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Welcome to Rival Desires, where the rivalry is fiery, but the romance? It's downright scorching
MeetCoryMcCrae:charming,sociallyawkward,andco-owneroftheestablishedPaloAltofinancefirm,Gracen&McCrae.
Enter Rylee Palmer,the brilliant,enigmatic headofthe new game-changer intown,Palmer MoneyManagement Their paths crossatamasqueradeball,ignitinganinstantsparkandoff-the-chartschemistry.Yetbeneaththeirmasksofanonymityliesa brewingrivalrythatthreatenstoturnanypotentialromancedeadonarrival
As the competitionintensifies, Corybattles to retainhis clients, all the while, he's wrestlingwitha baffling, all-consuming desirefortheverywomanwhostandsashismostformidablebusinessadversary.
Simultaneously, Rylee navigates the complexities ofexpandingher company, dealingwithher intenselyfieryyet perplexing feelingsforCory,andmanagingachallengingrelationshipwithherjudgmentalfather
Butjustwhenyouthinkyou'veunraveledthislovestory,ascandaloustwiststrikes Accusationsfly,deep-seatedsecretscome undone,andCoryandRyleefindthemselvesinawebofdomination,jealousschemes,andaromanceasunpredictableasitis steamy.
“Rival Desires,” the latest novel inthe ScottishBillionaires series, is a steamytale of desire where the biggest deals are sealed––notonlyintheboardroom––butalsointhebedroom.
“Anotherglassofchampagne,sir?”thewaiterasked,holdingoutasilvertraycrowdedwithcrystalflutesbubblingoverwith goldenliquid.
“Don’tmindifIdo,”Isaid,pluckingoneoftheslenderglassesfromthetray.
“Cheerstooverpricedboozeandoverdressedbarflies,”Itoldmystepcousinandbusinesspartner,Fury,asItippedmyglass towardhim
His wolfishgrinwas visibleevenbehindtheblackandgoldmasquerademaskcoveringhalfhis faceas heletoutabarking laugh,thesounddrownedoutbythesteadythumpofclubmusicdominatingtheballroom.
“I’lldefinitelydrinktothat,cuz,”hesaid.“Especiallythebarflypart.Haveyouseensomeofthehottiesinthisplacetonight orwhat?”
He wasn’t wrong. The Annual SiliconValleyTechCharityGala brought out all the usual suspects - models, actresses, and Instagram influencers hoping to bag themselves a billionaire tech nerd sugar daddy. Tonight’s theme was “A Midsummer Night’sDream,”andmostofthewomenhadreallycommittedtoadramaticlook,withwispymulti-coloredgowns,wings,and flowers woven into intricate up-dos Meanwhile, us dudes had almost universally gone the “Phantomof the Opera” route Can’tbeataclassicblacksuitandamasktohideourfacesbehind.
“Yeah,I’venoticed,”IsaidasIadjustedmysimpleblackmask,theedgesdiggingintomycheeks.“Thequestionis,havethey noticedyou?Orcantheynotseepastthemaskcoveringupyouruglymug?”
“Harhar,”Furysaiddryly,scanningtheseaofpartiersaroundus “AllIknowismydancecardforthenightisalreadyfilling upfast.Thatlittleredheadbythechocolatefountainhasbeeneyeingmehardforthelasttenminutes.Andthebrunetteinthe sparklygreendressoverbythestringquartetjustslippedmehernumberwhileyouwereinthebathroom.”
“Lookatyou, Mr Popular” Ishookmyhead, laughing “Meanwhile, I’ll be hangingouthere seeinghow manyofthese tiny crabpuffthingsIcanshoveinmymouthbeforesomeonetriestotalkshopwithme.”
“Oh,comeon,”Furyscoffed.“I’vealreadyseenatleastthreebabescheckyououtsincewearrived.You’reCoryMcCrae,the foundingpartnerofGracenandMcCrae.You’retellingmeyoucan’tsnaganyoftheseladiesforadanceortwo?”
Ishrugged,gulpingdownmorechampagne.Itwasn’texactlyasecretthattheoppositesexmademeslightly,uh...nervous.And partieslikethiswerebreedinggroundsforanxiety Toomanystrangersvyingformyattention Toomanyoverlydirectwomen whothinkthataguylikeme-decentlookingenoughinasortofstandardbusinesscasualway,withwhatthefinancemagazines calledan“impressive”careertrajectory-shouldbeprimebait
Truthbetold,IwasonlyherebecauseFuryhadpersuadedmetoappearsinceweweretryingtoreelinnewclients Atleast the openbar made schmoozingwiththe SiliconValleyelite slightlymore tolerable. Like rightnow, for instance, pleasantly buzzedonTaittingerandstuffedwithminiquiches,thiswholescenefeltlesslikemyownpersonal9thCircleofHell “Here,moreliquidcourage,”Furysaid,pressinganotherfullchampagnefluteintomyhand “Now,chugthatbadboy,andlet’s divebackintotheminglingmadness.”
BeforeIcouldprotest,hewasdisappearingintothewrithingcrowdofbodiesgyratingundertheneonstrobelights,makinga beelineforastatuesqueblondeswayinginaslit-up-to-thereredgown.Iwatchedhimsidleuptothewoman,sayingsomething inherearthatmadehertipbackherheadandlaugh Yep,andjustlikethat,mywingmanhadflownthecoop.
Sighing,Iscannedthecrowds,givingmytieanervouslittlehalf-Windsoradjustment.AsIpeople-watched,astrikingwoman suddenlycaughtmyeyefromacrosstheroom.OratleastIassumedshewasstriking-allIcouldreallyseebehindherfilmy purplemaskdottedwithcrystalswasapairofintenseambereyeslinedinkohl Irealizedwithajoltshewasstaringstraightatme
Quicklylookingaway,Idownedmore champagne Smooth,McCrae Real smooth Nothingsexier thansuddenawkwardeye contactfromacrossacrowdedparty.
Still,Icouldn’tresistsneakinganotherglance.Thistime,shedidn’tlookaway.Andwasthatthehintofasmileplayingabout thosepouty,purple-paintedlips?
BeforeIknewit,Iwasfloatingtowardsher,thismysteriouswomanwhohadmeinherthrall Therewasjust something about her, anirresistible allure thathad myfeetmovingoftheir ownaccord. She was all luscious curves poured into a shimmery dress the color ofa ripe grape, her cascade ofdarkcurls bouncingacross her bare, goldenshoulders as she swayed to the music.Iwasahaplesssailorcaughtinthesirencallofherrhythm.
Stop beingfuckingweird, Cory. Igave myselfa mental slap, hangingbackonthe edge ofthe dance floor. Downingthe last drops ofliquid courage, Ilooked anywhere butatthe mysterywoman. The ice sculpture ofPuckand Titania. The chocolate fountainIwantedtodivehead-firstinto.Thepairofbankerstalkingderivativesmarketsinthecorner.
Still,Icouldfeelhergazestilllingeringonme,pricklingmyskin.
You’reimaginingthings,dude.Getagrip.She’sjustpeople-watchinglikeyou.Iloosenedmytie,feelingsuddenlysuffocated. Toomanybodiespressedclose,clogginguptheair.Toohot.Werethosedamnstrobelightsactuallygettingbrighter? Ihadtogetoutofhere.
Shovingmywaypastthethrongsofpeople,Ifinallyreachedthegloriouslyemptyoutdoorterrace.Isuckedinahugegulpof crispnightair,instantlyfeelingthechampagnehazeinmybraindissipate Iloosenedmypainfullytightshoesandletmytoes restforabit.Ahh,sweetrelief.
Myheartrate slowlyreturnedtonormal as the distantthumpofmusic andpartychatter frominside was drownedoutbythe soothinggurgle ofa stone fountain Floatinglanterns bobbed lazilyinthe tinypond, castingripples ofsoftgoldenlightthat dancedacrosstheflagstonesundermyfeet.
Leaningmyelbowsonthecarvedrailingedgingtheterrace,Istaredoutover theperfectlymanicuredgardensbelow,getting lostinthe sculpted hedges and flower beds, whichduringthe dayprobablysmelled amazingthis time ofthe year withthat jasminevineand-
“Well,hellothere,stranger.”
Ijustaboutleapedoutofmyskinasasultryfemininevoicesuddenlyspokebehindme.Whirlingaroundwildly,Ifoundmyself face-to-facewiththemysterywoman,thefountainlightcreatingglintsofamberfireinthosecat-likeeyes
“Ohgeez,Iuh hi,”Istammeredoutoh-so-smoothly
“Ididn’tmeantogiveyouaheartattack,”shesaid,herlipstwitchingbeneaththatpurplemask Wassheactuallyhavingalaugh atmyexpense?
“No,no,it’sallgood.Ijust...didn’thearyoucoming,”Ibabbledlikeanabsolutebuffoon.
Getagrip,Cory!Iwasramblingonlikeanervouswreck,mypalmsturningintominiswimmingpools,whilethisbombshellof awomanstoodtherecoolasacucumber.
Shetookastepcloser,andIcouldfeelmybraincellsdesperatelytryingtoregroupasIcontinuedtotripovermyownwords
“It’sjust youknow theseshoes ”Igesturedvaguelyatmyshinywingtips Wow,yes,tellherallaboutyourboringfootwear
Whatagreatconversationstarter.Goldstarforyou!
Ratherthanretreatingfromtheblabberingdorkinthemask(yourstruly),shemovedevencloser,whichwasboththrillingand terrifying.
“Mmm,Ispottedthoseclassyshoesofyoursearlier,”shepracticallypurred,sendingajoltofconfusionthroughme.
Wasthisbreathtakingwomanactuallyflirtingwithme?Myearsfeltliketheywereonfirebeneaththemask,andIcouldbarely containmybewilderment.
