Mason recited Warren’s personal cell phone number. “I have no idea where he is right now, so he might not answer.”
Jude turned cold eyes on him. “Then I guess you’ll be out of luck, won’t you?”
Asshole.
Chapter Three
If Mason thought he would rush right out and call his supposed reference, he was sadly mistaken. Jude fully intended to enjoy the rest of Ilana and Doug’s wedding. He could see Mason shooting him looks, but Jude deliberately set his phone on the table and folded his arms.
Inside, however, he was a mess. Deirdre had been with him for over five years and knew him like a well-worn suit—in fact, she picked out most of his suits. How was he going to handle everything without her? The Company had a big presentation at the end of the month, and she was handling all the minute incidentals leading up to it.
“We’re going to check out now. Our plane leaves at eight, and we’ve got last-minute packing.” Ilana slid her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “I love you so much. Thank you for everything. I couldn’t haveaskedfor a more magical wedding. Or a better brother. I wish Mommy could’ve been here.” She sniffled. “She would’ve loved Doug, don’t you think?”
It was a question she’d posed to him numerous times over the years, and he understood she needed the reassurance. Their mother would’ve adored Doug. And she would have despaired over Jude’s solitary life. He shoved that thought away.
“Of course she would’ve. It’s the only reason I let him date you.” He winked, then stood and held her close. “I love you. Be happy. And let me know when you land.”
They were honeymooning in Paris. Planes and trains and rental cars…Jude wondered if he’d ever stop worrying about her.
“I will, simply because I know you won’t sleep until I do. And don’t even try to deny it. I know you.” Her eyes sparkled, and with another hug, she was gone.
What the hell was he was going to do now? Probably bury himself even further into the office. A list of potential clients he’d drawn up awaited, and he’d planned to sit down with Deirdre and discuss strategy. A swift glance at Mason found the younger man’s eyes on him. The years had been kind to Mason, and with his sun-kissed hair, golden tan, and open, friendly smile, he looked more like a California surfer than a New York City native.
The man Jude had never been able to forget…it didn’t matter that Mason was the opposite of everything Jude should be attracted to. Mason had always been Jude’s wildest desire and his deepest secret.
But thinking about Doug’s younger, sexy brother didn’t get him anywhere. The crowd had thinned considerably, and it was time to leave. Jude made the rounds of farewells, coming up last to Doug, who was giving his parents a hug. Jude waited patiently.
“Oh, there he is.” Silvia, Doug’s mother, gave him a bear hug. She smelled of her favorite Chanel perfume, and Jude had to smile. Upon discovering their mother had passed away and they had no father, Silvia Reiner had appointed herself to the parental-surrogate role and waged an all-out campaign to marry Doug and Ilana. “I know you must be happy everything turned out so well. It was perfect. A beautiful wedding.”
“Thanks for all your help. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
She waved her hand at him. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re the man who can do anything. Once you put your mind to something, you always get what you want.”
“Silvia, I wish I had your faith in me. Maybeyoushould come work for me as my new assistant.”
“What? Deirdre left?” Her heavily made-up eyes widened. “That’s terrible. She was like your second brain. What’re you going to do?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Not a clue yet. I have some prospects, so we’ll see.”
A gleam entered her eye, and she took him by the arm—none too gently—and steered him to a corner. “I have an idea.”
His heart sank. “I know what you’re going to say. I should hire Mason.”
“Oh.” She blinked. “Well, yes. He needs the job, and you need the help. It’s the perfect solution. A realshiddach.”
Trying to be delicate—after all, Mason was her child—Jude prevaricated. “Doug and I have talked about it. I’ll have to see. There’s a lot to figure out.”
But he should’ve known that wouldn’t stop Silvia. She was a force unto herself when an idea entered her head.
“Figure it out as it goes. I know you don’t have the highest opinion of Mason. And that’s with some justification. But I believe he’s changed.”
“So he said. He’s even given me the number of a reference to call. Someone he said he worked for as a personal assistant.”
“Yes, didn’t you know?”
“Know what?”
“He worked for Warren Colchester, UK’s largest real-estate developer. Man’s worth hundreds of millions of dollars.” She shrugged and adjusted her purse. “I’m sure if Mason could work for him, he can help you. Now I have to go, as I see Robert is sending me help signals. His great-aunt Bertha can talk your ear off about the price she paid for a dress in 1930.” And with a final kiss to his cheek, she was gone.
