Chapter 15: Bending the Rules

MASON

I was sitting behind the desk in my office, hands clasped in front of my mouth as I watched Jamie through the open door.

She was sitting behind her desk, her legs crossed and on show. That sexy checkered skirt was giving me all sorts of naughty thoughts.

I hadn’t been able to shake her these past few days, which isn’t something I’m used to.

Usually I’d have them and that’s that. I don’t get attached.

“You still haven’t had your way with her, I take it?” commented Brent, walking into my office.

I sighed, averting my eyes from the temptation. “No, I’ve had her.”

Brent sat on a chair in front of my desk.

“You’ve had her? Then she mustn’t have been very good if you look so dissatisfied.”

I leaned back in my chair. Jamie fixed the black-frame glasses on her nose.

“She was perfectly good. The problem is I want more.”

He chuckled. “Whoa there, I hope that’s not your way of telling me you’re ready to settle down? Does Mason Knight want a couple of kids and a minivan?”

“Jesus, of course not. But I might be considering bending my rules for her. Once more wouldn’t hurt. I didn’t savor the moment the first time round.”

“I think she’s going to expect more than just one more round if you go there again.” Brent stood. “But it’s your choice to make.”

“She won’t. I’ll make it clear.”

“A bunch of us are going out tonight. New club called Frost. Come with, I’m sure there will be some girls to take your mind off the brunette.” He looked in Jamie’s direction.

I sighed. “I don’t know, I have a lot on.”

“Which is why you need the break. I’ll see you at nine.”

Brent walked out of my office before I had a chance to decline his offer.

It was after six when I was finishing up. Not many were left—apart from Jamie as she finished up my next week’s schedule like I’d asked her to.

I wondered if walking out there and asking her back to mine would be an easy task.

Or would I just be wasting my time?

She hadn’t attempted anything. We’d exchanged five words at most all day.

She’d seen it enough—of course she knew my deal.

But if I offered her more, would she accept?

I stood from my desk. I guess I was going to find out.

“Jamie?”

She stood up. “Mr. Knight. I meant to talk to you. That meeting with…”

I wasn’t even paying attention to her words. I was focused on her lips, plump and pink-shaded.

I wanted to suck them, bite them. I wanted them open and around my...

Fuck! I was getting hard just thinking about it.

How is it possible that she has this effect on me? What the fuck is going on here?

Just fucking kiss her and be done with it. Take her on the desk right here, right now.

There was no one around at this point to watch.

“Jamie…Jamie…stop talking.”

She finally paused and looked at me with furrowed brows.

I moved closer, leaned in, and kissed her. Hard.

I was pleased to realize that she wanted it—or that’s what I thought, until she pulled away.

“Mr. Knight,” she whispered, moving her fingers over her top lip, which was slightly plumper than it had been before the kiss. “What was that?”

“You know what that was. You liked it, didn’t you?” My heart was hammering. “Don’t answer that, I already know.”

“But I thought—”

“I want you, Jamie,” I interrupted. “That night in Seattle wasn’t enough to satisfy my craving for you. I need you again.”

“I, er…well, the thing is…”

She seemed to take a moment to collect herself.

“What’s going on here, Mr. Knight?”

Before I had a chance to reply, the elevator doors opened. Jamie moved away, and I knew the reason why when I turned and saw who it was.

Mr. Fucking Nice Guy!

He’s like a fucking boomerang.

“Ryan! Hi!” Jamie chirped nervously, and went to him.

He kissed her cheek. “You look gorgeous, babe.”

Babe? She’s his babe now? Give me a break, they hardly even know each other.

I didn’t think she was still seeing him after what happened between us in Seattle. Needless to say, this was an unpleasant surprise.

“Thought I’d come up and get you—”

“Right, no worries, I was just finishing up some things. I’m ready to go.” Jamie grabbed her bag and her coat. Then she pointed to a stack of files on the desk.

“Mr. Knight, there’s everything you need for the morning. I…um…I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

“Nice seeing you, Mr. Knight.” He gave me a perfectly friendly smile, but I saw his arm go around her shoulders.

I watched them walk down the hallway together. The guy was way too keen.

Are they an item now? An official couple?

If so, it would be a first for me. I’d never been rejected before.

JAMIE

I walked out of the building in the crook of Ryan’s arm. He was being very affectionate.

I wondered if it was because the last time we saw each other we ended up in bed together.

Or was he putting on a show in front of the womanizer?

I hadn’t told Ryan about what went down in Seattle. I took everyone’s advice and kept it to myself. He wanted to go out again and I said yes.

Why not? I liked him. He was a great guy.

As for Mr. Knight, I didn’t know what was going on there. That kiss was…unexpected.

He was coming at me for another round? It confused the hell out of me.

“Where are we going, Ryan?”

“Well, babe, you’re just going to have to wait and see. I really hope you’ll like what I have planned.”

We walked toward his car, parked not far from the building.

My phone vibrated in my purse and I opened the clasp and pulled it out.

I was surprised to see that it was a message from Mason. I moved away from Ryan casually and I opened the message.

MASON

Babe? Really?

JAMIE

Are you really jealous?

JAMIE

I didn’t think Mason Knight had a jealous streak.

I slipped into the passenger’s side of Ryan’s car and pulled my seat belt over my chest as I waited for a reply.

Ryan pulled onto the road. My phone vibrated again.

MASON

Don’t go out with him, Jamie

MASON

Ditch that guy and spend the night in my bed

MASON

I promise you won’t regret it

Ditch Ryan to spend another night in Mason Knight’s bed…

It was an opportunity most people didn’t have.

Why me? Why am I the one he chooses to give more of his time to?

“In that bag down by your feet is a little something.” Ryan pointed.

I put my phone away and grabbed the bag tucked away beside my feet. I opened it.

“Trainers? Why do I need these?” I chuckled.

“For the surprise, silly. I called Carmen and she told me your size.”

“Gee, thanks. That’s so sweet of you. I’m excited.”

Guess this means I’m not canceling my date last-minute, as Mason suggested I do.

Even so, his offer of another night was tempting. That kiss we’d shared was tempting too.

Mason Knight was messing with my head.

Which meant I would have to mess back.