Guarding His Heart (13 page)

“Remember next time, don’t shit where you sleep or eat.” His eyes narrowed. “There are plenty of girls out there son.”

“I’m not worried about it.” I shook my head as I felt my heart hardening. I was done with Hannah and I was done with even thinking about being in a relationship. I knew then that I’d wanted more than friends with benefits with Hannah. I was glad I’d never told her that though. I was done letting women into my heart. I was done being used. I was done with Hannah once and for all.

Chapter Fourteen

Hannah

It had been a week since I’d heard Leo and his father talking about his deliberate plan to take me to New York in an attempt to get Rob Martin to make a move and ruin the deal, so they could get a lower price for the company. To say I was devastated was an understatement. I’d been in such shock that I hadn’t even wanted to go back to the office, but I had. I’d gone back to my desk and waited for Leo to come out and tell me some lie about how he’d never intended for any of it to happen, but he never did.

I think that hurt me more than anything. He didn’t even try and explain it to me. He didn’t even try and make me feel better. He’d been successful with his plan and he’d gotten some sex out of me and now that he’d been found out, he was cold and uncaring.

He looked at me with such dismissive eyes that I wanted to slap him. I hated him so much. I wanted to quit so badly. I had applied to several other jobs already, but hadn’t heard anything from anyone yet.

“Hannah, please come into my office.” Leo’s voice sounded cold through the intercom.

“Coming.” I grabbed my pen and pad and walked into his office silently. I stared at the desk we’d made love on the week before and looked away. How had everything gone south so quickly? How could he have used me like that?

“I need you to go and get some sandwiches for a picnic I’m going on tomorrow.” He stared at me unblinking.

“What sort of sandwiches, Sir?” I asked politely, while screaming inside. He’s been giving me menial tasks since that day and I hated him for it.

“You can decide. I know you like to have a sense of power.” He said snidely.

“I guess that’s all I’m good for.” I responded tightly. “Sandwich orders and short skirts.”

“That one could be a little shorter.” He stared at my legs. “Pull it up.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said pull it up a bit higher.” He paused. “Or do you need to go and get a tape recorder first? Will you hear me if I say it into a recorder?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I bit my lower lip to stop myself from crying. How had I ever thought he was a nice guy?

“Get your tape recorder and I’ll you
let you record all the things you want to hear.” He stood up and walked over to me. “I’ll tell you that I’ll give you a $100 if you sit in my lap. A thousand dollars if you take your top off and push your breasts in my face. Better yet, I’ll give you ten thousand dollars if you let me fuck you in my chair. What do you say to that?”

“You’re a pig.” I gasped. “How dare you?”

“Sorry, would twenty thousand work then?” He shouted. “I’ll pay you twenty grand to give me a blow job right now.”

“How dare you.” I slapped him across the face. “You son of a bitch.”

“Me?” He laughed. “Me? I’m the bitch?” He pushed past me. “Get out.”

“I’m going, you don’t have to ask me twice.” I left the room close to tears and ran down the corridor. What was his problem? Why would he treat me like this? He was the one that had hurt me. He was the one that had used me. I hurried into the elevator and a girl stopped and looked at me.

“Hannah?” She surveyed my face and paused.

“Yes, do I know you?” I frowned and looked at her in confusion.

“Not yet.” She walked back into the elevator. “Can I go down with you?”

“Whatever.” I sighed as I stared at the pretty girl in front of me. Who was this? If she said she was Leo’s girlfriend, I was going to scream.

“You look upset.” Her voice was soft. “Has Leo been rude today?”

“So you know Leo?” I looked at her long curly hair and searched her first.

“Yes, I’m afraid I do.” She smiled. “I’m Lucky, by the way.” She held her hand out for me to shake.

“I’ve heard your name before.” I tried to remember from where.

“I’m Zane’s wife. Zane is Leo’s best friend.” She rolled her eyes and sighed. “And when Leo’s down, Zane feels like he has to be there for him.”

“Well bully for him.” I gave her a weak smile. “Can I help you? I have work to do.”

