“Like hell I do. Maybe I need to look for different, more acceptable options.”
“In a week. Right. You don’t just like her, something happened between the two of you. Didn’t it?”
Christ. I wanted to wipe the grin off his face with my fist.
“Are you crazy? That woman would cut my dick off in my sleep.”
“Those who are most forceful in denial are often the guiltiest in the room. Something I learned in law school.”
I secured the weights until Michael stepped in front of me, nodding to the bar. Hissing, I counted the weight and laughed.“Yeah, maybe a little too much weight. She got under my skin. Okay? That I’ll admit.”
“Fair enough. It sounds like you need to try and work this out. I’ll write up a contract with the basics. I’m sure you’ll add your spin.”
Something didn’t add up with her. I was usually excellent at reading people. She was hiding something that fueled her and her extreme drive.
“I need you to do me another favor. Check her background.” The thought finally brought a lilt to my voice.
“Why? Are you looking for dirt on her?”
I thought about the question. Why was I bothering? “She’s hiding something.”
“This is unusual even for you. What are you trying to do, discredit her since she didn’t fall at your knees? Or maybe use a little blackmail. Then you can become your father. King of Miami.”
“That’s bullshit.” But was it? My father had been known to use various ruthless tactics over the years to get what he wanted. I’d been schooled in the art of blackmail and extortion alongside algebra or history lessons. He’d never shied away from taking what he wanted and I’d learned the trait as well.
Michael was right in that if I wasn’t careful, I’d become exactly the man I’d sworn to hate.
“Nothing like that. I asked Ms. Blair what made her tick and she refused to tell me. That means she’s keeping something troublesome from the world. Perhaps from herself. As you know, I can’t afford a scandal.”
After a few seconds, he nodded. “Agreed, especially at this juncture. Since you put it that way, I’ll make a few phone calls and dive deeper. Now, are you going to tell me what really happened yesterday? Whatever occurred is the reason you’re really in a shitty mood. Other than you might have met your match with her.”
I glanced at the other two people in the room, ensuring they weren’t paying any attention. “It’s not about what happened yesterday. I’m angry because of what happened last night.” That was as close to admitting I’d been an idiot in allowing my carnal needs to interfere with a basic business transaction.
I’d been taught better.
The smirk on his face continued to be annoying. “I get it.” When he clapped me on the shoulder, I bristled. “Be careful, Chris. Some of those ice crystals encasing your heart might be positioned near an open flame.”
CHAPTER 11
Vanessa
“What is so important you texted 9-1-1?” Amelia asked as I threw open the door. In her arms was the usual supply of goodies on the rare occasions I used the distress signal. I ripped the bag from her arms, leaving her standing with her eyebrows furrowed and her mouth twisted.
I knew she’d close the door and follow me into the kitchen. By the time she walked in, I was already yanking out the bag of Oreos, the two cartons of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, the bottles of wine, and my favorite depression food, the extra-large bag of Cool Ranch Doritos.
“Hold on while I find my wine opener.” I threw open the drawer where it was supposed to be, hissing the moment I didn’t see it. After I looked in two more, slamming both, she walked closer, smacking one of her hands on the counter while reaching over me toward the back edge, securing the much-needed opener in her fingers.
“Breathe, girlfriend. Here you go.” She chuckled and backed away, taking two more steps when I gave her a nasty look.
“Thank you,” I huffed and grabbed two glasses. “You’re a lifesaver.”
My bestie had no idea how much. I still couldn’t believe the level I’d stooped to.
Or the fact every time I thought about Christian, my pussy throbbed.
“Are you going to tell me what in the world is going on? Did we lose another client?”
“No.” Oddly enough, this was my first full weekend off. I’d had plans of going to the beach with a good book and doing nothing more than enjoying being able to soak up some sun.
