Page 49 of Last First Date

Benjamin.

I turned around to face him, noticing the black eye that was fading but still visible.

“Knox Williams,” he drawled, his voice full of disdain.

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “Following me?”

“No, I’m getting my fitting for my tux for my grand opening,” he said, smiling. “Speaking of, I’d like to know how that’s coming along.”

The smirk etched across his face was a reminder he was the puppet master. I couldn’t wait until this thing was done. Blackmail was bullshit. I had no one else to blame but myself. I lost my temper and now I was suffering the consequences.

“All set and ready to roll,” I told him. “I won’t have to lift a finger until we’re back from New York. Your assistant approved everything.”

He smirked. “I don’t know. I might have to change my mind.”

“I wouldn’t advise it,” I said. “It’s short notice. You’re going to risk losing the arrangements you already have.”

His smirk widened. “I like risks.”

“Benjamin, you wouldn’t want to disappoint your guests now, would you?” I replied, matching his smirk with my own.

He let out a sigh as he looked me over. “You always thought you were so much better than everyone else. I should go to the police.”

“Do it,” I said, shrugging. “I don’t care.”

“Yeah, you do,” he said, laughing. “That’s why you’re doing exactly what I want. I’m going to review the plans. If I don’t like them, I’ll require a redo.”

“And you’ll pay for any time I spend on them, and trust me, I’m not cheap.”

He laughed but thankfully the tailor and his assistant returned. Benjamin was escorted away. I fucking hated the guy. He was an entitled prick. I had to get through the next couple of weeks and hopefully I would never see him again.

A few minutes later, I was escorted back to the dressing room to try on the suits. The tailor was quickly pinning and making adjustments.

“How long?” I asked. “I have a flight tomorrow.”

“For Mr. Williams’s grandson, I will get them sent over tonight.”

The suits fit remarkably well. The tailor was skilled indeed. I caught a glance at myself in the mirror and nodded in silent approval.

“Very good, sir,” the tailor said, dusting off a stray thread from my shoulder. “A fine addition to your wardrobe.”

I thanked him and paid for the suits before heading back to my office. As I drove through the quiet town, my mind replayed the encounter with Benjamin. His smug words echoed in my ears. He knew he had me under his thumb.

When I got back to the office, Waverly barely looked at me. “The tailor said he would have the suits delivered here this evening. I have to go to a meeting later. Can you please bring them to the airport in the morning? I assume you know where the airport is?”

“Of course.” She nodded.

“And you’ll want to pack warm. It’s a cold January in New York.”

“I’m not an idiot,” she muttered. “I can check weather reports.”

“Just make sure you’re prepared for some cold weather, including footwear.”

“Got it. Thanks for the concern.” I felt her icy gaze drill into my back as I walked into my office.

I spent the rest of the day going through reports and contracts, signing off on projects and responding to clients. I couldn’t wait to leave tomorrow. I was already imagining dinner and a good bottle of scotch. Yes, it would be cold, but I didn’t care.

I tossed the stack of finished contracts onto my desk and leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow, I would be on a plane back home.