Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 26892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 134(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
We’ve only spent one night away from one another this week, and that was solely because she scheduled a girls’ night out. When she texted me at two in the morning, slightly tipsy and giggling, she confessed that she and the girls had done some serious damage to their credit cards and bank accounts in the form of clothes, booze, and street tacos. And while I didn’t like her being away from me or coming in so late in the night, it helped that I’d had Marcus driving her around. Hearing her lighthearted laughter had me ready to climb out of bed and go straight to her house.
My desk phone rings, cutting through my thoughts and shattering the quietness of my office. I glance at the caller ID, expecting it to be Genevieve or a work call.
“Rhodes.” I pick it up when I see Nolan’s name flashing on the screen.
“Gavin, how soon can you get to Sterling Capital?” His voice cuts through the speaker, crisp and urgent. “The guys are here. We’ve got business to discuss, and there’s a deal I’d like you to look at before the banks close.”
“This can’t wait till Monday? I’m locking my doors for the weekend, and way to make me think the worst, asshole.”
“It’ll take an hour, tops. Just get over here. A glass of whisky is already set out for you,” Nolan insists.
“Fine, but I have an errand to run first.” Instead of Genevieve going home to turn around and leave again, I’ll stop by, grab some clothes, and bring them in the car with me. I’ve snagged the door code earlier this week, seeing as how she won’t be in much, or if she is, it’ll be in my clothing.
“See you then.” Nolan hangs up, and I do the same. Looks like I’m adding more work to my plate than I want to on a Friday afternoon.
“Goddamn it, Nolan Carrington.” I huff out a breath of air, run my hand down my face, and head out the door
--
Forty-five minutes later, I’m walking through the building of Sterling Capital, making a quick detour to see Genevieve. I round the corner, and she notices me right away. Her face lights up, and a soft blush spreads over her cheeks. I wrap a hand around the nape of her neck, then pull her in for a lingering kiss to her lips. The sweet scent of spun sugar invades my senses and calms my annoyance with Nolan for the time being.
“I have a quick meeting,” I murmur against her lips. “Marcus is waiting outside to take you to my place once you’re finished for the day. I already have your bag waiting in the car. Make yourself at home. I’ll see you soon, baby girl.”
“Don’t keep me waiting too long, Gavin,” she teases, eyes sparkling up at me.
“Oh, I won’t.” I drop another kiss to her lips, pull back, and head to Nolan’s office, more than ready to get today over with. Except I know this group, we’ll get to talking, things will run over, Marcus will take Genevieve to my home, and I’ll call for another to take me home by the time the meeting is done.
I walk through the glass building, sharp lines, stone floors, an aesthetic that’s more modern than my building or hotels are. A few moments later, I push open the double doors of Nolan’s corner suite at Sterling Capital. The room is already filled with high-end scotch and the unmistakable hum of men who plan to make more money. Nolan is behind his desk, while Rafe, Dom, Vik, and Dante are scattered across the leather sofa and arm chairs.
“Look who finally decided to come up for air,” Vik cracks a joke, raising a glass in my direction. “Guess it’s a good thing you’re a billionaire, Gav, considering Miami.”
“Don’t remind me. Fucking teenagers. What a completely clusterfuck.” I walk in, unbuttoning my jacket, and grab a crystal tumbler off the bar cart.
“Heard about that on the news. What the fuck were these kids thinking?” Dom shakes his head, leaning back against the couch.
“If you need muscle or extra security at the resort for the time being, let me know,” Rafe says, his eyes sharp and calculating. “I’ve got friends in private contracting who can have your place secured in a matter of hours.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I take a sip of scotch as I lean against the edge of the small conference table. “Right now, we’re trying to patch more than just drywall and keep the resort open. The PR firm is running damage control, but social media has been a nightmare.”
“Word on the street is you’ve been entirely preoccupied with a certain marketing executive. Is that why you look like you’re ready to bolt?” Dante leans forwards, his elbows resting on his knees as he eyes me with a dry smirk.