With Abandon: With or Without, Book 4

rate, yes.” Carson’s voice dropped to a whisper. “He scares me.”
    “I need a new Executive Assistant.”
    “Lateral move?”
    “No, a promotion. I’ll give you a raise and a relocation budget.” It was a smart move and not just to
    keep an eye on Carson and ensure their former relationship stayed a secret. Aubrey could see Carson as a CEO of Reynolds Inc. in a few years. The man’s record spoke for itself and Carson already had his MBA.
    On top of all that, Aubrey could trust Carson. This current predicament notwithstanding, Carson made good decisions and worked hard.
    “You’ll be able to learn the executive side of things at Reynolds Inc. If you want to advance, I think
    it’s a smart move, more visible. And Boskie won’t bother you if you’re working for me directly.” At least Aubrey hoped not. If he did, Aubrey was going to have to escalate things within the pack and deal with this as a werewolf issue. He couldn’t tell Carson that though.
    “Seriously?” An expression that bordered on astonishment and gratitude lit the younger man’s face.
    For the first time since he entered the office he relaxed a little.
    “Yes. You’re more than qualified. You can do more than a regular EA, and I plan on using you
    accordingly. It’s a win-win for both of us.”
    Carson gave Aubrey a wobbly smile, but his scent proclaimed relief. “Thank you. I don’t know what
    to say… I— Thank you. I promise you won’t be sorry.”
    “I know. Start looking into a place to live here in Atlanta. You can use a suite here at The Buchanan
    until you find something. I want you to start as soon as possible. I’ll handle everything with the Macon branch and talk to the manager.”
    Everyone knew Aubrey was looking for a new EA. It made sense someone from within would apply.
    Boskie had no reason to push things further. All that sounded reasonable. Aubrey just hoped it worked.
    Carson leaned forward, trying to peer in the box. “What is that?”
    “A color identifier.” Aubrey dug through the foam peanuts and pulled out the little black box.
    “What?” Carson looked at Aubrey like he’d sprouted another head.
    “I bought it for Matt. You point this end at something and it will tell you the color.” He pointed the
    gadget at his tie and pushed the button.
    “Dark red,” the electronic voice announced.
    Oh, that’s too cool. Aubrey grinned. The question was, who was going to drive who crazy with it? He pointed it at Carson’s shirt and pushed the button.
    “Pale gray.”

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    Carson chuckled. “Yeah, you definitely need help. I’ll start by ordering Matt flowers from you or
    something.”
    Aubrey froze with the identifier halfway to his own shirt. That was exactly what he didn’t need. There
    could be no hint of a relationship with Matt. “As far as anyone knows Matthew is my roommate. A friend
    of my brother’s who needed a place to stay while going to college.”
    He set the black box down and sank into his chair. “Go home and get what you need to be at work
    tomorrow. I’ll call downstairs and arrange a suite for your use.”
    As Carson left, Aubrey laid his head back on his chair and stared up at the ceiling. His conscience ate at him. He should be looking for a wife, not playing with Matt. Was it so bad that he wanted to enjoy Matt for a little bit? He could let Matt go when the time came. He had no choice, and he always did what had to be done.

    “Do you know any gay bars in the area?”
    Matt completely missed the last step out of the lecture hall and would’ve face-planted if Jordan hadn’t grabbed his arm to steady him. Not only had he not expected that question, he hadn’t realized Jordan was gay. “Um, no. Sorry not my thing.” Maybe he was prudish, but going to a bar to pick up guys was as
    foreign to him as ballet or opera. Did he seem like the type to do such a thing?
    Letting go of Matt’s arm, Jordan frowned. “Aren’t you gay?”
    “Uh, yeah. I’m not into the whole bar scene though.” Matt frowned. Why does everyone seem to know
    I’m gay? First Keaton, now Jordan. “I didn’t know you were gay.”
    Jordan shrugged. “I’m bi, I guess.” Holding the door, he let Matt go outside first. “Don’t tell me
    you’re saving yourself for your mate or something.”
    With my parents as role models? Hell, yes. Matt snorted and tilted his head toward the gray, gloomy sky.
    “Hey, to each their own. I just figured I’d have