Nine Rules of Engagement (Barrington Billionaire's Series Book 9)

by Jeannette Winters

  “Hello. My name is Gia Gravel. I was on bus one zero-nine yesterday, and I just realized I may have left my purse inside.”

  “Miss, that bus is in the repair shop.”

  “I’m aware of that.” Since I was on it when the tire blew. “But I need someone to check for my purse.”

  “We don’t have anyone who can do that. The bus should be returned to us sometime tomorrow. If you would like, I can have someone check for you then.”

  She tried not to let her frustration show as she could feel Roger watching her while she spoke. Be professional. Be respectful. Hell, be assertive! “I can’t wait that long. This is my purse we’re talking about, not a book.”

  “Miss, I understand that, but the repair shop will be closing soon. The best I can do is look for you tomorrow. I’m sorry.”

  Roger waved for her phone, and she looked at him like he was crazy. “I promise, I’ll give it back.” Reluctantly she handed him her phone. “Who am I talking to?”

  Roger’s tone was much more . . . demanding and firm than hers had been. She wished she could hear the response.

  “I believe Miss Gravel has asked nicely. If I need to go there and look myself, you won’t get the same from me.” Gia could hear some grumbling on the other end of the line before Roger continued. “I’ll wait.”

  As they waited, she was shocked and perturbed. Why did it take a man to get the guy’s butt moving? No one should have to threaten to get action. So much for, you can catch more flies with honey. Maybe you get more with a swatter.

  Although they didn’t have an answer yet, she still appreciated Roger for trying. “Thank you.”

  “Haven’t done anything yet,” Roger replied.

  “You got him to at least look. That’s something.”

  “The guy’s an ass.”

  And you’re a . . . She wasn’t sure what word would best describe him. If he got them to locate her purse, she might need to change her initial thought to hero.

  Roger raised a finger as he was back on the phone. “Good. Tell them we will be there in about thirty minutes.”

  “They have it?” she asked. He nodded.

  “I don’t give a shit what time they close. If they value their job, they will have someone there waiting for us.” Roger handed the phone back to her. “You ready?”

  “For what?”

  “To go to the repair shop. They’ve located your purse,” Roger said.

  “And you really think there will be someone there after hours?” If she had made the request, the answer would’ve been no.

  “There will be.”

  “Thank you. I better head over to the—”

  “We.”

  “What?”

  Roger said, “We will head over. It is a half hour drive.” He looked down at her. “I assume you’re not driving since you didn’t have your purse.”

  “I was going to take the bus.”

  He shook his head. “My car isn’t far.”

  “I don’t take rides from strangers,” she said firmly.

  “We both know that isn’t true. You took one yesterday from Lena.”

  “That was different,” she replied, defending her actions.

  “If it would make you feel better, I can splash you again with my car.”

  “Again?” she asked. Roger pointed to a black car parked not far from them. “That was you?”

  He nodded. “Unfortunately, yesterday didn’t seem to be your day. I’m hoping you will allow me to make it up to you by giving you a ride to retrieve your belongings.”

  “That really isn’t necessary.”

  “I disagree. The shop is closing, and I’m your best option to get there.”

  My only option to get there. She didn’t have enough cash to pay a cab for that distance.

  “I guess it will be okay.”

  She let him lead the way to his car. She almost hated to sit on the fine leather seat. At least she wasn’t soaking wet today.

  As they pulled away, Roger said, “You should’ve let me give you a ride yesterday.”

  “I was . . . a bit . . . distracted at that time.”

  “Pissed might be a better term.”

  She snickered. “And that still wouldn’t be strong enough. But it didn’t have anything to do with getting splashed.”

  “Want to talk about it?” Roger asked.

  No. But then again, she needed to talk about something. Sitting in the car, staring out the window, was kind of awkward. It wasn’t like she was ever going to see him again so what did it matter?

  “I just got fired.”

