Chapter 43

Bentley

My morning had been insanely busy. I’d been either on the phone, answering emails, or running down to talk to staffing all day. I also had to remember to refer to them as Talent and Acquisitions or they got touchy. We’d recently gotten a new contract with a big firm who had very specific needs. Since these temporary jobs would become permanent if the people worked out, the company was also doing some recruiting from recent graduating classes. I needed to approve all travel set up by the talent and acquisitions support staff since the supervisor who normally oversaw the recruiters was out on family leave. As If I didn’t already have enough on my plate.

“How are you doing today, Marie?” Colin asked as he passed my desk on the way to James’ office.

I did my best to hide my shock at his presence. Colin hadn’t mentioned coming in. “Busy, as always. How are you today? I didn’t know you were coming into the office.”

“Neither did I,” he admitted. “My internet went down, and I had too much to get done.”

“Did you drive here?” I asked.

Colin’s anxiety was at its worst when he drove, so I suspected he hadn’t.

“I did,” he replied, looking pleased. “I took side streets, so it was a long drive, but I’m here. How are things going with my brother?”

“Fine,” I replied.

“I see,” Colin said with a smirk. “Tell him I said hello.”

Without waiting for a response, he disappeared into James’ office.

“I need a break,” I muttered. Looking at the time, it was already three. I’d been in the office since nine, so it was long past time to get up from my desk. First, I dialed my back-up to let her know I was sending my calls to her desk for the next hour. I’d only take a thirty-minute lunch, but this would give me time to check on a few other things without having to worry about the phone. Since it was so late, I decided to grab a smoothie so I wouldn’t spoil my appetite for dinner.

As soon as I stepped into the elevator, I checked my phone. It had been buzzing in my purse all day. I already knew who was so determined to get in touch with me. Sure enough, I had a long text string from Cami. Rather than reading it all, I decided to just answer the question I was certain she’d asked ten different ways.

Bentley: I drove him back to his place and stayed the night.

Cami: That’s my slutty little groupie! I’m so proud of you!

Bentley: LOL! Groupie? I’m definitely not a groupie.

Cami: You are addicted to Gage Addison’s wonder pole.

I had to bite back a laugh as I stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby. This conversation was going to require all my attention, so I ordered my mango smoothie before responding.

Bentley: Wonder pole? Where did you come up with that term?

Cami: Austin used it.

Bentley: Did Austin stay behind to show you his wonder pole?

While Cami had mentioned finding Austin attractive before, I hadn’t detected much chemistry between them. There’d been some flirting, but it had seemed innocent to me.

Cami: Of course not. I totally thought he was hot before. Now that I’ve spent time around him, it would be like kissing my brother.

Bentley: You don’t have a brother.

Cami: Fine, it would be like kissing your brother. Both are hot, but neither does anything for me. Such a pity. Maybe you can introduce me to Xander.

Bentley: I’m sure you’ll meet him.

Cami: I guess Gage finally wore you down.

Bentley: A girl can only handle so much stalking before she gives in.

Cami: Are you okay with dating him?

I hesitated in responding because I wasn’t certain I was ready to say we were dating. We were, so refusing to admit to it was ridiculous.

Bentley: I guess we’ll see how things go.

Cami: I need to go. I have a patient coming in. Are you free for drinks tonight?

Bentley: Sorry, I have plans with Gage.

Cami: To ride his wonder pole?

Bentley: You are such a dork. I’ll call you later.

I’d just taken my first sip of my smoothie when my phone buzzed.

Gage: How’s your day going?

Bentley: Busy. Colin came in to the office. He said to tell you hi.

Gage: I’ll message him later. I can’t wait to see you tonight.

Gage: What are you wearing?

I shook my head at his question, wondering if he was teasing me or if he was honestly hoping to sext with me. I decided to play along.

Bentley: Since I’m at work, I’m wearing nothing but a thong and shoes with four-inch heels.

Gage: Now that is a very nice image. I may need to visit my brother at work.

Bentley: I’m positive he’s wearing more than a thong. Maybe you can catch him in a thong later.

Gage: Don’t put images of Colin’s pasty ass in my mind. I want you in nothing but a thong and sexy shoes when you show up at my house tonight.

Bentley: That is not going to happen.

Gage: Damn. There goes my fantasy. What time are you off?

Bentley: I should be out of the office no later than six.

Gage: Then I’ll see you by seven?

Bentley: I need to pick up a few things from my place. It will be closer to seven thirty. Should I pick up dinner?

Gage: I’m fixing dinner.

Bentley: You cook?

Gage: Not really. Technically, I’m ordering dinner, but I am going to put it on plates so it looks like I cooked.

Bentley: I’ll see you tonight.

For the first time in years, I was tempted to leave work early on a Friday. I couldn’t decide if Gage was a good influence or a bad one.