Chapter Nine
Abel
At work the next day, I can’t stop thinking about that kiss. It’s hard to focus on my job because I keep touching my lips, hoping I can evoke the sensation of Adam’s mouth on mine again. It’s stupid because we’ve got much bigger things to worry about right now, but I’ve never been kissed like that before. I’ve never felt that way, at least. I keep drawing little hearts on my desk calendar and then getting mad at myself for being silly.
The universe doesn’t let me luxuriate in thoughts of Adam for long, though. Like a bad song that gets stuck in your head when you’re trying to concentrate, Tom appears. Once again, he doesn’t knock when he lets himself into my office. My stomach turns at the thought of being in such close proximity to him again but I smile at him sweetly. The paper didn’t have an address on it so I have to get the information out of Tom somehow.
“Hello, Abel,” he says and sits down in the chair across from my desk. “Mind if I come in?” he jokes.
“You’re always welcome, Tom. It’s your company,” I say in an attempt to banter with him.
“You’re right. It is. So, how was the rest of your date?” Ugh, shoot me now.
“It was unremarkable.”
“Good, that means you’re in the mood for a better date. Let me take you to dinner tomorrow night,” he says and straightens his tie.
“In the middle of the week?”
“Yep. I’ve got to go out of town the next morning for a few days. I’d like to take you out before I go. Waiting until I get back is just too long.” Bingo.
“You know what, dinner tomorrow night sounds lovely. We can go out right after work. That way I can get you home in plenty of time for an early bedtime. You’ve got a plane to catch the next morning,” I say and wink. Gross.
“Yes, excellent. Oh, and Abel, can you book the flight for the next morning. Sorry for the late notice. Something first class, preferably after seven.”
“Doesn’t your secretary usually do that?” I say teasingly.
“She does, but on such short notice, she won’t be able to get me a good seat. I need you to work your magic.”
“Anything for you, Tom,” I say because laying it on thick seems like a good plan.
With that, he breezes back out of my office and I don’t see him for the rest of the day. I don’t know if Becks and Adam are going to like this but I can get him drunk and let him ogle my ass. That should get him talking. If I play it just right, I should be able to get him to slip up.
I text Adam and tell him I’ve had a breakthrough, and I need to see him and Becks tonight.
Did you find out the location? - Adam
No, but I think I’ve figured out a way to get it by tomorrow night. - Abel
Meet us at the church right after work. - Adam
Will do. - Abel
How is your day? - Adam
Productive :-) How about you? - Abel
Better now that I’ve heard from you. - Adam
You’re just saying that because I’m going to get information. - Abel
That’s not the only reason. - Adam
See you in a few hours. - Abel
Later, Dumpling. - Adam
“Focus, Abel,” I whisper to myself when the butterflies start to frenzy in my belly.
The last thing I want to do is piss Tom off. He’d probably cancel our date. So I spend the afternoon getting caught up on my job. I make my way through several files before quitting time and then slip out before Tom can come find me again.
At the church, Adam and Becks are eating pizza. It smells amazing and I realize I skipped lunch. My mouth starts to water and I’m relieved when they offer me a slice.
“So tell us about your new info,” Becks says in between bites.
“Okay, so hear me out before you get upset,” I say, looking right at Adam.
“No,” Adam says and crosses his arms.
“You don’t even know what I’m going to say.” I laugh.
“Doesn’t matter, Dumpling. Anything that starts out like that is something I already know I’m not going to like,” he says and grunts.
“Oh my God, Adam. Stop being such a cave dweller and let him finish. Remember what’s at stake,” Becks says and backhands him in the gut softly.
“Don’t use that,” he says in a low voice.
“I’m not using it. I just want you to remember how important this is.”
I watch them go back and forth at each other like brother and sister. “Okay, alright. Do you want to hear what I’m doing or not?” I finally ask.
“Go on,” Becks says and shoots Adam one of her famous death stares.
“Tom asked me out on a date.”
“No,” Adam snarls.
“And you want to get him drunk and get the information. Flash him a few seductive smiles and get the information we NEED,” Becks says in support of me.
“Yes. It will be okay, I promise,” I plead with Adam.
“I’m not letting you go on a date with that jerk,” Adam says bluntly.
“I wasn’t asking for your permission. I’m trying to help you. I don’t like Tom if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“I’m not jealous,” he snarls, but I can totally tell he’s jealous. “I’m concerned about your safety.”
“Then why don’t you go to the restaurant with me? I’d feel better with you there,” I admit.
“I can’t go on your date with you,” he says, and the word date comes out as another growl. He’s so Alpha right now, it’s making my legs feel like jelly.
“You’re the big Hollywood hot shot, I’m sure you can figure something out,” I say and watch him relax and smile.
The next day at work, I bring an outfit that I know is going to make Adam flip. I have to wear something that gets Tom to let his guard down, though. Hopefully, when Adam sees me, he’ll remember I’m doing this for him.
Around lunchtime, Tom buzzes my office and confirms our date. He tells me he has meetings all afternoon but that we’ll meet in the lobby at six. I send Adam a text message and let him know the plan.
At five-thirty, I go to the Omega’s room and put on the red silk shirt I bought for tonight. It’s snug, but not too tight. It hugs my abs just right. The plan was to look inviting but not promising. You have to leave just enough to the imagination. I push down the nauseated feeling I get thinking of Tom ogling me in this outfit by thinking about how much Adam will like it once he forgives me for wearing it.
When I’m dressed, I freshen up my face and brush my hair. I glance in the mirror and have to admit I look good. Once I get Adam the information he needs, he’ll be happy I look so enticing.
Tom is waiting for me in the lobby and he walks me out to his limousine. I get in and he scoots very close to me. Regret washes over me instantly. I’ve put myself in a bad situation being alone in this car with him and I pray that we’re going to a close restaurant.
The universe is on my side tonight and we pull up in front of a French bistro just a few blocks from work. Tom helps me out of the limo and tries to take my hand. I pretend like I don’t notice and proceed ahead of him into the restaurant. I’m glad I didn’t let him hold my hand because I see Adam as soon as we walk inside.
I swallow back a yelp and remember that I have to play it cool.
This will all be over soon, I think to myself as the host seats us in the private section of the restaurant. I get nervous because Adam won’t be able to get close to us here. I’ll have to pull up my big Omega panties and handle this.