Page 6 of The American

Chapter 3

Sage slipped into the Summit night club on the arm of Devon Fenningway.

“So how’s the new playboy CEO?” He smirked.

Sage had to be careful. Supporting her new company meant supporting this plan. “You gotta admit it’s pretty brilliant. The marketing team is on to something.”

He didn’t answer, irritation stiffening his shoulders.

“However, I don’t know why they couldn’t have found a hot guy who was also a capable business man to run the show at my side.”

He stepped in front of her and leaned in suggestively. “Or a hot woman to do both.”

For a moment, her blood rushed with the exhilaration and power of the idea, with the words suggesting everything she wanted. She rested a hand on his arm. “I like the sound of that.”

“We could make it happen.” Devon’s eyes sparkled wickedly.

She wanted to talk more about what he suggested, but she knew she couldn’t. Any efforts to sabotage the company would only make her look bad. And besides, that’s not how she did business. If she couldn’t rise to the top on her own merits, then she didn’t want to be there.

She opened her mouth to say something to that effect when a rush of women fluttered by her, their perfume and hair products leaving a cloud behind.

Thad stood at the entrance. Two women, one on each arm smiled victoriously, perhaps a bit smugly and she didn’t blame them. He was the hottest man in the room and the most interesting besides. The new royal CEO was making his presence known.

But something about the woman on his right grated. She had a proprietary stance that immediately set the competitive bones inside Sage burning. “Oh no you don’t.”

“That’s the spirit.” Devon pulled her to him. “Let’s unseat this clown before he makes a mockery of American business.”

“I’m not opposed to showing them up a little bit. But I’ve got to support the CEO-ship.”

He raised both eyebrows. “Is that what you are calling it?”

She laughed. “I just started. It has a nice ring to it. Like it or not, I’m married to this guy for the time.”

“I don’t like it.” His teeth ground. She could see his jaw clench.

But she knew Devon didn’t feel territorial towards her. Up until now he had been the most desirable man in almost any room. And Thad was just getting started. She had seen the marketing plans. He was about to take Manhattan by hot-guy storm. And she had to admit to a certain amount of respect for the publicity department. Their company would ride the Prince of Torren tidal wave all the way in. But she knew with every wave rolling in, there was also one rolling out. And she was going to find some high ground to cling to while he rolled out.

Thad stood taller than most in the room. As soon as he saw Sage he raised a hand. She laughed and waved back. It was part of their ploy: a happily married partnership. Only not married. They were not to get romantic. Zachary strictly explained the rules. Whatever they wanted to do behind closed doors was up to them. But he better not see any of it on camera.

No problem with Sage. She whispered. “Play nice.”

“I’d like to show him a thing or two.”

One of the girls stepped up on tip toes and kissed his cheek, and the crowd cheered.

Jealousy surged through Sage. She could not be feeling jealousy. It absolutely did not matter that Thad had women all over him or that one kissed his cheek. Nevertheless she responded by standing perceptively closer to Devon.

His chuckle rumbled in his chest. “So that’s how it’s going to be?” He wrapped an arm around her back and pulled her up against the length of him. “Happy to oblige.” His face, full of devious plans, he seemed so pleased with the prospect of a little competition she could only laugh.

Before they could say another word, Thad stood in front of them, ladies in tow. Devon whispered, “Right on time.”

She stepped back a few inches. “Thad. Good to see you.” She nodded to the girls, waiting.

Thad introduced them and suggested they all find a table together.

Devon had never been so attentive. They slid into a booth. He leaned back against the wall and pulled her up against him.

Thad’s eye traveled between the two of them, but his expression was unreadable. The girls draped themselves all over him, but he handled it as though he had been doing it his whole life. They fit on his elbows and he used his hands to talk as though they were adornments. But he conversed with both, gave attention to each, and for the most part, Sage found herself more amused than anything at their interesting dance.

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