AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I pause, consider, then say, “I think workplace harassment only applies to guys who are doing their job.”
Rhett puffs up, mockingly indignant, and his voice dips low enough to fly under the surrounding clamor. “I’m sorry, but what exactly do you call what I’ve been doing? While you were running up the water bill, I was making connections.”
“Yeah, with the enemy. Remember, we’re trying to get Marie’s account.”
He waves me off. “Close enough.”
The host of the evening, a middle-aged man with a shock of white hair and a bouncing step, chooses that moment to take the stage, ending our banter and starting riotous applause across the room.
“All right, all right,” the man barks into the mic, feigning severity. “Calm down, people. Save some of that energy for Jackov’s seminar tomorrow. You’ll need it.”
Laughter from all corners. Everyone seems to know the man speaking except Rhett, who looks at me with a raised eyebrow.
I shrug.
“But if you’re like me, you’re starving and want me to get on with it, so here we go.” The man straightens solemnly and intones into the microphone. “Ladies and Gents, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the start of the Thirty-Third Annual North American Tech Conference.”
Applause again echoes across the room along with several hoots and cheers. I’ve been to my share of banking seminars and already these tech nerds blow us out of the water for pure enthusiasm.
The host has launched into a description of the major events that will be held over the next few days. I try to stay focused, but I can’t keep my mind on semiconductors and green energy developments when there is Rhett to think about.
Where did my nerve come from, asking if he would be jealous? It was completely unprofessional! And he hadn’t disagreed with me!
I picture Rhett carrying me, first over his shoulder — which is hot enough alone — but then I imagine his arms around my back, my legs wrapped around his waist, his cock impaling me like the sword in the stone.
I shiver violently and completely involuntarily, jerking out of the fantasy.
Then I realize the host is staring right at me. I freeze, a deer in headlights, and hope my face isn’t as red as it feels. Then I realize everyone is looking. Holy shit, did I moan out loud?!
But then the host says, “Without whom, of course, this weekend would be completely impossible,” and I realize that everyone isn’t looking at me, but at Bill and Marie.
I clap alongside everyone else, trying to keep my face neutral.
“Are you okay?” Rhett asks.
“Of course,” I mutter back.
“You’re sweating.”
I don’t respond. Bill and Marie are waving to the room, and I distract myself by looking at the adoring faces at the surrounding tables.
It really is no small feat that we’re seated at the Alencars’ table. Most of the people in this room would give a first-born child to be seated here. The couple has the power to launch a thousand start-ups, to finance research in the obscurest of sectors.
I glance at Bill and Marie’s smiling faces. It must be lonely. Everyone in the room wants something from them.
Including us.
Finally, after one more wisecrack, the host leaves the stage and waiters begin to pour into the room carrying trays of food. The room descends into the sounds of clanking dishes and boisterous conversation.
“Woof,” Selina says, blowing her cheeks out. “That was long.”
“No way,” Colton says. “Charlie did a great job! That was really interesting.”
“Of course it was, sweetheart,” she says with a smile and a pat on his leg. To me, she stage-whispers, “This is really more his thing.”
I giggle. “It’s nice you’re so supportive.”
“I’m getting a couples yoga retreat out of this so I’m satisfied,” Selina replies.
