Tease Me (Private Listing #4)

“Oh, good.” She looks relieved. Maybe she’s seeing someone on the side and doesn’t want to run into her husband. That would make sense. Is that what all married people do? Sleep around with other people? Or is that just Patrick and Anna’s marriage?

“I should get back to my party.” I move toward the door.

“Are you and Coop still together?” She doesn’t appear tense, just seems to be making conversation.

“Yes.” I hold up my left hand with the ring on it. “Still engaged and everything.”

She smiles. “Good. You should hold on tight to that one. You never know when someone will try to steal your man out from under you.”

Okay and now it’s weird again. “It was good seeing you. I need to return…”

She waves me off and heads to the stalls. “I’m sure we’ll run into each other again. Take care, Madison.”

I exit the bathroom and Blake leans against the wall nearby. My heart slows down and the tension in my shoulders eases. Safety. He still protects me, and I still trust him to keep me safe.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

No. “Yes.” Pretty sure Anna needs new meds, because whatever she’s currently on makes my head spin.

“Do you want to go back to the lunch? Or would you prefer to go out to the car?”

I give him a questioning look.

“You looked uncomfortable in there. I assume Andrew is someone you know. We don’t have to go back if you don’t want to.” Blake’s green eyes never leave mine. Maybe there’s a little jealousy there, but he’s not letting it control him. Though I usually like the results of his jealous tendencies.

“I think I can handle it.” I give him a smile and move to walk with him. With these guys beside me, I’m pretty sure I can handle anything. Even slightly crazy ex-employers and leering ex-lovers.

We walk into our room, and Andrew doesn’t look at me this time. Coop looks cocky about something. Blake holds out my chair and I lower into it.

“We’ll have more information sent to your email. Is there a time that would work for you for our development team to come out and access your current systems?” Seth appears to be all business, but his hand reaches for mine.

I slide my hand into his and he squeezes it. When I turn to look at Coop, he winks. I’m not sure what went down while I was in the bathroom, but Andrew is now purposely not looking my way. I take in a relieved breath.

“We can get started right away. Our conference room is yours when you need it.” Andrew smiles and looks at everyone, but his eyes skip right over me. I’ve never been so happy to be ignored.

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, Andrew.” Seth shakes his hand. The server brings in the receipt and Noah signs it before passing it back to her. The guys all stand.

Blake pulls out my chair and offers me his hand. I glance into his eyes before taking it. He draws me into his side and maneuvers us around Noah and Coop as they shake Andrew’s hand.

Seth joins us as we move through the dining room. My eyes catch Anna’s auburn hair. There are two other women at the table with her. They both turn to look at Seth and Blake escorting me. They look somewhat familiar, like I’ve seen them before, maybe at the benefit, but not met them.

Seth holds open the door for me, and Blake’s hand settles on my lower back to guide me out to the car. My breath catches at his nearness. The way Blake handles me during sex is unlike the others, and I long for that. His quiet control. His looming presence.

I sigh as I move to the middle of the back seat. Sex won’t solve anything between us, but fuck, would it feel good. The guys join me and Tim rolls away from the curb.

“Princess, did you fuck Andrew Faust?” Seth runs a hand over his blond hair as his blue eyes lock on me.

“Once in college.” No need to deny it. The guy had been mentally undressing me the first half of lunch. “Not my finest hour.”

Blake grunts, but he doesn’t look pissed off like he did in Taylor’s offices. Maybe he trusts that what I had with those guys is in the past. It’s a move in the right direction. Blake, Seth, Noah, and Coop are my future.

“Did you guys say something to him?” I turn back to Seth. His lips tip into a smug smile.

“Coop let the guy know he’s your fiancé.” Seth’s eyes go to Blake and his smile grows.

“Whatever you did, thank you.” I lean back against the seat and close my eyes. “I ran into Anna Beck in the bathroom.”

“What did she say?”