“You drink my best Macallan enough times.” Heunbuttons his jacket and sits on a chair in front of my desk.
“What’s your problem, Xander?” Roxy leans against my bookshelf. Today she’s clad in a pantsuit, and a corset underneath. “Since when do you forgo a party invitation?”
“Since he’s been pussy-whipped.” Caleb chuckles and sits beside Corm.
Fair enough, I’ve been teasing my colleagues about them falling for their women, so I guess I need to absorb some razzing myself now.
“A party? I thought we were having a weekly update meeting.” I lean back in my chair, the situation in my pants finally under control. My fingers itch to check if Cora texted again, but I remain professional.
Well, if thinking about my wife naked, while trying to focus on work, is professional.
My wife.
Why does it feel so essential? Like something I need to survive? I went through my life not caring about anyone much. Enter Cora Winslow, and I’m a fucking goner.
The best plot twist ever, if you ask me.
“Okay, let’s toast to Mrs. Winslow-Stone. It pertains to this meeting agenda anyway.” Shit, why am I telling them this?
“How?” Corm asks.
I walk to my shelf and pour an inch of whiskey for everyone. When we each hold a glass, I raise mine.
“I’m pleased to announce that my father delivered, and I’m flying to San Francisco next week to get voted in as the new member of the Vireon board.”
“Good job.” Corm raises his glass.
“How does it relate to your new wife?” Roxy asks, before putting the glass to her lips.
She studies me with her penetrating scrutiny, and I fidget. I fucking fidget like she can see through me and discover the whole truth.
“My father had some conditions,” I say vaguely, an aftertaste of manipulation spreading on my tongue.
“He wanted you to marry? Wow.” Caleb shakes his head, having experienced parental manipulation firsthand most of his life. I make a noncommittal grunt. “To Mrs. Winslow-Stone.” He raises his glass.
“That’s quite a sacrifice.” Roxy still eyes me with a hint of suspicion. What’s her fucking problem?
“I get things done.” I shrug, taking a generous gulp.
I really don’t want to discuss this any further. Not with them. Corm and Cal started with a marriage of convenience and ended up falling for their women.
If I’m honest, I don’t mind that scenario in my case. Not at all. The past two weeks have proved that my bachelor days don’t compare to what I have now.
I know Cora looks at this as a temporary arrangement,but by the time we get to that point, she will have changed her mind.
I’ll make sure of that.
I want her in my life.
I want her to challenge me.
I want her. Period.
“Which reminds me, you owe me twenty grand.” Cal snickers.
“What are you talking about?” Fucking bet.
“Obviously, you’re not going to date seriously anymore.” My friend shrugs.