Snapoutofit,Cory!Thisenchantingmysterywomanhasjustgivenyouanopening,andyou’refumblingitlikearookie!Spit somethingout,youbuffoon!
“Uh,aboutearlier,”Istammered,finallyfindingmyvoice.“I,uh,Ikindofnoticedyoucheckingmeoutafewtimesduringthe party”
Smooth, Romeo. Real smooth. She probably thinks I’m a creep now. But instead, she laughed lightly, the sound low and musicalandincrediblysexy.
“Busted, Isuppose. Yougotme there.” She nonchalantlypropped her impeccable hip againstthe railing, lookinglike she’d beenborntoleanonthingswitheffortlessgrace “HowcouldInotspotyouwhenyoustrolledinwithyourfriend?Twogoodlookingguys,althoughnomaskintheuniversecouldhidehowawkwardyoufeltatthiswholeshindig.”
Mystomachtookastrangelittlesomersault.Geez,wasitthatnoticeable?SomuchformyattemptstokeepitchillandactlikeI fitrightin,minglingwiththeSiliconValleyVIPsandstunners
“Yeah, this isn’t exactly my usual scene,” I admitted with an awkward little laugh “My business partner made me come Cozyingupclientsisusuallyhisdepartment.”
“Well,aren’tyoujustthedutifulpartner?”
Thewayshelookedatmefrombehindthatmaskwaslikeshewasstaringstraightthroughme,seeingthingsnooneelsecould see Itwasunnervingandthrilling
Getittogether,mybrainscreamedatmeagain Saysomethingclever,dammit!
Ifumbled for a smoothreply “Whataboutyou? Is schmoozingwiththe technerds inmasks your usual idea ofa funFriday night?”
Okay,asemi-decentcomeback.Iconsidereditprogress.
Shelaughedagain.“Idon’tknowifI’dcallitfunnecessarily.Butit’snotwithoutits...perks.”
She reached out and boldly adjusted my tie, smoothing it between nimble fingers. I froze at her sudden touch, my breath catching sharply in my chest She smelled amazing Like jasmine and cinnamon, some fancy perfume, I couldn’t name but instantlyloved.
“There.Muchbetter,”shesaidsoftly.Hadshesomehowdriftedevencloser?Mereinchesseparatedusnow.Istaredintothose hypnotictigereyesglowingbehindhermask.WasIimaginingthesuddenelectricitychargingthenightairbetweenus?
Iopenedmymouth.Closeditagain.Gulped.Triedonemoretime.
“Wouldyou,uh ”Ohgod Wasmyvoiceactuallycracking?Icoughed,willingitanoctavelower “Wouldyoumaybeliketo, youknow...dance?”
I held my breath, watching her reaction. She went still, those amazing eyes searching mine for a long moment. My heart poundedsoloud,surely,inthesuddensilence,shecouldhearit,too.
Asmileslowlyspreadacrossherface,andsheleanedinclose.Herfingersgrazedmysuddenlysweatypalm,andshebreathed onesimplewordintomyear:
“Maybe...”
RYLEE
Itookaslow sipofchampagne,savoringthebubblysweetnessasIsurveyedthescenebeforeme TheannualSiliconValley Techmasquerade ball was infull swing. Aclassical quartetvibrated their strings smoothlyona small stage, butsoon, their effortsweredrownedoutbythesteadythrobofclubbeatsdominatingthedancefloor.
Costumedpartygoerslaughed,schmoozed,andflirtedindizzyingwhirlsofcolor.Gods,goddesses,andfantasycreaturesfrom mythsandlegendscametolifeunderthepulsingneonlights.
I smiled behind the bejeweled safety of my purple mask. I was shocked when the engraved invitation arrived on heavy cardstockinmymailboxlastweek.I-littleRyleePalmer,newintownfromSacramento-wasinvitedtorubshoulderswith theSiliconValleyeliteatthesocialeventoftheseason
Apparently,thelocalbusinesschapterwasalreadytakingournewfirmmoreseriouslythanI’drealized Thismasqueradeball wastheperfectopportunitytodosomesubtlenetworking.
And,youknow,maybehavealittlefunforonce.Ismoothedtheskirtofmyshimmeryamethystgown.Whenwasthelasttime I’dactuallyfeltpretty?IthadbeenagessinceIdolledmyselfup,longerstillsinceI’dflirtedjustforthethrillofit
Tonightcalledforafreshstartonbothfronts Iaddedadashmorelipstick,pressedmylipstogether,andstruttedtowardsthe crowdwithnewfoundconfidence.
Overthenexthour,Icharmedmywaythroughbusinessmenwhowantedtotalkcrypto,starry-eyedentrepreneurspitchingapp ideas, and evena semi-famous retired athlete who asked me to breakfast I deftlydistanced myself fromanymorning-after expectationsbutdidn’tshyfromcoysmilesorlightbrushesoffingertipsalongmuscularbiceps.
Harmlessfun.Theanonymityprovidedbysilkymasksandthechampagnebuzzgaveeveryonepleasant,plausibledeniability.
Throughoutitall,though,Ifoundmygazereturningagainandagaintooneman.Hestuckoutsorely-tallandbroad-shouldered inaclassicblacksuit,hishairatousledcopperymane Butthetensesetofthoseshouldersintriguedme,thewayhetuggedat his tie like it was a noose stranglinghim. His companionseemed inhis element, workingthe roomwitheasylaughter. Yet MaskedGingerlookedreadytocrawlstraightoutofhisskin.
Isensedastorythere.AndIwantedinonit.
I’dalwayshadaknackfordiggingupdirt,figuringoutwhatmadefolkstickandhowtopushtheirbuttons.Itwasallpartofthe game
SoIwatchedhimfromacrosstheroom,curiositywellandtrulypiqued.Waitedtoseewhathewoulddo.
Oureyeslockedwithaboltoflightning.Helookedawayquickly,buttheconnectionhadalreadysnappedintoplace.Ibitmy liptohideasmile,notingtheendearingsplashofpinkcoloringthetipsofhisears.
Hook,line,andsinker.Ijusthadtoreelhiminnow.
Patience was key. I let himgather his courage, sensingthe impendingapproachas surelyas a sharkscents blood diffusing throughthewater
ButInoticedheslippedoutsidethedoorstothepatio,andIfollowedhim.
WhenIspoke,Imusthavesurprisedhimashejumpedandturned.Igazedupintosea-glasseyesbehindaninkyblackmask.
Afteralittlesmall talkandflirting,hefinallypoppedthequestion,“Wouldyoumaybeliketo,youknow...dance?”Hisvoice crackedcharminglyonthequestion,andmygrinflashedwolfishly.Gotcha…
Weflowedtogether onthedancefloor,conversationclippedandjittery Hefumbledwords,rakednervoushandsthroughhis hair,andgrimacedathisownawkwardjokes.Ismootheddownhisrumpledcollarandrestedasteadyinghandonhisshoulder. Slowlycoaxedhimoutinchbyinchontotheslipperyiceofflirtation.
Askingforhisnamewasonthetipofmytongue-Icouldseetheshapeofitwaitingbehindhisteeth,too.Butrealnameshad no place here Ours was a world spunfromchampagne bubbles, and snatches ofsonglyrics and secrets whispered inears smellingofexpensiveperfume.
Weswayedtotherhythm,hishandsinchingtheirwaydownmywaist,ashycatontheprowl.Myfingerstracedapathuphis neck, getting lost in that copper mane of his With every new song, our lips drew closer, each touch igniting sparks that crackledintheair.
“Wanttoslipoutsideforabreathofair?”Ifinallymurmuredagainsthisthroatduringabass-heavydip.Henoddedwordlessly, Adam’sapplebobbing
Theautumnwindsmackedus intheface,achillywake-upcall as welefttheballroom’s stuffy,humidembrace Itossedmy head backand gulped the crisp air like itwas a top-shelfmerlot. Myenigmatic dance partner mimicked myactions withan exaggeratedgroanthathadmebitingbackalaugh.Foramoment,westoodthereliketworandomstrangers,silentlybonding overoursharedrelieffromtherefreshingcold.
“God,Ineededthat.”Raisinghismask,hescrubbedbothhandsbrisklyoverhisface.“Muchbetterouthere.” “Mm-hmm.”Islidalookathim,stillhiddenbehindpurplelaceandcrystals.“Thecompany’simprovedtoo.”
Heflushedandreattachedhismask.Butinsteadofstammering,heboldlycaughtmyhand,pressingakisstotheknuckle. “Whatdo yousaywe lose these masks too?” Longfingers plucked atmylace. “Iwantto see ifthe face matches the silver tongue.”
Mybreathcaughtattheunanticipateddaring,anelectricthrill chasingdownmyspine.Therewasmoretothisshygentleman thanmettheeye.Peelingbackthoselayersonebyonefilledmewithunexpectedlonging.
Wordlessly,Iremovedhismask,thenmyowninturn.Eyeslocked,thethousandunspokenrulesgoverningthisglitteringmakebelieve world unfurled around us. We finally stood face to face, and the nameless Adonis smiled. His eyes sparked with appreciation,devouringthesightofmywild,darkhaircascadingdownmyshouldersbeforerecapturingmygaze
“Well,heythere,gorgeous”Hisvoicewasawarmwhiskey,meantjustforme “Igottatellya,Idon’tthinkI’mquitereadyto letyoudisappearonmejustyet.”
Hiswordsoozedsmoothly,buthisfingersquiveredeversoslightlyastheyreachedtocradlemyjawwithsweetgentleness. Itippedmychinup,nudgingmynoseagainsthisinaslow,easynuzzle.Hisbreathhitched,andIcouldfeeltheheatofhisbody throughthecrispcottonofhisshirt Myfingerslazilytracedtheirwayuphischest,readingtheBrailleofhismusclesbefore curlingpossessivelyaroundhislapels.Iwasstakingmyclaimandwasn’tafraidtotellhim.
