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notify the security guard you’ll be coming. Just come on up to my office when you get here.”
    “Mabry?”
    “Yes?”
    “I’m really glad you called,” he says in a low voice.
    “Me too, Ten. See you in a little while.”
    I press End and close my eyes, taking in another deep breath. I knew Brad would be here until I left. He’s not the type to leave me alone in this big building. I don’t want to hurt him, but it’s better he gets the message now that we can’t have a long-term serious relationship.
    Right at 6:30 there is a soft knock on my door. I look up to see Ten standing there in a light blue button-down shirt and khaki pants. He’s really a nice looking guy with short black hair and dark eyes, but he’s not as tall or as built as Brad. I’ve never seen Ten without a shirt on, but I can tell his body is nowhere near as sexy as Brad’s. Ten doesn’t ooze sex the way Brad does.
    What’s going on with me? I need to stop comparing the two of them. This is about pushing Brad away from me, not about me being attracted to Ten, which I’m not even the slightest bit.
    “Hey, right on time,” I say, looking up smiling slightly.
    “I’d never be late coming to see you, Bright Eyes. Ready?” he asks, as he walks farther into my office.
    “Sure.” I put my heels back on that I had kicked off under my desk and grab my purse. Passing by Ten I feel his hand touch the small of my back. No shiver or catch in my breath. Absolutely no physical reaction . Good.
    As we walk toward the elevator I hear a throat clearing. I glance back, knowing it’s Brad. We make brief eye contact as I give him a tight smile.
    “Mabry, my office, now!” Brad demands, his voice flat.
    I nervously look back and forth between Brad and Ten. “Ten, you remember Brad?”
    “Sure, how’s it going?” Ten walks toward Brad with his hand extended. Brad turns back to his office completely ignoring him.
    “We’re just heading out to dinner. Can it wait until Monday?” I ask.
    “No!” Brad yells over his shoulder.
    Ten looks over at me. “Looks like it can’t wait.”
    “I guess not. I’m sorry. I won’t be long.”
    “I’ll hold the elevator.”
    “Thanks,” I say.
    Brad’s in front of his desk, arms across his chest, staring at me. The look on his face is intense. He’s pissed. Good.
    “Shut the door.”
    “Brad…”
    “Shut. The. Fucking. Door.” His voice is strained, controlled, and commanding. It makes my pulse speed up and causes shivers to run through my body. I love his commanding tone. I grab on to the chair beside me to steady myself. “Why is Sir Douche here?”
    “I told you. We’re going to dinner.”
    “No you’re not.” He holds me in place with his sapphire blue eyes.
    “Excuse me? I’m a grown woman and can go out with whomever I want.”
    “Why are you doing this? I’m not playing these fucking games with you.”
    “I’m not playing, either. This doesn’t have anything to do with you, Brad. Christ, you think the world revolves around you.” I need to end this and get out before I cave. Brad is my weakness. “Have a good weekend. I’m out of here.” I turn to leave when his words stop me.
    “Don’t go. I’ve never had anyone in my life like you, Mabry. You’re mine.” His voice is soft and low, causing my heart to skip a beat. I have to be strong.
    I let out a deep sigh before turning to face him. My look matches the coldness of my voice. “I’m not yours or anyone’s. We’re not living in a lame romance novel. You and I were never more than fuck buddies. That was our deal. It’s not my fault you went all pussy on me. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and get acquainted with my new buddy.” I turn abruptly and leave his office as quickly as possible. I can’t bear to see the effect my words have on him.
    The elevator doors open as I get there. Ten and I both step in. Just before the doors close, I hear a loud crash coming from Brad’s office followed by him yelling