  He gave her a quick look and then his eyes were back on the busy road. “That would do it. What is it that you do . . . did?”

  “Compliance auditor.”

  “I have no idea what that means.”

  “I go through documents and procedures to ensure a company is complying with the government or company guidelines. Really not all that exciting to most people, but I love the research aspect.”

  “What did you do, miss something?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You said you got fired. I assume you missed something,” Roger stated.

  “And you’d be assuming incorrectly. I didn’t do anything wrong,” she snapped.

  “I think I just did. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s a sore subject for me. My boss . . . he didn’t support me the way I expected he would.”

  “What happened?” Roger asked.

  She didn’t want to get into being sexually harassed in the workplace. There were other ways to get her point across. “He values money more than he does work ethics.” Or his employees.

  “There are a lot of people driven by greed.”

  She looked at his Maserati. He surely wasn’t hurting for cash. “Yes, there are.” Gia heard her sarcastic tone and wished she could take it back.

  “I deserve that.”

  “I don’t know you so I can’t, or shouldn’t at least, presume to know.”

  Roger laughed. “I’m a lot of things, Gia, but greedy isn’t one of them.” He brought the subject back to her. “What are you going to do for work now?”

  “I’m sure I’ll find something.” The only question she had was how long finding the right job would take. She didn’t want to make a rash decision and be stuck working for a jerk.

  Thankfully they pulled up in front of the repair shop. The sign clearly said closed. But Roger didn’t seem fazed by it at all. He got out of the car and asked, “Are you coming?”

  “I think we’re too late.”

  “They are there,” he said confidently.

  From what she’d seen so far, he was used to getting what he wanted. Must be nice. Gia opened the door and went with him to the entrance. Roger didn’t even knock. A greasy mechanic greeted him, holding her purse.

  “This must belong to you,” he said, handing the purse to Roger.

  She couldn’t help but chuckle. Roger’s expression was priceless. Gia could tell he was holding back some explicit words.

  “Everything better be inside,” Roger warned as he took the purse and handed it to her.

  “I didn’t even open it,” he replied.

  Roger turned to Gia and asked, “Do you want to look through it while we’re here?”

  Gia looked at the mechanic who seemed nervous. She didn’t think it had anything to do with things missing as much as it did with Roger’s demeanor. The look in his eyes made the security guard from before look like a pussy cat.

  She opened it and looked quickly. “Seems in order.”

  “Good.” Roger turned to the mechanic and handed him some money. Gia tried to see how much, but it was too late. The cash had been quickly pocketed.

  As they headed back to Roger’s car, she said, “You didn’t need to do that, you know. I have my purse back and could’ve tipped him.”

  “Since you wouldn’t let me pay for your dry cleaning, this is the least I can do.”

  She smiled. “It was was
h-and-wear.”

  “I’m glad it wasn’t ruined. You looked—”

  “Wet.” She didn’t want any bullshit line about looking nice.

  “You say it as it is. That’s refreshing.”

  “Wish my boss had thought so,” Gia muttered.

  “His loss.”

  Gia laughed. “Yes, it is. Except I will miss having a pay check.” She might not live a wild lifestyle, but food in the fridge, a roof over her head, and clothes on her back were nice.

  “I have a feeling you won’t be unemployed for long,” Roger stated.

  As she got back inside his car she said softly, “I hope not.”

  They were almost back to Henderson Tower when Roger asked, “Would you like to have dinner with me?”

  Her stomach was growling, and he probably was only showing pity on her. Just as he’d seemed to since they’d crossed paths again. “You don’t need to do that.”

  “Eat? My stomach says otherwise.”

  She shook her head. “Ask me to dinner. You can drop me off anywhere, and I can find my way home.”

  Roger laughed. “First off, I don’t do anything I don’t want to. Second, it’s just dinner. Either you’re hungry or you’re not, but I’d enjoy the company.”

