Page 17 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“Thanks for meeting with me, Jemima.”

The room feels smaller the moment he enters. I can see why Molly likes him, but he’s not making my stomach flip or my heart race. If anything, I feel nauseous. His aftershave is overwhelming it makes my eyes sting with its peppery tone, as if he’s sprayed the whole bottle or something.

We discuss his upcoming event. He’s the executive director of JFK Airport. The uneasy feeling intensifies, but I dampen it as I focus on writing notes and asking questions. He’s very organized, preparing six months out, a spectacular Christmas party. The budget is endless, and if Harvey’s money intimidated me, Finn’s makes Harvey seem normal.

When we finish discussing everything, I rise to shake his hand and see him out. But he steps forward and crowds me. My hands start to sweat. Molly has already left for the day to pick up Hugo from school, leaving just me and him. I’m not worried about my safety as much as I’m worried he’ll try to make a move.

“Are you single?” he asks, stepping closer with a cocky smirk.

“Uh…no. I mean…” My brain short-circuits as panic sets in. Molly’s dying for his number, but asking him will definitely send the wrong message.

“Buttercup, there you are,” Harvey’s voice calls with a hint of irritation. He steps quickly beside me and wraps his hand around my waist, pulling me into him.

Chapter 24

Harvey

The emergency safety meetingat work held me up today. It’s just after three when I finally finish my call. Molly isn’t at her desk when I walk in, but I can hear voices. One deep male, and the other, Jemima’s. For a second, I think it’s Danny, but as I walk closer, the unfamiliar voice becomes clear, but it’s not a voice I recognize.

I enter her office doorway and freeze. The image in front of me causes me to grind down on my molars. The guy is standing way too fucking close to her.Does she know him?

Her tight expression and the way she tries to pull away makes something inside me snap. I’m not in control as I stride over, wrap my arm around her waist, and pull her toward me.

It’s totally inappropriate. I don't know what's come over me.

“Hi,” she says softly, clearing her throat. “This is Mr. Hernandez, the executive director of JFK. He wants Recaredo Events to organize his Christmas party.”

I thrust out my spare hand, forcing him to step back to take it. “Nice to meet you,” I say, swallowing my hatred toward him. He’s still gazing at Jemima like he wants her, but she’s sinking into my hold instead of pulling away.

“Nice to meet you Mister?”

“Oh, where are my manners? This is Harvey Lincoln,” Jemima says.

Finn’s expression changes, and his focus shifts to me. “I’ve met your brothers, Evan and Oliver.”

I nod. “If you enjoy working with them, I’m sure we could get The New York Press’s coverage of the event if you want?”

His eyes light up. “That would be wonderful.”

I grab my wallet, find a business card, and hand it to him. “Email me some details, and I’ll forward them to him.”

“Thanks for your time, Ms. Recaredo and Mr. Lincoln.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Jemima offers, but I tighten my hold on her. She scowls at me.

“It’s okay, I’ll see myself out,” Finn says.

We shake hands, and he turns to leave. I wait until the front door closes before I let her go.

“What’s gotten into you?” she asks, with a slight annoyance in her voice.

I rub my jaw. “What the fuck was he doing so close to you? Doesn’t he know that…”

“Does he not know what?”

“That… that’s unprofessional to do so.”

Her lips curve up. “Harvey, are you jealous?”