I do. Between working with her at Rendezvous and her opening her home and family to me, she completely changed my life. She gave me the love of my life and the hope of a family of my own. She’s become the mother I’ve never had…except for the time she touched my dick. And directed Lucy and me for months in her R-rated, then X-rated autobiographical film. But besides that, she’ll be a grandmother to any children I have, for sure.
Blinking out of my reverie, I find Blanche and Dad engaged in a heated debate over whether martinis should be shaken or stirred.
“Shaken, obviously,” I interject. “Regardless of how it wasoriginallyprepared, James Bond should have the final say!”
Blanche rehashes her martini purist ideology for my benefit, making excellent points, while Dad watches her carefully. To anyone else, I’m sure it seems that he’s just an engaged listener, paying attention and reacting to her physical cues and moving the debate forward like the well-trained conversationalist he is.To me, though, I see further evidence of what I already knew. Dad is absolutelysmittenwith Blanche.
When we all found their trove of sex tapes almost two years ago, we weren’t sure if it was just physical or if they had a monogamous emotional relationship. As time passed, it became increasingly evident that itwasn’tjust physical. There’s clearly a deep, meaningful connection shared between them. But neither of them has made a damn move. Blanche is just as flirty with other men she meets, Dad is just as steadfast in his happiness as a single man, and we’re all to the point now that we’re considering trapping them in a hotel room together and not letting them out until they declare their love.
Dad’s phone rings, and he reluctantly leaves the study to take the call. Blanche stares unashamedly at his ass as he goes, a little too drunk to forget I’m here to notice her gaze.
“See something you like?” I ask, immediately regretting it because, ew, that’s my dad.
I should have known that she wouldn’t mind being called out. This is Blanche Sinclair we’re talking about, after all.
“I knew you had good genes from the moment I saw you, Sasha Taranov. The blueprint itself is in fact magnificent.”
Double ew. Regret. I blame the alcohol. I also blame the alcohol for what comes out of my mouth next.
“Why don’t the two of you come out? We’d all support you. We just want you to be happy. I think you’re great together. If anyone can handle him, it’s you. And if anyone has a chance of coming close to handling you, it’s him.” I lay my cards on the table, hoping our moment of alcohol-induced candor finally gives them the push they need.
Blanche sinks back into the couch and continues watching the flames, clinking her wedding rings against her empty glass.
“My dear, you know an old fox is not easily snared.”
“Wha—”
“And, Sasha, don’t forget. Curiosity killed the cat.”
Chapter seven
“Are you sure? I love that Chanel skirt suit so much.”
“Absolutely. You don’t want them to think you’re just a floozy secretary in a tight skirt hoping to catch yourself an executive! You’re a serious businesswoman at the beginning of your career. The pants make your ass look just as good, if not better, than the skirt, anyway.” Pam ends her spiel in favor of trousers for my first day of work, and I can’t argue with how well they highlight my curves.
“Fine, you win. But you and I both know Iama floozy secretary. Although, evenIknow not to mess around with anyone in the office. Can you imagine how awkward it would be when they inevitably wanted more, and I had to say no thanks, then see them at the water cooler the next week?” I shiver dramatically to prove my point. I’ll be stayingfaraway from all my coworkers, thank you very much.
She gives me a final once-over, pulling imaginary pieces of lint off my jacket and nodding with approval. “Are you still excited? Any nerves peeking through?”
“It’s all excitement now. I’m ready to get my foot in the door and see if I can put my degree tosomeuse, at least. I should be around some high-powered, interesting characters, if nothing else.”
“And you’re not at all intimidated to work for Henry Sinclair Jr.?” She eyes me shrewdly, no doubt thinking of the exploits we’ve heard about, if only as whispers in corners at society parties. Debauchery, often fueled by illegal substances, and a penchant for keeping any recklessness out of the newspapers. As long as the company remains successful, Henry Sinclair Sr. has been willing to condone his son’s behaviors thus far.
“Nope. He should be intimidated to have me working for him.” I smirk. I didn’t meet him as planned during my interview because he was “indisposed.” Pam and I later found out this is corporate-speak for “massively hungover and possibly still high,” so today will be our first introduction. With a last hug, I’m out the door, ready for the short walk to the office.
As I exit the elevator into the company's lobby, I’m glad my interview was in the actual office space. If I hadn’t seen it before, I might have been intimidated by the sleek, modern style and the hustle and bustle of people moving quickly to start their week. Hallways fan out from the center reception desk, with offices and meeting rooms featuring sweeping views of the city. Walking to say hello to the receptionist before I make my way to my assigned workstation, I freeze.
It’s him.
Him.
The reason I have a scarf around my neck and why I’ve had to get myself off twice as often in the past couple of days as I usually would. The man who was supposed to be an anonymous hookup from the bar works in my office.Shit.
Maybe he’s just here visiting. That’s got to be it. He’s here visiting, and he’ll leave before he sees me, so this crisis can be averted.
“Blanche! Perfect timing. I was hoping to catch you before you got too settled in today.” I recognize Cindy, the head of HR who interviewed me, coming my way withsex godin tow.Please don’t recognize me.
“Mr. Sinclair, this is your new secretary extraordinaire, Blanche Bedford. We’ve already discussed her at length, and I think, given her résumé and personality, she’ll be just what you need. Blanche, this is Henry Sinclair.” Cindy finishes her introductions and beams at us, oblivious to the tension in the air.
