Page 32 of Reckless Desire

I shake my head. “We’re going to have a beer and talk shit, not pick up women.”

“They might pick up us.” He flexes his biceps. “What’s not to like?”

“Oh, there is plenty to like.” I pat his shoulder. “But then you open your mouth and the magic is lost.”

“Asshole.”

“Takes one to know one.”

We laugh as we walk over the floor around the area where the steam room with spa will soon be.

The golden brown paneling is not yet fully installed, but I can see we made a good choice with the slightly overstated decor. We stop to get an update from the foreman and then head out.

“Let’s go to check the gym and then we can grab something to eat at the place on the corner,” Ash suggests.

“Are you trying to earn employee of the month?” I chuckle. I keep teasing him, but I’ve been amazed by his dedication. He still acts like an immature asshole, but he takes his job seriously and has been a tremendous help.

We didn’t speak for two months after the inheritance, but we patched things up after I offered him a role with my company, and our friendship won over any resentment.

“I want to catch up with the new trainer. He had several bookings canceled this week. We should find out what’s going on.”

It takes us almost an hour in the cab to get to the other side of Manhattan, but we finally arrive. Our Madison Ave club caters to wealthy clients, but we also offer services to the busy white-collar professionals commuting to Manhattan. They deserve a nice gym as well.

We don’t find the new trainer, but Ash walks through the facility while I peruse the mail by the front desk.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favorite trainer.” That soprano voice—entitled attitude masked by false sweetness—makes me stiffen.

“Gigi.” I nod curtly.

“I’m so glad I’ve run into you, Stuart. Have you lost your phone? I’ve been leaving you messages, darling.” Her flowery scent turns my stomach. She puts her hand on my chest and I instinctively step back only to hit the counter. She has me cornered. Goddammit.

“Did you have a good workout?” I ignore her question. I wouldn’t answer her call even if she were the last woman on Earth.

Her phony smile fights against her Botoxed skin, not really succeeding in moving her numbed facial muscles. She also ignores my question. “I have theater tickets for Friday night and I’d like you to join me.”

Gigi was one of my first clients when I really needed the money. Her loneliness made her bitter, or perhaps she’s always been like that. I was new to the gig and crossed some lines with her.

I have successfully avoided her in the past few years, but occasionally we run into each other. Especially since she’s fucking joined my gym.

“I’m busy on Friday.” Being polite is useless. I’ve turned her down gently before and kindness only encourages her. She smells weakness and latches onto it.

She might squint now, or perhaps try to smile, but it looks more like she’s constipated. Her duck-like lips quiver. “Anytime this weekend? I’ll double your rate.”

“Gigi, I quit a while ago, so there is no rate to double.” I speak through my teeth. How dare she mention my former livelihood so freely? Someone could overhear. I need to cancel her membership.

Luckily Ash shows up and I use it as my out. “I have to go. We have a meeting we’re late for. Take care, Gigi.”

She crosses her arms over her chest and glares at us as we leave.

“What was that about?” Ash asks into the sound of a siren outside. The city drills into my brain, giving me a headache. This has been the longest day ever, but at least Caro had a good day at school.

“Gigi Lafontaine, a socialite and wealthy widow who doesn’t take no for an answer.”

“She seemed pissed at you.” Ash looks back, checking she isn’t around anymore. Gigi has that ghost-like effect on people.

“She’ll be okay.” She might be overbearing, but she isn’t dangerous.

We push the door open into a full bar. I wish I was home in bed, but I can use a drink after a day that started with Sydney and ended up with fucking Gigi.

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