Seeing her standing to one side of the main entrance waiting for him, Tommy got out and waved to get her attention, smiling broadly as she approached, dressed in a cute, forest green, knee-length sweater dress, black knee high boots, and her long, honey blonde hair pulled severely back from her face in a whip-straight ponytail that hung down to the middle of her back.
“You look incredible,” he said as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. A flicker of guilt crossed his mind. She was probably expecting a high-end restaurant, not lunch in his penthouse, but her reaction would tell him a lot about her character and expectations. So, he pushed the guilt aside. People were often drawn to him for his money; he had every reason to be cautious.
“Thank you.” She smiled as he helped her into the SUV. “So do you.”
Tommy chuckled, shutting the door behind her. He knew he was good-looking - and he worked damn hard at it. Four gymsessions a week, a personal stylist, barber, massage therapist, and esthetician all on his payroll. Nissa, on the other hand, was effortless. The kind of woman who could make a burlap sack look like designer couture.
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” Tommy flashed her a charming smile as he climbed in and tapped the privacy glass, signaling Thorn to drive. He could admit he loved having his ego stroked. A psychoanalyst would probably say it came from a childhood filled with the constant praise and expectations gifted kids grow up under.
“Since this is both a chance to get to know each otherandan informal job interview,” he continued, “I thought I’d cook for us at my penthouse.”
Nissa blinked in surprise, then shrugged easily. “Sure, that works for me. I was hoping for something a little more date than business, but I’m nothing if not adaptable.”
“Excellent.” Tommy felt some of the tension ease from his shoulders. “Once we go over the proposal, Thorn will disappear and find something else to keep him busy, and we can get to know one another in the comfort and privacy of my kitchen.”
“You actually cook?” Her voice was light and teasing but Tommy could see the surprise and what he thought might be respect in her eyes. “I would have thought you had chefs who prepared all your meals.
Tommy shook his head, while he did have a maid service who came in once a week to clean his penthouse and Thorn’s apartment, a curtsey he was providing the big man with since he was running the Security Services side, helping Tommy get the Consulting side started and still performing his bodyguard duties, he didn’t employ fulltime servants, drivers or chefs, preferring to do most things himself.
“No,” he scoffed lightly, giving her a mockingly offended look. “I’m not that much of a spoiled little rich boy. My mom was a great cook, and she started teaching me when I was young. Then when Evie came along, I spent my breaks from boarding school and college looking after her, so I’ve really refined my skills over the years.”
Nissa’s eyebrows lifted, and he could tell she was impressed despite herself. “And here I thought you were just a playboy in college.”
Tommy laughed. So, she had actually read his Wikipedia page and probably a few of the cited articles, too. “The media exaggerated that persona a lot. My father practically insisted I take a gap year after high school. Told me to travel, get the partying out of my system before starting university. I was never really the partying type, though. I just enjoyed traveling with my friends for a year.”
He shook his head with a wry smile. “The few times Ididgo out ended up plastered all over the gossip columns. They loved painting me as an entitled rich kid. And since I’d already been announced as the future CEO of Sloane Technologies, the word ‘nepotism’ got thrown around constantly. My dad and I wanted to avoid that, so I didn’t step in as CEO until I was thirty, even though both my parents died the year I graduated from MIT. I spent seven years working in every division of Sloane until I knew the company inside and out.”
“Ah, I see.” Nissa nodded, her grin returning, this time more genuine. “So, you actually had a babysitting job when you were home for the holidays?”
Tommy wrinkled his nose and shook his head slowly. “I don’t think you can call it a job if you weren’t paid to do it. I used to beg Della to let me take her for a few hours or a whole day at least three or four times a week while I was home.”
He smiled as a rush of memories surfaced - sticky fingers clutching his tie, the sound of Evie’s laugh, her tiny hand in his. “From the moment I first held her, Evie’s been the center of my universe.”
“Is there room for anyone else in your universe?” Nissa’s tone was light, teasing, but her eyes told him it was a loaded question. “Because I don’t compete for affection. And while Idobelieve men and women can be just friends, I don’t come second to the ‘best friend’ I’m told not to worry about.”
“Of course.” Tommy knew he’d have to have this conversation eventually; it was better to get it out of the way now. “Evie’s very important to me, but that doesn’t mean she’s theonlyimportant person, or that there isn’t room for someone else. She’s not my sister by blood, but I’m not secretly in love with her either, despite what the New York gossip columns like to suggest.”
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I genuinely see her as my little sister, and she sees me as her big brother. That’s it. Nothing more.”
Nissa nodded, though he could tell she wasn’t entirely convinced. He grinned, hoping to lighten the mood. “Trust me, it’s impossible to want someone when you’ve changed their diapers, helped to toilet-train, and wiped their snotty nose on the sleeve of your very expensive cashmere suit jacket because you forgot to bring tissues.”
Nissa laughed, relaxing at last. “Okay, yes, fair point. That would definitely kill any potential attraction.” Her smile turned warm, then teasing again. “But I have to admit, that paternal side of you is very appealing.”
“She was definitely practice for fatherhood.” Tommy cleared his throat, forcing away the mental image of herstraddling his lap that had flashed through his mind. He met her gaze again, steady now. “I’ve stopped trying to explain my connection with Evie. I can’t, and neither can she, it justis. And while I’m willing to make room for the right person, I’ll never move her completely out of my life. She’s part of me. Non-negotiable.”
Nissa nodded, her smile soft and genuine. “Since it’s not one of those ‘best friend’ situations, and you’re not hopelessly in love with her without realizing it, I can live with that. I hope to meet her someday soon.”
**********
Thorn dropped them off at the main entrance to the Tower, left to park the car while Tommy gave Nissa a quick cursory tour of Sloane Technologies and was waiting for them in the penthouse when they got there forty-five minutes later.
“I don’t think you two were properly introduced at the party,” Tommy said as he led her into the kitchen and helped her onto one of the stools at the island. “This is Thorn Orlovic, my bodyguard and the Director of Protective Services for Sloane Consulting and Security Services. He handles recruitment, hiring, and developed the entire training program for our personnel.”
“It’s nice to officially meet you.” Nissa extended her hand, and Tommy had to turn to the fridge to hide his smirk as she craned her neck to meet Thorn’s eyes. Her hand looked tiny in his. She was about Evie’s height, but her slender frame made her seem even smaller beside him.
“You as well,” came Thorn’s low rumble, followed by the creak of the reinforced stool he’d brought down from his apartment. He settled onto it with practiced ease. “I will not staylong. I just want to ask a few questions, if you are serious about wanting to work for us.”
“I am,” Nissa said quickly, nodding with enthusiasm.
