The first thing I notice about Conor Newell when he sits down in my high-rise conference room is how delightfully nervous he is. Within days, I’m falling for someone I shouldn’t, and I have to remind myself that none of this is real. I spend my days squaring off against Wells in the boardroom, and my nights succumbing to the sexy stranger’s commanding texts in the bedroom. Little do I know the man on the other end of the line is none other than Wells Grange: the most controlling, egotistical, emotionless SOB I’ve ever met. I tell myself an unexpected night of hot as hell back-and-forth is the perfect way to blow off a little steam while I’m in New York closing an important business deal. Only, instead of it going to the flirty hotel bartender, it goes to some random stranger who actually responds. If its only in my head, though, it doesnt count.Īfter all, its not like were falling for each other in real life.It starts with a drunken text pic.

Except I cant stop thinking about him night and day. Which is a problem, because I made a vow long ago to never let emotions interfere with my life, either business or personal. The more I get to know Conor, however, the more I start to fall for him. After all, once our business is concluded, hell be out of my life for good.

Instead, I decide theres no harm in flirting. The one that belongs to my anonymous late-night texter. The same geeky tie thats held hostage on my phone. Within days, Im falling for someone I shouldnt, and I have to remind myself that none of this is real. I spend my days squaring off against Wells in the boardroom, and my nights succumbing to the sexy strangers commanding texts in the bedroom. Little do I know the man on the other end of the line is none other than Wells Grange: the most controlling, egotistical, emotionless SOB Ive ever met.

I tell myself an unexpected night of hot as hell back-and-forth is the perfect way to blow off a little steam while Im in New York closing an important business deal.

IRL by Lucy Lennox