Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
He grabs my shoulder. I turn abruptly, knocking his hand away with mine. “Don’t touch me again.”
He holds both hands up as if he’s surrendering. “Sorry. You said she’s not single. Is that real? That’s true?”
“It’s real.” I step back from him. “She’s involved with someone, so move on, Percy. It’s over.”
His gaze trails over my face. “I can’t fucking believe this.”
“Believe it,” I enunciate each syllable.
“Dammit,” he mutters before he turns to walk away. “You fucked up my life, William. You have no idea how badly I needed her to marry me.”
I don’t respond. I watch him walk away, stomping his feet, hoping he’ll take my advice and stay the hell away from the woman I’m falling harder for each day.
I stroll into the lobby of my building after a shitty day. Some of that had to do with my run-in with Percy. The rest I can contribute to two men who started the day as prospective clients. Neither is someone I’m willing to work with. I’m all for helping men become better versions of themselves so they can be the partners that the women in this city deserve.
The first man I met with heads an investment firm worth billions. He’s under the impression that gives him carte blanche to choose any woman he wants, including his very happily married executive assistant.
I know she’s happily married because he insisted I meet him at his office in the financial district. That’s not something I’m generally comfortable with, but I made an exception because he’s the close friend of a former client of mine.
His executive assistant was my first contact at his office, and while I waited for him to end what she labeled a “life and death negotiation,” she talked non-stop about her husband. They’ve been married a little less than two years and hope to have a baby soon.
I didn’t push for any of that information. She offered it up willingly, along with dozens of pictures of her husband on her phone.
As soon as I was alone with her boss, he told me he wanted to rail her seven ways to Sunday. I was on my phone seconds later, texting every contact I could think of who may need a competent executive assistant.
By the time I exited his office, I had a list of potential new employers for his assistant. I asked her to walk me out, and she obliged. As we rode the elevator down to the lobby, I casually asked if she knew anyone looking for a job as an executive assistant since I had a few friends in desperate need of some skilled help.
She whispered that she wanted out of her job and thanked me profusely when I emailed her the list of my contacts in search of someone just like her.
With any luck, she’ll be packing her desk up by the end of the week.
My second meeting of the day was just as fucked up. That guy wants me to help him win the heart of a woman he met briefly at a concert three weeks ago. They were both in line waiting to buy a beer. Sparks flew, but no contact information was exchanged.
I’m all for helping star-crossed would-be lovers reconnect, but the thick black wedding band on his left hand was a distraction, and when I inquired about it, he explained that he wasn’t looking to end his marriage. He wants, and I’m quoting him, “the concert cutie to be his side piece of ass.”
I walked away from him without a glance back.
“Hey, Mr. Knight,” Glenn, one of the doormen in my building, greets me. “I have a surprise for you.”
The last time he said that to me, Bauer was here with a duffel bag, looking for a place to crash. If we’re repeating that tonight, I’ll give him full rein of the penthouse while I trek to Brooklyn. I want to be alone. I need to think about how I’ll persuade Opal to take our relationship from casual to committed.
After the day I had, I realize what a fucking rare jewel she is, and I know I’m the man for her. I feel it in my soul.
I glance past Glenn toward the elevators, and spot my surprise.
Aleena, pushing a double stroller, waves to me. “Hey, boss. Guess who’s moving into your building?”
Shaking my head, I sprint toward her. “What?”
By the time I reach her, she’s got one of her eighteen month old twins in her arms. I can tell instantly that it’s Lena because the little sweetheart is reaching for me. She always wants me to pick her up whenever I’m within ten feet of her.
I take her in my arms. When I glance inside the stroller, I see her sister, Jenny, passed out cold. “She’s sleeping again?”
Lena nods as her mom answers, “We just toured our new apartment for the second time today. All that running from room to room was too much for her.”