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In the car that would take Rafe back to the regional airport, he phoned Mercedes to set up a legal meeting for the moment he returned.
Then, once on board the plane, he called Celeste on her direct line.
“I can say with some confidence that Dad’s not coming to the Saturday meeting.”
“You’ll attend in his stead?”
“I’ll be there. What do you know about Lillibet?”
“In what way?” Celeste’s voice sharpened.
“Who is she? I know how they met, but I don’t know her background.”
“I’ll find out.” Without wasting any more time, she hung up.
The plane was taxiing when he called the office to let Jeanine know about his return time and his afternoon plans. “Did Ms. Malloy receive her gift?”
“I checked a few minutes ago. It was out for delivery.”
“Very well.”
He sat back as the pilot took off. The earth beneath Rafe grew smaller in the window, and the altitude gave him perspective. He hadn’t planned to be CEO for years, maybe decades. But now that the company was going to be his, he had a future to secure.
After the attendant had brought him a cup of coffee, he sent a message to Hope.
New Orleans this weekend? We can leave Friday afternoon. There’s a particular restaurant I want to introduce you to.
Several times, he checked his phone to be sure he hadn’t missed a message. It took over an hour for her to respond.
Everything’s set for this afternoon’s mixer.
Since they’d met, he might have won a couple of rounds, but this one definitely went to her.
He’d spent his adult life avoiding relationship drama. And now…? Now, he realized life was more intriguing than ever. He lived for another hit of her.
Indeed, she’d won the latest skirmish. He, however, intended to be the ultimate victor.
Rafe reached for his phone one more time to make reservations for dinner Friday night at Vieille Rivière in Louisiana. He was nothing if not persistent.
CHAPTER NINE
Hope’s knees wobbled as the express elevator she rode with Skyler and Tony whooshed to a stop on the sixty-first floor of 1 International Plaza, a stunning five-sided tower that housed some of Houston’s premier companies. Though the Prestige Group had hosted mixers at many of the Bayou City’s most outstanding venues, they’d never used this facility.
The doors parted to reveal a large lobby area with gleaming marble floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. A woman wearing a black skirt suit and a warm smile stood a few feet away. “Welcome to the International Club, Ms. Malloy.”
When the trio exited, the woman extended her hand. “I’m Barbara Thurston. Mr. Sterling requested I take very good care of you.”
With her purse, Skyler nudged Hope’s ribs. Hope glared at her assistant. That morning, Rafe had sent a bouquet of red roses, with thorns. Not wanting to look at the arrangement all day, Hope had placed the vase in the conference room, in the middle of the table, which bore a smudge that she’d missed cleaning. She hadn’t been able to hide the flowers, but she’d kept the texts private. It had taken resolve she didn’t know she possessed to stop herself from responding.
Last night, Rafe had sent her the names of two submissives he’d scened with in the past and recommended she call them as references. Despite her resolve to avoid him, she’d closed her office door and made the first call to Sara. Sara had said she’d adored playing with Rafe. He had been considerate and fulfilled her desires. Knowing he’d been involved with the sweet-sounding submissive had spiked envy in Hope. But as far as references went, Sara’s words were reassuring. Hope had called the next sub too and received a similar glowing recommendation.
Part of her had hoped she’d learn something bad that would give her a solid reason to bolt.
Skyler cleared her throat, bringing Hope back to the present. She’d been lost in thought while Barbara had been speaking. “Sorry?”
“I was asking if this is your first visit to the International Plaza.”
“It is.”
“We’re delighted to have you here. Our observation deck is renowned for its city views.” Several pieces of modern art adorned the wide-open area, similar in theme to ones on the street, tying the inside of the building with the exterior and providing a visual bridge to the nearby arts complex.