“I was hoping we could chat.” She paused. “I shouldn’t be here. If Zane knew I was here, he’d kill me and Leo too.” She reached out and touched my arm. “But I think that I can help.”

“Help what?” I shook my head. “Are you here to ask me to quit?” My voice rose as we left the elevator.

“No, no, no.” She looked at me horrified. “I think I need to explain some stuff.”

“Explain what?”

“Sorry, I’m making a mess of this, aren’t I?” She sighed. “Let me start from the beginning. When I met Zane, my husband, he was a player. He was literally dating several girls in front of me. He wasn’t interested in love. He was alpha. He was protective. He liked me, but he didn’t want to admit it and he didn’t want a relationship and he told me several times.”

“Okay?” I waited for her to continue. “And?”

“Leo’s the same way. He was hurt when he was younger and now he’s being an ass. You know how guys are. They get hurt once and then they act like it’s the end of the world.”

“What does that have to do with me?” I was starting to get annoyed.

“You hurt him, Hannah. I don’t know the full story. I don’t know what you planned to do with those emails, but something tells me you weren’t going to go to HR with them. Or if you were, you changed your mind. I refuse to believe you would sleep with him because you wanted to get him fired that badly.”

“What are you talking about? What emails?” My head started pounding.

“The emails Leo sent you. The flirty ones about wanting to sleep with you. The ones he sent to your personal email. The ones you forwarded to yourself to hand it to HR.”

“Oh.” Something went off in my brain. “How do you know about them?” I froze. “Oh my god, does Leo know about those emails? That I sent them to my work email? Oh shit.” My heart dropped as I realized what he must have thought if he’d seen that email.

“Yes, Leo knows.” She sighed. “And he’s been getting drunk every night and taking my husband out with him. Now, I love Leo, but I like to have my husband at home at night.” She smiled. “We have two babies and I want him to change some of those dirty diapers.”

“Leo’s been getting drunk?”

“He’s really upset that you would set him up like that.”

“But, I didn’t intend to send them anywhere.” I sighed. “I’m not even sure why I forwarded them to my work email anymore.” I looked at her with an anxious face. “No wonder he thinks I’m a bitch.”

“You really hurt him.” She nodded. “He feels like you were just using him.”

“But he used me.” I wailed. “He took me to New York and…” My voice trailed off as I realized how stupid that sounded. I knew in my heart that Leo had not set me up on that trip. He had tried to warn me to stay away from Rob. Oh why hadn’t I listened?

“Leo would never do that, to you or any other girl.” Lucky shook her head. “He’s one of the good guys. He might talk a good game, but he has a heart of gold.”

“He must hate me.” I sighed. “I can’t believe he thinks I would try and use him and then report him to HR.”

“You know men, sometimes they think with the wrong head.” Lucky giggled and slapped her hand across her mouth. “Sorry, that wasn’t appropriate.”

“Don’t worry.” I smiled. “You’re right. What am I going to do?” I sighed as I realized how badly I’d fucked up.

“That’s why I’m here.” Lucky beamed. “I was hoping you would come to a picnic at my house tomorrow in Los Feliz. It’s just a small affair, but Leo will be there and I’d love for you to come.”

“I don’t know.” I said thoughtfully. “I don’t want to ruin your party if he starts shouting at me.”

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t shout.” She smiled. “I’d love for you to come and feel free to bring a friend.”

“I’m not sure bringing my friend Lisa would help much.” I laughed.

“Did you just say Lisa?” She grinned at me.

“Yeah, why?”

“My best friend’s name is Leeza.” She grinned. “It’s like fate. You and Leo are meant to be together.”

“I don’t know about that.” I sighed and smiled at her. “Even if he forgives me for the mistake, he still only wants to be friends with benefits.”

“Trust me, a guy who’s this upset and getting drunk every night wants to be more than that.” Lucky squeezed my hand. “I know you don’t know me, but I like you already. I have a good feeling about you and Leo. I’d love, love, love it if you came tomorrow.”

“Well, if it means that much to you.”

