Page 16 of Flirting with Trouble

The question takes me by surprise. I’ve looked into Seth’s businesses, and everything he and Jared touch turns to gold. I’m hit with several thoughts at once, but two speak louder than all the rest. I’d be a fool not to explore this opportunity and Victory. I’m not done with her, even if she thinks she’s done with me.

Seth is looking at me expectantly. This could be the chance of a lifetime, so I take the biggest risk I’ve taken since buying the restaurant, knowing full well it might stop this conversation in its tracks.

“I haven’t considered partnering in the past. A number of aspects are important to me, including maintaining creative control. That said, I’d be interested in talking about it, but before we have that conversation, I want to be completely transparent with you about something.”

Seth lifts his chin. “What’s that?”

“I’m interested in your sister.” I hold my hands up in surrender. “I might be barking up the wrong tree. You saw her rebuff my advances at the holiday dance at the Silver House and at Flynn and Sutton’s wedding.”

He arches a brow. “I’m pretty sure everyone saw that.”

“Yeah, which probably makes me a fool. But I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something between us, and if I can convince her to give me a shot, I’d like to explore it. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, I understand.”

Seth studies me for a moment. “You’re willing to walk away from this opportunity on the off chance that Victory will go out with you?”

“Yes. I know she’s fiercely independent, which I admire, and she might kick me to the curb again, but that’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

“Might?” He chuckles. “I love my sister, but she’s built some pretty thick walls around that heart of hers. She hasn’t dated since she lost Harvey, and she doesn’t like to talk about him. Especially with people outside the family. If she lets you get close to her, it’ll be a miracle.”

Then miracles do happen, and I’ve got one foot in the door. Physically at least. That’s a start. “I hear you loud and clear. I’m going into this with my eyes open.”

“In that case, I appreciate your transparency. It says a lot about the type of person you are, but what my sister does with her personal life is none of my business. If you feel that strongly about her, go for it. Whether she gives you a chance or tells you to get lost won’t affect our working relationship.”

Relief washes over me. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“I will give you one piece of advice. Whatever you do, don’t ask anyone to put in a good word for you with Victory.”

“I can do my own bidding, but now I’m curious why you’d say that.”

“Because if anyone tells Victory to run right, she’s not only going to run left, she’ll fucking zigzag just to piss you off.”

Victory

I couldn’t have picked a worse night to hook up with Wells. As if functioning on little sleep isn’t hard enough, add in an ongoing battle of deliciously dirty memories making me hot and bothered and the guilt those feelings stir, and it’s impossible to focus at my monthly management meeting. I thought a lunchtime workout would clear my head, but then the songs Wells and I danced to last night came on my playlist and blew that plan out of the water.

It’s late afternoon, the management meeting is in full swing, and I still feel like I’m going to climb out of my skin. Blank Space recently purchased M&O, a smaller talent agency, and I put Padma Desai, our director of operations, in charge of overseeing their transition and integration into the company. As she brings us all up to date, my mind tiptoes back to Harvey.

Padma had worked for Harvey for several years before I was hired, and in the years since he’s been gone, we’ve gotten closer. She’s become the person I rely on most to fill in when I’m traveling or unavailable. I look around the room at the faces of our other most trusted executives, each of them listening intently to Padma, nodding and taking notes. Harvey would be proud of our team.

Most of these men and women are working their asses off to achieve their dreams, but I think the few who knew Harvey still carry his dreams in their hearts, too. Harvey had that kind of lasting effect on people. I hope I make him proud.

My attention catches on my cell, silenced and face down, lighting up with a message or call. My thoughts go straight to Wells, and my pulse quickens. I hate that, but I can no sooner control it than I can stop feeling bad for not texting him back last night. But the intensity of our chemistry is dangerous. It’s best to cut myself off cold turkey and let it fizzle out.

I lower my cell to my lap to check it so I don’t distract the others. I’m hit with a pang of disappointment when I see my assistant Yvette’s name on the screen, and I hate that I feel that, too. I tap the message bubble.

Yvette: FYI. Ms. McVay can meet with you Thursday morning. I confirmed and moved your return flight to 2.

I’m glad Ms. McVay is able to work around my busy schedule. I’m heading to Los Angeles tomorrow for a week of meetings, and to support a client who is recording their first album. It’s a big moment for them, and I want to be there to cheer them on.

I thumb out a thank-you and send it off, quickly scanning my other unanswered texts. At the bottom of them, Wells’s name stares back at me. Like an idiot, I open the thread.

Hit me up the next time you’re down for some fun.

Ghosting me already? Or did you pick up another lucky bastard on the way home?

The devil emoji at the bottom has me thinking about last night. His husky voice tramples through my mind. Lean up on your elbows, sexy girl. I want those beautiful eyes on me when I make you come. The image of my legs over his shoulders, his piercing dark eyes watching me as his mouth worked its magic, has my heart racing. You taste too fucking good. I could eat you all—

“Victory?” Padma asks from the front of the room.