“I’m sorry. I know that’s a touchy subject for you.” Jensen sighs.
“Yet you brought it up.”
“You’re not getting any younger.”
“I knew this was coming. Did Mom put you up to this?”
“No. Well, maybe she voiced her concerns to me. You use women like they’re disposable razors.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
Lauren was my first and only serious relationship. I’m a nightmare to every woman unlucky enough to cross my path. The hole between their legs is my only interest. No wining and dining, flowers, or fucking chocolates. My cock is all I offer. There’s one cardinal rule I follow to a T—never fuck the same woman twice. No attachments or expectations—well, on my part. One-night stands work perfectly fine for me. Eventually, I’ll get married for the sole purpose of continuing my legacy. The marriage will be a business arrangement, nothing more.
“Sarah has a coworker who is perfect for you.”
“Bad idea.”
“What?” Jensen asks.
“Trying to hook me up with Sarah’s coworker.”
“Why?”
“Do you really need to ask?” I deadpan.
“One blind date isn’t going to kill you.”
“True, but it’ll kill you for sure.”
“What do you mean?” He scrunches his eyebrows.
“Sarah will murder you once I fuck her coworker, then ignore her calls.”
“Really, Dom?” He scowls. “You’d do that?”
A knock sounds at the door.
“Come in,” I call.
Peggy, my administrative assistant, sticks her head inside. “I’m sorry for the interruption. Mr. Jamison is here for the nine o’clock meeting. He’s waiting in conference room A.”
“I’ll be right there,” I tell her, then turn back to my brother. “We’ll have to finish this discussion another day.”
“I agree, but tonight over dinner works for me.”
“I’ll think about it.” I stand, happy to end the conversation.
“No, you won’t.”
“Keep hope alive.” I wink at him, then gladly leave my office.
I arrive at Stone Incorporated ahead of schedule. I’ve seen pictures of the immaculate Plexiglas structure online and in business magazines, but seeing it up close and personal takes my breath away. Stone Inc.graces the front in gleaming silver letters. The rectangular fourteen-story building covers an entire block. I enter the lobby where close to one hundred interns are gathered. I definitely stick out like a sore thumb. Everyone is so sophisticated in their chic corporate attire, and I’m drab in my loose-fitting plain black dress and “grandma” church shoes.
Maybe it’s time my wardrobe received an upgrade.
The thought of my father’s reaction vanquishes the idea instantly. He’d call me a vain sinner. Maybe I’ll casually mention it at dinner later.
“Good morning, everyone,” an older woman sporting a sleek bun and wearing a black pantsuit announces. “My name is Vivian Buchanan. I work in employee relations, and I’ll be your tour guide this morning. Please follow me.”
