The crowd shifted—and I immediately took that thought back.
In a custom black tuxedo, Harrison looked devastating. Effortless. Powerful. He was smiling—actually smiling—and holding up phones for strangers like he belonged on magazine covers instead of in boardrooms.
If only they knew who he really was.
As he handed a phone back, his eyes locked on mine.
His gaze dragged slowly down my body.
My nipples tightened under his stare. His mouth parted slightly.
Damn him.
I forced myself to look away and moved toward a cluster of Dunkin’ Coffee reps, introducing myself, handing over cards, and inviting them to Harrison’s private event in three days.
“Well, well, well…” a gray-haired man said, stepping in front of me. “The Cross Effect never takes a vacation.”
“I’m not sure what you mean, sir.”
He flipped my lanyard toward himself. “Sweet Seasons. He still can’t let competition be friendly, can he?”
“I guess not.” I smiled politely. “Are you looking to level up?”
“There’s nowhere to level up when you’re already number one.” He flipped his badge. Starbucks.
Oh.
“But I can match whatever they’re paying you,” he continued. “We offer the highest salaries for sales reps.”
Even though I hated Harrison, I wouldn’t defect to the one company he despised.
“I appreciate the offer,” I said, “but I’m happy where I am.”
“Can’t be.” He leaned closer. “You look miserable.”
“I think I’m going to?—”
“She won’t be.”
Harrison’s voice dropped like a blade behind me.
“She doesn’t want to shake your hand either,” he said. “Back the fuck off, Calvin.”
The man laughed, stepping back. “Long time no see.”
“Sad to see you’re still alive and well,” Harrison replied flatly.
“This isn’t the place for misunderstandings,” Calvin said. “We’re here as industry friends, and my Starbucks team is quite excited to see what you’ll do with Sweet Seasons.”
“You should be terrified,” Harrison said quietly. “And if you utter one more word to me tonight, I’ll make good on the ass beating I owe you from years ago.”
Calvin held his stare for a beat, looking like he was going to challenge him, but then his face paled and he walked away.
“Um…” I cleared my throat. “I’m going to?—”
“Are you out of your fucking mind?” Harrison hissed, grabbing my arm.
“Excuse me?”
