Page 21 of Elliot

The man smiled at Elliot, and he couldn’t help smiling back before replying, “Elliot will do.”

“And this is getting good,” Con said in his ear.

“Well, I must fly. There are so many people to see and men to drool over.” Tyler moved on, and both he and Maya laughed.

Once he left, Maya explained, “Tyler recently developed an online shopping store that caters to the more adventurous men in the world.”

“And became a multi-millionaire doing it,” another man said as he approached them. “My name is Chandler Kates.”

Elliot recognized the name and felt Maya stiffen beside him. “Chandler, how have you been?”

“You’d know if you’d ever returned my call.” Chandler glanced at her hand on Elliot’s arm. Instinctively, Elliot reachedover and covered her hand with his. Maya looked up at him and gave him a small smile, obviously thanking him.

She turned back to Chandler. “I’ve been busy.”

Chandler’s eyebrows rose. “So, I see. Congratulations on being nominated again.”

“Thank you. Were you nominated?” Maya asked.

Chandler’s brow furrowed. “No. Obviously, the nominating committee hasn’t expanded its net.”

Maya glanced across the room, then looked up at Elliot. “That’s Olivia. Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

“We’ve got her.” A voice he didn’t recognize chimed in.

Elliot watched her go, not expecting Mr. Kates to remain once she left. When he looked back, the man was staring at him. Elliot lifted an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“Just a warning. Maya and I have a relationship.” The man sipped at whatever was in his rock’s glass.

“One-sided, I’m sure.” Elliot stepped away, but the man’s hand grabbed his arm. Instinctively, Elliot slapped the hand away and spun on his aggressor. He lowered his voice and growled, “Don’t ever do that again. I am not someone to mess with.”

“Oh, what did he do?” Con asked. Elliot could hear the man chomping on popcorn in his ear.

Kates went white, and his eyes widened, but he still managed to speak. “She’s just playing around with you. Don’t get too comfortable. She always comes back to me.”

Elliot narrowed his eyes. “From what she’s told me, you only want to be with her because of her connections and money. Has no one ever told you that you’ll never get anywhere by trying to sleep your way into power or position?”

That shut the man up for a moment. His mouth dropped open, and he looked from side to side. “That’s not true. I love her. She loves me.”

Elliot laughed. “Has she ever told you that?”

“I know what I know. She’ll drop you and come back to me when things get tough. She always does. I’m who she always comes back to.”

“Really, and when was the last time she came back to you?” Elliot crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the guy across from him. The guy was tall but slender. Elegant was the word he’d use to describe the guy. Definitely not sturdy or one to do his own dirty work.

Maya called over to him. “Elliot, could you come over here for a moment.”

He glanced at Maya and nodded before turning to Chandler Kates. “Watch yourself, Mr. Kates; one might think you’re a bit obsessive.”

“And that’s my clue. I’m running him,” Con said in his ear as he made his way to Maya.

“I’m so sorry. I thought he’d leave.” Maya made a face at him. “Have you ever met Olivia Solomon?”

“No …” Con’s lament in his ear caused him to smile.

“No, I have not.”

“Well, time to rectify that.” A beautiful older woman, perhaps in her mid to late sixties, held out her hand. “I understand you’re here to take care of my friend.”

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