Page 16 of Seductive Scoundrel

“Maybe. He’s doing well health-wise now, and I think he’s getting bored. He’s on his third wife, and will be headed straight to a fourth if he keeps driving this one crazy. Maybe you’re going to be his hobby.”

I start to bristle, but Dex holds up his hands. “I don’t mean it like that, man. I just mean that technology is a sector he hasn’t previously been involved in. So now that he’s adamant about expanding our portfolio, starting with you, he could want to jump back in.

“Look, I’ll consider us peers. Yes, I’ll be the overarching CEO of the company if you accept the offer, but I don’t think I’m better than you. That’s not how I do business with men of your caliber.”

I nod. “I appreciate that, and I have nothing to hide. I have no issue with getting close to you or your dad and explaining everything I know. I’m assuming that’s why he wanted to keep me on board anyway.”

We shift back into personal topics and Dex’s entire face lights up when he talks about his family. A beautiful wife, a boy and a girl – a millionaire’s family, they call it. Ironic given he’s probably a billionaire at this point.

When he presses me on my single status, he shoots a knowing smile when I explain that I’m not looking for anything serious. “You just haven’t met your game-changer yet, man.”

“I don’t want any distractions. I have more businesses to create and world domination to secure. I’ve got New York in the books, so next is Chicago.”

He laughs and we spend hours in comfortable conversation. He’s more like an old friend than my – technically – future boss. I’ve never had a boss before or been accountable to anyone other than shareholders and a board of directors, but now it’s clear he’s not going to be a dick about it.

This meeting was definitely worthwhile.

By the time we leave the restaurant, we’re both loose from the alcohol and it’s nearly two in the morning. Shit. There is no way in hell Mia is still awake, and I’m so disappointed I don’t even have the chance to be alarmed that I care so much.

I confirm that I’ll share my final decision with Dex tomorrow. It wouldn’t be awful to add him to my professional circle. But right now, I have something else I need to attend to.

In the backseat of the Bentley, I notice that I have multiple missed calls and messages, but I immediately go to Mia’s.

Mia: Are you still calling me or did you forget about our plans?

She included a sexy picture of her pouting face and another shot of her barely clad body that has me holding back a groan.

Mia: I’m starting to get disappointed, Mr. Big Dick.

Mia: Okay, well, I guess you’re too busy for me. I’m going to bed.

If she’s going to replace Gwynne – and I don’t even know where that idea came from – it’s for the best that she understands my schedule. I don’t always have control over when I’m available. But damn, I still feel like an asshole for letting her down.

Dean: Just leaving the restaurant. If there’s any chance you’re still awake, I’ll call you when I get home.

And then something happens for the first time.

She leaves my message on read and doesn’t reply. She’s officially pissed, probably because she assumes I was with a woman. This is also officially the time I’d usually walk. I will never be the guy who’s home for dinner every night and accessible whenever a woman wants me to be. And when they try to change me, I dissuade them of their illusions – fast.

But I’m not walking.

Instead, I call Jeffrey because texting is bullshit and I only indulge Mia because it’s her preference. I guess it comes with being a goddamn millennial.

“Do you ever sleep?” Jeffrey groans.

“No. Get some Macallan Sherry Oak sent to Dex Truitt. Don’t skimp – get the 25-year bottle, which is an upgrade from what he usually drinks. Include a note that says, ‘I accept your proposal’ and make sure it’s wrapped all pretty and shit.”

“I don’t even know where to start with my questions, so I guess I’ll just ask if I can order one for myself, too, since you just woke me up in the middle of the damn night.”

“Sure. And no, I’m not gay.”

“Then change proposal to offer.”

“Smart man.”

“Remind me why this request couldn’t wait until a normal hour?”

“I also need you to arrange a ride for Mia Ford for tomorrow morning. Have Robert idling outside her place by seven to take her to work. I’ll take care of choosing the gift myself, but you need to wait up for my email and arrange to have it sent to her office tomorrow before noon with a note that says, ‘I’m sorry about last night, and I promise I’ll make it up to you.’ This one needs to be wrapped even prettier…And shit.”

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