Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 133321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 667(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 667(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
“Call me in the morning,” I say.
Mitch nods and steps around us, “Oh my God,” I whisper. “You just--”
“That had nothing to do with you, Mia,” I say. “I don’t approve. That’s not how I operate. That’s not how my father operates and he deserved to get sideswiped.”
“Grayson, damn it.”
I turn her to face me. “You’re my woman. If he’s a dick to you, he’s a dick to other people. He doesn’t get away with that. I expect you to tell me if there is anything that doesn’t represent me the way you know I want to be represented. Earn your own way, I get that, but you’re still my woman. We’ve talked about this. The only way to be my woman is to protect me and protecting my company is protecting me.”
“I know that. You’re right. We talked about this in advance.”
“Okay then.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder and kiss her temple. “Let’s go in.”
We enter the room with artwork on every wall, rows of small standing tables, and waiters maneuvering through the suits and tuxedos. We’re only a few steps into the chaos, but I’m aware of all the eyes that turn in our direction as I’m certain Mia is as well. Thankfully a waiter stops in front of us, deflecting the attention sure to stir her discomfort. “Champagne?” he offers.
Mia holds up her hands but I accept two glasses. “You need this,” I say, as the waiter departs.
“I might run my mouth and say who knows what if I drink this,” she says, accepting the glass I hand her.
“If it makes you relax, that’s a good trade-off.” I hold my glass up to hers. “To us.”
Her eyes warm. “To us,” she says softly, the charge between us electric, the room fading away. My hand goes to her hip and I walk her closer. “We couldn’t hide this, Mia. It’s too damn good.”
“Look who’s here.”
At the sound of the familiar voice, I grimace, releasing Mia to settle my hand at her back as we turn to face my old college rival. “Mia,” I say, standing toe to toe with the man whose father has always been my father’s business rival, his blond hair smoothed back ever so firm tonight, a silent standoff that I don’t invite. He’s just always fucking competing with me. “This is Riley Montgomery,” I say. “You probably know him from the Montgomery firm. We went to school together.”
“Call me Ri,” Riley says, offering his hand to Mia and I swear I don’t want to let her take it.
Mia does the expected and shakes his hand but when she would pull back he holds onto it. “You’re lovely. When he’s done with you, come see me. I’ll help you lick your wounds.”
Mia yanks her hand back. “That was inappropriate,” she scolds before I can respond.
He chuckles. “I’m just an inappropriate guy.”
“Try bitter. He wanted the girl who wanted me in college. I fucked her. He didn’t.” I look at Mia. “Just so he doesn’t get the chance to tell the story and twist it on his own.”
“Oh,” Mia says, looking at Ri. “I’m sorry. That must have sucked.”
Ri’s scowl is instant. “You’re sorry? You will be when he fucks you and moves on.”
It’s in that moment that my father joins us, stepping between Mia and Ri. “Mia, honey,” he says, taking her hand. “I’m so glad to see you here and on Grayson’s arm. You look stunning despite your present company.” He glances at Ri. “How’s your pops?”
“Opening four new offices in the next four months.”
“Is he now?” he replies. “Better be careful. Too many too fast can cause grave growing pains. Good luck though.” He glances at Mia. “Walk with me and talk.” He settles her hand on his elbow and turns her away from me and Ri.
Ri steps closer. “Obviously your father thought you needed help.”
“I’m fairly certain my father wanted to flirt with Mia, just like you tried to flirt with Mia.”
He narrows his eyes on me. “You’re really into her.” His lips twitch. “Interesting. In this case, I’ll take your sloppy seconds. Let me know when you’re done.” He turns and walks away and for the first time ever, Ri hits a nerve.
Mia
“He’s an absolute ass,” Grayson’s father says, guiding me through the crowd and down a corridor where more art is displayed. “But he came by it honestly. His father is as well. He and I went to law school together and the rivalry started there.”
“That’s a long time to be rivals,” I say. “And are you really even rivals? You’re about double their size, right?”
“Thanks to Grayson, who’s a believer in thinking outside the box.” He stops us at a painting of a winery. “Ever been to Sonoma?”
“A few weeks ago with Grayson. It was my first time.”