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.The cold of the freezer wouldn’t help this time.Instead, Oliver took the stairs two at a time and strode out into the afternoon sun.Chapter ElevenJosh stood on the catwalk above the main club floor and watched Paul and Sadie’s approach up the stairs.Sadie had emailed him weeks ago about arranging a special surprise for her husband’s birthday, and Josh had taken pains to pull everything together.Paul’s birthday present was currently waiting in one of the private rooms, and Josh had no doubt his friend was going to remember tonight for a long time to come.Josh hadn’t allowed any of the staff to help with the setup, wanting to keep the event private, while at the same time taking some small pleasure in being a part of things.If he couldn’t be there with them, this was the next best thing.Sadie was breathtaking in a strapless PVC dress.Light glinted off the surface, bending as she moved closer to where he waited.Paul held her hand but walked a step behind her.Josh had no doubt his friend was staring more at his wife’s ass than where he was going.“Now aren’t the two of you a sight for sore eyes.” It was easy to wrap an arm around Sadie and kiss the side of her neck.Josh made sure to look at Paul, winking as he did.“Happy birthday, dude.”“So I take it you know all about her plans for me this evening?” Paul’s smirk widened into a smile.“This one won’t tell me a thing.”Sadie rolled her eyes.“It’s called a surprise.A new concept for you, I know.Just go with me on this one.”“Who am I to argue with the lady?” Josh stepped back and held out the key for her.“To your specifications.I took care of everything personally.”“You’re not joining us?” There was a curious note to Paul’s voice.Sadie hadn’t mentioned anything to him about participating.A few months ago, Josh would have taken Paul’s question and worked it to his favor, maneuvered his way into their bed for a night of fun and hot sex.It would have fueled his dreams for weeks and his guilt for months.Now, though, a quick glance toward his office and the woman who was currently inside belayed any attempt he would have made.“This is between the two of you.Take your time and enjoy.Paul, you know the security code if you want to stay later than close.”Their twin expressions of confusion and surprise brought a smile to Josh’s face.He’d always have a place for the couple in his life.If either of them ever needed anything, he’d never hesitate to help.But it was time he moved on and found something of his own.His own birthday was fast approaching as well, and for once Josh wanted to avoid any regrets.Watching Sadie and Paul make their way down the hall wasn’t as painful as it might have been at one point.Instead, Josh found his attention drifting to Beth, who’d been holed up in the office since Oliver walked out on them.Casting a quick glance around the club to ensure everything was fine, Josh strode through to his office, shutting the door behind him.Beth didn’t acknowledge his arrival.She was pounding away at the keyboard, working on something that undoubtedly could wait until another day.She was the type of woman who’d take on complete responsibility for the situation.While Josh hadn’t figured out exactly what past demon had sent Oliver running, he did know why Beth was so upset.Moving to stand behind her, Josh placed his hand on the back of her neck.“You’re going to burn yourself out.”“These need to get done, Josh.God, I can’t believe you’ve let these meeting minute notes go so long.”“They can wait.”“Not really.We need to have them for the next board meeting.Shouldn’t you be down on the floor?” Her fingers exploded in a flurry of keystrokes.“I can take over down there if you need a break.”Suppressing a growl, Josh pulled the computer chair away from the desk and spun Beth around to face him.She didn’t seem surprised so much as resigned, letting her hands fall to her lap.“Yes, Josh?”“You’ve been avoiding me since Oliver left.”“I’ve done no such thing.” She crossed her arms and lifted her chin.“I haven’t left the office all night.”“But you’ve hardly said two words to me.”Josh dropped to his knees, spreading her thighs wide and inserting himself between them.Her skin was warm beneath her shirt as he burrowed his way beneath.Beth’s breathing never changed, but her eyes were wide and wild.He wrapped his hands around her sides and held her still.“You wanted Oliver to go down on you earlier.” He didn’t need her to respond to know the truth of his statement.The expressions of lust and adoration on her face when he’d come into the office was what he’d wanted to put back.“You would have let him if I hadn’t interrupted.”“No.”“Liar.” Josh rubbed his thumbs across the skin below her bra.“Why did it bother you so much, me walking in on you?”Beth closed her eyes and turned her face away.He could feel her breathing deepen, which only served to encourage him.Shifting forward, Josh pressed his lips to the side of her neck and breathed in deep
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