Making it Personal (5 page)

It was time for the team meeting and Will followed Blake into the conference room.
“Grab yourself a coffee before they all get here,” Blake advised, but it seemed Ed was ahead of them. He entered the office bearing two mugs which he handed to Blake and Will.
“Thought you might want these before that bunch of hyenas drink the lot,” he said with a wink. Will gave him a grateful look and took a long drink of his coffee. He was surprised to find his mouth was suddenly dry, coupled with a fluttery sensation in his stomach. As the team began to file into the room, chatting animatedly, Will took several long breaths in an effort to quell the rising tide of nerves.
“Morning, all.” Blake took a seat and gestured for Will to take the empty one to his right. “Before we get started, I’d like to introduce my new PA, Will Parkinson, who is starting with us today. I’m sure you’ll make him feel welcome. And just so you know? I dished all the gossip on you guys yesterday so he knows what to expect.” He gave an evil grin and everyone laughed. “It might be an idea to go round the table and introduce yourselves, so he can put faces to the names.”
“Well, ’e’s already met the cream of the crop,” said Ed with a wink, buffing his fingernails on his shirt. He was greeted with loud guffaws. “Apart from office manager, I’m head of admin.”
Next to him was an auburn haired woman in her mid-twenties. “Hi, Will, welcome aboard. I’m Lizzie.” Her accent was delightful. “As you can no doubt hear, I’m not from around here. I’m Belgian. I’m in charge of foreign rights and translations.” Will gave her a polite nod. Each member of the team gave their name and their job title. Peter, a tall man in his early thirties, was in charge of art design. Will liked his no-nonsense manner straight away. Rick was next, all tousled hair and big blue eyes. He gave the impression of being the youngest one and Will had to admit he was definitely cute. Rick was in charge of marketing and promotion. Then came Beth, head of the editing department. She gave Will an easy smile. Finally there was Stephen, in charge of distribution. Stephen seemed very laid back. Will liked that.
“Okay, that’s it for all the introductions.” Blake took charge once more, his manner brisk. “Let’s get on with it.” Will listened as each member of the team gave their updates. He jotted down details, making a mental note to meet up with each person during the coming week to get a better feel for their teams. They seemed to be a dedicated group, personable and intelligent. Will was pleased to note his nerves had disappeared altogether.
A knock at the door drew his attention. It was the receptionist, Karen, whom he’d met the day before. Her style of dress hadn’t improved. Will thought the tight blouse and even tighter short skirt not entirelye tnot ent appropriate for her position—or her age, come to think of it. After all, she was the first person to greet any visitors to the building, and as first impressions went, her appearance was at odds with the rest of the staff that Will had met so far. Maybe he’d talk to Blake about it.
“Karen has been doubling up as my secretary until the PA position was filled,” Blake was explaining.
“So my job has gotten a lot easier as of today,” Karen purred, batting her eyelashes at Will. He gave her a tight smile. To Will’s relief, Blake stepped in.
“All calls to me will now to directed through to Will’s office. If there are any issues arising throughout the day, please ensure that he’s kept informed. And if you require any information as to my schedule, you’ll go to Will.” Blake was addressing everyone in the room.
Will appreciated Blake’s words. The two of them would be working closely together and Blake was making sure everyone knew that if they wanted Blake, they had to go through Will first. His chest swelled. He was overjoyed to have the job and determined not to let Blake down. And if Blake wanted things to remain purely professional between them, well, Will would have to accept that.
It didn’t mean he had to like it, though.

Chapter Five
Will stifled a groan as Karen appeared yet again in his doorway. This had to be her fourth visit that morning. He kept his expression politely neutral. “Karen, what can I do for you?” He sighed inwardly as she walked slowly up to his desk, hips rolling suggestively. Not for the first time, Will wished he was out at work. At least then he could tell her where the rubber met the road, and get her to stop flirting with him. He’d been there for one day before it had started and nearly two weeks later, it was starting to rile him.

“Sorry to disturb you, Will, but I’ve had a couple of calls from some of our authors with queries about their release dates.” Karen’s voice was husky, and Will had to wonder if she thought it made her sound alluring. “I took down their details.” She leaned on his desk on her elbows, her ample bosom nearly spilling out of the silky top which barely contained it.

“Thanks, Karen, but you didn’t have to leave your desk to come tell me. You could have called me, or emailed the information.” Will made sure nothing in his voice or expression could give her the wrong impression, gazing steadfastly at her face. But
my God
, the temptation to shout at her, ‘
Lady, I’m gay, will you just get those heaving breasts out of my face
?’ was overpowering. He held out his hand for the message slips that she’d brought with her. Karen handed them over with a look of extreme reluctance. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “I’ll make sure these get to Blake.”