“YouthinkI’mjustgoingtoletyouslipawayafterallthis?”Imurmured,punctuatingitwithakisstosealthedeal.
Heletoutthiscutelittlesound,all helpless-like,ashishandsdoveintomyhair,deepeningthekiss,leavingmylipsbuzzing andmyheadspinning
Whenwefinallycameupforair,herasped,“How‘boutaliftsomewhere?”
Igrinned “Oh,you’reofferingridesnow,huh?”
Hischeekswentredagain-man,Ilovedwatchingthatpolishedexteriorcracktorevealthefirebeneath
“Uh,yeah Imean,mycar Icangetitanddriveyouhome Or youknow,wherever youneedtogo ”Hestumbledover his words,onceagainlookingunsure.
Homewasatinystudioapartmentwithbooksstillinboxesstackedwaist-highandamattressonthefloor.Iwasn’tquiteready forthosedrearydimensionsofrealitytointrudeonguests.
“Mm,Iknowtheperfectplace.”Catchinghishand,Itowedhimtowardsthegoldenglowofthevaletstation.
Twentyminuteslater,IhadhimpullhissleekBMWoffintoasecludedoverlook.Thecitysparkledbelowlikeourownprivate galaxy.Ileanedover,lettingtheskirtofmydressridehighonmypartedthighsasInippeddelicatelyathisearlobe.
“Kissme,”Ibreathed,myvoiceaseductivewhisper.
Alow growl rumbled fromhis chestas he hauled me againsthim, his lips findingmine witha desperate hunger. His hands roamedupmythighs,hikingmydressupuntilhisfingersfoundthelaceedgeofmypanties.Iwrithedandbuckedagainsthim, my body burning with desire He groaned into our kiss, his fingers digging into my flesh with an intensity that left me breathless,suretoleaveatrailofbruisesintheirwake.
Even without knowing his name, the idea of himbranding me had me buzzing with excitement. I couldn’t resist giving his bottomlipanibble,elicitingagrowlthatmademytoescurl Then,Ipulledbackjustenoughtoasktheall-importantquestion, “Gotprotection?”Ibreathed,myvoicebarelyaudible.
Gruntingsoftly,headjustedhisgriponme,reachingforhiswalletwithonehandwhileholdingmetightagainsthimwiththe other Icouldfeeltheheatradiatingfromhisbodyashefumbledforthecondom,anditsentashiverdownmyspine
Assoonashehandedittome,Ireachedbetweenus,tracingmyfingersalongthelengthofhiserectionthroughhispants My clitpulsatedinsweetagony,cravingtosavorhimfullywithmylips.Regretfully,Iknewthatpleasurewouldhavetowait.
A swift tug undid his pants, and my hand slipped inside his boxer briefs. My initial assessment had been a gross understatement;hiscockwasmagnificentlythickandlong,gracedwithadeliciouscurvethatleftmymouthwatering. Igrippedhimfirmly,caressinghimleisurelyfrombasetotip Agutturalgroanescapedhim,andIfelthisfingersclutchmyhips tighter.
“Iwanttomakeyoucomefirst,”hesaid,hisvoiceroughwithdesire.“AndwhenIdo,Iwanttobeinsideyou.”
Inodded,rollingthecondomdownoverhisshaft.HeletoutastrangledmoanasIworkeditoverhislength,andIfeltasurge ofpowerknowingthatIwastheonedrivinghimwild.
Ididn’twasteanytime,goinguponmyknees,Imovedover him,smirkingas hegrippedmyhips tokeepmebalanced.Our eyeslocked,andIslowlyloweredmyselfontohim,savoringthewayhisbreathhitchedasIsankdowninchbygloriousinch. “Oh.”Mynailsdugintohisshoulder,andIbitmyliptokeepfrommoaningtooloudly.“Oh,fuck.”
Hesqueezedhiseyesshut,hisgriponmyhipstightening.“Yeah.Fuck.Definitelyfuck.”
IpantedasIrockedbackandforth,fightingmybodytotakehim.Iwaswet,butwehadn’thadanyforeplay,andhewasjustso damnbig. His head fell backas he continued to curse, and Ibegged himto tell me his name just so Icould screamit. My experiencewithmenwasnotextensive,butthey’dallbeenaboveaverage
Thismanwassofarbeyondaveragethatitfeltlikehewouldsplitmeintwobythetimehebottomedout Myentirebodywas onfire,mymusclestwitchingandspasmingasmypussystruggledtoadjusttosomethingthislargeinsideme.
Myoriginalplanwastoridehimuntilwebothcame,nolingeringordrawingthingsout,butnow,Ididn’thaveanychoicebut togocompletelystilluntilIcouldfinallybreatheagain
“Fuckyoufeel amazing” He raised his head, his eyes blazingwithdesire Curlinghis hand around the backofmyneck, he pulledmeinforakiss.
Ourlipsmovedtogether,andthentherestofourbodiescaughton.HishipsrosetomeetmeasIsetabrutalpace,risingand droppingataratethatmadethelinebetweenpainandpleasureblur Wecametogether,mouthsonlypartinglongenoughforus to gasp for air. I vaguely knew my hair was coming out of its updo, but I didn’t care. All I cared about was the building pressureinmeandtheracetorelease.
OnlywhenIslumpeddownonhim,spent,didanysemblanceofcoherentthoughtreturn Andthefirstthingthatwentthrough myheadwassimple.
Itappedmyfingerstoanimaginarybeatontheleathersteeringwheel,mygazedriftingyetagaintothepassengerseatasIsat throughanotherredlight.Theechooflastnightstilllingered,ahauntingsilhouetteoftousledcurls,baregoldenshoulders,and theenticingcurveofathighpeekingthroughtheslitofaglitteringdress.
Iscrunchedmyeyesshut,attemptingtoexorcisethememoryofherbodymoldedagainstmineinthehushedprivacyofmycar. Thewaysheconfidentlyledmyhandupherleg,hernailsdancinglightlyovermyknucklesbefore
Ablaringhornsnappedmeoutofmydaydream.Imutteredacurseundermybreathandflooredthegasjustasthelightblinked backto red. This was absurd. I couldn’t shake the replayof everysteamymoment fromthat enchantingmasquerade ball. I couldn’tstopobsessingoverher
Thesecretivewomanwithoutaname
I’dspentthewholefreakin’weekendrackingmybrainforanyclueaboutwhoshewas Didshedropahintaboutherfriends? Herjob?Butall thoseheatedchatsjustswirledtogetherinmyhead,boilingdowntotherushofherfingerstracingmythigh andtheflutterofherlipsonmyneck
Useless Evennow,Icouldstillfeeltheheatofdesirecracklingbeneathmyskin
Way to go, McCrae Pining over a woman like a lovesick puppy, and you didn’t even snag her name Or her number Or anything!
Ismackedmyheadagainsttheheadrestinsheerfrustration.ThiswasthefirstwomanI’dreallyclickedwithingodknowshow long,andmybumblingselfhadtotallybotchedanychanceofseeingheragain
“Realsmooth,Romeo,”Imumbled
Twentyminutes later, Iswaggered throughthe sparklinglobbyofGracen&McCrae, “Good morning, Mr McCrae” echoing behindmelikeabrokenrecord.Itossedoutcrispgreetings,sidesteppingsmalltalklikeapro.ThesoonerIdoveheadfirstinto work,thesoonerIcoulddrownmydistractioninspreadsheetsandgameplans
As Iapproached myoffice, Isensed a presence beside me Glancingover, Idid a double take Jules, Fury’s assistant, was keepingpacewithme,herstrideassmoothasmeltedbutter.
“Jules,”Isaid,tryingtosoundcasual.“What’sthedeal?”
Sheshotmeaslygrin,hereyesscanningmefromheadtotoe.“Well,well,well,Mr.McCrae.You’relookingmightyfinethis morning.Glowing,even.Niceweekend?”
Aflushcreptupmyneck,andIfoughttheurgetotugatmytie WasIreallythatobvious?DidIhaveaneonsignabovemyhead flashing“love-struck”?
“Ah,youknow,justtheusual,”Irepliedwithacarelessshrug.“Fury’swaitingforme,right?”
“Uh-huh,inhislair,”shepurred.“Don’tletmeholdyouup.”
Witha wink, she sashayed away, leavinga trail ofrose perfume behind her. Istood there, staringafter her, slightlystunned. Since whendidJules Vortakbather lashes atme? Infive years,we’dexchangedmaybe a dozenwords notrelatedtowork. Nowshewasgivingmetheonce-over
MysteamyrendezvousSaturdaywasetchedallovermyfacefortheworldtosee.Furywasgoingtohaveafielddaywiththis.
After depositing my bag in my office, I stumbled upon my partner lounging behind his mammoth oak desk, feet perched nonchalantlyonaprecariousstackoffiles.Hewelcomedmewitharakishgrin. “Well,lookwho’sdoingthewalkofshamethismorning,”Furychortled. Iblinked,takenaback.“Uh,sorry,what?”
“Youheard me.” He cackled at mybewildered expression. “Jules just filled me inonhow she caught youblushinglike a schoolgirlwithacrushinthehallway Judgingbythegoofylookonyourface,shefiguredyou’dhadonehellofaweekend Is thereanythingyou’dliketosharewiththeclass,McCrae?”
Withagroan,Iplonkedmyselfdowninthechairoppositehimandrakedbothhandsthroughmyhair.Somuchforkeepingmy secretentanglementunderwraps
“Oh,comeon,don’tbelikethat,”Furycajoled “I’mnotaskingforspecificshere Justtellmewhetherourlittleboyisfinally becomingamanoutthere.”
