Page 29 of As You Crave It

“We do,” he said, shaking it. With one hand still around hers, he put the other hand to her cheek. “One of the best deals I’ve made in a while.” He drew her in for a kiss.

“What are you guys doing up there?”

Hastily, Quin and Celia separated when Jared joined them on the deck.

“Just enjoying the night,” Quin responded. “It’s beautiful out here.”

“Celia, I stopped by your stateroom. I thought we could take a meeting.”

“At eleven thirty at night?” Quin asked, interrupting.

Celia knew that Jared didn’t appreciate Quin second-guessing him.

“You ever consider minding your own business, Rexford?”

“Maybe the way you treat your employees in my presence, especially women, is my business.”

“Celia, excuse us,” Jared said to her.

She shot an apologetic look at Quin, but he didn’t look afraid or remorseful for speaking up to Jared. “I guess I’ll head down to my cabin,” she said, telling Quin more than Jared.

Quin watched Celia disappear inside and, when she was out of sight, he coolly sipped from his drink and stood slowly as Jared watched him. “What can I do for you, Jared?”

“Do you have something to say about my relationship with Celia?”

Quin clenched his jaw and, forgetting the glass, drank rum straight from the bottle. Jared Foster did not have any sort of relationship with Celia. He shook his head. He knew he was blowing it. He was there to butter up Jared Foster and finalize a deal with him, but that didn’t mean he was going to stand by while he disrespected a woman—especially one who worked for him. Especially Celia.

He found himself caught between biting his tongue and belting the guy. Quin knew which one he would rather do—but he kept hearing Reid’s voice in his head. The one that told him that he had to think about what was best for the business. Jared Foster and Seacoast Prestige was the business he needed, their next step to maintain their spot as the rum preferred by the elite. Whether he liked it or not. “I think it’s important to maintain a professional relationship with anyone on your payroll. It’s too risky.”

Jared watched him for a moment, and Quin thought he might be reflecting on his treatment of women. But instead of saying anything, he laughed. It was loud, dramatic and derisive. When he was done, he shook his head. “Is that right, Rexford? Is that what you think? I think you should recognize your place here. You’re a guest on my yacht. What happens between me and my employees is none of your concern. And I would ask you to mind your own business if you have any interest in doing business with me. Is that understood?”

Quin looked at the man in front of him. He truly hated him. But he couldn’t drop the business deal. The only thing that kept him from pushing Jared overboard was that he knew Celia was in her stateroom, waiting for him.

“And as for Celia, I see how you look at her.”

“She’s attractive.”

“She is, and she’s mine.”

“Is that right?” He knew that wasn’t true. He’d had Celia just a few hours ago, and if he had a say, he would have her again soon.

“Yeah, why do you think I invited her here?”

“Well, I assumed it was because she was a capable employee.”

He laughed. “I’m more interested in how her ass looks in that bathing suit.” He slapped Quin, too hard, on the shoulder. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Rexford.”

“Maybe we can discuss some business matters then.” Quin had to keep his eye on the prize, the endgame. Maybe he would have to put his deal with Celia on the back burner. At least until he was free and clear of her boss. But he thought of the precarious situation that she was in. He didn’t think he would be able to hold his tongue, or his aggression, if Jared did or said anything else to her.

“Business matters,” Jared said in a mocking tone. “Yeah, maybe.”

“Why are you dicking me around?” Quin asked. “Do you want this deal or not. It would be good for both of us.”

“You’re more eager for it than I am,” Jared told him, shrugging. “Part of me doesn’t really give a damn if we shelve your rum. There are alternatives.” Quin stiffened.

“Like what?”

“Cain Rum is pretty good. Maybe I’ll contact them,” he said, walking away. Quin blew out a heavy, frustrated breath and took another long drink from the bottle. The Cains were their biggest rivals. The bad blood between the companies ran deep. It was personal. If Quin went back to Miami without a deal with Seacoast Prestige, and saw it go to Cain Rum, he would never make it right with his siblings. He was on the verge of ruining everything and all he could think about was going to find Celia and start those lessons tonight. But as he went down the stairs to the staterooms, he tried to find a way to reconcile his potential deal with Jared with the deal he’d made with Celia. He stood outside her door and raised his hand to knock, but thought better of it, and then lowered it again. He shook his head and returned to his own room, alone.

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