She pouted and left the room, giving that substantial arse an extra wiggle as she did so. When he was certain she was no longer in earshot, Will sagged back into his chair with a long, heavy sigh. Thank God Lizzie and Beth were nothing like her. In fact, the whole team was a delight to work with. Will had quickly becoming accustomed to Lizzie’s quiet manner, Rick’s teasing asides and Ed’s loud Cockney ways. And as for his boss… Will felt as though the job had been waiting for him his entire life: he simply slotted into his allotted space and got on with it.

Peter leaned against the door-jamb, coffee mug in hand, a look of distinct amusement etched tar*across his face. Will finally gave way to the groan which had been demanding to be set free.
“Is she like that with everyone?”
Peter chuckled. “Sorry, Will, but it’s par for the

course around here. Karen’s come on to every bloke at one point or another.” He regarded Will over the top of his rimless glasses. “But she seems to be more tenacious with you.” That smirk was not helping. “And what makes it worse? I’m pretty sure she has a boyfriend.”

Will shuddered. Enough of Karen. “What can I do for you?”
Peter straightened. “Is Blake all right?” His forehead creased.
Will arched his brows. “What do you mean?”
“I caught sight of him coming out of the kitchen and I thought there was something up. It’s probably nothing, but… ” His words trailed off.
Will considered this. He hadn’t spoken with Blake for the past hour. Come to think of it, the closed door between their offices wasn’t usual.
“I’ll take him a coffee and see if I can glean what’s up.” Peter gave him a grateful look and promptly left him alone. Will got up and went into the kitchen to pour Blake a coffee before walking back into his office and approaching the adjoining door, knocking softly. No answer. Will opened the door and blinked in surprise. The room was darkened, the blinds drawn completely over the windows. Will slipped into the room. Blake wasn’t at his desk, but Will soon spied him. Blake was stretched out on the sofa, arm over his eyes.
“Blake?” Will spoke softly, barely above a whisper. Something was definitely wrong.
Blake whimpered, a sound full of pain. Will put down the mug on the desk and moved to the sofa, dropping to his knees beside Blake. “What’s wrong?” He kept his voice as quiet as possible.
Blake peered at him from beneath his arm. Will caught his breath. Despite the darkened room, he could see how pale Blake was. His eyes were slits. “Migraine.” The word was just about audible.
Oh hell
. Will gently lifted Blake’s arm away from his eyes. “Okay, tell me. Do you have classic or common migraine?” When Blake’s eyes tightened, his brow furrowed, Will tried a different tack. “Do you get visual disturbances, flashing lights, feeling nauseous, or is it just pain?”
Blake’s brow cleared a little. “Pain. Dark helps, though.” He winced as though pain had suddenly coursed through him.
Okay, common migraine. Will could deal with that. “Have you taken anything for it?”
“Don’t have anything with me.”
Will thought quickly. “Okay, I’m going to sort you out some painkillers, and then I’m going to help you get rid of it. All right?” Blake gave an almost imperceptible nod. Will got to his feet and slipped from the room into his office, pushing Blake’s door shut after him. He picked up his phone and speed dialed Beth.
“Beth, do you have any of those tablets left that you were taking last week?” Poor Beth had been in agony the previous week with a bad back, and had finally been sent home. Will knew she was taking some pretty strong painkillers. He mentally crossed his fingers.
“Yes, Will, I’ve got two left in my handbag. Why? You okay?”
Will could have cried with relief. “I’m fine, Blake’s not so good. Can I have them?”
“On my way.” And she was gone.
Within minutes Beth was at his door, holding out the two capsules and a glass of water. “Is it a migraine?” Will could read the Culdan>. Wilconcern in her eyes. “He gets them now and again, but it’s been a while.”
Will thanked her and after taking the glass and the medication, he went back into Blake’s office. He knelt once more on the floor beside Blake.
“Blake, I need you to sit up, just for a second, so you can take some tablets. Are you allergic to anything?
Blake gave out a low moan. “N-no. H-hurts.” He struggled to sit upright.
Will’s heart went out to him. He knew from past experience the misery migraines could cause, though he’d never had one personally. He sat beside Blake and after placing the glass precariously between his thighs, he put an arm around Blake’s shoulder, supporting him. He dropped the capsules into his hand and then reclaimed the glass, watching as Blake took careful mouthfuls. The medication taken, he eased Blake to lie down once more, but after grabbing a cushion and placing it across his lap, he cradled Blake’s head on the cushion.
“I’m going to help you, but you’ll have to trust me. “ Blake’s only response was a low whimper, but he moved his hand slowly to wrap it around Will’s and tighten once. Good enough. “Is the pain in a specific part of your head or is it everywhere?”
