Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 23956 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23956 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“I’ll definitely consider an investment, Rose. I respect the fact that you’re willing to try striking out on your own. In fact, I think it says a lot about your character and willingness to get your hands dirty. But my investment comes with one non-negotiable condition: I get to sample the goods first. After all, how can I be sure this is a worthwhile investment if I don’t try it out for myself?”
I exhale deeply and smile. I didn’t even know I was holding my breath.
“Oh of course! I totally get it. I mean, there aren’t any girls working at Saucy Nights yet but I assure you, I can set you up with one of them as soon as I get this gig up and going,” I chirp happily. Of course, inside I’m a bit sad, but then I clamp down on the feeling. Damon Pratt is a gorgeous alpha male, and it makes sense that he’d want to sample the goods. He’s smart and knows what he’s doing.
But the architect merely looks serious while shaking his head.
“I’m sorry, Rose, but I don’t want to wait until the business is up and running. I need to get a sample before I make the investment. Otherwise, how do I know I’m putting my money in the right place?”
I sit back, a bit stunned.
“Oh of course,” I say. “But Lucy met her husband Shane through City Girls, so you know we’re legit. Isn’t that enough?”
Damon frowns and shakes his head.
“I’m sorry, it isn’t. City Girls is your old employer, and now, you’re starting something from scratch. I’m going to have to get a taste before putting any real funding down. I’m sure you understand.”
I stare at him, nonplussed.
“But we have no girls on staff yet. I swear, as soon as I hire some ladies, I can set up a date for you—”
He cuts me off.
“There is one woman on salary,” he intimates, his low voice smooth. “You, Rose. You could provide a taste of the goods.”
I stare at him as my eyes go wide. My nipples harden and I moisten down below.
“Are you serious?” I whisper, my heart racing. By contrast, Damon looks completely at ease in his sharply cut suit. He merely quirks another smile at me, one eyebrow a question mark.
“Why not?” he asks. “You know what you’re doing. Give me a taste of what your new business will provide, and maybe I’ll invest.”
I continue staring at him, and he chuckles deep in his chest. “Sweetheart, it’s not that strange. In fact, I’d say this is standard due diligence. Who’s going to put millions of dollars into a business they know nothing about? If anything, I’m going to need a very thorough understanding of what happens on these encounters you provide.”
With that, my mouth snaps shut.
“Of course,” I say smartly, although the words come out a bit breathy. “I’d be happy to show you a good time.”
He chuckles again, although this time his laugh sounds a little rough around the edges.
“Good. Then it’s a date,” he finishes simply. “I’ll have my secretary call you with the details.”
I nod, still staring. Then, I pick up my purse and leave on slow feet, softly shutting the door behind me before standing there in a daze.
What just happened? Not only is Damon Pratt going to invest in my business, but he made it sound like he’s going to put millions into my little idea. The only hiccup is that I’ve got to show him a night on the town to remember, otherwise this money will never materialize.
With determination, I take the elevators and begin to walk home. Am I up for the challenge? A date with the gorgeous Damon Pratt? My heart races and my breathing accelerates. But it’s not because of my new business. It’s because of the gorgeous alpha male and the prospect of seeing him again soon.
5
Damon
I’m riled up tonight about my date with Rose. I haven’t had a date to look forward to in years. It’s sad, but it’s true. The engagements I’ve been on have been okay at best, and fucking awful at worst. There was one woman who smelled of ripe bananas because she liked the look of Carmen Miranda with the gigantic fruit hat. Don’t even ask how I ended up going out with her.
But Rose is different. She’s the opposite of the girls I usually take out. She is smart, driven, and down to earth. I’m happy for this much needed change and look forward to going out with a woman who is capable of carrying a conversation worth having. On top of that, Rose is sexy too. She is so young and incredibly lush, and I’ve secretly wanted to get a taste of her for years, but I never thought I’d have the opportunity.
That’s my big secret. I’ve been eyeing my daughter’s friend since before she was legal. I was always a good man, staying hands off out of respect and deference, but tonight, that changes.