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

by Jeannette Winters

  But now he was curious. She wasn’t as simple to read as he’d first thought. And it looked like there was only one way to learn why, and that was by going with her. Roger opened the limo door and climbed the stairs to her second floor apartment. He knocked once and the door opened immediately.

  He had eyes and already knew she was a beautiful woman, but he wasn’t expecting her to be . . . gorgeous. Roger had suggested red, but this emerald green gown hugged every curve and accented her eyes. Before he could tell her how she looked, Gia snapped at him.

  “I was about to give up and change.”

  “That would’ve been a shame, because you look lovely.”

  Gia stopped and eyed him. Then huffed. “Don’t try to get out of the fact that you kept me waiting up here for almost fifteen minutes while you sat in that limo. These shoes might look great, but they are killers on my feet.”

  She moved her leg to show him her six inch heels, and her dress opened, the long thigh-high slit revealed a shapely bare leg. Damn!

  “You seem . . . distracted. If you’ve changed your mind about going, just let me know.”

  Roger smiled. She was right, the event definitely wasn’t where he wanted to be with her. “I’m not usually wrong, but I was this time.”

  “About what?” she asked.

  He placed a hand on the curve of her back as they walked to the limo. “Your color is definitely green.”

  “Thank you,” she replied softly.

  The ride to Gold Crown Plaza was filled with small talk. He’d rather have ridden in silence. He wanted to learn something real about her, but then again, he had alternate ways to obtain that information. And it would probably be more accurate.

  Once inside, he made sure to stay close to Gia as there were several onlookers he wanted to keep away from Gia. Their reputations were well known. They wouldn’t appreciate Gia for who she was. They’d see one thing, a hot sexy piece of ass, and nothing more.

  Thinking like this was unusual for him. Not that he normally dated dumb women, but they were easier. Wine, dine, and bed. Deep conversations were never required, or desired. Gia probably wasn’t joking about changing out of that dress.

  “I didn’t know you were coming tonight,” Lena greeted them. Then her eyes widened. “You’re the woman from the other day.”

  “I am,” Gia smiled. “Thank you again for the ride home. It was so much easier.”

  “Are you kidding me? If I hadn’t had a doctor’s appointment to check on this little one, I’d have gone along with you.” Lena rubbed her well-rounded belly. “I’m wondering if three is the magic number.”

  Brice joined them and added, “I’m thinking it’s four.”

  Lena gave him a playful elbow to the ribs. “Let me have this one before you start thinking about the next. What do you think?” Lena asked Gia.

  Gia laughed. “I’m an only child, and I don’t have any children.”

  Lena snickered. “Oh, then you’ll have six for sure. I don’t think we ever formally introduced ourselves the other day. I’m Lena, and this is my husband Brice.”

  “So nice to meet you both. I’m Gia Gravel.”

  Lena peered at Roger and said, “I thought you said you weren’t coming?”

  “I changed my mind,” he replied.

  Lena gave him a wink and said, “I can see why. But I didn’t realize you two knew each other. I feel foolish now about insisting my driver give you a lift home.”

  “Not at all. I really appreciated it,” Gia replied. She looked at him, and he knew she was going along as planned. “Drenched rat isn’t my best look,” Gia added, chuckling softly.

  “I hope that little mishap didn’t interfere in any lunch plans you two may have had.”

  Roger didn’t want Gia answering this. It was the perfect time for him to interject. “Actually, Gia wasn’t there to see me. She was there to drop off her résumé.” Placing a hand on Gia’s back, he added, “Until now, I don’t believe you even knew I was friends with the Hendersons, did you?”

  Gia shook her head. “No, I didn’t. Maybe I shouldn’t apply then.”

  Brice chimed in, “We won’t hold it against you.”

  Roger noticed Lena give Brice an elbow to the ribs. “You don’t want to scare her away.”

  “You mean from working for us?” Brice asked.

  Lena rolled her eyes. “Really? How is it these two men run successful businesses?”

  Roger and Brice asked in unison, “What does that mean?”

  Lena shook her head and ignored their question. “That dress is lovely. I wish I could wear something like that. I’d look like a giant pea right now.”