  She wasn’t sure what they would talk about, but she knew there was nothing to eat at home. Normally she ate toast and tea for breakfast and ate out for lunch. That had come and gone, and one thing Roger was right about, she needed to eat.

  “Only if I can pick the place.”

  He cocked a brow then said, “Just give me the directions.”

  Roger had no idea what he was doing sitting in a pizza joint when he had shit he was supposed to be working on. But he’d been so shocked to see Gia standing in Henderson Towers arguing with the security guard. No matter how tough she was, there was no way she would’ve gotten through. The Hendersons would’ve fired the guard’s ass if she had. Of course, Roger wasn’t technically on the payroll. More like doing them a favor. Not that he had any plans of collecting on it later. But he opened his mouth then wished he could take it back.

  “Give me your résumé and I’ll pass it along to the Hendersons.” Her eyes widened with hope and he couldn’t back out now. “Not sure if they are looking for anyone with your skill set.”

  “You’d really do that for me?” Gia asked.

  He nodded. “I can only get it in their hands. After that, it will be up to you to sell yourself to them, if they want you.” Gia laughed and Roger didn’t know what was so funny. “Questioning your abilities?”

  Shaking her head, she answered, “I think I’ve changed my mind about rainy days. They’re not as bad as I had thought.”

  He could appreciate her positive attitude. Roger would be shocked if the Hendersons didn’t take her on. But even as he thought about it, he wondered what the hell was wrong with him. Gia seemed so nice, sweet and honest. Those guys weren’t going to appreciate what she had to offer. It actually was possible she’d have the same, if not worse, experience than with her last boss.

  “I’m looking for help on a project.”

  “I’ll find a job. I don’t need you making one up because you feel bad for me.”

  This time Roger laughed. “You seem to think I’m a lot nicer person than I really am.”

  “Maybe it’s because you’ve gone out of your way for me today. Jerks usually don’t do things like this.”

  “Maybe I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

  Gia took a sip of her grape soda and then asked, “Is this your way of saying you don’t want me to work for you? That’s the worst sales pitch I’ve ever heard.”

  Roger answered, “Unfortunately, it’s the truth.”

  “Not that I’m not grateful for the . . . offer, but I really need something steady. And there’s no way I could commit to a project. If the right job came along, I’d feel obligated to finish it instead of doing what was best for me.”

  A good work ethic was yet another reason he knew the Hendersons would hire her. If it was Caydan, that wouldn’t be an issue. But Caydan was still in Tabiq. Roger wasn’t going to ask if she’d be interested in relocating. His fear was she’d say yes. Things were improving, but it still wasn’t a place he’d send anyone. Especially not someone like Gia. He had a tough exterior, but he was good at reading people. She was fragile inside. Something, or someone, had hurt her.

  “I tell you what. Here is my number. If you change your mind, give me a call. I won’t hold you to any restrictions, except one.”

  “And what is that?” Gia asked as she took the business card.

  “You always do what is best for you.”

  She looked at him then smiled. “Deal. But you know I still have no idea what it is you do.”

  “I help people.” That was the very short version. How, what, and why didn’t need to be disclosed. At least not to her.

  “That’s vague.”

  “I work on some very confidential things. The project I’m suggesting would be one of them. You would only be given limited information and asked to research strictly from that.”

  “I won’t do anything illegal,” Gia stated firmly.

  Roger nodded. “Good. Because I won’t be asking you to. Think about it. If you’re interested, call.”

  Gia slipped the card in her purse and said, “I really don’t think I’ll be unemployed that long.”

  “I agree.”

  “And you’re really okay if I can’t give you a two-week notice?”

  “I am,” Roger said. He didn’t want a long-term employee, and this seemed perfect. Gia had already connected with Lena, and he might be able to use that to his benefit. He needed a way into the family besides using Caydan. “Are you married or have a boyfriend?”

  Gia arched her brow. “You know that’s illegal to ask a potential employee.”

