Reaching up, I smooth the worry lines on Finn’s forehead. His brows are cinched in dismay. “Do you have to see him often?”
“Nah, not really. A few times a year. He’s actually in town next month. We’re having dinner. Want to come with me and be my decoy?” He lets out what sounds like a nervous chuckle. I half expect him to add, just kidding. This is a layer of Finn I haven’t seen before. He looks a little vulnerable.
I smile at him like the world’s biggest smart-ass. “Ask me.”
“What?”
“If you want me to go, I will. Just ask me for what you want. Don’t be shy.” I wink at him.
“And the student becomes the teacher,” Finn says. He taps his fingers together in a sarcastic golf clap. “Fine. Avery, will you please go to dinner with me when I have to meet my dad? I could use a friend to get me through it.”
I rise to my tiptoes, but I’m still not tall enough to kiss his cheek. I reach around the back of his neck and pull him a little closer. “I’d be happy to,” I say into his ear before I press my lips against his smooth cheek.
“Thank you.”
I snuggle into my towel and smile at Finn, right before I shoo him away. “It’s a date. But now, I need to sleep off all our shenanigans from this evening.” Perfectly timed, a large yawn overcomes me. “And I know you must be wrecked as well.”
I can almost see the words on his lips. I swear if he asked, I’d say yes tonight. I’m so happy. I could pretend for just one evening that I could keep this man to myself forever. Say it, Finn. Ask me if you can stay over.
He settles for a lingering kiss on my forehead, then follows up with a quick peck on my lips. “Get in bed. Get cozy, Queen. I’ll lock up behind me. See you soon.”
Finn waves over his shoulder as he exits the bathroom. I dry myself off and make my way into the bedroom where I’ve finally taken advantage of some of the drawers Dex cleared out for me. After weeks of staying here, I no longer live out of a suitcase.
I pull on a pair of my most comfortable black cotton panties. Omitting a bra, I yank on a thin tank top in a hurry as it hits me. This evening shouldn’t end like this. Stay with me… Hold me… We’re already in way over our heads. Let’s just dive in. I fly down the stairs, thudding loudly as I sprint like I’m headed to an emergency. But it took too long for me to come to my damn good senses.
It’s too late. He’s already gone. I debate calling, but my descent down the stairs was enough time to remind myself that Finn deserves a friend who stays true to her word. I asked him for a favor. My intention was not to trap him. If I asked him to stay, he would, out of guilt…maybe pity. Either way, for some reason, I have a hold over him and I don’t think it has anything to do with infatuation. I think he feels bad for me. A lesser woman would exploit that.
I am not a lesser woman.
I stand alone in the living room, feeling deflated, watching Cherry glide across the dimly lit tank. I’m sure she thinks it’s moonlight. It’s all synthetic, sweetheart. Just a ruse your daddy created, who is off swimming with fish in the real ocean. She’s moving so slowly, it’s strange. How quickly do fish age? Taking a step closer, I peer into the tank, following her slow, languid movements. It startles me when she pauses in place, seemingly motionless, except for her fins barely waving to keep her afloat. Odd. I swear if my fish friend is belly up tomorrow, I’m going to lose my shit.
“Hang in there, girl. I’ll call the aquarium guy tomorrow.” Maybe their pH is off. That would be my luck. I offer to take care of Dex’s fish and I end up murdering them all by neglect as I’m living out my dirtiest fantasies all over Dex’s home. He told me to make myself comfortable, but by comfortable he probably did not mean naked on his couch with my legs hooked over Finn’s shoulders.
Damn. I cringe to myself. That does not come off well. I wonder how he’d take it if he knew what Finn and I were up to. It might be the first time a client has ever fired me. And hell, Dex would be justified in doing so.
22
Avery
All my instincts are telling me Mason’s dodgy, lazy behavior is going to cost us the Legacy Resorts contract. I’m not sure why he’s so distracted. It’s a simple request. I need the numbers so I can get to work. We’re pitching in less than two months, and this is the most significant contract we’ve ever chased. So, after weeks of no reports, I take matters into my own hands.
After hours of scouring our common LinkedIn connections, I determine that Hunter Mahan is the marketing director at Legacy Resorts. Due to our numerous contacts in common, I’m able to snag his email address.
Misogynist or not, surely, he’s capable of responding to an email.
From: Avery Scott, Arrow Consulting
To: Hunter Mahan, Legacy Resorts
Dear Mr. Mahan,
My name is Avery Scott. I’m one of the principal owners of Arrow Consulting. It’s very nice to meet you. It’s my understanding that Legacy Resorts has requested a proposal presentation from Arrow Consulting at the end of the summer.
First and foremost, thank you for the opportunity. I know you’ve been in touch with my business partner, Mason Richards, but in an effort to make sure I’m thoroughly prepared with a strategy suggestion, would you kindly send over your current marketing reports? Mainly, I’m interested in the click traffic so I can assess your current customer demographics and how many leads are resulting in sales.
If necessary, please feel free to send over an NDA. I’ll be more than happy to sign. I’ve included my number if you have any immediate questions or concerns. I will make myself available.
Thank you.
Regards,
Avery Scott
A soft knock at the front door sounds and I click send in a hurry before I can talk myself out of going over Mason’s head. I shut my laptop and head to the front door, the butterflies in my stomach kicking up.
It’s been a few days since I’ve seen Finn. I decided after our last encounter, he’s more than holding up his end of the bargain. It’s time for me to do my part. I’ve spent the last few days immersed in boudoir photography and all things freelance photography income related, and I have some initial ideas on how Finn can get his business on track.
I open the door to see Finn’s broad back. He’s wearing a thin T-shirt that hugs the bumps and ripples of his well-defined muscles. I know what these muscles feel like. I’ve caressed them, licked them…scratched them. He whips around, two blueberry Red Bulls in his hands.
“Surprise,” he says with a charming smile.
“My hero.” I reach for the drink in his right hand. “These will go great with dinner.” After spinning around, I make my way down the hall, hearing Finn’s heavy footsteps behind me.
“There’s dinner?” he asks. “I thought this was just a business meeting.” I did in fact specifically tell him there would be no sex tonight. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t taking advantage of him, so tonight all we’re doing is talking shop.
“Dinner might be a stretch.” I stop in place and rotate, facing Finn head-on. “I can only really make three things.”
He looks amused. “Being?”