I swear Frank practically squeaks as he says hello, then curls farther into my side.
“Want to join us?” I offer the seat on the other side of the table, hoping Frank won’t mind. While coming to these nights isn’t essential, it’s a nice chance to get out of the house and be among like-minded individuals. I’m hoping he’ll be willing to come back again another time—which likely means seeing Sam again.
“You sure you don’t mind?” Sam glances in Frank’sdirection. The move isn’t subtle enough for me to miss the implication.
“You should join us,” Frank says, his voice only just above a whisper. I’m not sure if Sam heard him over the music, but the slightly forced smile on Frank’s face says a lot. “Really.”
I give his thigh a quick squeeze and motion for Sam to sit. Frank takes a few sips through his straw and moves in closer to me. At this point, he’s practically on my lap, which I wouldn’t mind. One step at a time. I’m hoping the exposure to more people will go a long way toward making him more comfortable.
“It’s been a while,” Sam says to me. “Thought maybe you wouldn’t be coming down here anymore.”
“Been busy. You know winter tends to be hectic.” I slide my hand up Frank’s thigh until he sucks in breath. Distractions are always nice.
“Yeah, I guess it’s the opposite of ours. At least this year, we’re booked. As soon as we finish your yard, we’re moving on to a home remodel.”
I nod. Frank’s mentioned the next job a few times. I’ll be sad to not have him around as often, but I know it’ll be nice to work indoors again. Plus, it’s not like I really see him when he’s working. When he moves to a different site, we’ll have to work out a new system to make sure he’s getting plenty of food and water.
“Frank’s really stepped up his game lately. You’d be proud of him.”
“I’m very proud of him,” I say quickly. My Firecracker doesn’t hear those words enough.
“He even showed up with water for once. I thought for sure he’d eventually collapse from dehydration.” Those words make me see red. It’s not Sam’s job to take care of hisemployees, but I don’t like the idea of him putting Frank—or anyone—at risk. “Woah. Frank, tell your Daddy how I bring drinks to the worksite.”
I freeze. While we’ve skirted around the issue, this is the first time since our initial chat that he’s heard me referred to as his Daddy. I told him that names aren’t important to me, which is true, but hearing it in reference to our relationship sends a thrill through me. It does something to my cock, too.
“Sam’s always good to us. He brings lots of water.Gatorade,too, if it’s hot.” He sits up straighter and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Don’t worry.” I can practically hear theDaddyat the end of his sentence. It’s not there yet, but there’s an unspoken promise.
“You two are disgustingly sweet. I’m going to take a lap.” Sam gets up and gives me an approving nod before he disappears into the crowd on the dance floor.
“Frank, you want to dance?” I ask. We’re here so that seems like the right thing to do.
“No.” I’m briefly disappointed. Having him grinding against me is half the point of coming tonight. “Take me home.”
And, just like that, the disappointment is gone.
Chapter Eighteen
MATTHIAS
“You wanted to see me?”I stick my head in my dad’s office. His assistant left a message that he wanted to talk to me at some point today. It always feels a little weird going to his office to see him. He likes to keep our work and home lives separate—which I appreciate—but it’s weird making an appointment to see my own father.
“Come in. Shut the door behind you.” That sounds ominous. “Sit.” And that’s even worse.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, no. Nothing like that. Just a few things I want to make you aware of.”
I pull out one of the chairs facing his desk. This position always makes me feel like a teenager, staring ominously across the oversized wood surface, waiting to be told exactly how I screwed up this time. Except, unlike when I was a teenager, I’m not guilty of sneaking out of the house after curfew or swiping a bottle of vodka from the liquor cabinet.
“We’re getting ready to promote Bruno to a vice presidentposition.” I saw that one coming. Bruno’s been working his ass off for years trying to advance out of the senior associate role. Except at a place like this, there’s only so much upward mobility within the company.
“Good for him. We’re lucky he’s stayed.” Though I highly doubt he’s ever considered leaving. He was one of the first people hired when the company expanded beyond the founders. Employees here work hard, but that comes with significant compensation and benefits. Plus, people are treated well. It’s hard to find that combination at similar places.
My father nods. “Indeed. That means there’ll be an opening for a senior associate.”
Oh. That’s why I’m here. “Are you going to post the job?” I figure they’ll bring in some new blood. Someone who’s climbed the ladder at another firm and can bring a list of new clients over with them.
“No, the partners met a couple of days ago, and we’ve decided to promote from within and then hire a new junior associate to backfill the position.”
