Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Smile. Play it cool.
It’s all just a stage.
This is where I should grin and flirt back—either with Patton or Grayson or both—but I’ve never been great at flirting. That hasn’t changed since I was twenty-one and clueless about how complicated life can get after one drunken night.
Patton offers me his arm.
“We should get going,” he says to Grayson, who tips his drink to me.
It’s a buffet brunch with a massive spread. Everything from eggs Benedict with Swiss chard and green olives to banana bread waffles and fresh fruit flown in from California. Patton guides me through the chattering crowd and over to the food with surprising grace and poise.
“You’re killing it. Keep it up,” he says under his breath.
“Is everyone always so flirty?” My face screws up. “I thought that last guy was going to make a play for me right in front of you.”
“When they see a beautiful woman, it’s not unheard of. People with nine figures aren’t used to taking ‘no’ for an answer.”
My stomach leaps at the reminder of how just big the money here gets.
I almost miss his next introduction as a broad man steps in front of us. He’s an elderly guy with a thick Texas accent and old-fashioned Southern charm. He’s actually decent, though, grandfatherly in a way, and he makes me feel at ease for the first time all morning.
“You be careful lettin’ this pretty one wander too far, Mr. Rory,” he growls. “I hear she’s saving your ass with that fancy hotel that ain’t a hotel, huh?”
“Yeah. Beauty and brains. I’m the luckiest asshole here today and I know it,” Patton tells him.
My heart somersaults as they laugh.
Pray for me.
Patton thinks I’m beautiful.
Or maybe he doesn’t and he just said it for the ruse.
But I guess it worked either way. When we leave the breakfast room for a few light presentations, I feel better.
It’s a half day of pep talks about earnings and rave successes with every speaker trying to one-up each other. By the time we’re leaving just ahead of the small crowd, I’m less on edge.
“I didn’t realize you brought me here so you could show me off like a new piece of jewelry,” I tell him as we head back to our suite to change. “To be fair, I’ve never felt so shiny in my life.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Lady Bug. The women like you too, and you can trust their motives. You’re not such a black cat after all and it’s time you started believing me.”
I want to argue back, but for once, he’s not wrong.
Today, I feel lucky.
“Well, what now? I’m surprised they cut the first day short.”
“We’ll get into the real meat tomorrow, but remember, it’s more about networking than anything else.” He shrugs. “Next stop: Antelope Canyon. We have just enough daylight.”
Back in our room, I change into capris and a cardigan. It’s cool enough here, but a far cry from the winters back home.
“So, I know this might sound strange, but being hit on isn’t the huge compliment you think it is.”
His mouth curls into a smile. “I’ve never seen anyone fight so hard to run away from being the most interesting person in the room.”
“…I don’t know if you mean I’m interesting because of my appearance or because I’m with you. Neither of them are that appealing. I’d like to have a few more in-depth conversations if possible. I came here to learn, remember?”
“You will,” he promises. His tone is good-natured, and when he flashes me another grin—not one of those awful forced smiles—I can’t help smiling back.
That is, until I remember how it felt to wake up in his arms this morning.
God, I’m so confused.
This place may look like heaven, but surviving the rest of this long weekend promises pure hell. Especially at night.
How do I keep my distance when he’s close enough to breathe? When I can’t help accidentally rolling into his arms?
“So, Antelope Canyon? The couple who mentioned it this morning made it sound like a big deal.”
“It’s worth the drive,” he says. “If you’ve ever wanted to visit another planet, this place is the closest thing.”
“Sold. I don’t get out enough. I can still count the national parks I’ve visited on one hand.” My throat pinches.
I really don’t want to explain why, how crappy my parents could be growing up, alternating between controlling tendencies and barely checking in on my life.
I also regret not bringing Arlo along for the ride. But that’s why I came, isn’t it? Not for sightseeing or to act out dumb roles with my boss, but so I can arm myself with a few more tools to give us a financial leg up.
Someday, when the money comes, I’ll bring my son wherever I please. And if Patton Rory’s knowledge and reputation helps me get closer to that, I can make peace with leaning on Lucifer later.