Page 4 of Slippery When Wet

Calvin’s eyebrows shot up. “What happened to the Pekingese?”

Joe winced. “I was afraid to ask. Of course, I’ll see what I can do regarding her hotel request, but what about the Gulfstream she always prefers? I’m not sure there’s enough cabin space for the dog, and then there’s the question of…well…” He sighed, rubbing his forehead. “It’s not as if she can have her assistant take him out for a walk while flying over the Atlantic.”

“Hmm. I see.”

Calvin steepled his fingers as he relaxed in the cushy leather desk chair, his elbows resting on the chair arms. Dame Rothschild had been a client for over a decade. She traveled extensively, and always hired a private jet from Calvin’s company to facilitate her excursions. Her faithful patronage was a big part of his success. But a Great Dane on one of his luxury jets? This would need to be handled delicately.

“When is she scheduled to fly?”

“This Friday.”

Calvin woke up his other computer screen and was off and running, working with Joe on how to handle Dame Rothschild’s travel particulars. From there, they went through who else was scheduled for the coming week and discussed discount rates for a senator who’d just been elected and planned to use Sterling Transportation as his travel service from now on. They finished off the meeting on how to manage the delicate matter of a drunken, has-been action star who’d practically destroyed the interior of one of their pricier jets.

“All right, Joe. I think we’ve covered everything. Is there anything else you need to go over with me?”

“No, Mr. Stewart. That should be good. Will you be in the Hamptons all week, or only for the day?”

Calvin sighed. He so rarely felt like going into the city these days. Sterling’s office was located in Manhattan, and he had a top team running the day-to-day operations under his or Joe’s guidance. But that didn’t necessarily mean he had to physically be on the premises all the time. Even when he met with a potential client, they were more likely to discuss business over cocktails at The Plaza or lunch at Del Frisco’s.

The truth was, if he ever found his forever boy, he’d probably get rid of the penthouse and make his Southampton estate his only address—which brought the night at Thrust to mind.

And the delectable boy at the bar who wore the red bracelet.

“Sir?”

Calvin gave himself a mental shake. “Sorry. Wool gathering.” He cleared his throat and straightened in his chair. “I’ll remain on the island today then drop by the office tomorrow in the morning.” Calvin glanced at his planner that was open to the current week. “Make a note that I’ll be unavailable on Wednesday, should anyone ask. David Erickson and his new business partner are coming into town and will want to have lunch and cocktails.” Calvin tapped his pen against the desk. “That will undoubtedly encompass the entire afternoon.”

Joe chuckled. “Yes, sir.”

Calvin gave a sharp nod. “That should be it for now. Call if you need anything.”

Joe smiled. “Yes, sir. Have a great day.”

Calvin smiled back. “You too, Joe.”

His assistant was competent and professional, in addition to being as straight and vanilla as the day was long. The man was perfect for his business, but Calvin went out of his way to remain vague with the young man regarding his personal life.

The chat window closed, and Calvin leaned back in his office chair again, tapping his fingers on the arms. His mind drifted to the wide-eyed blond he’d seen at the club the other night. Calvin recognized the flirty boy who was with him but had never seen the pretty blond before.

Calvin’s lips tugged into a smile as he recalled how the boy would sip delicately on the cocktail straws of his tall drink and casually gaze around the room as if he wasn’t trying to check Calvin out. He chuckled to himself. But then there was that damn red bracelet. Was the boy chaperoning his friend as a favor to his absent Daddy? Or was he considering age play but wasn’t sure? Or even worse, did he already have a Daddy?

Calvin scrubbed his face with one hand, still annoyed with himself that he hadn’t at least introduced himself or learned more about the adorable young thing. However, he took protocol very seriously, always had, and red meant red. Sure, he could’ve been careful in how he approached him, but by the time he’d resolved to make a move, Calvin could no longer find them in the crowd.

It was probably all for the best. The chances were strong they wouldn’t be a match, that the red bracelet was there for a very good reason and Calvin shouldn’t put himself in a position where he could be hurt again.

His private cell went off, and Calvin glanced down at the screen to see who was phoning him.

Arnold.

Calvin scrubbed his face twice this time then answered. His cousin would only keep calling and calling otherwise.

“Hello, Arnold. How are you?”

“Great, doing great. Yourself?”

From there, the conversation rambled on about various family members—including Calvin’s father who was considering buying his own vineyard in the south of France—until the pull to get going and take care of business overtook him.

“I’m sorry, Arnold. But I’m afraid I have to cut this short. I have a lot on my plate today at work.”

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