Hisgrinmorphedintoaslysmirk,andadarkeyebrowarchedwithmischief.Despitemyreddeningcheeks,Ichuckled. “Alright,alright,youwin.Something...wentdownthisweekend.”
Furywhistledlowandswiveledhischairtofaceme.“Spillit.”
Reluctantly,Isharedthebareessentials:theliquidcourage,theirresistiblepulltowardsthemysteriouswomaninpurple,the flirtatiousbanterontheterrace,thelostmasks,andtheenchantingnightthatendedtangledupwitheachotherinmycar
“So,letmegetthisstraight-youmeetthisdrop-deadgorgeouswoman,butyoudon’tevengethernumber?”Furyclickedhis tonguedisapprovinglywhenIfinishedmytale.“Amateurhour,myfriend.”
Infrustration,Ithrewupmyhands.“Iknow,Iknow!Believeme,I’vebeenbeatingmyselfupallweekendfornotevengetting hername”
“Well,hey,youfinallytooktheleap!Yougottaapplaudthosebabysteps,buddy”Hechuckledandgavemeasolidwhackon theback.“Lookatyou,gettingsomeaction!”
Irolledmyeyes,awrygrinplayingatthecornersofmymouth.“Don’tgopoppingthecorkjustyet.I’vegotafeelingshewas aone-timewonder,astrokeofpureluck”
“Ah,don’tsellyourselfshort!Maybethisisjustthebeginning,theendofyourdryspellandthestartofaromanticdeluge,eh?”
Aslygrinspreadacrosshisface.“Ifyou’reinthemarketforsomepointersonsealingthedeal and gettinghernumber,I’dbe morethanhappytoshareafewtricksofthetrade ”
Iraisedahand,cuttinghimoff.“Nah,IthinkI’mgood,thanks.Really.”Iclearedmythroat,steeringtheconversationbackto saferwaters.“So,uh,aboutthecharityball,Itakeityouleftquitetheimpressionthatnight...”
Helaunchedintothetaleofhisownescapade-somesocialiteheiresswhoapparentlyhadn’tseenthelightofdayallweekend. Ilethisplayboybanterwashoverme,mythoughtsdriftingbacktomyownelusiveenchantress.AsmuchasIknewIshouldlet hergo,therewasapartofmethatmournedthelostopportunities,thechancesthatslippedthroughmyfingers
If only I’d been braver, bolder, and asked the right questions But that had never been my forte with women I thrived on strategy,data,solidnumbers,andthecomfortingcertaintyofthebusinessworld. Notthefrighteningunknownsofattractionandromance.
Fury’svoiceyankedmebacktothepresent,steeringourchattowardsbusinessventuresandrecentacquisitions.Iresolved,for theumpteenthtime,nottoletmybrainwasteanymoreenergymullingoverthemysteriouswoman Afterall,Ihadacompany torun.
“And I’ve gotthatstartup CEOyouwere schmoozingatthe partylastweek,” Furyadded. “Butmore importantly, I’ve been
lookingintothisnewcrew,PalmerMoneyManagement,that’sbeennibblingatourtoes-orrather,ourclientbase.”
Iscrunchedmyeyebrows,drawingablankatthename.“Whotheheckarethey?”
“That’sthemillion-dollarquestion,”Furytappedhispenonthedesk,hisforeheadcreasing.“There’sthisbigRandallPalmer ManagementoutfitinSacramento.IfiguredtheyjustopenedabranchhereinPaloAlto.ButIcalledinafewfavors,andI’ve gotitongoodauthoritythatRandallPalmerisn’tconnected.”
“So,it’ssomeoneelse,andthey’realreadysnatchingupourclients?”
He nodded gravely. “You got it. My sources tell me it’s run by some guy named Riley Palmer. Never heard of him. He appearedoutofthinairandhadalreadybaggedaFacebookfinanceVPandanactressmarriedtosomeSnapchatbigwig.Big fish,letmetellyou Iheardarumorthey’retryingtoreelinJessicaZhang’saccounts,too Andyouknowwe’vebeentryingto landherformonths.”
Ipressed mylips together ina tightline. I’d builtmycareer onpredictingthe market’s nextsignificantmoves, stayingthree stepsaheadofanypotentialrivals Itwasunnervingforanewfirmtomaterializeovernightandalreadyhaveenoughcloutto challengeourhard-wonterritory.
“Thinkthiswillmesswithourquarterlynumbers?”Iasked,startingtofret.
Furyreassuredme,“Weshouldbealrightfornow.ButifPalmerkeepsthisup,wemighthavetobattendownthehatches.”
“Iguesswe’vegotourselvesabitofachallenge,”Ichuckled,rubbingmyhandstogether.“We’vegottopolishupourimage, makesurewe’retheshiniestappleinthebarrel”
Furyshotmeagrin,hiseyestwinklingwithmischief “Alittlerivalryneverhurtanyone,right?”
“Youbet,”Inodded,pushingmyselfupfromthechair “How‘boutwehashthisoutoverlunch?”
Hewasalreadylostinanewtask,buthegaveaquick,absent-mindednod “Soundslikeaplan,”hesaid
Withanewfounddetermination,IstrodeoutofFury’soffice,readytozeroinonthismysteriousupstartwho’dsprunguplikea weedinthegarden.PalmerMoneyManagement,eh?JustwhowasthisRileyPalmercharacterswipingourprizedclientsright fromunderournoses?Itwastimetorollupmysleevesanddosomeseriousprivateeyework,uncoverthedirtonhimandhis slickoperation.
Ah, that enchanting woman from the ball, she’d have to remain a tantalizing memory, a wisp of perfume lingering in my thoughts.
RYLEE
I basked inthe earlysunshine as I stepped out of myapartment complex, the crisp morningair raisinggoosebumps onmy exposedlegs.Thetemptationtosprintbackupstairsforalightjacketcrossedmymind,butIdismissedit.Theweatherforecast hadpromisedabalmymid-70sbylunchtime,justrightforthestrollIhadinmindformymiddaybreak.
Tuggingonmyhoodiezipper,Isetoffdownthequietstreettowardstheoffice,apleasantmileorsoaway-farenoughtoget myheartpumping,butnotsofarthatI’dbeasweatymesswhenIgotthere.Itookadeepbreath,lettingthemorningairfillmy lungs,carryingawhisperofjasminefromsomeone’snearbygarden.Irarelygottoenjoythistimeofdayjustbeforetheworld wokeupandchaostookover-thecalmbeforethecaffeine-fueledstorm
Mythoughts meandered backto Sacramento, the cityI’d just left a monthand a half ago Movingto Palo Alto had beena rollercoasterofemotions-ontheonehand,IfeltlikeI’dbustedoutofjail,escapingthetenserelationshipwithdearolddad
Randall Palmer, the hotshot finance honcho On the other hand, there was a twinge of homesickness for my old familiar stompinggrounds.Ialwayswonderedhowlifemight’veplayedoutifMomhadn’tleftussoearly.WouldDadhavebeenless ofahard-noseddisciplinarianandmoreofanurturingfatherifhehadn’tbeenalone?
Shakingoffthemelancholy,Irefocusedonthepresent Todaywasgoingtobeafantasticday Ihadamountainofworkaheadat thenewoffice,butIfeltinvigoratedandhopeful.Buildingmyownbusinessfromthegrounduphadbeenmydreamforyears, andnow,itwasfinallyhappening.
“Goodmorning,MissPalmer,”thesecurityguardsaidasIenteredthelobby.
“MorningWarren!Howwasyourweekend?”Iasked.
“Oh,youknow,sameold,”hesaidwithasmile.“Howaboutyou?Didyougetuptoanythingfun?”
“Imayhavehadafewadventures,”Isaidcoyly,notwantingtogivetoomuchaway.Warrenjustlaughed.
“Well,youenjoyyourdaynow,”hesaid,holdingthedooropenforme “Thanks,Warren,youtoo!”
IhummedsoftlyasIrodeupintheelevator Despitebeingtheoppositeofamorningperson,Ifeltenergeticandreadytotackle thedayahead.
MyassistantMallorywas alreadyather deskwhenIentered the office, a cup ofcoffee inone hand and myschedule inthe other.
“Goodmorning,Rylee,”shesaidasshegreetedme.“Ihaveyourappointmentsfortodayallset.The10a.m.appointmentwith BeauCanyonmightbeatrickyone,fromwhatIhear.”
I nodded, the name familiar. Beau Canyon was an up-and-coming social media influencer who had amassed a substantial followingandwealthata youngage.Buthe was knowntobe entitledanddifficulttoworkwith.Well,Iloveda challenge. “Youbet,”IrepliedtoMallory,grinning “We’llbringBeauaround,onewayoranother Itmightrequiresomefancyfootwork, butI’mupforthechallenge.”
Shegavemeaknowingsmile.“Ihavenodoubtyou’llwinhimover.”
Iglancedtowardsmyofficeandnoticedafiguresittinginside.“Who’sthat?”Iasked,tiltingmyheadinthatdirection.
“Ah, Sergio LaRicca. He’s your firstcandidate for the associate position,” Malloryexplained. “He arrived a bitearly, so I showedhimtoyourofficetowait.Justaheadsup,he’squitethelooker.”
Ichuckled “Thanksforthewarning,”Isaidbeforeheadingintomyoffice
AsIentered,thetallmanwithblue-blackwavesofhairandchiseledfeaturesrosetogreetme Butitwashisdazzlingsmile thatnearlyknockedmeoffmyfeet.
“Sergio LaRicca,” he introduced himself ina silkybaritone. “Youmust be Rylee Palmer. I have to say, I wasn’t expecting someonesolovely.”
Iarchedaneyebrow attheflirtatioustonebutshookhishandfirmly.“Please,haveaseat,”Isaidbriskly,movingbehindmy desk.“Shallwegetstarted?”
