Page 30 of Without Regret

I ate a protein bar for dinner while getting my hair cut and blown out. It had been nice to go back to my New York hairdresser who didn’t ask a million personal questions. God, how I missed the city.

After my hair appointment, I returned to my hotel room to get glammed up for the evening. At least I hadn’t had to endure dinner with the suits. As much as Tom had acted the sexist pig to point out I hadn’t been invited, the thought of having to endure the boys’ club over dinner left me cold. I respected Phillip, but the man definitely didn’t open his eyes to the way some of his staff treated people. Namely Tom.

Shaking off all thoughts of that wanker, I donned my black leather skirt, high-heeled black boots, and off-the-shoulder white top. While this last put my assets on full display, it did require a strapless bra. Next, I left my hair straight down my back, feeling thankful it was shiny and shaped from my haircut. But it was my makeup on which I spent the most time, expertly doing up my eyes and finishing with blood-red lipstick.

By the time I arrived via taxi at the club, Simon and Trevor were already there. I didn’t miss the way Trevor’s gaze appraised what I was wearing and let myself enjoy the attention when he slid over to me in the booth.

“A New York night out looks good on you.”

I sipped the martini which had already been ordered for me. “Thank you.” Because I wanted to ensure we stayed on neutral ground, I asked about dinner with Phillip.

“It went well. Evidently, we’ll be traveling next week to Houston to do the audit of the Fantasy Sports software company. Of course, that means Tom will be coming along, too.”

I tried not to cringe. With this being Trevor’s first deal, the last thing he needed was for me to lament about working with Tom. “At least he’s good with the numbers.”

We spent the next hour chatting with Simon, mostly over the differences between New York and Texas. Finally, Simon stood up. “All right, team. I’m calling it a night. I have a town car out front in case either of you wants a ride back to the hotel?”

I could sense Trevor’s eyes on me when I responded. “I, um, I’m staying out to meet some friends.”

Trevor shocked me by downing the remainder of his drink and standing up next to Simon. “I’ll head back and would appreciate the ride. You certain you’re okay here by yourself, Emma?”

“Yes, definitely.” I made the motion of looking at my phone. “I’m texting some people and will meet up with them soon.”

“You want me to wait?”

“Nope. But thanks for the offer.”

Trevor smiled tightly while Simon gave me a look like be careful before they both walked away.

I should’ve been relieved Trevor had left. Shouldn’t have been disappointed he hadn’t made an excuse to stay. But here I was, alone and now completely uninspired to do what I’d set out to do. Fifteen minutes later after nursing my drink, I was about to bag on the night when Trevor slid into the booth beside me.

“What are you doing back?”

He sighed. “I realize this will probably sound sexist, especially since you know the city better than I do, but leaving you here by yourself didn’t feel right. Call it a Texas quirk.”

He was a gentleman. Through and through. “It’s sweet, but unnecessary.”

He sighed. “There aren’t any friends coming by, are there?”

I decided not to bother lying. “No.”

“I meant what I said about us being friends.”

I leveled him with a look. “Did you?”

He shrugged. “Wasn’t my first choice, but I’m certainly not intent on making you feel uncomfortable or trapped in my company. I’ll go.”

He stood up, appearing ready to leave.

“Wait. You don’t have to. I could be your wing-woman. That blonde over there is certainly checking you out.”

He didn’t miss a beat or look disappointed that I was willing to set him up with someone else. “Yeah? Guess I must clean up pretty good.”

Indeed, he did. In his black slacks and white button-down shirt, he cleaned up really well. And he smelled divine, you know, if I was noticing that sort of thing. But it was the baby face which was seriously wreaking havoc on my girly parts. That was why I slid out of the booth, giving him my words with some measure of regret. “Sit here, and I’ll get her to come over.”

He shook his head, grabbing my wrist as I was about to walk away. “Thanks, but no. I’m a firm believer in making the first move. And no offense, but I don’t normally need help finding women.”

No, he wouldn’t.

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