  “I said you wouldn’t be doing anything illegal, never said I don’t work in a . . . gray area.”

  “No husband, No boyfriend. How about yourself?”

  “Neither. And actually, I’m not looking for either.”

  “Then why the question?” Gia asked.

  “Because I don’t want anyone to know you’re assisting me. If we are seen together, and I’m forced to introduce you, I might—”

  “Say I’m your wife?” Gia asked, her tone high-pitched.

  “I was going to say date, maybe girlfriend depending on the situation. Wife is a bit . . . permanent.”

  “Oh, you’re one of those.”

  He cocked a brow. “Liar?”

  “No, noncommittal.”

  Roger laughed. “Actually I’m a person who knows what he wants. I’m not opposed to marriage. It’s just not for me.”

  “I can see how your private, confidential life might get in the way. Wives don’t like secrets.”

  There’s a lot of things a wife wouldn’t like about me. Roger didn’t consider himself a total asshole, but close enough. A relationship took compromise, and that wasn’t something he did very well. Yet he was doing just that with Gia. Was it really compromise or was he just helping someone in need? There were other ways to accomplish that. Hell, he could’ve given her money to hold her over until she found a job. None of this was his issue nor his concern. So why not just drop her ass off and drive away?

  Maybe it was because she didn’t swoon over his car. Hell, he’d bet if it’d been any other woman he’d splashed and offered money or a ride, they’d have taken him up on one if not both of them. But Gia hadn’t. She wanted to make it on her own by her terms, even though she might be getting in her own way. He respected that. And offering her this so called job was his way of doing it with her feeling in control.

  “Then I guess we are in agreement that single is the right status for me.”

  “I’d need to know you better to make that assumption,” Gia said then quickly added, “But then again, I’d like to keep this strictly professional, if you don’t mind.”

  “Does that mean yo
u’re taking this job?”

  Gia nodded. “I guess so. When would you like to start?”

  Today was a loss as far as getting her onboard. “How does tomorrow morning sound?”

  “I’ll be ready. Where do you want me to meet you?”

  “Why don’t I pick you up?” Roger asked.

  Gia finished her pizza before asking, “Do you pick up all your employees?” Roger grinned and shook his head. “Then there’s no reason to make me the exception.” She wrote her number on a piece of paper and handed it to him. “Just text me the time and location, and I’ll meet you there.”

  Damn, you’re stubborn. Roger hoped that was something he could use in his favor. Brice said he couldn’t be in contact with the family, and he wouldn’t. Gia will.

  Roger slipped the number into his pocket and said, “At least let me give you a ride home.”

  Thankfully she agreed, because he wasn’t going to let her hop a bus at this late hour. Then again, he hadn’t realized she lived so close to the pizza parlor. Maybe that was why she had picked that place. If shit went bad and she wanted out, she didn’t have far to go.

  Good. Keep your wits about you and you’ll go far. It’s ruthless in the business world, and those sharks are waiting to eat you up. He knew too damn well from experience just how far some people were willing to go to get what they wanted. When he worked for the DEA, there were rules to engage with those assholes. But now he worked for himself, and the only rules were the ones he set.

  Rule one. Remember, you’re only helping her until she finds work. Hands off.

  Chapter 3

  Gia thought for sure she’d be up all night long after her panic attack over her purse. Instead she found herself sleeping so soundly she almost missed Roger’s text message. Thankfully he wasn’t asking her to meet him anytime soon. She had time to shower, dress, and catch a bus.

  For someone like Roger, a car might make sense. Odds were the police weren’t going to ticket his luxury vehicle. But she wouldn’t be able to pay the fines associated with illegal parking. And a parking garage was too costly. By the end of the day, she’d be working strictly to pay for a car. That made no sense to her. Besides, the public transit system got her everyplace she needed to go. Hopefully, whatever she was going to be doing for Roger would be on their routes as well.