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Often, he and I went head-to-head over many things. He, even being the silent partner, was more vocal about things at Renegade than my brother was. I watched, sipping my brandy, knowing Gwen and Terry saw me.
She smiled, and I could tell by the look on her face that she wanted to come over. The way her eyes shined when she looked at me, I knew there was something on her end between us. Even if I only admitted it to myself and she didn't, I felt it.
Terry was playing hardball. He was forever the competitive asshole when it came to women and cared not one iota who liked it or not. He saw me, kept talking to the man beside him — one of our biggest suppliers of materials — but slipped his arm tenderly around Gwen’s waist.
Even though I knew that was inappropriate, what could I say? Anything I did or said would draw all eyes to me and Gwen at that moment, and who knows what would happen. Gossip among my staff was common.
My insides were knotted, and suddenly, the brandy I drank lost its flavor. Everything lost its appeal as I struggled to come to terms with the fact that Gwen wasn’t mine and never would be mine. It didn't matter who it was, I was going to be upset.
I would deal with that later. The first item on the agenda was to lure her away from Terry. That would be a hard task indeed, but I was up for it. Another shot of brandy down, and I unbuttoned my jacket and headed over, stopping every few steps to talk with this person and that.
We hosted many office parties — a mix of appreciation dinners for our employees and the people we partnered with. Terry, my brother, and I always thought it best to be overly showy of appreciation, so everyone took their job seriously.
I stopped to chat with a secretary. “Deanna, where is your husband tonight?”
She blushed. “Oh, he’s homesick and staying with the kids, so I came by myself.”
Deanna was old school. She’d been hired at the very beginning of the business and despite the age gap between her and the other employees, she got along great with everyone. He knew he could use that to his advantage.
“Have you met Gwen? She’s at the corporate office with the team and me.”
“No. I saw her walk in with Terry. I don’t know what’s going on there, but she is lovely. I’d love to meet her.”
I smiled.Let the games begin!
“Perfect! I was just headed that way.” I laced my arm through hers and gently led her in that direction. “She’s a lovely woman, smart, beautiful, and very good at what she does for me.”
“Oh, well, she is pretty. You know I heard the rumors. I don’t believe for one minute that you would do that. She’s not like those other women who work for you. She’s the woman you marry, not just have a one-night stand with.”
Smiling, and trying hard not to burst out laughing, hearing that roll off Deanna’s tongue, I kept walking and within seconds, we were in front of her and Terry.
“Good evening, my friend. How are you tonight?”
Terry paused long enough to acknowledge our presence so as not to be rude. “I’m well, thanks.”
He continued his conversation, but I didn't miss for one second that Terry was holding onto Gwen tighter than before.
I looked at Gwen appreciatively. “You are looking stunning as always, Gwen, so glad to have you on board. You know, if your career in our office does not work out, you might make an excellent model. You have such a lovely silhouette.”
I cleared my throat and looked at Deanna. “Deanna, this is Gwen, the new hire from New York City. Gwen, this is Deanna. She’s been with us forever.”
I listened quietly as the pair exchanged greetings and watched Gwen and Terry. She kept smiling at me and looking my way, and Terry did the same, minus the smile, of course.
No doubt, there were twenty people within earshot that were listening intently to our conversation, determined to get whatever gossip they could, and to see if we were following the pre-set office rules.
After a few minutes, Terry turned his attention to me. “I’m thinking of keeping her for myself James, you have Martie and a fine assistant she is. I know you could use Gwen too but she’s very helpful from what I’ve learned so far and I might have to make her an offer she can’t refuse since I really need her help.”
I gritted my teeth and kept my smile in place. There was no way I was letting Terry have Gwen, not professionally or personally.
“We can discuss that tomorrow, or the next day. I really need her right now for the east coast, and maybe I can lend you Martie, since she has more experience. I know you're working on the finances for next year to get that line-up and moving, and Martie has more familiarity with the company, which would make it easier for you.”
Gwen and Deanna silently watched, and I saw the look in Deanna’s eyes. She knew something was brewing between us.
“Yes, we will discuss it tomorrow. Well, since I hear some lovely music playing and I love to dance, I think it’s time for Gwen and I to take the lead and get this party started, since she’s the most ravishing woman here tonight, after you of course, Deanna.”
Everyone laughed, so I had to throw in a few chuckles for good measure, but my blood was boiling as I watched them walk away.
“Quite the pair. I know it’s inappropriate, for them to be together, but at least if he takes her to work for him, Terry can’t pursue her as a love interest. I think when you two made up that silly office policy, which, by the way, more than a few people in the office ignore, it had something to do with not having a romantic relationship with someone you directly work with, or for, like a boss.”