IfSergio was putoffbymyno-nonsense demeanor, he didn’tshow it. “Ofcourse. Letme firstsayit’s refreshingto meeta womanrunningherownfirm.Thefinanceworldneedsmorefemaleleadership.”
“You’reabsolutelyright,”Irepliedwithachuckle,“andI’vehadmyfairshareofrun-inswiththeoldboys’club.ButI’mall aboutaction,notjusttalk You'realreadyastepaheadifyoucansupportawoman-ledfirm”
Sergioflashedagrin “Iconsidermyselfprettyforward-thinking Tome,it’sallaboutskillandtalent,nomatterifyou’reaguy oralady.”
Forthenexttwentyminutes,IwalkedSergiothroughtheinsandoutsofPalmerMoneyManagement.Ispilledthebeansonour grand vision, the crew we catered to, and the bagoftricks we had up our sleeves Sergio was all ears, lobbingthoughtful questionsmywayandlookingdownrightdazzledbywhatwe’dpulledoffinsuchashorttime.
“Moneymanagement’smybreadandbutter,”SergiopipedupwhenIpressedhimonwhatluredhimintothegig.“Freshoutof Columbia,IdoveheadfirstintotheNewYorkscene Irackedupsomesolidyears,butthen ”Hehesitated,hisgazedrifting offintothedistance.
“Don’tleavemehanging,”Inudgedhim,curiositypiqued.
Heletoutasigh.“Let’sjustsaytherewasabitofamisunderstandingwithaclientwhoaccusedmeofplayingfastandloose withtheir cash.Itturnedouttheyweretheones withstickyfingers,notme.Butbythetimethedustsettled,thedamagewas done.Thevibeintheofficewasicy,andIcouldfeelthecoldshoulderfromamileaway.So,Ifigureditwastimetopackup andfindgreenerpastures.”
Igavehimaonce-over,takinginhisunwaveringgaze.“Irespectyourhonesty,”Isaidafteramoment.“Butlet’sgetonething straight Ifyou’regoingtojumponboardwithus,Iexpectnothinglessthansqueaky-cleanethics Wedon’tdoshadybusiness here.”
Sergiobobbedhisheadinagreement.“Yougotit.Myreputationismybrandinthisgame,andI’mdeadseriousaboutdoing rightbytheclient”
Ihadagutfeelingthathewastherealdeal Theguyhadaknackformakingthingshappenandanauraofconfidencethatwas hardtoignore.WeneededsomeonelikehimonourteamtoreelinthebiggestfishinSiliconValley.
“Well,Sergio,Igottasay,you’vegotsomeseriouspotentialhere.You’vegotthatswaggerandknow-howwe’reafter.”
Heflashedmeagrin.“I’mmorethanhappytojoinforces.”
Ihoppedupandofferedhimmyhand.“You’reourtoppick.I’llcontactyousoonaboutthenextmoves.”
Weexchangedafirmhandshake.AsIwalkedhimout,IfeltajoltofexcitementatthethoughtofaddingSergiotoourteam.His charismaandchopscouldcatapultPalmerMoneyManagementintothebigleagues Thiswasgoingtobeagame-changer,andI hadahunchitwouldpayoff.Especiallywhenitcametowinningoverourfemaleclients,hisvibecouldgiveusalegupon Gracen&McCrae
Runningabusinessisn’tjustaboutbeinggoodatwhatyoudo Sometimes,it’sabouttimingandabitofluck Havingaunique serviceinacrowdedfieldcanreallymakeadifference.
FuryandIwerebankingonthatwhenweshiftedgearstofocusonmoneymanagement.WehaddoneourhomeworkonthePalo Altoscene,makingsurewehadtherightservicesatpricesthatwouldgetattention.Butwhatwedidn’tseecomingwasanew playercrashingourpartyandpoachingourclientsleftandright.
ImightbelayingitonabitthickwhenIsaythey’re‘poaching’ourclients,butthisunexpectedallegianceswaphasusrunning around tryingto woo freshfaces. And that’s where mylittle rendezvous withthe legendaryBethanyChamberlaincomes in. Thislady’sgotmoremoneythanshecanshakeastickat She’soneofthoseiconicformer modelswho’sontheprowl for a reliablemoneymanagerafterherlastonetriedtomakeoffwithherfortune.
With Fury, our go-to smooth talker, already booked and busy, it fell on my shoulders to win over the illustrious Bethany Chamberlain Now,Bethanywasno-nonsense,notonetofall for sweetnothings,soIfiguredthiswouldbeastraight-to-thepointchataboutherfinancialsituation.
AsIpulleduptoBethany’smansion,Inoticedaneye-catchingsportscarparkedinthedriveway.ItwasnotexactlytherideI’d expectfromsomeone like her ifyouknow whatImean Mycuriositywas piqued, and Iwondered about the owner ofthat flashysetofwheels.
As ifoncue, a tall, suited-up, good-lookingguystrolled out. Whatthe hell? Myintel didn’tmentionanythingaboutBethany havingfamilyortightconnectionsinthearea,butIalreadyhadahunchwhohemightbe.Thiswasnotfamilyorfriends. “Hiya,”Igreetedhim,flashingafakefriendlysmile.“I’mheretomeetwithMs.Chamberlain.”
Hebeamedbackatme.“Ah,Gracen&McCrae,right?”
Well,shit IbetthisguyisRileyPalmer
Takingashotinthedark,Iasked,“AreyouwithPalmerMoneyManagement?”
Hegaveaslightbow,stillwearingthatgrin “That’stheone,”heconfirmedbeforehoppingintohiscar Istoodthere,watchinghistaillightsdisappearintothedistance,asItriedtoshakethatnaggingfeelinginmygut Maybeitwas the annoyance ofpossiblylosingto RileyPalmer or the factthatIfeltlike a fishoutofwater compared to myold finance strategyjob.
Whateveritwas,Ihadtoletitgo.IwasheretowinBethanyovertoGracen&McCraeandsteerherclearofwhatIsawasa potentialdisaster.
Takingadeepbreath,Ipushedthoughtsofthatflashycaranditsownertothebackofmymindandgavethedoorafirmknock. Bethanyansweredwithafriendlysmilethatimmediatelyputmeatease.
“Mr.McCrae,pleasecomein,”shesaid,usheringmeintoherhome.
Bethany’smansionwasthedefinitionoflow-keysophistication.Sheherselfwasrockingachicpantsuit,theepitomeofclass
withoutbeingtooflashy.Evenherdiamondsweremoreaboutstylethanbling.
Ihadahunchonhowtoapproachthis.“CanIgetyouadrink?Water,juice,tea?”sheasked,allhospitable-like.
“No,thankyou.I’mgood,”Ireplied.
She nodded, and it was time to get down to brass tacks. She sat in one of those swanky looking but probably not too comfortablearmchairs,gesturingformetodothesameonitstwinacrossfromher
“ThanksforconsideringusatGracen&McCrae,”Ibegan,divingintoourusualsalespitch Butafteraminute,somethingtold meitwasn’tquitelandingwithher.ItwastimeforPlanB,thepersonaltouch.“AtGracen&McCrae,wedon’tjustfocuson bulkingupyourassets.Weensureyourmoneyworksforyou–supportingonlythecharitiesandprojects you careabout.” Hereyeslitup,andsheleanedincloser.“That’sreallyconsiderate,”shesaid.“Tobehonest,untilearlierwiththeotheryoung man,Ihadnoideasuchatailoredserviceexisted”
Well,damn!ItsoundedlikeRileyPalmermight’vebeatmetothepunchonthatone.
Still,Ipushedon.“Whatareyoulookingtoachievewithyourfinances?”Isaid,keepingmygamefaceon. Bethanylookedamusedassheanswered,“It’snicebeingwooedbysuchdedicatedprofessionals.”
Hervoicehadahopefulnote,butIhadthissinkingfeeling.
“However,”shecontinued,“I’vealreadydecidedtogowithPalmer’sfirm.”
Man,keepingmycoolwastough.RileyfrickingPalmer.“Iunderstand.Thanksforyourtime,”Isaid,leaving.“Justremember, Gracen&McCraeishereifyouchangeyourmind.”
Bethanywas all smiles as she walked me to the door, butitwas justa polite brush-off. Iwondered ifFury, withhis silver tongueandHollywoodgoodlooks,wouldhavehadbetterluckthanme,thenerdysidekickinthiswholeoperation.
The drive backto the Gracen&McCrae offices was sour thanks to RileyPalmer. LosingBethanyChamberlainto thatdude was a serious gutpunch. Withher refined grace and old-moneycharm, Bethanywas exactlythe kind ofclientwe needed to boostourrep ButPalmerhadswoopedinjustasweweregettingcozy
Iwhite-knuckledthesteeringwheel,myhands turningaghostlyshade This constantgameofone-upmanshipwasgettingold reallyfast.SincePalmerhadswaggeredintotownafewmonthsagointhatflashyride,itwaslikehe’dmadeithismissionto makeourlivesalivinghell Hewasalwaysonestepahead,snatchingourtopclientsandgenerallybeingapainintheass And now,he’daddedBethanytohislistofvictories.Itwasenoughtomakemewanttopullmyhairout.
Itwasdamninfuriating.Humiliating,even.Ishould’vegiventhatprettyboyapieceofmymind,scratchedupthatdamncar, something Anythingtowipethatsmuggrinoffhisperfectdimpledface
Yikes,Iblinked,tryingtoshakeoffthesuddenflareofanger Whoa,where’dthatcomefrom?Iwasn’tusuallythespitefultype Iwasthecalmandcollectedtwinwhoalwayskeptacoolhead.
Chill out, man.
BythetimeIgotbacktoourswankyofficewiththekillerviewofthebay,Ihadmanagedtoreininmytemper,butIcouldstill feelthelingeringfrustrationbubblingjustbeneaththesurface.Icouldn’tletthiskeephappening.Ourclientbasewasshrinking, andthefutureofGracen&McCraewashanginginthebalance.
