Chapter 4 : Distraction

Scott’s POV

I sat in my corner office, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking one of the best views in the city. I listened to the book distributor on the line, discussing printing and shipping costs. I enjoyed negotiation and this was no different, especially because it was something I cared about–giving back to my past school.

“How does that work for you?” The voice on the other end of the line signaled that it was my turn.

“I agree with the cost of shipping. That seems fair and reasonable. You’ll need to increase the total number of books though. I know you’re an honorable establishment that believes in the educational success of the next generation. I also understand that you value my investment in your company.” I smirked to myself, knowing what would come next.

“I… you’re right, Mr. Hawthorne. I’m sure we can reach an agreement that pleases both parties.” The other man tripped over himself to please me. I was fairly used to people doing that if I was being honest. As the leader of the top film and TV company in the nation, there were many people eager to please me in all kinds of ways.

There was only one person I wanted though.

I wrapped up the phone call once I was happy with the deal. The school would be getting a massive shipment of books in the next couple of months, enough to provide for an entire class of students.

Energized, I turned back toward my computer, eager to get back to work. My phone rattled on my desk, vibrating multiple times and catching my attention.

Seeing Needy’s name on the screen made me smile. My daughter was my pride and joy.

I opened my phone to see a string of text messages from her. She was excited about another party she was throwing at the house. This time it was a pool party. I knew most dads wouldn’t be so okay with their twenty-one-year-old daughter throwing so many parties, but I trusted Needy.

Skimming through the text messages, my smile froze when I read Rory’s name on the screen. My heart pounded in my chest, getting faster as I looked at her name. A mixture of excitement and apprehension filled me. Our night together had been incredible, for lack of a better word.

I tried to pull my thoughts away from Rory and back to the pool party. I could easily offer to help out. As the CEO of the company, I had the power to come and go as I pleased. I knew Needy might appreciate the help, and though I didn’t want to put a damper on her party by being there, I knew Rory would be there. I’d been hungering for even the smallest glance at her.

I shot a quick text off to Needy, letting her know I was happy to help if she needed it. Just a minute later my phone started vibrating with even more text messages. This time, images were accompanying the texts.

I was thrilled to see Needy so happy, but my eyes were drawn to Rory. She looked absolutely stunning in the small bikini encasing her delicious curves, the curves I’d explored for hours with my lips, hands, and eyes.

The image of her lingered in every corner of my mind, and I felt a strong desire to do it all over again. My gaze lingered on her laughing face and smile. She was especially beautiful when she was happy.

When Rory was young, I thought she was cute, but he didn't expect her to be so beautiful when she grew up. I longed for her when she became an adult, but I was also concerned about my daughter's relationship, so I restrained this feeling.

I felt a stirring in me, a deep longing to be around her and know her better. I wanted to hear her laughter, to be the one that made her laugh. I felt an undeniable pull toward her. This desire was different than anything I’d felt before for Rory or anyone else.

She had changed so much since the last time I’d seen her. She’d gotten taller and even more striking than before. Beyond that, her presence was so much more alluring and captivating. It was no wonder I hadn’t recognized her the other night.

Memories of our night together flooded my mind, making my blood run hot. I hadn’t been planning on picking anyone up that night but she’d been too hot to ignore. The way her skirt revealed just enough of her thick thighs was sexy without being over the top.

I’d wanted to see everything under her clothes so badly, but I wasn’t about to be pushy. She deserved to make the choice herself.

I hadn’t recognized her until I saw her with Needy for their lessons. I had a feeling she already knew it was me by then. The look of panic she’d had on her face said as much. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her and it was distracting. She’d done her fair share of looking too, though.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of an argument outside my door, which was cracked open. I let the argument distract me from my thoughts of Rory, listening to the two students bicker back and forth outside the door.

“I know what you’ve been trying to do, Lisa!” a male voice I thought I recognized as Justin said in a whisper-yell. “I know what you were about to do too.”

“You don’t know anything.” Lisa snapped back. “Besides, who cares if I was about to do what you’re thinking? Which I wasn’t, by the way. It’s not like you’re so perfect yourself and have never messed up. You cheated on Rory for a year! I don’t want to talk about Rory.”

“I do. All I want to talk about is Rory.”

“You better not still have feelings for her,” Lisa responded. “You’re with me now.”

“What about you trying to lure McFarland?” he asked.

My eyebrows rose at that. Sure, I’d seen Lisa around campus and she was in my film class. I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t notice her flirtations, but that was nothing new for me. There were always girls of all ages making moves toward me, if not for my looks then for my money.

“I’m not luring him.” I could practically hear her rolling her eyes. “Get over yourself, Justin.”

They went back and forth for a few more minutes. It became increasingly obvious that they were not a good fit for each other and that both had eyes for someone else.

I waited for them to leave before getting my stuff and leaving my office. I wasn’t very far down the hallway when someone fell into step with me.

"I didn't expect you to be as handsome as before,” Lisa said. “You look like you're only in your twenties.”

I ignored her but she was persistent.

“Are you free tonight?” she asked. “Can I ask you for some knowledge about film studies?"

“Sorry, I don't have time,” I said.

“I was wondering if you’d be able to tutor me. I know you’re the best.” She laid her hand on my arm.

“Unfortunately, I have a minimal capacity for any additional tutoring.” I reached down and gently removed my hand from her arm.

She frowned. “I noticed you've been paying a lot of attention to Rory in class. You don't like her, do you? She has a pretty bad reputation…

“Instead of dwelling on what you don't have," I said, "you'd better focus on your own grades.”

***

As the day progressed to the afternoon, I did my best to stay focused on my massive workload, but it was impossible. Rory filled my mind completely.

I remembered our night together in vivid detail, making it difficult to go through the day without getting turned on. I’d be fine one second, working on a contract in my business office, and the next, I’d be daydreaming about her on her knees in front of me with those big eyes looking up into mine, full of arousal. I was hard in an instant.

I wondered what she was doing, and what she would be doing at the pool party. I imagined how she would look with a bikini glued to every inch of that gorgeous body.

What if there was someone else who noticed how beautiful she was?

I knew the girls were of age. I’d been trusting Needy to throw parties since her senior year of high school, and Rory had always been a great influence on her. But I couldn’t trust everyone around them.

The mere thought of someone else flirting with Rory made my blood boil. I wanted to be the one flirting with her, touching her, wooing her.

I’d already decided that if it came down to it, I’d steal her attention away from Justin, but what if there were others? Of course, it would always be her choice, but I’d give it my best effort.

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I tried to refocus on the abundant emails and messages I’d received. It was too difficult. I was unsettled by the situation with Rory and the pool party.

I was also getting very little work done considering how distracted I was by Rory.

Finally, I decided it was time to end things early. I was going to go home and assess the situation myself.

It was time to head home.