Page 17 of Played

“Engineering, huh.” I repeat, impressed.

“Aye, we have our own software, and firewalls, network, etc. All engineered by a team, which I head. I’ve also got a master’s degree in finance.”

“And you’re Gill’s protégé? It sounds to me like you could take him on a run for his money.”

“Mister Rogers is very protective of his finances. He’s always skeptical of anything that gets anywhere near his dollars, or his client’s dollars, which is why he wanted me to deal with this, along with Trudy, who is also vested in the Rogers family.”

“I see.”

We drone on for a while longer, and I find myself intrigued. Which I never am. Usually women simply stimulate me, give my cock a wee twitch or two, but I’m never interested beyond the quickest way to press their backs into my mattress. But as Freya passes me her business card, with her personal cell phone number written in ink on the back, I look twice. “I look forward to doing business with you.” I say to Freya as she exits my office.

“Likewise.” She says, Scottish accent making my cock stand on end, along with her soft brown curls and full lips.

I’m sure Trudy picks up on the exchange, as she raises her brow at us, and pulls Freya away, after telling me to enjoy my weekend.

…but it turns into nothing more than a few fist pumps on my hardened cock after waking up with wood, picturing her in a crazy wet dream…until our next meeting, nearly a year later.

“Freya? Is it?” I ask, seeing a familiar face, standing behind a vendor table, at this huge, annual geek meet thing that I go to every year. It’s a gathering, basically for people that have money and are techy. The vendors are everything from high end video games and systems to software for investors, bankers, anything that can turn money into more money and beyond. Da always refuses to go because we have custom made software and our own in-house developers, but I find it amusing to see what’s out there, and what mere millionaires are stooping to these days.

“Ethan, is it?” Freya says. “Ethan Harris?”

I nod. “Aye. That’s right. What are you doing here?”

Freya gestures to the booth that she’s manning. “This is one of my passions. I secretly build software on the side. When others are binging on Netflix series, I’m engineering finance software and selling it at places like this.”

“Anything patented?”

“Aye.” She nods, shrugging. “It’s all legitimate. I sell it online as well, but this way I get to crawl out of my comfort zone and talk to people, face to face.”

“Does it profit?” I ask, looking around at the booths. “It can’t be cheap renting a table at an event like this.”

“It’s not the money, Ethan. It’s getting all this product out there. I have so many ideas that have to go through a million channels before it ever sees the light, but this way, it’s up to me. I get to make all the decisions and release what I want, without having to answer to anyone, and take a year in the process.”

I chuckle. “So, are you still working with Gill Rogers?”

She smiles. “Aye. Well, no. I’m still at his bank, but I got a promotion shortly after we last met.”

“Really.” I frown. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” She nods, as a customer comes to ask her a question. I act like I’m perusing the dozens of boxes she has on the table, while she tends to the man, who looks like he should be buying a casket, not software, based on how frail he is. But I say nothing as she sells him a box.

“Look at you. Selling like hotcakes.” I comment. “I suppose it has nothing to do with the fact that a beautiful woman stands behind the table, with copper brown hair and a pretty smile.” I compliment, wondering where that is coming from.

“While I’m flattered, don’t you think that’s a terribly chauvinistic thing to say?” She asks, half smiling, but with her brows furrowed.

“Forgive me, Freya. I didn’t mean to offend. It just looked like the man was sweet on you is all.”

“He wasn’t.” She says, letting it go, picking up a box. “Can I interest you in something, Ethan?”

I have to admit I’m impressed by her entrepreneurial attitude. Even I couldn’t fathom pulling off a side business with my livelihood. But here she is, guns a blazing, running her own business, along with working full time for a man that I know firsthand is a hard ass. And then something comes out of my mouth, and I have no idea where it comes from, or how to stop it. “How about dinner tonight?”

She blinks twice, shocked. “Um.” A hesitation I’m not used to. Not to brag, but normally women jump at the chance, and I’m not saying that to be an asshole, it’s just true. I’ve had many women ask me out that I’ve had to turn down, and most of the time, when I show any interest in a woman, the interest is mutual. This I’m not so sure about. “I’m a little busy tonight. I’ll be here until at least six o’clock, and then I have to pack everything up.”

“Tomorrow night?” I try.

“I’m afraid this event goes on for the next two days, Ethan. I won’t be free until Tuesday night, and then I know I’m working late, since I have to take Tuesday off, and the rest of the week will be a nightmare.”

I’m wounded, seriously. “Okay. I can take a hint.” I purse my lips together.

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