Page 15 of Serving the Mogul

I lifted an eyebrow. “Is there a problem?”

Gianni sighed and looked at the text I’d sent her earlier. “You want me to investigate a woman just because she turned you down twice. Doesn’t that strike you as…overkill?”

Few people in my life were so blunt with me. And nobody could hold a candle to Gianni. She was about as no-nonsense as they came, calling the shots as she saw them, or so she claimed.

It was something I liked about our relationship. I didn’t have to worry Gianni ever held back or offered false assurances. Knowing I could count on her, having her opinion was one of the few mainstays in my life.

“Look, Gianni…” I tried to smile. Her scowl didn’t lessen even a little. “I’m not asking for a deep dive into her credit history, her medical records, or anything like that. I’m just….”

When I hesitated, she cocked an eyebrow. “You’re just…what? Striking out? Not charming her into bed like your usual self?”

“I don’t charm women into my bed,” I said testily.

“Well, that much is true. I don’t think you know how to be charming. Women just look at that pretty face and fall back, legs open.”

I didn’t like how close that was to the truth. “The next time I want insight from you on my sex life, I’ll ask.” Pausing a beat, I added, “Don’t expect me to ask. Ever.”

Chuckling, she leaned back in her seat. “So, judging by how irritated you are right now, I’m assuming I hit the nail on the head. I’m right, aren’t I? She wasn’t interested.”

“I’ve asked her out to dinner three times now, and that doesn’t include the invitation for a drink the night we met. I just–”

“You can’t comprehend how any woman can tell you no?” she asked with false sweetness and a simpering smile.

“Why the hell did I even call you?” Glaring at her, I pointed out, “I could hire any number of PIs in Houston, and they’d do the job for a lot less money and attitude.”

My phone buzzed.

“Well, it’s true. But then you’d worry about one of the PI’s selling the info behind your back.”

Flipping her off, I picked up my phone and hit the button to stop its vibrations. It was a call. I recognized the number, a potential investor, but I didn’t interrupt video calls with family for business.

“Are you going to help me with this or not?” I already knew she would. Gianni wasn’t one to say no to the family unless it was something completely off the wall.

“You know I will. I’ve already started.” Huffing out a breath, she looked away, her eyes running back and forth in a way that showed she was reading something on a screen. “Well, the good news is…she’s got a solid, clean rep. At least, that’s what I see on a basic background check. Never married, no kids, no arrests, pays her taxes on time…looks like her business might be in a tight spot, but she’s keeping her head above water…barely.” She hesitated and glanced at me, the look telling.

I didn’t need to be a psychic to read her expression. “If she were a money-grubber, I would have suspected that already,” I said levelly.

“True. Turning one of the richest guys in Texas down when he repeatedly tries to take you out for dinner doesn’t exactly scream gold digger, does it?” Gianni’s grin was quick and sharp when she once again glanced away from whatever report she’d been reading to meet my eyes. “I’ll give this a few minutes and shoot you a preliminary ASAP. Just don’t turn into a creepy stalker, okay?”

“I won’t.”

“Good.” She winked at me. “FYI, she’s licensed to carry in the state of Texas, and it looks like she’s a damn good shot. She’s won a couple of sharp-shooting competitions. Gianni paused, cocked her head, and leaned closer to her screen. “More than a couple. I think I’m impressed.”

“So glad she meets your approval. I need to go.” My phone had just vibrated, this time with a text from my admin. “Thanks, Gianni.”

Her non-verbal grunt conveyed she had already shifted her entire focus to the task at hand–Tina Siegler.

Rising, I put Tina out of my mind. Well, I nudged her to the side, temporarily, so I could focus on my job.

* * *

Broodingover the mostly untouched dinner I’d ordered from the kitchen, I leaned back in my desk chair and eyed my silent phone.

It had been silent for close to thirty minutes, something that was almost unheard of for me.

It also pissed me off.

That’s not to say the break from reporters and investors bothered me.

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