Felicia

My thoughts become scattered after Rex leaves my office. Not only is my ex-fiancé obviously fucking my best friend, but now Rex suggests that I should be a personal employee instead of a corporate one. There’s only one reason for him to do it that way, and I’m not emotionally up for anything right now. I slip my phone into my purse and sit back in my chair, letting out a long-held breath. Part of me is actually glad that Kip did this because now, it’s officially over. And if I’m honest with myself, I’ve always known that my best friend is a major slut. She has flirted with every one of my boyfriends going all the way back to grade school. Ironically, I click on Facebook and within a matter of seconds, I see a very timely quote. The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.

I check the time and it’s a few minutes before four. I’m in no shape to get any work done, but I hate to leave early since I’m the newest one here. I click through my contacts to find a couple of designers who have fashion lines that would be perfect for the first few pages of the catalog, but I’m in no mood to reach out to them. Instead, I make notes in my calendar to call them on Monday. I bookmark several items from each designer that I would like to feature so I have something to talk about when I reach them. My phone buzzes just as I’m finishing, and it’s a text from a number I don’t have in my contacts.

425-555-6969: Would you come to my office?

I glance down at the business card that Rex left behind, and it matches his cellphone number.

Me: Be right there.

I pick up my MacBook and take it with me, thinking I’ll be able to show him my thoughts on the first few pages. My head is still spinning, but focusing on something positive is the only way to keep from bursting into tears again. Entering the executive suite, everything is quiet. “I forgot to tell you, we close up shop an hour early on Fridays,” Rex says as I approach his open door.

“That’s good. I’m having a hard time concentrating on anything productive,” I reply, feeling like I’ve been put through the wringer. I sit down after he gestures toward a chair. “Do you want to see the ideas that I picked out from the first two designers I’m going to contact?”

“That can wait until Monday. For now, I just wanted to make sure you’re going to be okay,” he says with a genuine look of concern. His soft brown eyes are filled with compassion, which is something I haven’t seen in a long while. “Will you have dinner with me?”

“Tonight? I look like a wreck and feel even worse,” I reply, wanting to just go home and cry my eyes out alone. “I would be horrible company.”

“I order those meals that come fresh and you just have to make them, but they’re designed for two people, so I either have to eat the same thing twice or stuff myself,” he explains. “We can talk about the catalog at the same time. I would consider it a favor,” he adds, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re making this hard, but I just don’t feel up to it.” I slip my computer under my arm and prepare to make my departure.

“I really think you need something to take your mind off everything that has happened,” he persists. “Having dinner, a glass of Moscato D’ Asti, and talking fashion will keep you from focusing on sluts and assholes,” he says, taking me by surprise.

“What kind of Moscato?”

“Santos.” A smile breaks across his face.

“How would you possibly know that’s my favorite?” I ask, thinking of where he possibly could’ve gleaned that tidbit of knowledge.

“Just a guess,” he replies, tipping his hand. “You seem like a girl who would like it light and sweet.”

“That’s just weird. You must’ve heard me say something about it or something, but yes, I absolutely love it.” I pause for a moment, wondering if I really want to go to dinner at his house. “I should really go home and freshen up first.”

“You look great,” he counters. “You can freshen up while I make dinner.”

He will make me dinner? The thought of it almost blows my mind. Kip’s idea of making dinner would’ve been calling Dominos or Jimmy Johns. “You’ve got me. I can’t turn down Santos and having you cook dinner for me. As long as you’re a good cook,” I tease.

“I’m an excellent cook,” he replies with a wry smile. “If I had more ambition, I would’ve been a chef, but those guys work too damn hard. I’m ready to blow this pop stand, so just follow me.”

“Okay, I just need to stop by my office and grab my purse.” I find myself feeling really apprehensive as I get up from the chair. I know it’s a major mistake to have dinner and wine with a gorgeous guy when you’re feeling this brokenhearted. Add the fact that he’s my new boss, and it’s a recipe for total disaster.

“It’s okay, I’ll be a perfect gentleman,” he says, apparently sensing my apprehension.

“I’m sure you will.” I roll my eyes and turn to head back to my office. I’m only going to have one glass of wine . . . or two at the most. That way, I’ll easily be able to drive home and won’t get myself into an even bigger mess.

I follow Rex out of the parking ramp, admiring his sleek black Tesla. After going east on I-90 for several miles, we turn off and head north along Lake Sammamish. The western sun is peeking through the clouds, accentuating the beauty of the homes as we drive past them. He pulls off the parkway and into the driveway of a very contemporary looking condominium unit. Judging by the perfectly manicured landscape, shiny polished exterior, and the plethora of high-end cars parked around the complex, it’s obviously a high-end complex.

“Go ahead and park between the Tesla and the red Ferrari,” he says, emerging from the underground parking. “I’ve got an extra spot.”