“It does.” She nodded and pulled out a pen and pad from her handbag. “Here’s my number and my address. The picnic will start around noon, but feel free to come earlier or later.”

“Thank you.” I smiled at her gratefully. “I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” She gave me a quick hug and grinned at me. “I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I should leave now. I left Zane with the kids and I’m sure they’ve messed up the house by now.”

“Okay,” I laughed. “It was nice meeting you Lucky.”

“It was great meeting you as well, Hannah.” She nodded. “Tomorrow will be great.”

“I hope so.” I mumbled.

“I know so.” She smiled. “Trust me, I know so.”

I walked back into the office to find that Leo was gone. I sighed as I waited at my seat. I needed to talk to him before the picnic. I needed to explain to him that I had never meant to send the email. I needed him to know the truth. I walked into his office and sat at his desk and opened his notepad so that I could leave him a note. I was about to write, but I didn’t know what to say. What I had to say couldn’t be written down in a few words. What I had to say had to be done face to face. I needed to look into his eyes when we spoke. I needed to look into his eyes and figure out how he truly felt about me. The time for games was over. I understood why he was guarding his heart, but he either needed to let me in or we would both just have to move on. I walked back to my desk and sat down, suddenly feeling sad. I was scared that Leo wasn’t going to let me in. I was scared that I’d fallen for a man that would never be able to let me get close to him. I was afraid and I didn’t know what to do.

Chapter Fifteen

Leo

“Uncle Leo,” Skylar ran up to me and gave me a big hug. “I’ve missed you.”

“Hey, Sky.” I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Your dad here?”

“Yes, daddy is in the back with Uncle Zane and Robin is in the kitchen with Aunty Lucky.”

“Awesome.” I smiled down into her cute little face.

“I’m playing with the babies.” She made a face. “It’s boring.”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.” I laughed.

“You want to play with us?”

“Not right now.” I shook my head. I loved David and Ruby-Lane, but I wasn’t really a baby person. “But, I’ll come back and talk to you soon. I need to take these sandwiches to the kitchen and then I need to go and see if Zane and Noah need any help.”

“What help would they need?” She frowned. “It’s Aunty Lucky that’s cooking.”

“Well, they might need help drinking the beer.” I winked at her and she giggled.

“Oh, Uncle Leo.” She ran over to the babies. “David, your Uncle Leo is a goofball.” She squeezed his cheeks and I walked into the kitchen.

“Hey Lucky.” I gave her a quick hug and kiss. “Hi Robin.”

“Hi Leo.” They both gave me a quick smile and I was glad that we were all able to get along as well as we did.

“Need any help?” I asked
as I walked out of the kitchen. “No? Oh okay?” I ran out as they threw kitchen towels at me.

“Leo.” Zane grinned at me. “You made it.”

“You knew I’d be here. Free food always calls my name.” I grabbed a beer from the cooler and sat down. “So any burgers done?”

“No.” Noah shook as his head as he flipped something on the grill. “I think it’ll be another fifteen minutes.”

“I’m starving here.” I groaned and chugged some beer.

“How you doing?” Zane stared at me through narrowed eyes.

“I’m fine.” I shrugged and looked away from him. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Lucky’s banned me from guys night for a month.” Zane sat across from me.

“Man, you’re so whipped.” I shook my head and took another sip of beer. “And that’s why I’ll never be getting married.”

“Uh huh.” He rolled his eyes. “Try not to chug them so fast.”

“I’m fine.” I was starting to get annoyed. “Anything I can do?”

“No.” He stood up. “Just relax.”

“I’m relaxed.”

“You spoken to Hannah yet?”

“No.” I got angry just thinking about her. “I told you that I’m done with her.”

“Done sounds so final.”

“It is final. She’s a snake in the grass. A snake that’s been waiting for the perfect opportunity to bite.”

“Dude, really?” Zane rolled his eyes. “So melodramatic.”

“I’m not being melodramatic. I’m just telling it like it is. She’s a snake.”

