It’s so hard to sit still in the conference room. There's no describing what I just had with Marcus. There's more to him than meets the eye. This is incredibly awkward because Jason’s here, and I hope he doesn’t know about what’s just transpired. I may be out of my league here, juggling these guys. But it was all so worth it. I had tried to maintain my composure during the interview with Marcus, but then all my walls came tumbling down. He has that effect on me. Damn. I’m really mixing business with pleasure.

Jason takes a seat beside me, and I wonder why he doesn’t try harder to mask what we have going on. I soon realize because he's shaping the infinity symbol with his thumb into my thigh under the table before the meeting even begins. I glance at him and he gives me a smug, little smile. I try to pretend I don’t notice.

We’re here to talk about all the potential candidates for the upcoming position and I’m going to vouch for Marcus. My motives might seem impure, but it’s not just that. He’s smart too. I mean, everyone knows the guy’s a fucking genius. We’d be sorry not to have him, or to ever see him on opposing counsel. I’m going to dig my heels in on this one.  

Jason interviewed the other candidate, so it’s basically between us.

"My guy’s been to Harvard, and he’s worked in corporate law also," he vies for his position.

"Well, my guy . . . Marcus, has the most incredible track record and that’s what we need."

We’re both trying to convince the other team members, the partners, but basically it comes down to Mike, the most senior partner, who will make the final decision.

"I’m telling you, I vetted Marcus and he’s going to be our smoking gun."

"Well, did your guy go to Princeton for his undergrad?" Jason is teasing me now but he’s also being serious.

"Jason, I’m telling you, I have the one. He's got what it takes to see a case through. Let’s do this deal with him and finish it off."

"Fine. I trust your judgment. Mike, if you want to hire Marcus, go for it. My guy travels too much anyway."

"Fine, fine," Mike says. "Great work you two. Meeting adjourned."

I love the quick pace of this office. This gives me enough time to head over to Marcus’s place and give him the good news myself. Jason’s following me down the hallway.

"Going somewhere?" he asks.

"Just taking a drive," I tell him. It’s none of Jason’s business where I go . . . or who I go to.

"All right," he lets me off easy. "See you tomorrow."

"Bye."

I have the firm’s valet bring up my Range Rover so I can head out. I can’t wait to see the look on Marcus’s face when I tell him. He was probably expecting it though. But, hey, I really went out on a limb for him. I don’t doubt he’ll succeed.

As I meander my car through the streets to his place, I am overwhelmed by the amount of emotion I feel for this guy. He’s really genuine, and that turns me on so much. It’s not very often you meet a bad boy with heart. The combination is very sexy.

I pull up to his building and climb out. When I ask to be buzzed in, he responds right away. I walk past the doorman and into the elevator, anticipating what will happen. I hope it’s like last time. I hope he has to have me, that he devours me.

Before I can knock on the door he’s got it open for me. I come right in.

"I’ve got news," I say. "You got the job!"

A huge smile spreads across his face and I realize that we are both thinking the same thing. This means we get to work together and to be together everyday! Yay!

He pulls me in for a kiss and I let him. But then I suggest we celebrate.

"Got any champagne?"

"Of course," he says as walks over to his private bar. "I’ve got a very special bottle of Veuve Clicquot, just waiting for a moment like this."

There’s an insulated wine room behind his bar that provides a gorgeous backdrop. He goes in and emerges with the bottle and two glasses.

Yes! This is all I need after work . . . some nice champagne, and some Marcus. He’s really gaining my interest, and surprisingly, my trust. I didn't know this all could happen so fast, but I'm honestly really enjoying seeing where it leads.

He takes me out on the balcony where he’s got lounge chairs and topiary everywhere. "It must be nice to have the penthouse," I think.

We sit together and watch the setting sun and we cheers to his good fortune. Or, is it my good fortune?

"You did a lot for me, you know," he whispers in my ear. "I couldn’t have got that job without you."

"Yeah right. You know you had it in the bag! I just . . . put in a special word."

"How special?" he asks as his fingers caress the length of my arm. He’s staring deeply at me now and I realize I might be falling for him. Something about Marcus is unique and it catches me off guard.

I inhale deeply at the thought of him, and upon my exhale he plants a kiss on my cheek.

"Thanks," he says. "I know it was all you."

I blush, and we both know he’s smart enough to have gotten the deal without me, but just his thoughtful gesture of gratitude makes me weak in the knees. Yeah, Marcus is a catch. He’s exclusive and rare. This makes me hungry for him and also it makes me feel something deeper, something like love.

"You know I get to see you tomorrow," I say.

"Oh," he acts affected by the quick start date. "So soon?" He loves to pick on me.

"Yes!" I say. "And don’t be late. You’ll make me look bad."

"Okay, I promise."