Page 41 of Destined To Fall

“It’s basic principles, Jer. Action speaks louder than words; pictures are worth a thousand; black and white stands out more than a mishmash of colors; and anything that’s a play on words will be remembered. Catchy, instant, clear. It’s simple. Did you learn nothing at BU?” I tease.

“And you didn’t even graduate. I’m impressed, I’m not going to lie. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you. Thank you.”

“Any time.” And I mean it. That was the most non-sexual fun I’ve had in a while.

“I owe you, big time.”

“No doubt. I collect in sexual favors, though, so…”

“Mine or yours?”

“Oh, either, Jer. I’ll take either.” I smile, knowing full well he won’t deliver on any.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Will you settle for lunch when you get back?”

“Not dinner?”

“Wait. Would you have actually said yes to dinner?”

“You’ll never know.” I chuckle as I hear him mutter on the other end.“Wednesday? I’ll meet you downstairs, say midday?”

“Fine, but I’m taking you to dinner on the weekend. Non-negotiable.”

I laugh.“Fine.” I’m met with what I can only gather is stunned silence, and I laugh again.“Good night, Jeremy.”

And before he has a chance to respond, I hang up.

I stroll into the lobby of Jeremy’s office building at five minutes to twelve,with an unprecedented amount of nervous energy running rampant in my body.Almostgiddy with anticipation. I try to brush it off as eagerness to hear how Jeremy’s meeting went. He’s refused to tell me a thing until our lunchdate.

“Vivienne, what a pleasant surprise.”

I look up seconds before I no doubt would have walked into a body.“Hello, Maxwell.”

“What brings you here?” He looks around quickly.“Did we have a meeting?”

“No, not today. You’re not seeing me until tomorrow night. We are still on, aren’t we?”

“Oh. Yes, yes. Tomorrow.”

“I’m here to torture someone else with my company, so you’re off the hook.”

He chuckles warmly, and I hear thedingof the elevator. My eyes shoot to the doors as Jeremy exits.

“Speak of the devil.”

I chastely kiss Max on the cheek and sidestep him, making my way toward Jeremy before I realize my slip. His step falters, and his brow pinches as his eyes bounce between Max and me. I look back at Max’s pale face and frown, unsure of what I’m missing. Jeremy looks mad, his body radiating with controlled fury. Is he jealous of Max? It was a harmless peck on the check, but he looks ready to go caveman on me again.

Max opens his mouth but closes it as I feel Jeremy come up behind me. One of his hands goes to the small of my back, sending shivers up my spine. It’s a simple gesture, but the possession in it speaks volumes. Jeremy is jealous. Or suspicious. Or both.

“Vivienne.” It’s almost a growl. The deep baritone resonates all the way through me to my toes, but my mind reels, wondering what’s gotten into him.“I see you know my father.”

Chapter Eight

Whatever excited energy I had been feeling only moments ago fizzles with six innocent words.

I see you know my father.

Come again?

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