“Everywhere,” came back the hushed reply. Will had suspected as much. He moved gentle fingers over Blake’s scalp, pressing firmly, massaging in circles, never staying in one place for too long. At first Blake stiffened, but then Will felt him sag into the sofa. Will concentrated on his task, applying slight pressure, knowing it would begin to ease the pain.
He lost all track of time. Blake lay quiescent, his head resting on the pillow, his breathing thankfully even. Will eased off on the head massage, now stroking Blake’s hair, the movement almost tender. Now and again, he rubbed along Blake’s arm and down his back, reassuring him that he wasn’t alone. Will had no idea how long he sat like that, but at last Blake stirred, rolling carefully onto his back and looking up at Will in surprise.
“Hi.”
Will smiled. “Hi yourself.” He kept his voice low. “How’s the head?”
Blake became still, as if assessing the situation. “Better.”
Will’s smile widened. “I’m glad. Now lie there quietly. Let the painkillers do their stuff. Then I’ll get you something to eat. That will help, too.” Blake blinked several times and opened his mouth, clearly about to protest, but Will laid a single finger across his lips. “No arguments.”
Blake closed his eyes for a second and then opened them, giving a slow, careful nod of his head. “Thank you.” His eyes closed once more.
Will sat in the darkened room, content to feel Blake’s warmth against him. Memories flooded through him. The times he’d held Richard like this, seen that same look of gratitude when the pain left him. Tears pricked his eyelids. He wished Richard could have seen this day. He would have been so proud of Will. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks for the man who had turned his life around. Maybe one day Will would get up enough courage to share that part of his life with Blake. Maybe.
Blake groaned. He’d never get them all finished. He stared in exasperation at the monitor, the words no longer registering. How in hell had he gotten so far behind?
“Take a break. Please.”
Blake’s head jerked up. Will was at their adjoining door, arms full of folders, his eyes fixed on Blake.
Blake snorted. “I don’t have
time
for a break. These submissions came in eight weeks ago. Cht nod of h” Every writer who submitted was given a turn-around time of six to eight weeks to hear if their manuscript had been successful. For reasons he couldn’t quite fathom, Blake had fallen behind and now there were eight authors who were already past the deadline. He glanced at his watch. It was five thirty. The office closed officially at four, but he was seldom home before seven. He expelled his breath in one long push of air. There was nothing for it. He’d have to stay and get it done.
He groaned. “Oh fuck. I was supposed to have dinner with Melissa tonight, too.” He couldn’t miss Will’s sardonic grin. He remembered the first time she’d waltzed into the office after Will had begun to work. Melissa had introduced herself as Blake’s girlfriend and Will had been momentarily too stunned to respond. Once she’d left, however, the questions began. Will found it most amusing, the sod.
“I’ll ring her and cancel. You go on home,” he told Will. “I’m going to stay and finish these.”
Will frowned. “How many do you have left?” Blake told him. “Can I help?”
Blake sighed. “It’s a nice offer, but you know I don’t delegate these.”
Will persisted. “So you’re reading through the story summaries, deciding if it sounds viable and if it does, reading through the manuscript?” Blake nodded. “And if not, they get put on the No Thank You pile?”
Blake smirked. “Inaccurate, but yeah, you’ve got the general idea.”
“And they can’t wait until tomorrow?”
Blake shook his head. “We’re already over the limit. More than a couple of the authors have emailed to inquire.” He stared glumly at the file on his screen. Will hadn’t moved. And suddenly Blake relented.
Just this once
, he told himself. “Actually,” he began slowly, “you
could
help me.”
“Name it.”
“Would you read through the summaries? Decide if you think it’s a story we’d want to release? Then I’ll skim through those that you think suitable.”
Something crossed Will’s face. Blake cursed inwardly. Of course—Will probably had a client lined up for tonight. In the two months since Will had joined the company, Blake hadn’t once brought up the subject. For reasons he didn’t want to analyze too deeply, Blake felt uncomfortable at the thought of Will being off somewhere getting fucked. He told himself it was none of his business, as long as Will’s work wasn’t affected. And he had nothing but praise for that. Will was a treasure. They worked well together, Will often anticipating Blake’s requirements before he had the chance to say a word. But that didn’t stop the thought which slipped through Blake’s brain with disturbing regularity.
Why don’t you have another night with him? You
know
you want to
. Wanting was one thing. Following through was another thing entirely. Blake pushed the thought aside. Better to keep things professional—even if his hole clenched tight at the thought of Will fucking him again.
And now he’d clearly put Will in an awkward position. “Look, if that’s going to be a problem, then no worries. Go on home.”
