Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23378 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
“No, you’re beautiful,” I growl, guiding her into the hotel and then to the right, where the party’s taking place in a ballroom. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s mingle and drink some expensive alcohol.”
A server walks by with a tray of champagne and I snag a flute for each of us. Then, the small talk begins. I don’t mind it so much because these are my employees, so I know them. Plus, we’re a pretty laid back lot, so there’s no one with a broomstick up their ass, or a pinched poker expression. The alcohol helps lubricate everything, of course.
“This is fun,” Addy murmurs with a smile as we stroll away from the VP of BikeWorks and her husband. “I’m glad I’m finally getting to meet your co-workers.”
I pat her hand.
“They seem to love you, baby,” I growl. “You’re really good at this socializing thing.”
Addy shrugs lightly. “Maybe, but socializing takes a lot of out me, so I’ll need three days to recharge after this.”
I nod.
“Of course, honey. You’re surrounded on all sides by people you don’t know, and I appreciate it. I’ll let you stay in bed for three days after this, and hell, I’ll join you for those three days too. You won’t be able to walk when I’m done.”
She giggles then, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink.
“OMG, you’re so bad, Mr. Select,” she whispers. “In front of your employees too!” But then, my girl stops mid-sentence because her eyes have landed on an older man in an expensive suit. He’s distinguished looking, although somewhat thin. His grey hair is brushed back from a high forehead, and he has a salt and pepper beard which likely hides a soft chin. Addy stiffens a bit, and I glance at her.
“Addy, do you know him?”
But she doesn’t have time to respond because the man spots us and strolls over like he owns the place.
“Caleb Select, isn’t it?” he booms in a too-loud voice. “It’s an honor to meet you. You must be so happy because BikeWorks is taking the world by storm.”
I stare at him for a few beats as he shakes my hand vigorously, trying to place the man. Who is this guy? His hair, upon close inspection, has too much gel in it, and the watch on his wrist is gaudy, even if it costs six figures.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I say politely. “And you are?”
The man chuckles. “I’m a CEO as well, of course. John Foley. I own and operate Valley Cryo, a cryo bank here in Millbrook.”
Ah ha. Now I know why Addy froze just moments ago because this is her boss. But it’s not that big of a deal because everyone has a boss, even if it’s awkward bumping into this man at a party. I squeeze her hand, as John squints at my pretty date.
“And you are?” he asks politely. “I must say, sweetheart, that you look vaguely familiar. It must be your brown hair. So many women this evening have brown hair, and they all look alike!”
I stare at him. Is this guy for real? But instead, I merely smile through clenched teeth.
“This is my girlfriend, Adelaide Crenshaw. John, Addy. Addy, John.”
John doesn’t even bother to shake my girlfriend’s hand. Instead, he merely grins lasciviously before turning to me. I can already tell that this guy is a misogynist after thirty seconds in his company.
“Addy. Hmmm, do I know an Addy?” he muses as if she’s not standing right there. “It sounds so familiar.”
At that, my girl gets her wits back and stands up a little straighter.
“In fact, you do. I work for Valley Cryo, so we’ve met a few times in the past.”
John gets a surprised look on his Botoxed face.
“Oh that’s right! You’re a receptionist, right? At the front desk? I thought you looked familiar.”
Addy smiles, even though her face looks like a mask.
“Actually, I’m a tech,” she says in an even voice. “Although sometimes, I take on some admin work if we’re overloaded.”
But it’s as if John hasn’t even heard her words. Instead, he looks at me, and then back to my girlfriend, and then back to me.
“And the two of you are dating? You and her?” he asks me.
“Yes,” I say in a strained voice. “Why?”
John shrugs.
“No, it’s just well, Addy works for me, and you … well, you’re leading a multi-billion dollar company.” He says this with a laugh like we’re in on some joke together, but I’m starting to get pissed. Who the fuck does he think he is? He’s probably a hopeful investor, but I have some bad news, buddy. You’re not getting in as friends and family when we have our IPO, and I’m making sure of that.
But Foley has no idea and continues with his insulting line of conversation.
“So yeah, there are so many pretty young things here tonight, aren’t there?” he asks in a conspiratorial voice while surveying the ballroom. “I swear, I love it when the women are thirty years younger than me. Twenty years is okay, but definitely not any less than that,” he grins lasciviously.