Page 21 of Seductive Scoundrel

Jacqueline’s voice enters my quiet office through the intercom. “Mr. Truitt is on hold.”

Dex and I have been playing phone tag ever since I accepted his – well, his dad’s – offer. Neither of us are fans of texting, and it looks like we’ll finally be able to connect live. I hit the speakerphone button and his voice booms throughout my cavernous office.

“That was quite an acceptance gift.”

“Go big or go home, they say. I’ve never been sent home.”

Dean chuckles. “I’m looking forward to working with you. I had everything couriered to your lawyer, so we should be able to ink a final deal soon.”

“Sounds good, man.”

“Just one thing…My bank is doing a standard look at all the numbers before they’ll support the acquisition, but there won’t be any issues on my end.”

“Is that your PC way of telling me to bend over because we’re both about to get fucked by an auditor?”

“That it is, my friend, that it is. You don’t do PC very well, huh?”

“Worse has been said, so we’ll go with your assessment. Who do you bank with?”

“Tempo.”

“You better send me some lube as a consolation prize.”

Dex laughs again. “Let’s do another dinner after everything is settled. We can celebrate. If you want, come by my place and Bianca can make us –”

“I appreciate it, but that’s far too domestic for me. I’m sure your kids are less insufferable than most, but I’d rather skip the whole sticky finger, verbal diarrhea portion of the evening and go drink some whiskey at Eleven.”

“Done. I love my family more than anything, but a night out is always appreciated. You’ll have to fly down to Palm Beach with me to meet the old man though. We can bring the other executives on the team and get to know each other. There won’t be anything domestic about it.”

“Fair. I’m always up for some golf, sunshine and strategizing.”

“I’m sure we’ll be in touch throughout the audit, so we’ll chat soon.”

“You got it,” I agree.

I have a conference call about my new venture with a potential Sweden-based tech team, so I dial in while typing a quick text to Jeffrey.

Dean: What the fuck colors do roses come in other than red?

Jeffrey: I don’t even ask why anymore. Pink, white, yellow, purple, black…

Dean: Send a dozen in every color – except black – to Mia. The note can say, Thanks for the gift – it will be used for a purpose you might not have intended on Saturday. I’ll call you tonight – promise.

Jeffrey: Who the fuck is this girl?

Dean: I thought you didn’t ask questions anymore.

Jeffrey: I said that I didn’t ask why. That was a “who” question, and I’m concerned you’re losing your goddamn mind.

Dean: Once I fuck her, the insanity will stop.

Jeffrey: All of this effort and you haven’t even dipped in? Yeah. You’re losing it.

Dean: You’re going to lose your bonus.

Jeffrey: Ordering roses now.

Dean: Make sure there’s a car to drive her home, too. I’ll be sending you a ton of work today for the new deal.

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