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We smile and greet people as we continue forward. It’s a company event for him, but I recognize a lot of past clients, or people I know just from social settings throughout the years. “Yeah, I’m sure Steven will be less than thrilled.”
He laughs and I find myself relaxing. “Good. He deserves it. Bastard.”
My smile broadens. “True. So, what’s the reason for this event anyway?”
“Trying to woo another company to come on board. Partner with us so that we can take everything up a notch.”
I nod. These are all big words that honestly don’t mean much. Not that I don’t understand them. I’ve been in the business world and around men and women like Jonathan since I was twenty-two. It’s just that I honestly don’t care. I want to take my shoes off, curl up on the couch with a glass of wine, and read a book. Ever since Cash and I started dating, I’ve barely slept a wink and haven’t had a moment to myself. As wonderful as sex is, I need a night off.
“Speaking of the merger, the wooing begins now,” Jonathan whispers in my ear as he turns to greet someone behind me. “Charles, how are you?”
I spin and see a tall man with gray hair, stocky shoulders, and a broad chin like Jay Leno shaking Jonathan’s hand. “I’m good. This is some party.”
“Mr. Landry, this is Grace; Grace, this is Mr. Landry. He owns Sintac, a company that we are hoping to partner with this fall to take Hanson Liquors worldwide.”
He reaches out his hand and when I take it, he pulls it up to his lips and presses a kiss against my own.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Landry.”
“So, you’re the lucky lady who has snagged Jonathan Hanson. I must say, I never believed you would settle down, Jonathan. Family and a happy home life are the most important things to me, so I’m happy to see you’re recognizing that too.”
He looks pointedly at Jonathan, and I feel uncomfortable not correcting him but also don’t want to screw up Jonathan’s business relationship with this man. Clearly, it means a lot to him, and I owe him.
Jonathan’s arm wraps around my waist. “I’ve been trying to win her over. Verdict’s still out though.”
“Well, let’s have a drink and toast to good things in the future for you, Jonathan, hopefully in business and in life.” He smiles widely and Jonathan squeezes me tighter. I’m genuinely happy I can help. This is harmless, and if my good friend is able to benefit as well, it’s all the better.
My phone rings almost as soon as I get into bed. Snuggling down under the soft comforter and stretching out my feet which ache from my shoes, I smile when I see Cash’s face come across on FaceTime. “Hi baby,” he says with a smile. He’s standing outside of a brick building, and I hear voices and music in the background, but his focus is solely on me.
“Hey Whiskey. You out and about with your brother?”
He runs his hand through his hair. “Yeah, trying to avoid the Internet and the real world, but I couldn’t help myself from calling you. How was tonight?”
“It was fine, but I would definitely keep that phone in your pocket for the next few days. No sense in driving yourself mad.”
He sighs and his hand moves over his face. “Was it that bad?” He peeks at me from between his fingers. “No, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. I’m just going to go underground until this is all over.”
I laugh. “You are ridiculous. He’s my friend. This is all so we can be together eventually.”
“I know, I know. I trust you.”
Those three words fill me because I know I feel the exact same way, and trust is hard to come by in my life. “I trust you, too, Whiskey.”
“So you want to give me a little nip flash?” he cajoles, drawing an exaggerated laugh from my chest.
“You’re ridiculous. I’m going to bed.”
“Oh, come on. Just a little peek. Help a guy out. I’m all by myself for the next few days, starving for you.”
I grin. “You’re absurd.”
“And you’re crazy about me.”
I smile wider. “I am.”
“I’m crazy about you, too, Grace.” His whiskey eyes glow through the phone, and I can practically feel his gaze searing my skin.
“I’m really happy, Cash. Go have fun with your brother.”
