Page 6 of The Rich One

“Hey, Mr. Bobby. I’m just going to Martha’s Vineyard for the weekend with a friend.”

“A boyfriend?” The glint in his eyes makes me laugh. I can’t help it. He’s like the endearing old grandpa that sits in the corner telling crude jokes at family parties.

A sleek, black SUV pulls up before I can answer. Not that I was going to be honest, but I hate lying to Mr. Bobby, so it’s always nice when I don’t have to.

“Looks like my ride’s here. I’ll be home on Sunday evening at some point. Have a great weekend.” I kiss him on the cheek before rolling my luggage over to the Lincoln Navigator, handing it over to Aaron—Tyler’s driver—who stands waiting to put it in the trunk.

Tyler greets me with a head nod as I get into the back of the SUV, his phone to his ear so I know not to speak. Gesturing to the champagne-filled glasses sitting on the little table in front of us, he silently invites me to help myself. I don’t usually drink while I’m working, but the occasional glass is allowed. I’ve had a busy few days, and I deserve a nice cold glass of liquid gold. Besides, there’s enough trust between us that I can let my barriers down just a tiny fraction.

After a few sips, Tyler finishes with his call, placing his phone into the inside pocket of his designer suit jacket. I’ve got to admit, he is easy on the eyes. The dark gray suit does wonders for his well-toned body, the white collared shirt setting off his tanned skin beautifully. He’s slightly more casual today with no tie and the top button of his shirt undone. Something most girls would drool over. Definitely a walking wet dream. But he’s my client, and getting attached goes against our contract and my general life rules.

“I have a schedule for the weekend here for you, Rose. I have no doubt you’ll be perfect as usual. This weekend is going to be a little different than the others. It’ll be the first time I’ve seen Cora since she left.” His deep brown eyes are downcast as he speaks, the shame he feels from the cliché of his wife cheating on him with his best friend—and business partner—is evident.

The subject of Cora has come up a few times, late at night, when the moon is high and in the safety of darkness. In those moments, I’m not just a sex toy, I’m an unbiased confidant. Cora and his best friend have been in Dubai since I’ve known him, and he knew she was coming back soon, I’m just not so sure he was prepared for it being now.

He clears his throat before speaking again. “I bought you a new dress for the party tomorrow night. I’m sure whatever you had planned would’ve been fine, but this dress is the statement I want to make.”

“Of course, no problem.” He passes me the schedule with a nod before pulling out his phone again.

* * *

The start of the evening didn’t go as planned for Tyler. His business partner, Brett, arrived earlier than planned and immediately started schmoozing some of their clients. I know this pissed him off, the agitation in his features as he handed our luggage over to the concierge of the Harbor View Hotel was clear. It was quickly masked as he took a deep breath and led me into the Edgartown Room.

It’s beautifully set up; cylindrical white pillars spaced throughout the room, interspersed with a few rectangular ones with mirrors on all four sides; panoramic views of the harbor and the iconic lighthouse through large windows along two walls, with equally large glass doors leading out onto the veranda. We’ve been here for an hour so far, with me attached to Tyler’s arm, ever the doting girlfriend. Nodding and smiling, laughing at the most boring jokes in the world so his clients think they’re funny.

“Why don’t you go and get us both a drink, Rose. I’ve just got something to talk with Joshua about, and I’ll meet you on the veranda.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me in to kiss the top of my head.

“Of course, I’ll see you out there.” A wink and a smile in his direction, clear forJoshuato see, and I turn on my heel and head toward the bar—a little extra wiggle in my step for good measure. Tyler likes to make his clients jealous, says it takes them off guard just enough to get what he wants out of them. Not that I know exactly what that entails. We may talk, but it’s never about business.

On our first appointment, I decided he was the money man for an important mobster. I know that’s way off base, he actually runs a chain of department stores, but being a mobster is much more exciting than the truth. Coming up with fake occupations for my clients makes me feel like an international woman of mystery.

Breathing in the fresh ocean scents as I stand on the veranda is wonderful. It’s so peaceful out here. Sounds of people drinking and laughing inside float through the open doors, but it’s comforting in a way. Life is happening all around, and here I am in one of the most peaceful places I could imagine.

“That dress isn’t exactly formal-drinks attire.” The nasally voice comes from behind me, followed by the guffaw of another.

Turning to face them, I steel my nerves, making sure it’s Rose who greets them—River would likely punch the rude bitch in the face. Ugh, it’s Cora and one of the other rich-bitch wives I’ve met this evening. They’re all so up their own asses it’s unreal. I swear they should all have brown lipstick on to match the shit coming out of their mouths.

“Oh, this?” I feign a nervous laugh. “We arrived a little late. Had to stop on the way because… well…” I look down as if I’m embarrassed. “You know, we had to send the driver away for half an hour for some privacy.” Covering my mouth with my hand and looking at them from under my lashes is my final move. Cora is steaming, redness creeping up her chest underneath her barely-there maxi-dress. I smile internally.

“You know you’ve got my sloppy leftovers, don’t you? So I don’t know what you’re so smug about.” She folds her arms over her chest, pushing up her rock-hard breasts that Tyler probably paid for when they were together.

“If you ever slept with him, then you should know exactly what I’m smug about. Right?” I give her my biggest, friendliest smile and hold my hand up for a high five. She is not amused. Oh, but holy fuck, I am!

"Right. It won't be long until he gets bored of you. Remember this conversation on the third or fourth night he hasn't come home because of…" She pauses, leans in slightly, and hooks her fingers in the air quoting her last word, enunciating it like a plague. "Business."

"Is that your version of the events, Cora? Funny, I remember coming home and finding you fucking my best friend. Tomayto, tomahto." Tyler approaches her from behind. Of course I saw him coming, but fuck if I was going to tell her that.

She looks flustered as he walks around her and grabs the back of my neck, pulling me in for a panty-melting kiss. All teeth and tongues, dirty, just how he likes it. It’s not, however, how he likes to kiss in front of his clients or colleagues; in front of them, he’s much more reserved. This is him putting on a show for Cora, and I’m happy to oblige.

I hear some huffs and high-pitched mumbles, but I’m not really paying attention to anything apart from Tyler. Exactly what he pays me for.

When he pulls away, Cora and her little snot-nosed friend have gone. “Are you okay?” I love that he’s concerned about my interaction with his ex, it’s uncharacteristically sweet.

“I’m good, Tyler. Nothing I can’t handle. She’s jealous, so I’d say job well done.” I grin at him as he continues to hold me, one arm around my waist, the other still behind my head. To anyone watching from afar, we look like any other couple in love.

“Job well done indeed, Rose. Come on, let’s go to our room. I’ve had enough of everyone in there for tonight.” Closing his eyes, he tilts his face to the sky and takes a deep breath, as if steeling himself to walk back through the room full of his clients and colleagues. I can imagine everyone wanting a piece of your time all day every day is grating.

The hotel room is simple, but elegant. A huge bed full of pillows in the center of the room, a padded bench at the end of it, and French doors showing a beautiful view of the harbor. It’s stunning. I don’t have a lot of time to look around though. Tyler is ready. The brief interaction with Cora is likely what has him so worked up.

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