Dare Me Not | 18+ ✔

38. Busted (Xander)

I'm going crazy. I can't focus on the documents in my hand because Parker has been occupying my mind.

Instead of studying the numbers on the monthly reports, I think about who left the club with Parker last Friday. I should have been meeting the Human Resources chief to discuss the employment issue in one of our depots, but I postponed it until tomorrow morning's schedule. I just can't fucking focus. Never have I been this inefficient as far as I can remember.

It's funny to think that I got kicked in the ass by jealousy because it's been a while since I felt this way. I've been in steady relationships and none of my girlfriends acted like whirlwinds. Like Parker.

Maybe this is the price of getting myself involved with a young girl who is in her best years exploring her sexual desire. Her sex drive is intoxicating and addictive, making me think about my sexual adventure at around her age. Well, I had kinky preferences, but was I bold enough to bring my fantasy into reality? Barely.

Parker brings back the unfinished part of me, reopening the desire I thought I should have kept inside. And what surprises me is I don't feel judged to be who I am, to want to do dirty things with her. She's been feeding my craving for adventure, and now I can feel how I want more and more of her. I even considered asking her out for real before she dropped the bomb about going to the club to bone some dudes. I almost lost my shit.

Dammit. I need to get my mind straight.

I punch a button on my intercom and wait until Margie's voice sounds on the speaker. "I will stay back tonight to catch up with work," I say. "You don't have to wait. Is Parker back from the branch visit?"

"Yes. She just went into her office. Should I tell her to see in your of–" She pauses, as if something is distracting her. "Nevermind. She's walking to your office now."

"Oh, okay." From her tone, I almost believe she knows about my shenanigans with Parker, but I don't want to find out. "Thank you for the heads up, Margie." As soon as I place the phone receiver on its holder, I hold my breath, counting backward until my door bursts open.

"What do you want?" Parker stands at the doorway, folding her arms over her chest. Her face is tense and her gesture is rigid.

"Someone is having a not-so-good day."

"Very observant of you to notice that." She leans to my door. Apparently, she's not in the mood to have a private conversation since Margie is within our hearing distance.

"Did people in the branch office give you a hard time?"

"No, not at all." She shakes her head. "Why are you summoning me, Xander? You texted me this morning."

Shit. She didn't just say that in front of Margie. But texting is not a sin. We've been working together for some time, and having a conversation via text message isn't weird at all. What makes it weird would be my awkward reaction to her question because I don't know what I want to say to her. Asking about how many guys she fucked last weekend? Demanding an explanation why she didn't come to me instead if she needed wild sex?

"Just wanted to check on...." Shit.Don't bail on me now, brain. "Your general progress. And I have a few things to discuss regarding your coming internship programs. Can you please come inside and take a seat?"

She frowns slightly, probably not buying my excuses, but then she stands straight up and takes a step forward before closing the door behind her. If she was reserved and sad last week, all I can see now is anger. She clenches her jaw as though she's holding the boiling lava ready to spew.

"Are you alright?" I ask. "Did Anna do something stupid again last weekend?"

She rolls her eyes at my question. Instead of walking to my desk, she stands against the door. "I would have thought you genuinely cared for me if I didn't know why you sent me to this internship program. But I do know what you did. So, stop playing nice with me, Xander."