Page 100 of Pure Recklessness

‘Maybe it’s better if Eleanor reports to someone else?’ Heath suggested. ‘Just to keep things above board?’

‘No,’ I barked. ‘I gave her this project, so I’ll see it through until the end.’

‘Fine,’ Heath replied. ‘But keep your dick in your pants. Understood?’

‘Don’t fucking lecture me,’ I warned, grinding my jaw.

‘Hey, hey, hey,’ Seb said. ‘Settle down. Blake’s a big boy. He can handle himself.’

‘Yeah!’ Oscar grinned. ‘I bet he’s been handling himself a lot these days!’

Seb and Oscar burst out laughing.

‘Like you don’t wank,’ I snapped. ‘Arseholes. Now if you’ve got no other business to discuss, get the fuck out of here. Some of us have got more important things to do than listen to your shit.’

‘Ooh, so sensitive!’ Oscar chuckled as he picked up his laptop, slid it under his arm and headed to the door.

‘I’m sure the board will approve the app too. Just remember to stick to the budget,’ Heath said as he followed Oscar. ‘Not a penny more.’

‘Got it,’ I called back.

‘Good luck,’ Seb said as he stood by the door.

‘Good luck?’ I frowned. ‘For what? It’ll be months before the app is ready.’

‘I know. I meant good luck for when you tell Eleanor the news and start working closer together. I saw the sparks flying between you. And you’re a stubborn little fucker. You like to get what you want at the best of times. But when someone tells you can’t or shouldn’t have something, it only makes you more determined to get it. So, like I said, good luck. And be careful. You’ve worked too hard to build this business up. Make sure that this time, those sparks don’t burn everything down.’

Seb flashed me a half smile then left.

I knew he meant well, but I had everything under control.

Before, I was looking for a reason to summon Eleanor to my office and now that the app had the green light, I’d just found one.

But I’d also thought of a solution.

I still wanted her, that hadn’t changed, and I could still have her, if she was willing. But instead of sleeping with her now and jeopardising the company and my role, I’d wait.

Once the app had launched and become a massive success, Eleanor would’ve made a name for herself in the industry. She could work wherever she wanted.

I’d personally write her a reference. And after she’d left, then we could take care of our unfinished business, with zero risk.

It was delayed gratification at its finest. And when we finally fucked, it’d make the experience even sweeter.

I wasn’t proposing that either of us remained celibate in the meantime. That would be unrealistic. But the two of us would keep things strictly professional until it was time.

Yes. That was a more sensible plan. It allowed me to get what I wanted, without any collateral damage.

I strode back to my office with a spring in my step, pleased that I’d finally found a solution.

‘How was your meeting?’ Valerie asked as I walked towards her desk.

‘Excellent. The app has the green light.’ I smiled. I didn’t need to wait for board approval. With all of my brothers backing the idea, I already knew I’d get it. ‘Please call Eleanor to my office immediately so I can tell her personally.’

40

ELLIE

As the lift doors pinged open, my stomach tensed.