Page 14 of Soul of Discretion

CHAPTER FIVE

Waking up to a tanned and taut arse was certainly a pleasurable way to greet the morning. Simon didn’t want to think too much about the fact he’d let a man sleep in his bed, contravening his long-held rules.

Best chalk it down to a temporary bout of insanity.

He got out of bed, leaving a slumbering Nick sprawled across the mattress—the man was a bed hog of note—and walked into the bathroom. A shower was what he needed, as the smell of sex and male cologne—not his—lingered tantalisingly on his body.

He was fixing his tie and taking a sip of freshly brewed coffee delivered via room service when he heard Nick’s groan and looked over. Nick unwound himself from the duvet and squinted at him.

“Morning,” Nick said gruffly, voice still thick with sleep. “You’re up early.” He peered owlishly at his watch. “It’s only seven a.m. on a Saturday morning.” His tone was incredulous, and Simon couldn’t help grinning.

He made sure his appearance was satisfactory and turned to face Nick. “I have an appointment at eight-thirty with someone. As it’s across the city, I’d rather leave a little bit of extra time for the taxi to get there on time.”

“A business appointment?” Nick echoed. “On a Saturday?”

Simon frowned. “Yes, on a Saturday. My business doesn’t close when everyone else clocks out for the weekend. Urgent matters require urgent attention.”

Nick sat up, the covers pooling at his waist. He looked debauched and adorably tousled. “Urgent matters? Everything okay?”

Simon shook his head. “Not really. Someone has been ripping me off and I intend to find out who and why. Safe to say, I’ll be ripping them a new one when I find them.”

Nick’s eyes widened. “Wow, you look scary when you do that whole snarly thing you have going on. Sexy, but scary.” He leaned back against the headboard with a sigh. “My job isn’t respectful of weekends either. I’m on call twenty-four-seven.”

Simon noticed Nick didn’t say anything further about his job and the quick prick of curiosity that flared was soon dampened. Best not to get too much detail about the man. Sharing personal information wasn’t really required at this stage.

Ignoring the part of him that really wanted to find out what Nick did, Simon reached over and picked up his document folder and wallet.

“Well, thanks for last night. I need to get going now so feel free to clean up and leave when you’re ready. Order room service if you like. My treat.”

Nick grinned lazily. “I feel like a kept man. Are you going to give me a credit card so I can buy new clothes too? Perhaps pamper myself with a facial and a massage?”

The words held no censure or pique, but Simon felt a little ashamed. “I didn’t mean to insinuate anything,” he said frostily. “I merely want you to have a comfortable experience when you’re here.”

Nick flapped a hand. “Relax, Mr Uptight Brit. I was only joking.” He swung his legs out of bed, stretched, and yawned as he turned to face Simon.

Simon’s mouth went dry at the sight of the chiselled naked, male torso. Damn the man was gorgeous. Ripped like a gym rat, muscled where he needed to be, and oh my God, that beautiful cock…

He became aware Nick was regarding him with amusement. “Did you hear a word I said?”

Simon glared at him. “The maids are making such a cacophony outside I’m surprised anyone can hear anything. Repeat yourself please.”

Nick came closer, and Simon had to will himself not to touch.

“I said no doubt I’ll be seeing you soon if you’re still in town,” Nick drawled. “You know where to find me. I’ll probably not have that much time available, but I’m sure I’ll fit you in somehow.” He smiled cheekily.

Simon cleared his throat, suddenly desperate to get away from the decadently desirable man in front of him, who’d appeared to have turned up the heat in the room by the way Simon was suddenly sweating.

“Good, good. You can get hold of me too, you know. Let’s not get this all one-sided.” He hurried over to the door, determined this time to make it out of the room before he self-combusted.

As he closed the door behind him, he heard Nick’s low, satisfied chuckle.

****

The office of Breakforce Canada was alight with rumour and gossip when Simon arrived for his meeting with Decker Bradshaw, the vice president of finance, and his team. After meeting the man the day before, Simon was fairly certain he’d not known about the missing money and that whatever Jack had been doing, it had been cleverly managed and disguised.

According to Decker, the wool had been well and truly pulled over the accountancy firm’s eyes as well. Jack’s promises and vague explanations of what was going on had seemed to satisfy them. Simon knew they should have known better, asked more questions. He was in the process of sourcing another firm to take care of his business.

Decker had offered his resignation in a heartfelt and emotional outburst yesterday, and Simon still wasn’t sure whether he’d be taking it yet. Given that the company was short a finance officer since he’d fired Roger Parkin, Simon thought he might need someone in his corner.