Page 55 of Seductive Scoundrel

“The only time you’ll catch me kneeling is at the altar of exceptionally good pussy.”

Dex chuckles. “Same page, man, same page. Let’s grab a drink before my dad joins us at the clubhouse. He spends half his life there and the other half in church. Everyone else is joining us tomorrow.”

Yet he’s still making business deals, at least with me, and keeping his son in the dark about why.

Interesting.

But this is business and the payday is right, so I’ll humor the old guy. At least hanging out with Dex isn’t a hardship.

“You got it. I’ll meet you there in half an hour.”

“And tee time tomorrow is at 9 am. We’ll grab breakfast before we meet up with the rest of the team. I’ll give you the who’s who talk.”

“You just can’t get enough of me can you?” I ask.

“Guilty.”

Getting ready takes mere minutes, and a cab brings me to the North Palm Beach Country Club where Dex is waiting for me in a corner booth with two whiskeys in front of him.

“I hope one of those is for me. Unless you’re the double fisting type.”

He smiles and it confirms that I genuinely like the guy. He looks relaxed and unguarded, which allows me to let out a breath that loosens the unease in my chest as I slide in across from him. This isn’t battle.

The country club looks like countless others I’ve been in over the years. There’s an understated elegance that appeals to the wives when they choose to join, and enough masculine touches that make it comfortable to do business – or just shoot the shit – over a drink.

“Did you bring Bianca and the kids?” I ask, hoping the answer is no. I’m allergic to anything domestic and have never understood the appeal of bringing little people into the world who take your sleep, time, and money.

“Not this time, but we are due for a visit. Dad and I got much closer when I was an adult…For obvious reasons…And he’s trying to be an active grandfather after being an absent father.”

Dex’s tone isn’t bitter, but it is resigned. I can imagine it doesn’t make you feel good to have a dad who doesn’t give a shit about you, but maybe Dexter Senior just showed his love by providing for his family instead of putting in the hours with them.

The affairs show differently, at least where Dex’s mom is concerned, but I find myself genuinely hoping he can find the relationship he’s craving with his dad.

I’m fortunate to have grown up in a good old-fashioned nuclear American household with parents I love and respect, who managed to stay married – a big feat nowadays. No matter how many luxuries I can afford, my parents’ comfortable house in Queens – that they refuse to give up for the mansion I’d love to buy them – will always be home.

I nod. “You’ve transformed what your family name means now.”

And it’s true.

Dex lifted the curtain and let the public get to know more about him, his family, and his business dealings than I’d ever be comfortable sharing. But getting to know him personally has revealed the media articles barely scratched the surface, and the man behind the household name still has plenty of layers.

“It was a hell of an uphill battle. Dad’s changed now, but I’m not sure anyone cares anymore. He’s retired and behind the scenes, except when you’re involved. Apparently.”

“He hasn’t told you why yet?”

Dex shakes his head and takes a sip of whiskey. “I don’t imagine he’s going to tell either of us. Have the guys you hired dug anything up?”

It’s my turn to laugh, and I don’t bother denying it. “You would have done the same thing.”

“Absolutely. But Dad has a lot of buried secrets that will take more than deep pockets to uncover.”

“I’m not only rich but a technological genius.”

“Humble as fuck, too.”

“No doubt.”

Before I can elaborate – and I need to be careful because it’s starting to feel like Dex and I are on the same team when he’s actually on the opposite side of the table – his dad enters the dining room, and I get my first look at him that isn’t a media shot from a decade ago.

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