Making It Personal Wells, C. (red queen free ebook TXT) 📖

doin’, mate?” Blake couldn’t hold back the low groan that burst from his lips and Dave chuckled. “That bad, huh?”

“Dave, I need your advice.”

Dave’s tone changed immediately. “Go for it.”

Quickly Blake outlined the situation. Dave didn’t interrupt once. When he got to the end, there was silence. “Dave?”

“Okay, forgive me for being obtuse, but what exactly is the problem here?”

Blake gaped. “Er, did you miss the part where I said I fucked the guy?

“And? Was he at least a good fuck?”

“Dave!” Blake’s jaw dropped.

There was that rich chuckle again. “Okay, answer me this. Does he meet your criteria?”

“Yes. The man’s perfect.”

“Are you attracted to him?”

Blake hesitated before replying. “No.” Then why is your dick getting hard at the mere thought of him? Blake pulled himself together, pushing aside the memories of Alec—Will, he told himself impatiently—in his bed, sated and perspiring, those brown eyes watching him intently.

Dave’s tone revealed his skepticism. “Hmm, yeah, right.” Before Blake could protest, he continued. “Okay, my opinion, for what it’s worth? Hire the man.”

Blake goggled. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Actually? No.” Dave sounded serious. “He sounds exactly what you need. So what if you’ve fucked? Are you gonna share that information with anyone?”

“Hell, no.” There was no way Blake was coming out.

“Well then, as long as he’s made aware of this, I say again, hire the man.” Another pause. “Is he out?”

That gave Blake pause. “I’d have thought so, considering his profession.”

Dave tutted. “Never make unnecessary assumptions, my friend. Might I suggest that before you go any further, you discuss this with Will? He needs to know that if you offer him the position, it comes with various restraints.” Then Dave chortled. “Speaking of restraints… did he push your buttons?”

Blake groaned. “Oh Dave, you have no idea.” Dave and he had no secrets. The man was like the brother he’d never had.

Dave burst out laughing. “Oh wow, Blake. Talk about falling on your feet. Your dream candidate and a demon in the sack. Don’t let this one get away. Think of the benefits.”

Blake struggled to follow Dave’s meaning, until suddenly his head was filled with the image of Will in a suit, fucking him over his desk. Oh my God…

“You know exactly what I’m talking about, don’t you?” Blake could hear the glee in Dave’s voice.

“I’m not gonna go there,” Blake growled. To his relief, Dave seemed to sober up.

“Okay then, I’ve told you what I think. Call him up, meet him and let him know how the ground lies. Then take it from there.”

Blake pushed out his tension in one long exhale. “Thanks, mate. Really.”

“No problem. Any time.” Blake heard a long buzz in the background. “Oh fuck, she’s early. Sorry, mate, I gotta run. Call me soon and we’ll have dinner, all right?”

“Yeah, sounds good. Thanks, Dave.” The call disconnected.

Blake sat back in his chair and stared at the folder containing Will’s details. Dave made a lot of sense. He pulled out Will’s personal details and called up his mobile number.

“Will Parkinson here.” Will sounded efficient on the phone.

“Mr. Parkinson, this is Blake Davis.” He wasn’t surprised to be greeted by silence. “Are you okay to talk?”

Will chuckled. “Well, that decision didn’t take long, did it? I didn’t really expect a call, if I’m being truthful, though it’s good of you.”

Blake inhaled deeply before continuing. “Will, I’d like to meet up with you, if that’s possible.”

“To what end?” Blake could hear the sudden tired note in Will’s voice. He couldn’t blame him.

“Will, I’d like to offer you the job.” He heard the hitch in Will’s breathing. Before the man could say anything else, Blake plunged ahead. “But before you give me an answer, I feel there are certain conditions we must discuss. If, after that, you’re happy to take up the offer, then we’ll get you started right away.”

“You’re not kidding, are you?” Will spoke quietly. There was something in his voice, an almost hopeful quality.

“Not in the slightest,” Blake affirmed. “Will you meet me?”

“Yes.” No hesitation. “When and where?”

Blake thought quickly. He didn’t want to do this at the office. “Can you come to my apartment tonight, about seven? We can chat and eat, if you like. If you’re going to work with me, I want to get to know you.”

There was a pause before Will answered. “Just dinner and talking?”

“Yes. This is business.” Blake waited, suddenly nervous to hear Will’s reply.

At last Will replied. “Okay. Seven it is.”

Blake let his pent up breath escape. “Great. I’ll see you then.” They exchanged a few brief words and he disconnected the call. He put his phone on the desk and stared at it for a moment. Despite Dave’s reassuring words, Blake was nervous. He hoped to God he wasn’t about to make a huge mistake.

Chapter Four

Will came through the main door to Blake’s building and stopped. Unlike the previous night, there was a doorman on duty, his feet up on the front desk, watching a small TV. His gaze snapped upward at Will’s approach.

“Good evening, Sir. Can I help you?”

Will gave him a friendly smile. “I’m here to see Blake Davis, top floor.”

The doorman nodded. “Mr. Davis told me to expect you, Sir. Go right on up.” Will dipped his chin in acknowledgment and headed for the elevator. His stomach was in knots for the third time in twenty-four hours. Waiting for his interview that morning had been nerve-racking enough, but that was nothing compared to his state the previous evening. He knew he came across as calm and confident, but it was an act, nothing more. Thankfully Blake had helped dissipate his nerves. Will was floundering in the dark right now, having no clue what was coming at him. What does he want to discuss? It had occurred to him when Blake suggested dinner that he wanted to get him in the sack once more, but Will dismissed the thought almost instantaneously. Even on the evidence of such a short acquaintance, Blake appeared to have more integrity than that. Will closed