Furywas there, givingme this quizzical look. “So, how’d it go?” he asked, eyebrows raised. I dropped into mychair and rubbedmyeyes.Helookedatmewithconcern.“Thatbad?” “She’sgoingwithPalmer,”Isaid,defeated.
Furyarched aneyebrow. “So, Bethanyjumped ship to Palmer’s camp. Color me shocked.” He leaned backinhis chair, his tone matter offact “Cuz, we gotta shake things up Buttingheads withPalmer is just not cuttingit He’s beenrunninglaps aroundus,scoopingupourbestleadswithoutbreakingasweat.” Iwincedatthebrutalhonestyofhiswords,butIcouldn’tdenyit.“Yeah,you’reright.Wecan’tkeephemorrhagingourtop-tier accountslikethis Ifwekeepgoingdownthisroad,we’llbeleftwithnothingbutcrumbs”
“Exactly.” Fury’s expression turned dead serious. “And losing Bethany today? That was a wake-up call. It means the bleeding’sspreadingbeyondjustourcurrentclients.Palmer’salsosinkinghisclawsintothefreshprospectswe’vecultivated formonths”
Irubbedahandroughlyovermyface,mystomachchurning.Ourverybusinesswasteeteringontherazor’sedge.Ifourclients keptjumpingshipenmasse,we’dbebankruptwithinayear.
“Alright, so what’s the grand plan?” I asked, cutting to the chase. “How do we stop this mass exodus before Gracen and McCraesinksliketheTitanic?”
Furyletouta sharpbreath,his brow furrowedindeepthought “Well,it’s clear thatgoinghead-to-headwithPalmer for the sameaccountsisalosingbattle.Wemustgetcreativeandswitchupourstrategy.”
Ileanedforward,hangingontohiseveryword.“I’mallears.What’sthebrilliantidea?”
“Weneedtoreelinthosenewaccountsbeforetherestofthevulturesevengetawhiffofthem,”Furysaid,adeterminedglintin hiseyes
“Hey,thatactuallysoundslikeasolidplan,”Inodded “Buthowtheheckdoweexecuteit?”
“Theanswer,mydear cousin,lies inyour recentlydiscoveredcharmandcharisma,”Furygrinned,slappingmeontheback “Timetoworkthatmagicofyours.”
RYLEE
Iwasstillridingthesweetwaveofawin,readytopopsomebubblyandcelebrate Butwhenmygo-togalpal,Natalie,bailed onourSaturdaynightshenanigansfortheumpteenthtime,Ionceagainwasflyingsolo,havingapartyforone.
Icouldn’treallyholditagainsther,though.Ever since she dove headfirstintothe wildworldofsecond-grade teaching,it’s beenanon-stopparadeofsnottynosesandqueasytummies.Thepoorgirl’sbeensickerthanadoglately,anditalmostmakes mereconsiderthewholekiddosthing,seeingherhangingonbyathread.
WithNatalieoutofcommission,mySaturdaynightplansnosedivedfromboogyingonbartopstoalow-keynightinwithapint oficecreamandthehumoftheTV.
AsIstoodintheconveniencestore,ahalf-gallonoficecreaminmybasket,Icontemplatedthewineaislelikeitheldthesecret to eternal happiness My choices were clear: either indulge in a bottle of vino or accept my fate as a hopeless romantic, swooningover chickflicks and ice cream. Talkaboutrockbottom. Imean, who needs wine whenyou’ve gotwhine, right? Yeah, Iknow, thatjoke’s older thandirt Butthere Iwas, wagingthis internal battle whena velvety-smoothvoice broke the silence:
“I’dsuggestpairingthatchocolateicecreamwitharich,oakyZinfandel.”
Startled,Ifumbledthebottlesandspunaroundtofindnoneotherthanthesexymaskedstrangerfromthemasqueradeball,now smirking at me with his mask-free face His striking features and the glint of humor in his sea-glass eyes sent a shiver of recognitiondownmyspine.
“Hey, I’mreallysorry!” He raised bothhands ina peace offering, obviouslythinkingmyshow ofsurprise was annoyance. “Didn’tmeantostartleyou.”
He can scare the daylights out of me anytime, I mused, heat rushing to my cheeks. But I quickly quashed that thought and managedadecentsmileinstead.
“Well, if it isn’t my mysterious dance partner in the flesh,” I said, aiming for nonchalance despite the adrenaline rush. I extendedmyfreehandtowardshim.
“Whatacoincidence,huh?”hedrawled,flashingagrinthatmademyheartrace.“Greattoseeyouagain.”
“Likewise,”Ireplied,myvoicehuskyasIshookhishand,feelingthatfamiliarelectriccurrentsizzlethroughmeoncemore.
“Stockinguponsupplies?”heasked,hiseyestwinkling.
“Justafewthings,”Imurmured,suddenlyawarethatIwasstillclutchinghishand,myfingersinterlacedwithhis.“Whatbrings youhere?”
“Oh,justafewnecessities,”hesaid,glancingathisemptybasketwithawickedsmile.“GuessIforgotwhattheywere.”
“Ifyouforgot,theycan’tbethatimportant,”Iteased,myeyeslockedonhim.
Heglancedatmyicecreamandraisedaneyebrow.“Youmightwanttohurrybeforethatmelts,”hesaid.
Hissmolderinggazeheldmecaptive,leavingmebreathlessandweakintheknees.
“Youknowwhat?Thaticecream’snotlookingsotastyanymore,”Imurmured,myvoicelowasIfoundmyselfmesmerizedby theintensityinhiseyes,nowfixatedonmylips.“Iseemtohavelostmyappetiteforanythingedible.”
“Strange,metoo,”hereplied,hisvoicedroppingtoalow,huskyrumble.“I’vegotacravingforsomethingelseentirely.”
Ihesitatedforamoment,myheartpoundinginmychest “Fuckit,”Imuttered,asmallsmileplayingonmylips “Let’sgodo something.”
“I’dlikethat.”Hegrinned,hiseyeslightingupwithexcitement.“Wheredoyouwanttogo?”
Mybrainbuzzedwithoptions,weighingtheprosandconsoffindingasecludedspot.Hispadormine?No,eitherwastooiffy, especiallybecauseIdidn’tevenknowhisname.Normally,I’dbecautious,butthisguyhadmyinnerdaredevilitchingtobreak free Thepulltowardshimwasweirdlyenough,toostrongtoignore Ahotelroomflittedthroughmymind,butthatwouldtake timeandmightkillthevibe;Ididn’twanttoriskruiningthemomentwithdoubtsorcoldfeet.Weneededsomethingimpulsive, alittlerisky,even-adashofdangertoaddsomeextrazingtothemix
Andthen,likeaboltfromtheblue,theperfectplanpoppedintomyhead “C’mon,followme,”Iblurtedout,shovingmyhalffilledshoppingbaskettowardacashierwithoutglancingatherreaction.Mygazewaslockedonmyhunky,sexymysteryman.
Wepracticallysprintedoutofthegrocerystore,ouranticipationbuzzinglikealivewire.Noneedforwords,Itookthereins andledustoanearbyretailshop I’dbeenthereseveraltimessincemovinghere,sofindingthefittingroomswasacakewalk Aminutelater,Ifumbledwiththelockonthefittingroomdoor,finallyclickingitshutjustashefollowedmein Ispunaround andflashedhimawink,instantlyregrettingitasIrealizedhowutterlyridiculousImust’velooked.Ohwell,there’snotimefor second-guessingnow.
He reached out, but instead of divingstraight for the goods, he surprised me byplayingwitha lockof myhair “Apublic dressingroom?You’requitetheadventurer,aren’tyou?”hequipped,hisvoicedippingintoaseductivemurmur.“Imustadmit, Ihave beenfantasizingaboutseeingyouundress,”heconfessed,hisvoicedroppingtoasultrywhisper.
Well,thatconfirmedit-wewerebothonthesamewavelength,anditwasheadingstraightforthegutter.
“Oh,my.ItlookslikeI’mnottheonlyonewithadirtymind,”Isaid,playfullytuggingatthehemofhisshirt.“Haveyouever wonderedwhatit’dbeliketohavemepeeloffyourclothes,onebyoneasIlickeveryinchonyourbody?”Iasked,raisingan eyebrowsuggestively.“BecauseI’vegottosay,youfeelprettyincredible,soIcanonlyimaginehowgoodyoulook.”
Then, he did thatimpossiblysexythingwhere he pulled his shirtoffinone smoothmotion, revealinga torso thatwas even morechiseledthanI’dimagined HisbreathcaughtasItracedmyfingersoverhisabs,butwhenIventuredlower,following thatenticingtrailofhairdowntothewaistbandofhispants,allthatrestrainedpowerandstrengthIhadsensedinhim...just snapped
His mouthcollided withmine, justas hotand electric as itwas the firsttime One hand tangled inmyhair, while the other grabbedmyass,makingmemoan.Nodoubt,thisguycouldseriouslyrockmyworldifIlethimhaveanentirenightwithme. “Pleasetellmeyouhaveacondom,”hepanted,pullingawayfrommeforasecond.“Ididn’treplacetheoneweusedtheother night.”
Igaveaquicknod,stillcatchingmybreath IrummagedthroughmypurseandpulledoutoneofthecondomsI’dstashedtherea whileback.WhenIlookedup,hewasdowntojusthisboxerbriefs,whichleftlittletotheimagination. Ipassedhimthecondomandwriggledoutofmyjeans,takingmypantieswiththem.Oncetheywereoff,Iunhookedmybraand letitjointhepile.
