“Bullshit.”
“My new wealth manager starts Monday.”
“Why don’t you look relieved? Did you hire the woman Sethfield recommended?”
“Yeah. She’s smart. And so damn strong-willed.”
The server delivered two coffees, a piece of chocolate cake, and the check. Colton handed his credit card to the server.
“But you don’t like when your financial advisors actually advise you. Will you listen to this one?” Crockett forked cake into his mouth.
Colton smiled. Crockett knew him too well. “Possibly. You know I don’t like giving up control, especially regarding my wealth.” Colton sipped his coffee. “Being around her is energizing and kind of addictive.”
With a smirk, Crockett shook his head. “Ah, shit, you’re attracted to her.”
Maintaining a poker face, Colton took another sip.
“Well, that shouldn’t matter,” Crockett said. “You have that rule about not screwing your wealth manager. Come to think of it, you have a lot of effing rules.”
“She’s gorgeous. I mean really beautiful.”
“Just keep your hands off her.” Crockett pulled out his wallet and tossed his credit card on the table.
“Too late on both accounts.”
Crockett raised his brows. “What does that mean?”
“The first is self-explanatory and the second is because I already paid.”
“You slept with her?Already?”
“It wasn’t like that. It was different. When you meet her, you can tell me if you wouldn’t have done the same thing. Now I have to make damn sure I don’t do it again.”
“Someone needs to put you on a tight leash, Colt.”
Colton laughed. “Maybe so.”
The two men went quiet while Crockett dug into his dessert.
“You sleeping? Getting out at all?” Colton asked. “You look like hell.”
“What are you, my mother?”
“You work too much. What happened to balance?” Colton signed the receipt.
“No balance until I find Sophia.” Crockett sipped his coffee.
Colton’s gut churned for his friend. “Whatever you need. Just say the word.”
“I know, thanks” Crockett eyed Colton’s clothing. “You headed to a kink party?”
“That obvious?”
“Only to me, Darth Vader.” The two men laughed. “Black sport coat, black sweater, black pants. Are your cloak and mask in the car?”
Pushing down a smile, Colton asked, “You dating?”
“No time.”
