Page 129 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

“Tech. Shipping. Electric cars. You name it, he owns it, billionaire. That’s the one. And his older brother, Hutton. Impressive portfolio. He holds interests in Europe and domestically. May not be a billionaire yet, but he’s well on his way.”

I take another long pull from the glass and then see them heading our way. “I love landing a whale. Two is even better.”

“I believe the term is a pod.” Nick and I look at Jackson. He clears his throat, and says, “Technically speaking, a pod is a group of whales.”

A chuckle rumbles through my chest. “Let’s land this pod then.”

Nick stands and shakes hands with them. “Man, it’s been too long,” he says. “Where’s Bennett?”

Ethan laughs. I recognize him from the tabloids toForbes. He even landed on the cover ofTimemagazine twice for innovations. He replies, “We don’t always travel in a group.”

When I see Jackson open his mouth to correct him, I shake my head just enough for him to get the message. No one wants to be called a pod.

His brother adds, “It’s hard to get all three of us in one place at the same time these days. I just got back from Brudenbourg, and Bennett took off to visit our property in Texas.”

Nick stands to his full height, comfortable standing next to anyone, from a celebrity to a billionaire. “I forgot to mention to Andrew that you married royalty. It’s an incredible story.”

Hutton laughs. “Sure is.”

With his glass in hand, Nick adds, “I want you to meet my brother. This is Andrew and my brother-in-law, Jackson St. James.”

Ethan waves Margie over after introductions are done. No doubt she’ll be all over him since he’s easily recognizable. I didn’t set out to be a bodyguard, but I guess I’ll do what it takes to protect a friend or land an account.

For the past two hours, we’ve talked business over darts and gotten into the details of their life stories. “Fascinating stuff, man.” Six drinks aren’t going to kill me, but it’s going to fuck up my morning. “We should get together and talk about your investment portfolios. I know you’re working with Jenkins & Myers, but I’d like a meeting to show you how we’re different and what we can do for you.”

Ethan laughs. “I won’t pretend to be offended that a casual chat turned to business because it usually does. Normally, I’d say no, but Nick’s been a friend for a while, and I’ve done some research on CWM. What you’ve done with the company is impressive. I like the energy and new path you’re paving in a stale industry. Have your lawyer call mine.”

“Nick’s my lawyer.”

He chuckles again as we shake hands. “Even better.”

I stand, knowing when to make an exit. After another round of handshakes, I leave the guys to drink another round. Since it’s after hours and I didn’t reserve my driver for the night, I hail a cab.

Unplanned drunken nights are fun, but it’s been a while for me, and I’m feeling it. I have the cabbie drop me off two blocks from the building, hoping the cool night air and walk will help me sober up. The first one starts clearing the fuzz from my brain, and my vision sharpens.

But as soon as I reach the second block, I stop in the middle of the sidewalk because I must be hallucinating. “Juni?”

8

Andrew

Rascal sees me first.

And yaps, of course, causing Juni to look in my direction. Her hand plants on her hip, and a tilt of her head makes it hard to decipher if she’s happy or mad that I’m here. I walk toward them, hoping it’s the former for Juni. Rascal tugs on his leash, making me realize at least one of them is excited to see me.

I approach with caution since her expression is as unreadable as her body language, and ask, “A bit late for a dog walk, don’t you think?”

“When you got to go, you gotta go.”

“Truer words have never been spoken.”

For some reason, that makes her smile. Her defenses lower along with her hand. “Have you been drinking, Andrew?”

I lick my lips, admiring her as she comes into view under the lights sneaking out through the windows from the lobby. “Why are you asking that?”

“The way you’re walking, the slow drawl in your words,” she says, ticking each one off the top of a different fingertip, “or maybe it’s the first time I’ve seen you without a coat hanger holding up your shoulders.”

“Very funny.”

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