Zane shrugged and walked away and I took another sip of beer. The last week with Hannah had been so awkward. And yesterday, yesterday I’d been so angry and turned on that I hadn’t even known what to think. She made me so mad when I looked at her, yet I was still attracted to her. She still had me wrapped around her little finger. When I’d seen the sadness in her eyes yesterday, I’d wanted to comfort her. I’d wanted to apologize for the things I’d said and done, as if I’d been
in the wrong. I’d been so angry with myself that I’d left the office and gone back after I knew she’d be gone. I wasn’t sure how much longer I’d be able to deal with her on an everyday basis. It was so hard to look at her and not want her. It was so hard to not ask her what she’d done the night before. My bed felt lonely and my life felt empty. I wasn’t sure how she’d been able to affect me so much already. I barely knew her. Shit, we’d only been friends with benefits for a short period. Yet, she was all I could think about.

I was so angry with myself for letting her in. Beep Beep. I pulled my phone out and saw an email from my dad and I opened it quickly, the blood draining from my face. There was a video escalating through the office of Hannah and I having sex on the desk. It appeared to have been an accident. One of us had accidentally hit the record button on my computer and the IT department had watched it and shared it with some other people in the office. My dad was furious, but he said the video meant we could fire Hannah, as it was obvious from the video that the act was consensual.

I deleted the email and sat down, not knowing how I felt. All I knew was that I didn’t want her to leave. Not like this. Not with us angry at each other. I wanted to understand why she’d sent the emails to her work email. I wanted to know how she could kiss me and make love to me with eyes full of light and emotion if she was using me. I pulled out my phone and decided to send her an email.

To: Hannah Will

From: Leo Maxwell

Re: Dirty Video

Hannah,

I think you should know that there is a pornographic video of us having sex on my desk escalating around the office. A couple of people have seen it, but my father is taking care of it. I just thought you should know.

Leo Maxwell

I hit send and stared at my phone, wondering if she was going to respond. There was a reply about two minutes later.

To: Leo Maxwell

From: Hannah Will

Re: Does this mean we are porn
stars?

Leo,

Thanks for letting me know. How embarrassing! I hope this doesn’t mean we’re going to turn up on Youporn?

Hannah

I laughed as I read her email and responded right away.

To: Hannah Will

From: Leo Maxwell

Re: How do you know about Youporn?

Hannah,

I don’t know that anyone wants to watch our sex tape. This also means that you will not be able to get me fired. Just wanted to let you know. The emails to HR would help.

Leo

Your boss

I pressed send, feeling angry. Let’s see what she would say to that!

To: Leo Maxwell

From: Hannah Will

Re: If you come over tonight, I might let you know

Leo,

There are so many things we need to talk about, but I don’t think email is the way. I’m sorry that I hurt you. I hope you give me a chance to explain. I miss my stallion and I miss you.

Always,

Hannah

Your not very good assistant

I stared at the email in confusion. What was she talking about? What did she want to explain? I was about to email her back when I got a text message.

“It’s me.”

“Yes?”

“Are you mad
I’m breaking all the rules?”

“What do you want?”
I typed angrily.

“To talk.”

“About?”

“Us.”

“There is no us. We fucked a few times and that’s it.”

“I’m going to let that one go.”

“Let what go?”
I frowned into the phone. Who did she think she was?

“I’d like you to meet my friend Lisa.”

“Ok? Why?”

“And I’d like to meet your friends.”

“Are you out of your mind?”
Was Hannah psychotic? Why would she think I’d have any interest meeting any of her friends or allowing her to meet mine?

“Perhaps.”

“Hannah, I suggest you get professional help.”
I typed and pressed send and drank some more beer. Had losing this job made her go literally crazy?

Ding Dong.

“Go and get the door please, Leo.” Zane asked me and I walked to the front door.

“Who else is coming?” I muttered as I walked through the large home and opened the front door. “You.” I stared at Hannah in shock. She was standing there with another girl, who looked like she’d just been called to appear on The Price is Right.

“Hi.” She said softly.