I’m almost paranoid as I enter the garage and maneuver the narrow corridor to the open parking spot. This would be the last place I would want to have a fender bender. Once parked, I carefully open my door and squeeze out of the car, not wanting to come close to the Ferrari. Walking around the back, I see it’s a 488 GTB, which is nothing short of my absolute dream car. There isn’t a sports car out there that even comes close. At least that’s what I’ve read.

“You like that one?” he asks with a relaxed grin.

“Your Tesla is totally sweet, but this is my dream car,” I admit, suddenly feeling a bit sheepish.

“You’re a car girl, huh? I’ll have to give you a ride in it.”

“You have a 488?” My mind is completely blown. I’m suddenly beginning to wonder how much money there is in sex toys. “And a Tesla Model S. That’s crazy.”

“What can I say? I’ve always loved cars.” He shrugs, reaching out for my hand. “Let’s go make some dinner. I’m starving.”

There is a magnetism in his touch. I’ve held hands a countless number of times, but it’s never felt like this. It’s almost like his warmth is radiating up my arm. He gives me a casual smile upon reaching the elevator and presses the button. “You aren’t going to let that elevator incident go, are you?” I ask, knowing the reason behind the smile.

“I’m sorry, but things like that only happen to people who are uptight like you,” he says with a snicker. “I’m not trying to be mean, but you have to admit it’s funny as hell.”

“I still shake my head every time I think of it, and of course, those two young guys both work on our floor, so I run into them all the time.” Just my luck.

“Don’t sweat it,” he replies with a shrug. “Guys who act like that are probably virgins. They wouldn’t be able to find a clit with both hands.”

His words stun me momentarily. “I’m sorry, I’ve never been around a guy who talks so openly about sex parts.” I can’t help giggling as we step into the elevator and he presses the button for the top floor. “I do have a question about that thing though.”

“The clit?” he asks with a shocked look.

“No! The dildo.” I give him a soft punch on the arm.

“What can I tell you about it?” There is a spark in his eye that tells me he’s happy to talk about it.

“How did you get it to feel so realistic?” I feel an immediate flush to my cheeks as the words cross my lips. “I mean, aren’t most of them made out of plastic or something that doesn’t seem very realistic?”

“That’s the secret of this line. It’s a premium silicone that was chosen because of the realistic feel, plus there’s a rigid core which most don’t have.” The elevator dings and the doors open. “I never understood why someone would want to use a floppy dick.”

“Wow, you have the penthouse?” He opens the front door and allows me to enter ahead of him. The opposing wall is all glass with spectacular water views that rival anything I’ve seen. “This is absolutely gorgeous.”

“Thanks. It’s a three bedroom, three bath, so it’s plenty big for me,” he says, giving me a quick tour. “It has a nice-sized kitchen that’s connected to the dining room on this side and the living room on the other. I always eat at the counter. I’ve probably used the dining room table twice since I bought the place.” He leads me past the living room, which has a gorgeous stone fireplace in addition to the spectacular wall of windows. “This first bedroom is a combination guest room and home office.”

“It’s almost as big as my studio apartment, and again, there is an awesome view.” I walk over to the window and look out at the lake. There is a nice beach and dock where several speedboats and jet skis are parked. “This is a beautiful lake. It’s just too bad we don’t have more warm weather.”

“True, the water toys are kind of a waste.” He guides me back out to the hallway. “This one I made into an exercise room,” he says, slapping his fist against his abs. “I had a hard time making it to the gym once I started the company.”

“I’d love working out at home. Especially with a view like this,” I reply, still blown away by the natural beauty of the area. The blue water offset by rolling hills covered with trees really provides a spectacular backdrop. “I’m picturing a mirrored ceiling and maybe a stripper pole in the master bedroom,” I tease, knowing full well it will be just as classy as the rest of the place.

“Maybe you can help me figure out the best spot for a pole,” he counters. “My designer didn’t even give me the option for one.”

“Well, I read that pole workouts are good for your core, so maybe it should go in the exercise room.” I give him a wink.

“Oh yeah, that would be a nice distraction while I’m trying to do cardio,” he scoffs. “On that note, I hope you like salmon.”

“I love it.” On the way back toward the kitchen, I excuse myself to freshen up. It’s obvious that this is one of the bathrooms that never gets used as there are a few basic necessities and that’s about it. I still don’t feel totally comfortable being here with my new boss, but I guess having dinner and a glass of wine will be okay. I could really use a glass of wine after this afternoon. Good God, I should’ve fixed my makeup before leaving the office. I look hideous. I grab my purse, hoping to find the necessary supplies to get things back in order. Rex really has incredible taste in homes and cars. I wonder how he made all his money by such a young age? I can’t imagine it was from sex toys, but who knows? I guess anything is possible.