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From what Lisabeth could see, this was a takeover bid that allowed Mr. Harris to oversee certain changes within the company. He was a family man and David wanted the company enough to offer him that.
In the past few weeks in his office, she’d come to see that he was indeed a fair man. Ruthless, cunning, and everything in between but also fair. She’d seen the respect he had for Mr. Harris as well, so this was really causing some trouble.
At every turn David was having to fight his competition back and, where Mr. Harris would normally come in for meetings, they were finding him increasingly absent, and sending in a PA, or someone else. This showed a lack of trust and it was pissing David off.
So that meant no conversation about the hot-as-fuck kiss.
No repeat either.
Everyone was sent home while he worked twenty-four seven to resolve this matter. With all the hard work he was doing, she made sure he had a packed lunch or something to get him through the day. It was the least she could do, especially as she didn’t think he was eating well, and she liked the idea of taking care of him.
Which was another reason she was sitting in the downtown Greek restaurant waiting for Rachel to arrive. His daughter had made the last-minute arrangements and he’d sent her in his place.
Sipping her iced water, she glanced around the restaurant, recognizing nobody when Rachel finally entered. She immediately sat down and began apologizing.
“I’m so sorry I’m late. Traffic is a nightmare at this time of day. I mean, seriously, why does it have to be so busy like all the time?”
“I figured you were going to ditch me.”
“I had thought of it. Daddy asks so many questions and you know I freeze up and can’t lie to him.”
“Why don’t you just tell him the truth?” Lisabeth asked, picking up a menu.
“That I’m seeing someone, twenty years older than I am, and he has a reputation for being a man whore? No, not going to happen.”
“Won’t you at least tell me his name? That way if anything happens, I know how to contact you or if anything happens to you, I can get in touch. Something that guarantees you’re safe.”
“Mason won’t hurt me.”
“Mason?”
“Yes. That’s his first name and he’s … he’s wealthy, okay? He goes in Dad’s circles.”
“Oh my God, are you talking about Mason Cole? The one that is like BFFs with your dad?”
“Enough, Lis, keep your voice down. You don’t have a clue who here could be listening for my dad.”
“I know for a fact that he’s busy with this takeover deal that fell through, otherwise he’d be here himself. I can’t believe you were going to ditch him until you found out it was me.”
Rachel sighed. “Believe it or not, I’ve never actually lied to my dad. Avoided the truth, hell yeah. Made him feel guilty about something, totally. But I’ve never told him a lie, and you know what? I don’t want to start now.”
Lisabeth stared at her best friend. They’d been close with each other since kindergarten. The moment they were in the playground together waiting to head into school, they’d just clicked. They’d both been terrified of what was going to happen. Of course, once they found each other, nothing could touch them.
Now that she knew Rachel was seeing Mason Cole, she felt a little uneasy.
That man didn’t have the reputation of being a nice guy. In fact, most of the women who were with him often looked like they regretted it. Unless they wanted to make some quick money by telling their story to the tabloids or a glossy mag. She’d read many a gossip page with Mason being the primary focus from one actress or model telling all about their sexy time together. He was a total bastard and what was worse, Mason basked in it as well.
She’d seen him at some of the functions and even though he seemed nice, knowing what he did made her really uncomfortable.
“Rachel, if this ever gets out, your dad will kill him,” Lisabeth said, needing her friend to know murder would happen. Blood would spill.
“No, he won’t. He’s not ever finding out. I mean, seriously, Mason is fine. He’s totally different from the way the world paints him. You shouldn’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. It’s you I’m concerned about, not me.”
Rachel rolled her eyes. “Please, don’t worry. I like him and this is a bit of fun.”
“A bit of fun you want to keep secret?”
What about you, wise ass? You want to tell her about your secret? The one that features her father and how you wish David would take your virginity and show you what fucking is really all about?
“I know you worry about me and I love you for it, I do. Please, everything is going to be fine. You’ll see.” Rachel grabbed the menu. “Tell me that Daddy is taking care of himself. I’ve heard the news about the deal with Mr. Harris. I read it in the papers and when I spoke to him I could hear the stress in his voice.”
