Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 102479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Jagger came back into the office, shutting the door behind him. He shrugged his suit jacket off and swung it over the back of his chair before sitting. He unbuttoned the cuffs of his crisp, white dress shirt and began to roll up the sleeves. My eyes found unexpected lines of black and gray ink wrapped around muscular forearms. I didn’t even realize I was staring until his voice startled me.
“Most are from the military.”
My eyes jumped to meet his. “Hmmm?”
“You were looking at my tattoos.”
Yes, but only because they’re attached to the sexy arms. “Sorry. I’m not sure why, but I guess I didn’t expect you to have any.”
He flashed a hint of a smile. “Expectations usually lead to disappointment, Ms. Holland.”
“Not in this case.” Oh, Jesus Christ. Did I really just say that?
Jagger raised a brow. “Good to know.”
I shook my head. “Sorry. That was inappropriate.”
“I appreciate candor.” He tilted his head. “Do you?”
“Yes, very much.”
“Good.” He smiled. “So let’s both be candid for a moment, shall we?”
“Oh-kay…”
“There’s an attraction here.” He motioned with two fingers back and forth. “Between us.”
I blinked a few times before shifting my focus over his shoulder to the framed picture of the little boy with the helmet.
“Look at me, Sutton,” he said sternly. “Eyes over here.”
I adjusted my gaze to meet his.
“Thank you. As I was saying, there’s an attraction here. Perhaps if we acknowledge it, it will be easier to deal with each other over the next few months. The cat-and-mouse game doesn’t work as well when you take the mystery out of the chase.”
Jagger was clearly waiting for me to speak. But I was at a loss for words. “I’m not sure how to respond.”
“With honesty. Are you attracted to me?”
My cheeks heated. But Jagger’s stare didn’t relent, and I wound up looking away again.
“I’m about ten seconds away from coming around to that side of the desk and pulling my chair right next to yours so you can’t avoid me, Sutton. If you don’t want that, you might want to redirect your attention right now.”
My eyes jumped back to his, and the jerk flashed a triumphant smile. “Good. Perhaps I should go first? I’m very attracted to you. I was from the first time I saw your photo, but there’s something more here. Do you agree?”
It felt like he could read my mind with the way he was looking at me, so I had no choice but to be honest. I nodded.
“Excellent.” He smiled. “Now, that wasn’t so difficult, was it?”
“Maybe not from where you’re sitting.”
“That’s a very good point. I’m in a position of power, and while that’s the way I prefer things normally, you technically work for me, and I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. So at any time, if you’d like me to recuse myself from being your mentor, just say the word, and I’ll have someone else assigned. I’ll tell Ellie it turns out I’m too busy. Understood?”
I nodded.
“Would you like to end this now and have someone else assigned as your mentor?”
I shook my head.
“Good. Then let’s get back to business. We met under very different circumstances, outside of work, and we’re attracted to each other. But for obvious reasons, nothing should come of it. How am I doing? Are you in agreement so far?”
I swallowed. “Yes, I work for you.”
Jagger’s eyes gleamed. “That wasn’t the reason I was referring to. I wouldn’t give two shits if that were the only obstacle.”
“Then…what?”
“We have different needs.”
“What do you need?”
His eyes narrowed. “Do you really want me to answer that?”
I swallowed and nodded.
He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I like to play games and fuck hard, Sutton. You need a man who will be gentle with you and take his time, someone who wants something more from you than your submission.”
Fuck hard. Submission. I felt an ache grow between my legs. I couldn’t remember a time I’d been so turned on, and yet this man was basically telling me I was inexperienced, and nothing was ever going to happen. My body’s reaction was laughable, really.
Jagger studied my face. His jaw clenched tight. “Christ, I need my head examined being near you right now.”
I felt my brows pull. “Right now? Why?”
“Because it’s dangerous when you look at me like that.”
I was genuinely confused. “Like what?”
“Like you might like it my way.”
A knock at the door interrupted our conversation. Jagger sat back in his chair and cleared his throat. “Come in!”
His assistant opened the door. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Your noon appointment is here early. I put him in the conference room.”
“Thank you. Tell Jim I’ll be a few minutes.”
She nodded and pulled the door shut.
“I need to go to that meeting,” Jagger said. “We’re supposed to go to lunch with our mentees today. But perhaps we should postpone until tomorrow, to give you some time to consider whether you’d like me to step back from the mentorship program.” He stood and pulled his jacket from the back of the seat. “I hope you enjoy the rest of your first day.”