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“Did your family go home to Florida after… after Sunday?” Brandy asked, obviously tiptoeing around the words aborted wedding.
Samantha nodded. “Mom’s back home. So are my brothers and sisters,” she said, thinking of her half-siblings, too. “But Ian came back to New York to meet with some investors and to talk to me.”
“Did I mention that your brother intimidates the hell out of me? And not many people do.”
Samantha grinned. “It’s his M.O. But if you want to see his softer side, check out how he is with his wife and kids.” Thinking of her nieces and nephews always warmed her heart.
“I know, and I was kidding. Sort of. He’d do anything for you.”
She nodded in agreement. Though she wasn’t thrilled with the prospect of their conversation, she’d feel better getting the entire story of her business deal with Jeremy off her chest. Ian wouldn’t be happy but he’d help her no matter what.
“Tomorrow is going to be a long, hard day. I think it’s time to turn in for the night.” Samantha rose to her feet and Brandy did the same.
“Good night and welcome home,” her friend said. “Let me know if you need anything.” Brandy strode over and pulled Samantha into a hug. “Sleep well.”
She’d need to if she was going to be on her A game tomorrow when dealing with her employees and her ex-fiancé.
Chapter Nine
Samantha arrived early at work. Never mind that she’d had to borrow clothes from Brandy, she was here, coffee in hand, ready to face the day and her ex. Leaving her latte on her desk, she strode out of her office and Brandy winked as she passed.
“Good luck, Tiger.”
Rolling her eyes at her friend’s humor, Samantha kept walking. By coincidence or design, and she was beginning to think the latter, Jeremy’s space was on the other end of the floor they occupied.
Ignoring the stares, she concentrated on the click of her slightly too small, borrowed heels as she made her way to her destination. She approached Jeremy’s assistant/fuck buddy’s desk.
Marley smartly remained in her chair and even slunk down in her seat.
Samantha rapped twice on the door and let herself in without waiting for an invitation, slamming the door behind her.
“Samantha!” Jeremy jumped up from his desk.
She took one look at his tall, lean physique, slicked-back hair and arrogant expression, and wondered what she’d ever seen in the man. Worse, she found herself comparing him to Dex, the former pro-football player with broad shoulders and muscular arms, a six-pack, and an Adonis belt that made her swoon. But what she found most endearing about Dex was his warm, charming personality and protective nature, all things Jeremy lacked. Too bad she hadn’t realized it sooner.
“You’re back!” he exclaimed.
“Obviously,” she said, gritting her teeth.
“I’m glad because we really need to talk.” He walked around his desk, making his way toward her, and she stiffened, not wanting him near. Maybe he’d sensed her resistance because he paused a decent distance away. “I’ve tried to reach you but you wouldn’t take my calls. Darling, I’m so sorry. Marley was a mistake and it will never happen again.” Though he sounded contrite, she wasn’t fooled nor was she stupid.
Her eyes were open now, both to his betrayal and her own complicit behavior in ignoring the signs and warnings given to her by friends, family, and Jeremy himself. He glanced at her face, his gaze penetrating hers, obviously looking for an in somewhere. When he didn’t find one, his shoulders drooped.
Now, it was her turn. “You’re right. It won’t happen again because I no longer want anything to do with you.”
He paled beneath his tanned skin. “You don’t mean that. All couples go through ups and downs. We can fix things.” He reached for her hands and she took a step back.
The arrogant prick. Did he really think she’d accept his cheating and planning to steal her money? He’d obviously forgotten that part of his conversation with Marley. Though she’d love to throw the reminder in his face, she took Ian’s words to heart. He’d texted her this morning, warning her not to discuss business with Jeremy, or her plans regarding their partnership until she’d spoken to a lawyer.
“You’d be amazed what time away from you did for me. I’ve done some reflecting and the fact is, the life we shared isn’t the life I want to live.” Spending time with a sexy, confident, attentive man like Dex had pointed out all that was missing in their relationship.
Jeremy’s lips pulled in a firm line. That was his tell. She was aggravating him. Good, she mused, unable to control her smile. It was time the tables turned.
“You’re just hurt and upset,” he said, clearly gearing up to try and sway her again. “But I’ll convince you we’re meant to be.”
Ignoring that piece of stupidity, she focused on what was important. “We’re partners in the business, so I want to set some ground rules for work.”
His gaze narrowed. “Go on.”
