Absinthe

The next two weeks were two of the most boring ones I had ever had since I came back home. Faye was still pissed off with me for not letting her know about the JM money issue. Cassie had gone MIA after her career problems were forcibly brought out in the open because of that stupid game we played. Derrick was flooded with hospital work, so I didn't get the chance to talk things over with him, which meant I was still guessing as to what I had done wrong. As for Janus, well, he and I weren't that close to begin with.

That meant I ended up spending most of my time with Robert. For some reason, he had a lot of free time for a lawyer.

"Aren't you supposed to be working?"

"This is work," he said, lazily sipping wine and leaning against the head rest of my Jacuzzi.

"Oh, so I'm a case you're working on?"

"It's the responsibility of name partners in a law firm to bring in long-term clients," he explained. "Hence, here I am, flexing my muscles so this hottie beside me will give in and decide to be one of ours."

True to his word, Robert flexed his biceps and gave me the most cringeworthy wink in the history of mankind.

"Um, I'll pass. Thanks."

"Oh c'mon!" Robert protested. "This move has gotten me more than 50 guys into bed!"

"Proud of being a man-whore, aren't we?" I teased.

Robert's mouth fell wide open, and there was a look of genuine dejection on his face. "I meant that a lot of people find me attractive. It's disappointing that you don't seem to."

I took a sip of wine from my glass and placed it carefully back on the tray on the Jacuzzi's edge. I studied Robert's features. His eyes were closed, but his facial expression was solemn.

I would have sympathized with Robert if I hadn't had any corporate training. Closing your eyes was one of the first maneuvers I had learned from my boss. It was an effective technique to mask your emotions, and it was handy in negotiations.

respond to a sudden counterproposal from a prospective investor? Close your eyes, don't show a hint of excitement or worry,

was not falling for that trap. Not with

really good cheese.

Robert gave up his drama and opened his eyes. "Is it because of what I did with

ignorance over Robert's misguided actions during

poorly, but please acknowledge the fact that my

lawyer. "It's okay. It's all

"Can we start over?"

"With what?"

of the story, I want you to

man for me. He's successful. He has

Rob," I started. "I told you I'm

but I'm letting you know

fuzzy feeling from the bubbling Jacuzzi, Robert's confidence, his wet blonde hair, his chiseled jawline, the fact that his sculpted body was triggering unholy thoughts in my brain, or a combination of all those things, but I didn't even bother trying to resist when

not gentlemanly this time but greedy and envious, as though he was eager to erase the doubts I had regarding my

right nipple harder than I was comfortable with,

ask him to stop before it got out of hand. But before I could, his lips and tongue found my chest, and

I felt Robert despite the jets of water rushing upward. I felt him strong and firm as he

Fuck, this is trouble.

pulled me even closer. My legs were now

want you," Robert said as he left marks on my

wonder if