Make Me (Sterling Shore Series #10)(15)

She walks on in, as though everything she's discussing with a stranger is completely normal, and shuts the door. "I've considered lying about my virginal status to men, but all the women I know tell me that's a bad idea, because they could be too rough, and it would be more painful. For now, I'm stuck a virgin."

"Who are you?" I ask, a smile slowly crossing my lips.

I like her already.

"My name is Britt. I'm here to interview for the intern position."

"Britt," Vivica says, a sigh following as she eyes me. "Right. Have fun. I need to head off to get some work done for you as well."

I'm not sure why Vivica acts as though she knows this Britt No-Last-Name.

As she abandons me, I stand and move back behind my desk, taking a seat and studying Britt like she didn't just overhear something way too personal.

She doesn't seem the least bit fazed or interested in elaborating on why she's so unaffected. Instead, she takes a seat, hands me a folder, and I open it.

"Your last name isn't on here," I note as I skim over the application.

"I want to make sure I earn this position on my own merit. My last name was changed to match my brother's after he found me. That name affords certain favoritism, but I never want to take advantage of that."

I really like this girl. 

I look up, putting my hands under my chin as I study her better.

"I have an eidetic memory," she goes on, and my eyebrows raise. That is definitely a strong checkmark for her. "It makes me a little … different. I tend to rely too much on facts as conversation starters and lack certain social etiquettes, but my brother assured me mentioning it in a job interview was wise."

I glance back down, resuming my skimming of her application.

"What was your last name before you changed it?"

"It's not a name I ever want to say again."

My eyes come up, but her face is still expressionless, making her impossible to read. "Can I ask why? We have to do background checks, so I'm going to need a name at some point."

She nods. "My last name was attached to a girl no one wanted. My new name represents a girl with family and friends. I don't have a criminal record, and if you're interested in hiring me, I'll supply you with my current surname. It was changed legally and will give you the same background information you need."

Have I mentioned I really like her?

She's not looking for sympathy. Everything she says is so matter-of-fact. I like her fearless take on life and her moving-forward breaths.

"You wouldn't have made it as far as my office if we weren't interested in you. I can't believe they let you make it this far without a last name. But, just based on your application alone, I'm interested. A girl who can't forget anything will prove very strong in this field. What made you decide to apply here?"

She grins for the first time since entering the office. "I've recently discovered superheroes."

"Recently?" I ask, confused.

She shrugs. "It's a long story."

"So you're more interested in our actual gaming programs than our apps. Right?"

She nods vigorously.

"Well, that's a long journey. You'll need to intern and prove yourself reliable before we even start looking at your designs. But there is a chance here."

"Most companies don't offer that chance. Which is why I'm here," she goes on. "And I'm in college now, taking all the courses I need."

"Alright then. Before I commit to anything, I will need your name for that background check."

She stands, still beaming at me. "It's Sterling. Britt Sterling."

I drop my pen. And my jaw too.

Britt Sterling? Who the fucking hell is Britt Sterling?

Oh, I'm going to kill Vivica. That's why she ran out of here after acting like she knew who Britt was.

I clear my throat. "And your brother?" I ask, trying to recover.

"Dane."

That explains things. Sort of. Dane was adopted. Long lost blood sister?

My throat feels like a frog is lodged in it. Poor girl has no idea that would have kept her from getting an interview instead of receiving favoritism. But I still like her, because she didn't know that and wanted to earn her place.

"You'll hear from us Britt," I tell her as she moves to the door, her smile taking over her face.

"Thank you!"

She darts out, and I run a hand through my hair. Surprises are rare in my life.

I spend the next thirty minutes going over other appointments, checking for any other possible surprises.

Then I spend the rest of the day going through the final contenders for the two intern positions I have. It's a not-so-lovely distraction from thinking about Dale.

And thinking about what I might let Dale do to me.

My browser history may raise a few eyebrows after everything I've been looking up today. Some of this shit will never be allowed on me, but some of it …



       
         
       
        

Well, my curiosity is piqued. I'll leave it at that.

No one can make me do anything. But Dale? Dale could probably command me with as little as a request.

What is he doing to her? Oh my …  Nope. Nothing going in my ass. It's big, but it isn't big enough for all that.

I don't picture Dale as the submissive type, so I'm assuming that would be my role. In the bedroom only.

And some of this looks really … oooooh, I totally want to try that! And that. And that. And that. And that …

I wish I brought more panties with me.

Yeah. Yeah. That crass thing again.

It's almost a struggle to finish up the remaining interviews, but since I've already had one slip where a video started playing, I decide to stop researching.

Yeah … imagine the face on a college student when he hears, "Oh yes. Just like that! Spank me harder, big daddy!" All of that accompanied with a lot of slapping.

Yep. I may be getting a sexual harassment suit.

Awesome.

And by the way, totally not calling Dale Daddy at all.

I wonder what he wants to be called …

I could do Sir. Definitely.

My thighs press together, and I whimper a little when my last interview comes in. I'm just ready to get the hell out of here.

It's clear by the end of the day that Britt Sterling is going to have one of those positions, as long as her background check comes back good.

I can't believe I'm taking a Sterling in.

Hell has actually frozen over this time.

My phone rings with Vivica's name, and I answer as I read an article on submitting.

"Maybe this is why my relationships don't work out," I say by way of answering.

"Okay … what?"

"When I see him again, I'm not going to run. I'm going through with this. Apparently someone who is naturally domineering prefers to be dominated in the bedroom. All the guys I've ever dated have been very submissive in the bedroom. Hence the reason I always feel dissatisfied. And let's face it. It's really hard to find a guy who can make me want to turn over control."

"But Dale Sterling does," she muses. "So … you're going to let him spank you for the BDSM experience?"

"Don't mock me," I groan.

"I'm not," she lies. I can hear her grinning uncontrollably. "But shouldn't you two … I don't know … maybe have a few more dinner dates under your belt before you let him bend you over and spank your ass until it turns red?"

Why am I flushing from head to toe? Why does the thought of Dale turning my ass red have my thighs clenching? 

"What did you call about?" I ask her, deflecting. No more mockery will be tolerated today.

She laughs under her breath, probably knowing the inner dialogue in my head.

"Contracts are underway. Five shares were bought today."

"Just five?"

"Baby steps, Harley. You always try to rush me, but baby steps are required. Too much draws too much attention."

"Fine. Fine," I relent. "Call me when you have more than five to brag about."

"Call me when you have a red ass you want to gush about," she retorts.

"Bye," I groan, hanging up.

It's later than I intended when I finally lock up my office on day one at seven, but I practically trip in my heels when I see what's waiting in my business lobby.

Dale Sterling.

He's wearing a sexy smirk and a button-down shirt again. And pants. Of course he has on pants.

"Sorry about last night." There are eyes on him from all around as people stall, not walking out onto the street as they gawk at him.

He's a big guy-tall and sculpted with those broad shoulders. Those muscles were under my hands last night. Right before I blurted out the whole virgin fiasco.

Am I seriously blushing again? Fuck. He's going to think I really am a virgin. A blushing virgin.

People are literally staring unabashedly as he closes the distance between us while I stay rooted to my spot. Then again, they're not used to seeing me when I'm not barking out orders. I'm sure they think the apocalypse is coming if I'm blushing and grinning. Definitely grinning.

The fingers of one of his hands slides into my hair without warning, and he uses a firm hold to tug my head back. Heat floods me seconds before his mouth descends on mine.

I think I moan.

Into his mouth.

While he's kissing me.

In front of everyone.

My body melts against his as his lips toy with mine, just the barest of kisses, almost as though he's ensuring this doesn't get out of hand.