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“Miriam, I was surprised to hear from you. I didn’t think your boss would ever let you off the leash.” Drake’s ex-business partner and long-time rival sits across from me. Michael Nelson has his dirty blonde hair slicked back, an oversized watch on his wrist, and slouches in his chair like a teenage boy trying to act cool.
Without the crowd of the investment dinner to offer a distraction, it takes me zero-point-three seconds to recognize Michael as a certified douche.
We’re at Grinders, a coffee shop downtown that was featured in the local magazine last week. It’s hip, expensive, and quickly becoming the place to go if you want to be seen. He chose the location.
“When we last spoke, you mentioned a business opportunity.” I ignore his statement about a leash. Honestly, with that one statement he disqualified himself from ever working with me. But we’re here, we have drinks in front of us, and I may as well do what I came here to do—network.
Michael takes a long sip of his drink and gives my outfit—at least I hope it’s my outfit—a once over. I’m wearing a deep purple pencil skirt with a fitted cream-colored blouse. My hair is up; I’m trying to look a little older and more professional.
“I’ve heard about you around town, that you have some assets that someone in my position could find extremely valuable.” He strokes his chin. The man is a complete stereotypical douche in the worst way.
“What assets are those?” I ask, hoping for something about my education or executive skills. I’ve been working hard to create a favorable reputation for myself. Some feedback from someone other than Drake, even if it’s this scumbag, could be valuable.
“I’ve heard that you take excellent care of… your clients.”
Ugh. I’m done. The only client I currently have is Drake, and the only services he receives from me are firmly within my job description.
Thankful that I ordered my drink in a to-go cup, I decide to make nice for a moment. It’s important not to burn bridges in this industry. “I appreciate your feedback,” I give him an empty smile. “Thank you for meeting with me. I’ll need to think over some things. Right now, I’m exploring my options but not making any firm decisions about my future.”
“Anytime, babe.” He smirks at me as I grab my purse and stand up. “You have my number.”
“Thank you for your time,” I repeat. God, I am so ready to get out of here. There’s obviously a reason Drake doesn’t get along with Michael. In all my years with Drake, he has never made me feel like an object. He treats men and women with the same level of respect. It’s only with me that he breaks out of character.
If anything, with me, he’s overly cautious. If it weren’t stunting my career growth, I might find it flattering. But I knew this path would be a challenge when I chose it. I know I’m capable. I’m not going to allow my sexy, overprotective boss keep me from achieving my dreams.
As my heels click on the sidewalk downtown, I do what I told Michael I would do—consider my options. Michael isn’t the only contact I made at the Annual Investment Dinner. Maybe tomorrow I’ll make a few more phone calls.
Chapter 4
Drake
“I just thought it would be something you wanted to know about.” The mid level executive nearly whines into the phone. It isn’t even eight in the morning and he’s the sixth person this morning to contact me about Miriam’s coffee date with Michael. I’ve had four calls and two texts, and I haven’t even checked my email yet.
“I’m sure your motives are purely selfless,” I say, sarcasm heavy in my voice.
“I knew you would appreciate a call,” the idiot replies, completely missing the point. “I’ll just send you a quick email so if you have any more questions or want to set up some kind of business arrangement, I’m easy to reach.”
“You do that.” I hang up without saying goodbye. If I don’t already have his email filtered out, I’ll need that taken care of immediately.
With an exasperated sigh, I pinch the bridge of my nose. The entire morning has poked at my temper, and I wasn’t calm to begin with. Ever since the investment dinner, I’ve been unable to keep Miriam out of my mind. She looked like a goddess, made to tempt mere mortals. Only I hadn’t felt that out of control in ages.
The way her dress fit should be a crime. Plump, luscious curves covered in smooth, fiery silk. Initially, I’d been surprised by the depth of my response. Miriam and I have worked together for years. She’s always been an attractive woman, but she was only twenty-three years old when she started. A brilliant mind, a gorgeous body, and nine years younger than me.
Miriam was too young, too naive, and too earnest for me to consider that way, at least for more than a moment here and there. I may be ruthless in business, but I’ve always had some scruples, and taking advantage of young women is where I draw the line.
But she didn’t look young and innocent the other night. She looked like a succulent peach, ripe and ready to be devoured.
Damn if I was going to let Michael think he could pluck that fruit. I may have been a bit slow when it came to seeing Miriam’s full potential, but once I see a golden opportunity, I never let it pass me by. And with her intelligence, drive, and beauty, Miriam is finally going to see how ruthless I can get when it comes to claiming and protecting what’s mine.
When Miriam comes in to work a few minutes later, I already have a plan in mind.
“Good morning, Mr. Gallagher.”
“Good morning, Miriam.” She’s wearing one of her regular work outfits, some kind of brightly colored sweater and skirt set, belted at the waist. She looks exactly the same as normal, but still somehow completely different to me. I find myself noticing her red lipstick, the same shade she wore that night. The gentle curves of her legs; I want to start at the bottom and run my mouth up them until I find her delicious heat.
“What’s the plan for today, sir?” she asks, as she does every morning.
“The same as usual, except for one thing.”
