation more than I did right now. My promiscuous past sure was coming back to bite me in the ass. Ava would never believe me if I told her that I hadn’t been with anyone else since we started sleeping together. She'd merely laugh in my face and call me a liar.

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‘’278 days,’’ I said instead.

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My words must have intrigued Ava because she looked up at me again. ‘’What?’’ she asked with her plump lips and eyes soft as melted chocolate.

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I smiled. ‘’We’ve known each other for 278 days, and I’m still counting. I count every single day with you.’’

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Afterward, I left Ava’s office, not giving her time to come up with an argument to dispute my statement. I caught a glimpse of her eyes widening and her lips parting in shock before I turned to leave. I couldn’t tell if she was pleasantly surprised or not, and I didn’t stick around to find out. I had promised myself I’d make her breathless, and my admission had certainly done the trick.

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After entering my office, I let out a deep breath, running my hands through my hair in frustration. Damn Ava to hell and back. Damn her curves and fresh strawberry scent. Damn her for doing what she was doing to my mind and heart.

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My office was a small square that held enough room for a desk, lamp, and a bookshelf with a half-dying plant. Ava had demanded the biggest office in the building, and I had gladly given it to her. Like the obedient dog I was.

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Now I had to spend the rest of the day stewing over the thought of her and Martin Johnson getting all cozy in my favorite restaurant. I would stay in my office all night, hoping she'd show up like I’d asked, but a nagging feeling in my gut told me she wouldn’t, not when she had a date with a future bestselling author.

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Dejectedly, I collapsed into my leather chair, knowing I had to bury myself in work or risk going mad thinking about the brunette beauty sitting in her office, not even a hundred feet away, but thoroughly out of my reach.

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