“Ooh,” Elena said, eyes lighting up. “This is going to be so much fun.”
“No, it is not.”
“Yes,” she and Nico said in unison. I sighed, finishing my coffee. It was too early for whiskey.
Elena starts to get in full glam mode when we get back, a makeup bag explodes across the bathroom counter, hair tools scattered like weapons. “Don’t even think about using this bathroom,” she called from behind the bathroom door. “I wouldn’t dare,” I called back, heading toward my room.
Nico tossed his weekend bag onto the guest bed and flopped down like he’d lived here for years. “Nice place,” he said, glancing around. “Modern minimalism with a side of repressed emotion.” I chuckled, pulling my shirt off. “It’s quiet. I like it.”
“It’s lonely,” he countered, but not unkindly.
We got dressed in a comfortable silence until Nico broke it again, more seriously this time. “So, Samantha Hayes.” I paused mid-button. “What about her?” I ask without making eye contact. “Are you into her, like more than sex into her, or what?” I sighed. “Yes.” Nico nodded slowly, thoughtful. “And?”
“And Harper handed me a ‘just-in-case’ HR document that allows a relationship between us if she reports to someone else.”
“That’s… thorough.”
“Well, it is Harper. She’s thorough.” I tugged on my jacket. “But that’s not the point.”
“Then what is?”
“She’s twenty-six. I’ve lived a whole life, with baggage included. She’s just stepping into the empire she never wanted. I’m the new CEO of said empire. We are not on the same page. We’re not in the same book.”
“Maybe,” Nico said, adjusting his cufflinks. “Or maybe you’re both just reading ahead in different chapters.” I raised an eyebrow. “Look, what I’m saying is,” he continued, “how do you know if she’s not interested in more if you don’t ask her? She slept with you again. Even after you guys argued and tried to act professionally about your work situation. I’d say she wants you too.” I didn’t answer, mostly because I didn’t know how to.
The doorbell buzzed. It was Harper. I opened the door and immediately blinked. She was in floor-length navy silk, hair in a sleek bun, red lips the only pop of color. Classic Harper, stunning, polished, and already twenty minutes early.
“Wow,” Nico said under his breath. “You’re terrifying in the best way.” Harper smiled, then she looked me up and down and nodded. “Acceptable.”
Elena emerged a few minutes later, all bronzedcheekbones and old-Hollywood curls. “I’m ready. Should we drink champagne now or pretend to be classy and wait until we arrive?”
“Pretend,” Harper said. “Damn, okay,” Elena muttered.
“Harper, a word,” I said a bit rougher than I intended. Elena and Nico kept walking. “Yes?” She looked surprised. “Can you please quit gossiping with Nico about… Sam.” That’s when she relaxed her expression. “Sure, when you stop fucking her during business hours and ask for my friendly opinion.”
“Har—” She put her hand up, shutting me down.
“Theodore, I absolutely love you, as my boss, as a friend. You know you’re like an older brother to me. I can keep the business side of things quiet and professional, but we are all friends here, and we know you. And well, it’s kinda great to gossip about your sex adventures when I’m the only one seeing them.” She tapped my chest with a grin on her face and walked away.
I hate these people, but she is right. We are all friends, and I should take her advice more seriously than ‘the office Harper’s advice’.
We headed downstairs, into the waiting car, four pieces of very different energy buzzing in the same space, me with nerves I wouldn’t name, Nico with too much charm, Harper with invisible spreadsheets in her brain, and Elena already halfway into character for whatever role she decided to play tonight.
The city rolled past the windows like a film reel. The gala was waiting.
And so was she.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
sam
“You look like a sexy Bond villain,”Rose said, dramatically placing a hand on her heart as I slipped on my earrings.
“I’m pretty sure that’s not a real compliment.”
“Oh, it is. You’re giving danger, mystery, and just enough cleavage to ruin someone’s life. Probably the CEO’s life.” I turned to face the mirror, smoothing down the black silk dress that clung to me like it had been designed for this exact moment. Floor length and backless.
A soft drape at the front that revealed just a hint of cleavage. My lipstick was the exact shade of classic red he liked, with a little bite. My hair was down, the blowout still fresh.