Will narrowed his lips. “Nah, it’s okay. I just have to make a call first, that’s all.”
Blake nodded, although his chest tightened. Yeah, Will was supposed to be ‘working’ tonight.
You know, I really didn’t want to know that
. “Okay, thank you. You make your call and I’ll make us some coffee. Looks like we could use some.” Will gave him a brief nod a Ca b.”
Why the fuck should it matter to you if he was going to be off fucking some guy tonight
? Blake couldn’t account for it. His night with Will still lingered in his memory. Maybe what was required was another call to Jenny.
I need to get laid. After all, it’s been two months since
….. Yeah. Since Will. Blake scowled. It seemed his mind had a default right now. Every thought path seemed to lead back to his gorgeous PA.
Working with Will was easy. They just got on with it. But that didn’t stop him looking at Will every once in a while, usually when he was sure Will was engrossed by a task. Two months hadn’t diminished the impact of that first meeting. Blake loved the way Will rubbed his bottom lip when he was deep in thought. Those sexy milk chocolate eyes that Blake could so easily lose himself in. He shook himself. Enough.
“Pizza was a damn good idea.”
Blake couldn’t agree more. When both their stomachs had started growling, he’d reached for the phone and organized a delivery. The meat lover’s pizza had definitely filled a hole, and both men sated, they were back at their task. Blake had to admit, having Will help like this was a godsend. He’d already allocated three authors to the rejection pile. And the one he’d told Blake he must read? Damn, it was good. Not that Blake would make this a regular event. Reading the submissions kept him in touch with things.
Will got up and stretched, his long arms reaching above his head. Blake eyed his lean torso as Will’s shirt escaped from his pants, revealing a glimpse of creamy skin. Hurriedly he looked away before Will caught him.
“I’d say we’re about done here.” He closed down the computer with a sigh. Five contracts to go out the following morning. And three of them for new authors.
“I think they’re going to be really good.” Will tucked his shirt back into his pants. Blake glanced at his watch. Hell, it was nearly ten. But at least they’d got it done.
“God, my shoulders ache.” He rubbed at his right shoulder, trying awkwardly to massage the muscle.
“Here, let me do that.” Will came across to stand behind his chair and began to knead Blake’s shoulders, his fingers digging into the muscles in a really good way that had Blake groaning.
“Damn, you’re good at that.”
Will chuckled. “We aim to please.” He worked the tight muscles with his thumbs and Blake dropped his head forward, eyes closed, letting out little whimpers as Will’s fingers worked their magic. “Does that feel better?”
Blake moaned softly. “That feels like heaven.” Will halted in his task and then Blake caught his breath as Will reached around to the front and slipped his hand under Blake’s shirt. He stroked down Blake’s chest, rubbing his fingers over Blake’s nipple. “Oh fuck,” Blake whispered. “God, yes.” Will reached down with both hands to unbutton his shirt, and then slid his hands over Blake’s chest, Will’s touch warm and sensual. He could feel Will’s breath against his ear.
“Like that?”
Blake shuddered as Will teased his nipples, which hardened into tight nubs. “Oh, oh God, that’s so good.” When Will pulled away, he let out a growl —until Will hauled him to his feet and propelled him toward the sofa, pushing him down onto it on his back. Will dropped onto his knees beside him and stared at Blake’s face, eyes wide. He stroked Blake’s bared chest with one hand.
“Want to kiss you.” Wil Cs yn>
Blake’s pulse began to race. “Do it. Kiss me.” He reached up and grabbed Will’s head, pulling him down roughly until their lips met in a kiss which took his breath away. He moaned into Will’s mouth, the sound swallowed as Will sucked at his tongue. Will slid his hand lower until he reached Blake’s pants, and then Blake gasped as the clasp was freed, then the zipper was tugged. Will never let up kissing him, sliding his agile tongue deep into Blake’s mouth even as he wrapped his hand around Blake’s dick and tightened around it. Blake whimpered, and Will broke the kiss, only to pull free of Blake’s hand and move toward his cock.
“Yes!” Blake hissed as his dick was engulfed in a hot, wet mouth. He hardened instantly as Will began sucking him deeper while he impatiently pulled Blake’s pants over his hips. Then he resumed his sensuous task as he grabbed Blake’s balls. “Oh shit, Will, I’m not gonna last.”
Will let out an evil sounding chuckle around his shaft and then started to hum, the vibrations making everything that much hotter.
All too soon Blake knew he was about to come. He cried out as Will worked his cock with his hand, lips tight around the shaft, his head bobbing faster over Blake’s groin. “Close, so close,” he stammered out, and then he felt his cock swell in Will’s mouth. Will drank him down, sucking the last drop from his dick with little noises that told of his pleasure. Blake lay there shaking as Will cleaned his cock with his tongue, before moving back to kiss him, sharing the last of Blake’s come.