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“Okay, good. My work here is done. Dinner this weekend?”
“I think I’m going out with the boys again Saturday. Sunday brunch?”
I round his desk and drop a kiss to his cheek. “Like always. See you then, little brother.”
When I exit his office, I feel a little lighter. One cocky asshole handled; too bad I still have to deal with the other one.
* * *
Back at the office,I’m more determined than ever to focus on earning my position as editor in chief. And it’s been an exhausting day. After taking a stroll down memory lane and arguing with my brother, I need to direct my focus on something constructive.
I drop into my chair and smile at the picture of Chloe on my screen saver. She’s why I’m doing this. In a few months, she’ll be living with me. I need to get my shit together. I want to be someone she would be proud of—someone who can take care of both of us.
Just the sight of her sweet face reminds me that none of this matters. Not Jay, and not my brother’s stupid mistakes. Those are only distractions from my true focus in life.
Everything I’ve done over the last thirteen years has been for her. I’ve worked every day to be the mother my own would be proud of. Even if I had to do it from a distance. Even if I had to do it silently.
Chin wobbling, I close my eyes for a moment to center myself, then open them again and push myself to work.
No waffle today, Kitten?
The message pops up on my computer screen while I’m researching female doms. It’s a fascinating thing, really. Women who put men in their places. Who have all the control. I don’t know that it’s something I’d ever have interest in—although I wouldn’t be opposed to punishing a certain cocky billionaire.
I groan at his interruption and ignore him, closing the chat box and returning to my research. The whips are certainly interesting, and the one with the spikes on it would be quite fun to paddle Jay with.
“Uh, stop thinking about him,” I whisper in anger.
Never stop, kitten.
I startle and scan the room, but I’m alone, and my office door is shut.
You look beautiful today. Have dinner with me.
Scanning the ceiling, I get the sinking feeling that he’s watching me on some type of video device.
With a growl, I type back:
Watching me now, Mr. Hanson? You have crossed the damn line. I’ll own the company when I’m done with you.
His response is immediate.
It’s yours.
A sarcastic laugh rips through my chest. What the hell is wrong with this guy? He makes me want to order all the toys I was perusing so I can punish him with them.
I drag my hands down my face. He’s making me insane. This isn’t me. I don’t obsess over people. I’m focused, unaffected by emotions. I don’t cry or get worked up.
No. I get even.
With Jay, I’ve been deprived of that satisfaction for thirteen years. But now…
I smile as the perfect punishment formulates in my brain. He wants to watch? Fuck with my mind? I’ll give him something to stare at.
18
STUBBORN LOVE BY THE LUMINEERS
Jay