“Damn,”hemurmured.Hisvoicewasdeepandgruff,sendingashiverdownmyspine.ButbeforeIcouldevenregisterit,he wasallovermeagain,hismouthdemandingandinsistentonmine Hishandswereroughandeagerastheyexploredmybody, squeezingandcaressingmybreasts,hisfingersteasingmynipplesuntiltheywerehardandsensitive.
Ibithisbottomlipgently,breakingourkissforamoment.
“Ineedyouinsideme.”
Ispunaround,andspreadmylegs,plantingmyhandsonthemirror.IhadasplitsecondtoworryaboutthepalmprintsIwas
leavingbehindforthestoreemployees,butthenahandwasonmyass,curlingaroundmyhip.Hisotherhandwentstraightfor thegold,andasinglefingerslidintome.
“Goddamn,you’resoaked,”hesaid,hislipsbrushingagainstmyshoulderblade.“DidIdothat?”
Inodded,myeyessqueezedshutasheworkedhisfingerinandoutofme.“Please,”Imoaned,beggingformore.
Andthen,withoutwarning,Ifeltthebluntheadofhiscocknudgingatmyentrance Itiltedmyhips,eagertofeelhimstretchme onceagain.Hedidn’tdisappoint,pushinghiswayinsidewithaslow,deliberatepacethathadmebitingmyliptokeepfrom cryingout.Mylegmuscleswerequiveringwhenhewasfullyseated,andIwonderedifthey’dholdmeupthroughthis.
As ifhe could read mymind, he wrapped anarmaround mywaist, holdingme steadyas he pulled out almost all the way beforedrivingbackin Eachthrustpushedmeuponmytoes,fillingmetothebrim Iwasn’tsurehowmuchmoreIcouldtake, butmybodyseemedtorisetothechallenge,acceptingeveryinchasifitwasmeanttobethere.
Iopenedmyeyes,findinghiminthemirror’sreflectionandholdinghisgaze.Thesoundofsomeonenearbysnappedusboth backtoreality,andhepickedupthepace,slammingintomewithaforcethatstolemybreathaway Thepressureinsideme built,andIfelthis rhythmfalter,butIwasn’tquitethereyet.Iwas abouttotakematters intomyownhands whenheleaned closerandwhisperedinmyear,“Beagoodgirlandcomeforme”
Histeethgavemyearlobejusttherightnip,andthatwasallittook Iwasagoner Islappedahandovermymouthtomuffle thewhoopsofdelightaspleasuresurgedthroughme,butmyhandsomepartnerdidn’tbotherhidinganything.Heletoutagroan thatIfeltrumble.Hisarmaroundmetightened,andwestayedthere,lockedtogetherinthemostintimateofdances,forwhat feltlikeforever
Withgreatreluctance,wepriedourselvesapartandstartedtheprocessofgettingdressed.Hecouldn’ttearhisgazeawayfrom me.“WhatkindofdarkmagicareyouworkingthatIcan’tseemtoresistyou,eveninalingeriestoreinthemiddleoftheday?” Hiseyestwinkledwithmischief “Idon’tevenknowyournameyet,andI’malreadyplanningonparadingdownthestreetwith messyhairjusttohaveyoualoneagain.Letmeintroducemyself.Hi,I’mCory.”
Adelightfulrushwashedoverme,andIjusthadtoswipeonemoredelectablekisswhilestandingonmytippytoes.“Rylee,”I said with a cheeky grin, giving his luscious lower lip a playful nibble “Rylee Palmer, your very own enchantress extraordinaire.”
He returned mysmile inthatteasingmoment, butthenhe froze as myname sankin. As Ileaned back, Isaw a whirlwind of emotionsflitacrosshisface-disbelief,consternation,andshock,allflashingbyinaheartbeatinthosemesmerizingsea-glass eyes.Hishandsweighedheavilyonmyshoulders,andIcouldpracticallyheartheproverbialpennydropfromwhereIstood.
“Palmer,”heechoedslowlyafteranawkwardpause.“Asin,RyleePalmer,CEOofPalmerMoneyManagement?”
I scooted back, slipping out of his hold, and hugged myself tight. I felt utterly exposed under the unforgiving glare of the dressingroomlights and his piercinggaze. The passionate haze had dissipated, leavingme witha clearer view. Details I’d previouslymissed now jumped outatme – his impeccablystyled haircut, the glintofanabsurdlypriceywatchpeekingout fromunderhisshirtcuff.Subtleyetunmistakablesignsofwealth,success,andfamiliarity.
My playful prince morphed right before my eyes into someone entirely different. Someone I recognized all too well, unfortunately I’dspentcountlesshoursstrategizinghowtooutmaneuverandoutshinethecompetitionherepresented
“You’re Cory McCrae,” I blurted out as the lightbulb flickered on His handsome mug shifted into a grimace, and I could practicallyseethegearsturninginhishead.“Asin,GracenandMcCrae.”
Westoodthereforwhatfeltlikeaneternity,lockedinastaringcontestthatcouldhavefrozenhellover,andtheairbetweenus turnedfrosty “Well,shit Ofalltherottenluck ”
Cory theguywho’djusttakenmetothemoonandback,withhissmolderingeyesandirresistiblecharm lookedlikeadeer caughtinheadlights.Hehalf-raisedahandasiftoreachouttomebutthenthoughtbetter ofit.Thetensionradiatingoffhim wasobvious.
“Rylee,I maybeweshouldtalkaboutthis ?”hestammered,hisvoicebarelyaudibleoverthedeafeningsilence Butmytonguewastwisty,likeapretzel,leavingmemute Inafranticscramble,Isnatchedupmyclothes,grabbedmypurse fromthe bench, and made a beeline for another dressingroom. The door hinges squeaked inprotestas Ibarreled pasthim, doingmybesttododgehiseyesliketheywerelandmines.
Tears bubbledupinmyeyes,blurringmyview andstreamingdownmyface.Ididn’tevenbother tryingtoreintheminas I threw onmyclothesandhightaileditoutofthere,eagertoputsomemilesbetweenmeandCory.Thechilly,harshrealityof thosefourtinylettersleftmefeelinglikeafishoutofwater Cory,asinCoryMcCrae.TheMcCraeofGracen&McCrae. Oh,fortheloveofGod.Thiswasgoingtobeonefuckingmess.
Ryleeflashedmeagrinassheintroducedherself,andforamoment,timestoodstillasmybrainstruggledtocatchupwithwho shewas- RyleePalmer,our new rival who’dbeenswipingclientsleftandright.Then,beforewecouldtalk,shewasgone, leavingmealoneinthedressingroomwithonlyherbusinesscardasevidence.Itmust’veslippedoutofherpurseduringher hastyexit.
ThereIstood,gapingathercardlikeacluelesspup,rubbingmyheadintotalconfusion.FuryandIhadhitabrickwalltrying to find anyscrap ofinfo onRylee Palmer - no photos, no breadcrumbs. Clearly, we’d beenwayoffbase withthe spelling. We’dbeenlookingfor “Riley”insteadof“Rylee”Andthatdude,Ithought,was RyleePalmer?Hemust’vebeenoneofher newassociates.
Iwassureherinitialshockwasnothingbutawell-rehearsedact.Asmyrival,shehadtoknowwhoIwas.FuryandIaren’t exactly living in the shadows Stanford grads; still hanging around Palo Alto plastering our faces all over our company’s websiteandwhatnot.Therewasnochanceshewouldn’trecognizeme,right?Andthewayshekeptheridentityonthedownlow,insistingonkeepingourencountersincognitoandmysterious,itwasalljustasneakysetup.
Shewasfuckingwithmeinthemostliteralsensepossible Shewantedtothrow awrenchinmyfocusandthenwaltzinand swipeourclients.
Ugh,Ifellforit,hook,line,andsinker!Onetoomanyglassesofbubblyatsomefancy-schmancygala,andshepouncedlikea hawkonadefenselessbunny.Onethingledtoanother,andbeforeIknewit,weweregoingatitlikerabbitsinmycar.Then, wouldn’tyaknowit,Irunintoheratthegrocerystore,andIthink,“Hey,maybetheuniverseisgivingmeasign”Icouldchat herupwithoutmyusualjitterstakingover.Forafleetingmoment,Ithoughtshesawtherealme-themanbehindtheawkward shyness-andlikedme
Howstupiddoesonehavetobenottoseethat,obviously?Iwasjusthermark
THE REST OF MY WEEKEND?
Let’sjustsayitwasaboutasmuchfunashavingarootcanal.
My past flings had always been simple, no-strings-attached deals. We would have some fun and games; then we’d wave goodbye,forgetaboutit,andneverlookback Okay,maybenotcompletelyforgetaboutit,butyougettheidea ButRylee,she wassomethingelse.Shewaslikeabreathoffreshair...untilthemomentIrealizedwhosheactuallywas.
So,thereIwasonMonday,drivingtoworkwithmyjaw clenchedtighterthanapitbullwithanew chew toy.Itwasadead giveawaythatIwasmorewrappedupinthisRyleemessthanIcaredtoadmit.Toloosenthoseknotsabit,Imadeapitstopat acozycafé,snaggingacoupleofbutterycroissantsandtwocupsofpipinghotcoffee IfIwasgoingtodropthisbombshellon Fury,Ifigureditwasbesttoshowupwithsomepeaceofferings-namely,hisfavoritebreakfasttreat. Ugh,IwasdreadingthatchatwithFury.HewasgoingtogoallHulk-smashonme,nodoubt.Hewasthatoverprotectivebig brothertypewhotransformedintoagreenragemonsteratthefaintestwhiffoftroubleforhisfriends
Butthiswasn’tjustaboutme.Ourcompanywasonthelinehere.Furyneededthe411onRylee’ssneakymoves.Ifshehadthe nervetoplaymenotoncebuttwice,whoknowswhatothershenanigansshewascookingupforherbusinessdeals?