“What are you doing here? Do I need to call the police? Are you stalking me?” I stared at her beautiful face and tried to think about something other than her lips on my cock.

“Can we come in?”

“Hi Leo.” The girl pushed past me. “I’m Lisa, I’m sure Hannah’s told you all about me.” She grinned. “This house is beautiful.” She nodded as she looked around. “I’m impressed.”

“Okay?” I frowned at her. “Thanks, I guess.”

“Is the man of the house home?” She grinned and I shook my head.

“He is, but so is his wife.” I said loudly and she sighed loudly.

“Go figure. Just my luck.”

“Lisa.” Hannah sighed. “Ignore her please. She doesn’t realize how bad she sounds.”

“I guess
I see why you’re both friends.” I stared back at her. “I guess it takes one gold-digger to know another gold-digger.”

“What?” Lisa’s jaw dropped. “You said what?” She stepped towards me, the smile gone.

“Lisa, it’s okay. We’ll let him have that.” Hannah stepped forward. “Go and find Lucky and introduce yourself. I need to talk to Leo.”

“How do you know Lucky?” My eyes narrowed as I stared at her. Shit, was this some Fatal Attraction shit?

“She came to the office yesterday.” She touched my arm.

“Oh?” I frowned. “Why?”

“She wanted to talk to me.” She sighed. “She had a feeling we had our signals mixed up.”

“What signals?”

“I never planned on sending those emails to HR, Leo.” She sighed. “I don’t even remember why I forwarded them to myself now. I never used you. I didn’t want to get you fired. I didn’t want to blackmail you. I wasn’t with you because you were the boss's son. I really liked you. I know, I know, I wasn’t supposed to like you as more than friends with benefits, but I did. I really liked you and I was hurt when I thought you’d used me to get the Martin account.”

“I never used you.” My mind was racing as she spoke to me.

“I know that now, but when you stopped talking to me and grew all cold, I thought it was because of what you’d done. I thought you were treating me bad because I found out the truth.”

“I never would have taken you to New York if I’d know Rob Martin was going to do that. That was not a ploy of mine, Hannah. I would never do that to you.”

“I know.” She sighed. “I know. I just wish you believed that I was never going to send those emails.”

“It hurt me.” I sighed. “I didn’t understand. I still don’t understand why you forwarded them.”

“I don’t know.” She bit her lower lip. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I believe you.” I pulled her into my arms and gave her a quick hug. I could feel a part of my heart melting as I felt her warmth next to me.

“I was so scared you were going to chase me out of here.” She smiled weakly as she stepped back.

“There was a moment there that I was thinking about calling the police.” I laughed. “I was thinking has Hannah lost it?”

“Lucky came to see me. She wanted us to talk. She invited me here.” She said softly.

“Sounds like Lucky.” I smiled and shook my head. “She doesn’t know how to mind her own business.”

“I’m glad she doesn’t.” Hannah smiled. “Work will be so much better on Monday.”

“Oh yeah.” I cocked my head and smiled at her.

“Unless you want to fire me of course?”

“No, I don’t want to fire you.”

“It’s going to be so embarrassing thought.” She made a face. “I can’t believe we made a sex tape and I haven’t even seen it.”

“We could make another one.” I said softly.

“What?” She breathed out.

“Maybe we could make another one, if you want.”

“Do friends with benefits make sex tapes?” She asked and looked down.

“No.” I stepped forward and took her hands into mine. “Friends with benefits don’t make sex tapes, but boyfriends and girlfriends do.”

“Oh?” She looked up at me, her eyes wide and uncertain. As I stared into her open and honest face, I wondered how I could have doubted her. What had I been thinking? Hannah was the last person that would attempt something deceitful.

“Yes, I’d like you to be my girlfriend Hannah Will.”

“What rules come along with being your girlfriend?” She asked, grinning at me.

“You must answer all my calls, you must text me, you must email me, and we must have sex everywhere and everyone in the office has to know.” I grinned. “Oh and you must meet and hang out with my friends and family.”

“Hmm, are you sure you’re not just saying that because you feel bad about the sex tape?”