Virgin Bride(26)

I look at him, eyes narrowed. “You heard him in there. He’s pulling more bullshit power plays.”

“I know that,” James says. “But think about why we’re doing this to begin with.”

“Which is what, exactly?” I purse my lips and watch him impatiently.

“We’re big and we’re good, but we’re not the biggest or the best.” He hesitates then plunges forward. “We can be the biggest and the best if this deal goes through. We can dominate the whole damn market if we pull this off. But Griffin, we have to swallow our egos a little bit. This is a long-term thing. Deal with some short-term shit to get a long-term reward.”

I watch him, frowning. I didn’t know he cared so much about this deal. I figured he was just half-heartedly into it, just letting me go for this absurd pipe dream. He’s encouraging and helping and working hard, of course, but I didn’t know he genuinely cared.

He’s right about a lot of that. If this works, we’ll dominate the market. We’ll be the best and everyone will know it. But at what cost comes greatness? I don’t know if I’m willing to let a snake like Rick Fisher work in my company, let alone in the same building as my company, even if that means we’ll be the best ever.

“I have to think about it,” I say. I turn and walk back to my office, and James doesn’t follow me.

As soon as I’m back at my desk, I take a deep breath and get a little perspective. I know James is right about a lot of this stuff, and I’m making my decisions based on personal feelings.

That’s not how business works. Personal feelings can’t be a driving and motivating factor. Frankly, I think Rick Fisher is a piece of shit, but this is a good deal. I can’t let my personal distaste of the man get in the way of the business.

As the day progresses, my mind drifts back toward Erin. I keep picturing what we did together, the taste of her pussy, the feeling of her body against mine. I can’t help but smile as Rick Fisher is completely forgotten. Erin is the only thing I really want to think about.

And this deal would be good for me. I could take care of Erin, give her things, take her places, and show her a world she never dreamed of. I can already do all those things, but I can do them even better if I get this company from Rick.

James is right. It’s just temporary and short-term discomfort for long-term gains. I didn’t get to where I am at by having a short-term view on things. I’ve always thought long-term and always made the best moves for my long-term benefit. I built an empire and a business doing that, and I’ll build it even bigger by continuing along those lines.

As the day finally winds up, I finish up my work and head home. It’s not too late this time, so I’ll get to spend an hour with Lacey, which is good. But if I’m really being honest with myself, I’m looking forward to seeing Erin.

I want to see her face again. I want to taste her lips. I know she’s been thinking about what we did, and so have I.

I’m feeling excited as hell as I finally go inside. “Hello?” I call out.

“In here.”

I find Erin and Lacey in the living room. Lacey is playing with her blocks and Erin has the television on, though she’s down on the ground with Lacey. I smile at the two of them.

“How’s it going?” I ask her.

She stands quickly. “She was good today.”

“Good. I’m glad.” I glance at the clock. “I have about forty minutes with her, huh? Think she’ll go down?”

“Definitely.” Erin starts to gather her things.

I watch her quietly for a second. I expected more from her, but she’s acting a little distant. I have to admit, I don’t understand this little yo-yo game she’s playing. One second she’s masturbating with a butt plug up her ass in my bed, and the next she’s acting like nothing happened.

“Come here,” I say to her. She hesitates then walks over to me.

I kiss her softly on the mouth. “Have you been thinking about yesterday?”

“Maybe,” she says, blushing softly.

That’s what I wanted to see. “Good. I know you have been. It’s okay.”

“I should get going.”

“You don’t need to rush out.”

“No, I should give you time with Lacey.” She pulls away from me. “See you tomorrow?”

“Sure,” I say. “See you then.”

She quickly leaves and I watch her go, a little confused and uncertain.

I don’t know why she keeps pulling back from me. I don’t understand it. Something is happening here, something I don’t fully understand. Maybe it has to do with how inexperienced she is. I assumed that meant she’s been with only a few people, and never with an older man. But maybe it’s something else.