Isaunteredintoourbuilding,breakfastandcoffeeinhand,givingafriendlynodtothesecurityguy.Itwasstillearly,butIknew Furywouldbenestledinhisoffice,especiallyonaMonday.Theguy’sacreatureofhabit.
Furylooked genuinelysurprised as I stood inhis doorwaywithmypeace offering. I couldn’t blame him; I wasn’t exactly knownforbeingtheoffice’smorningpastryfairy.
“You?Bringingmebreakfast?”heasked,leaningbackinhischair,eyesnarrowedincuriosity.“Something’sup.Whatgives?”
“Ifiguredit’seitherthisorwhiskey,”Isaid,droppingthebagonthetable.“Andboozeinthemorningisn’tagreatlook.”
Hisexpressionmorphedfromcurioustofull-onworriedinaflash.“Alright,layitonme.”
“RememberthatswankymasqueradeballwhereI,shockingly,foundmyselftangledupwithsomemysteriouslady?”
“Sure,Ido.Andhey,I’mstokedforyou,cuz.Youdeservedalittlefun.”
ItossedRylee’sbusinesscardhisway “Well,yourhappinessmightchangewhenyoudiscoverthatthe‘mysterywoman’was RyleePalmerherself.AndFYI,wehookeduptwice.”
Fury’scoffeecupfrozemid-airliketimehadsuddenlyhiccuppedwhileheexaminedthecard.“Wait,what?RyleePalmerisa woman,andyousleptwithhertwice?”
“Yeah,andI’mprettysureshediditjusttoscrewwithus.”
RYLEE
Idashedoutofthestore,mycheekswetandteary Theshockofdiscoveringthatthenewguyinmylife(orwhateverhewas) was CoryMcCrae, myrival, felt like gettinghit bya truckload ofbricks. It was so fucked up Icouldn’t find the words to describe it.Myheadwas spinningwitha whirlwindoffeelings,andIwas waybeyondjustbeingupset–Iwas completely steamed,feelinglikefatehadplayedacrueltrickonme.
Ipickedupthepace,practicallysprintingtomycar,brushingoffthepuzzledlooksfromtheotherfolksonthesidewalk.How onearthhadthishappened?How didIletdownmyguardandletmyselfgetdupedlikethis?Theangercoursedthroughme, andIballedmyfists,mynailsbitingintomypalms AllIwantedwastogetthehelloutofthere,findaquietspot,andtryto makesenseofthiswholefreakingmess.
Iflungmyselfintothedriver’sseatandslammedthecardoor.Myfistspoundedthesteeringwheel likeawilddrummer,the sting barely registering through the haze of my fury Each thud echoed my frustration, and I kept going until my knuckles screamedformercy,andmytearshadnochoicebuttotakeabreather.
Ileaned backagainstthe seat, shutmyeyes, and sucked ina deep breath, tryingto tame myheart. Inhale, exhale, Ichanted silently,focusingontherhythmofmybreathing,hopingitwouldlassomyemotionsanddragthembackundercontrol
Oncemybreathsleveledoutandmyheartbeatslowedtosomethingresemblingnormal,Ireluctantlyfacedthemusic Ineededa gameplan,astrategyfordealingwiththiscolossalcurveballlifehadthrownmyway.Itwastimetoputonmybig-girlpants andfigureoutthismess.
BeforeIcouldpeeloutofthere,myphonestartedbuzzinginmybag.Ipeekedatthescreen,andmyheartdroppedwhenIsaw Dad’snameflashing Forasecond,Ithoughtaboutlettingitgotovoicemailandmakingarunforit,butthatoldsenseofduty kickedin,andIgroanedasIswipedtoanswer.
“Hey,Dad,”Isaid,soundingasneutralasSwitzerland.
“Rylee,how’smylittlegirldoing?”Hisvoicewasaboutaswarmandfuzzyasarobot’s.“I’vebeenhearinggoodthingsabout yourbusinessinPaloAlto Wordonthestreetisyou’remakingquitethesplash”
Now,thatwasweird Washekeepingtabsonmeorsomething?Shouldn’thishandsbefullwranglingthosebillionairebigwig clientsofhisinsteadofsnoopingaroundmylittlecompany?
“I’mdoingfine,Dad,”Isaid,keepingmyvoiceeven.“Andyes,businessisgoingwell.Thanksforasking.”
“I’vebeenchattingyouuptomypartners,”hesaid,“andletmetellya,theirearsperkedrightupwhentheyheardaboutyour gig Wethinkitcouldbeaslamdunkforbothsidesifweteamedup”
Iclenchedmyjaw,barelyholdingbackthefieryretortthatwantedtoescape
Oh,Iknewexactlywhatkindof“partnership”my oldmanhaduphissleeve.He’dwaltzinandtakecontrol;beforeIknewit,myclientswouldbehis.
“Thanks,butnothanks,”Imanagedtosay,mytoneastightasadrum.“MybusinessisdoingA-OKwithoutanyhelp.”
“Ah,Rylee,youknowI’vegotyourbestinterestsatheart,”hesaid,oozingmanipulationlikeacheapusedcarsalesman.“Just imaginehowmuchthefirmcouldgrowifIlentahand It’salotforjustyoutohandle,right?”
Myfistsclenched,nailsdiggingintomypalms,andIfoughttheurgetoletoutafrustratedscream.Oh,Iknew Daddyall too well.Iwassurehereallymeantitwastoomuchfora woman tohandle.
“Igottago,Dad,”Isaidandflungmyphoneontothepassengerseat.Thescreenlitupbrieflybeforefadingtoblack,cuttingoff the call. Mydad’s voice still echoed inmyhead, a cacophonyof expectations and manipulations. But I refused to let him controlmeanylonger.Hemayhavewantedasontotakeoverhisempire,buthegotmeinstead,andIwasdeterminedtoprove thatIwasjustascapable,ifnotmoreso
Itookadeepbreath,inhalingthescentofleatherandgasolinethatfilledthecar Itwasafamiliarsmell,onethatalwaysmade mefeelgrounded.
Icoulddothis.
AS I SWAGGERED into the office onMondaymorning, myheels clicked awayconfidentlyonthe polished concrete floor
Theglassdoorshutbehindmewithasnappy“click”thatpracticallyscreamed,“Braceyourselves,folks,it’sgametime.”
I was packing an assortment of pastries fromthe poshest French bakery just around the corner because even the toughest financialassociatesenjoyedalittleflakydelightwiththeirhigh-pressuremeetings.
Afterplacingtheeleganttreatsintheminimalistconferenceroom,Isentaquick,firmemailtomyteam:“Mandatorystrategy meetingintenminutes.Conferenceroom.Urgent.”
Myemployeessoontrickledin,chattinginhushedvoicesandexchanginguneasyglancesastheyhelpedthemselvestopastries andcoffee.Theysettledintotheirusualspotsaroundtheimposingglasstable.
Iinhaleddeeplyandscannedtheroom,takinginmyteam’sfaces,etchedwithamixofanxietyandcuriosityaboutthisurgent meeting,asIstraightenedmyshouldersandpreparedtodeliverthenewsthatwouldshakeuptheirMondaymorning “Alright,folks,”Ibegan,“Iknowthisisoutoftheblue,butI’vebeencookingupanewplan”
Afew eyebrows raised, and whispers erupted around the table. Most of themlooked hesitant. But not Sergio. My newest recruitleanedforward,hisgazelockedonmine,afiercedeterminationinhiseyes.“We’rechangingstrategy?” Icouldseethefireinhiseyes.Hewasalreadyonboardnomatterwhat.
“Well,kindof,”Isaid,drawingoutthewordwithagrin.“Ourgoalisstilltoreelinnewclientseverywherewecan,butnow we’vegotoursightssetonajuicytarget We’regoingtosnatchupeverysingleaccountwecanfromGracen&McCrae,our so-called‘friends’downthestreet.”
Theroomwentsilent,thenSergio’seyebrowquirkedup,almostlikeherelishedthechallenge.Theothers?Notsomuch.
“Goodcall,”Sergiodeclared,slappingthetableforemphasis.“Let’sshakethingsupandshowthoseold-schoolassholeswhat we’remadeof”
Asmirkdancedacrossmylips Sergiomightbealittleoverthetop,butthiswasexactlythekindofenthusiasmI’dbeenfishing for.
Sergiohungbackastheteamdispersedwhilediscussingstrategiesinhushedtones.Heflashedmearoguishsmile.“Youknow, weshouldtoasttoournewmission Whatdoyousaywegrabadrinktonight?”
Ihesitated,bitingmylip Ihada strictpolicyagainstmixingbusiness andpleasure Butthere was somethingaboutSergio’s confidencethatmadeithardtoresist.
Iraisedahand,shakingmyhead.“Sorry,Sergio.Youknowtherules.Ican’tcrossthatline.”
Hissmilefaltered,buthequicklyrecovered,givingmeanod.“Right,right.Iunderstand.JustthoughtI’dask.”
Aloneintheconferenceroom,theearlierexhilarationseepedoutofme,leavingbehindadeflatedsenseoflonging.Islumped intoachair,itsplushleathercushiondoinglittletocomfortmyrestlessbody MythoughtsdriftedtoCoryMcCrae,hischiseled physique,andthatgenerouslyproportionedpackagethathadleftmebreathless.Icouldstill feel myhandwrappedaroundit, theheatofhisskinsearingmypalm.Ashiverrandownmyspine,andIbitmylip,savoringtheillicitmemory.
“Getafuckinggrip,Rylee,”Imuttered,tryingtoshakeoffthedistraction.Isighed,rubbingmytemplesasifIcouldmassage awaythedesirethatpooledinmybelly.MaybeIdidneedthatdrinkafter all.Anythingtodull theedgeofmyfrustration,to quiettheinsistentvoiceinmyhead
