His CEO's Hired Boyfriend

Ch. 3: Business and Pleasure

Clark's POV

I don't think Elias realizes just how charming he is.

It's taken two and a half glasses of wine and a lot of inner shaming to stop me from crossing the line separating business from pleasure every time he opens his mouth to speak.

God, that mouth. Those eyes. The heavy accent only on certain words. I'd be a bold-faced liar to say I didn't want to invite him back to my place after this. So many things I want to tell him, show him, teach him—

"Earth to Clark." Elias snaps his fingers in front of my face, yanking me back into the present. "Where did you go?" he chuckles. "Did you even hear what I said?"

"Yes," I answer quickly. "No. Sorry." He laughs again. I join in, feeling way too relaxed and...happy? "What did you say?"

"Careful, Mr. Ashford. Looks like I'm taking this meeting more seriously than you." He winks and grabs his glass of water before licking his lips and taking a drink. I shouldn't stare, but I can't look away. "I asked if there's anything else I need to know about Ava and this retreat."

"We've covered it all. But would you happen to be free tomorrow?" I ask. "I'd like to see you again."

"I'd like to see you again, too." Elias leans forward with a smile that's split between flirtatious and polite, both arms resting on the table. "Mind if I ask what for, though?"

"A mock date," I say. "We're supposed to head out Monday for the retreat, and we've only just met. The more we talk and the closer we get, means the more comfortable we'll look playing pretend in front of everyone. Or would you disagree?"

"No, I think it's a great idea to get a little practice in," he says. "I haven't been to the park in a while. We can meet up there and hang out, chat. Whatever you want to do."

What I want is to kiss you, see if you taste as sweet as I imagine...

"Sounds great." I clear my throat and reach for my glass of water. I finish it in three big gulps. "By the way, I'm sorry if you had to rearrange your plans for me tonight. I didn't think we'd be out this late."

"This late? It's barely ten o'clock. The night is just getting started," he laughs. "I know it's mostly for business, but I still want to have fun on our trip, so don't bring this old man energy with us when we leave."

My cell phone pings with a new email before I can reply with something cheeky. I glance at it quickly, something about coming back to the office to sign documents I couldn't care less about right now.

"You're frowning. Is it bad news?"

"No, just work. I have to get back to the office." I sigh, pulling out my wallet and throwing a few hundred dollars on the table before standing. "We should exchange numbers and stop using the Rent a Partner app to communicate. You know, since we're dating now."

"Okay." Elias hands me his phone. I type in my information slowly, purposely dragging out every minute. "I hope you don't plan on driving yourself home tonight after downing all those glasses of fancy wine."

Now it's my turn to tease him. "Worried about me already? The retreat starts Monday, remember?"

"You know what I mean." He playfully rolls his eyes and stands, preparing to leave. "Ready to go?"

No.

"Yes. Lead the way."

I sober up quickly once we're outside, the cool air zapping my brain and body back online. I offer to walk Elias to his car while I wait for John to arrive.