  Gia smiled. “Thank you.”

  “If you’re not busy tomorrow, would you like to meet for lunch?”

  “That would be nice,” Gia replied.

  Lena said, “How about we meet at Henderson Towers at noon? And bring that résumé with you. We can drop it off at Human Resources before we eat.”

  Roger could feel Gia’s body tense in excitement, even though her voice didn’t show a hint. “That’s very sweet of you, Lena.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. I’m craving spicy food lately. How do you feel about Thai?”

  “Love it. However, what do you mean by spicy? Give you the sniffles or sweat-your-head-off hot?” Gia asked.

  Lena snickered. “If you ask me, I’d say just hot. Ask my husband and he’d tell you otherwise.”

  Brice huffed. “I suggest you don’t try whatever she orders. Not if you value your stomach.”

  “It’s not that hot.”

  “No. The sun is still hotter,” Brice teased.

  Roger was glad to see how well Gia was getting along with Lena. That was good. Gia was going to be in good hands even after his project was complete. Hell, she might never get to it at this rate. There was no doubt that Lena was going to find something for Gia to do at Henderson Towers.

  That was all good. After all, he only offered her the project to help her out. He really didn’t need or want her assistance. So why wasn’t he thrilled about this development? He wasn’t going to waste time worrying about it. Brice hired him for a job. Roger wanted to complete it and move on. He wasn’t staying in Boston any longer than he needed to. Hell, there was no damn good reason he was still there now.

  “If you two will excuse us, I see someone I need to speak to,” Roger said as he ushered Gia away.

  She said quickly, “I’ll see you tomorrow at noon.” Once they were out of ear shot, Gia said, “I’m confused. I thought you brought me here to mingle with them and now you’re . . . rushing me off.”

  “I kept my end of the bargain. You met and now you have plans.”

  “True, but you seemed . . . frustrated. Was it something I said? I guess I shouldn’t have let them believe we were—”

  “Gia, you did fine.” Too good and that’s the problem.

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  He wasn’t going to pretend he wasn’t enjoying the feel of her soft flesh against his hand as they made their way through the crowd. “I saw an old . . . friend.”

  “I thought that was just an excuse.”

  It was. The fact she had picked up on it didn’t please him either. But this event was filled with people he knew. Some he’d been hoping to avoid. As Director Larry Chamblee caught a glimpse of him, he knew he had to make the first move. He extended a hand to greet him. “Director.” Then he turned to his wife. “Mrs. Chamblee, it’s nice to see you again.”

  “Roger. I’m surprised to see you here. And who is the lovely woman with you?”

  Roger said, “Gia Gravel, may I introduce you to Mrs. Chamblee. She bakes the best apple pie you’ll ever taste.” He didn’t want to get into how he knew them. The less Gia knew about him the better. Hell, I don’t let anyone know my shit.

  “Very nice to meet you,” Gia replied.

  “Well, I don’t have to worry you’re curled up in a hole somewhere anymore,” she said, giving him a wi
nk. “Looks like you are doing . . . well.”

  “I am,” he said. “It looks like another successful event.”

  “Yes, but I’m getting too busy for being in charge of pulling them together. Did you hear we have two grandchildren now?”

  Roger hadn’t. Not because he couldn’t keep up to date with things, but because he’d left behind anything to do with his past. That didn’t mean he didn’t support those who needed it. Keeping on the positive topic he said, “How can that be possible? It seems like you were just twenty-nine.”

  She laughed. “I’ve been twenty-nine for thirty-one years. And Larry is turning sixty-five. Hopefully that means he’s retiring this year.”

  Roger looked Larry in the eyes and could tell that wasn’t happening any time soon. The only way he was stepping down as Director of the DEA would be if it was forced upon him.

  “I don’t know about that. He’s never been good at playing golf or fishing,” Roger joked.

  Larry nodded. “I see your sarcastic wit hasn’t changed. But I agree with my wife; it’s nice to see you here. Although I didn’t see you on the guest list.”

  “You know me. I always have a favor or two I can call in.” That’s exactly what Roger had done. This event was by invitation only. Since he had always declined, they stopped inviting him a few years back.

  “Although we would like to stay and catch up, we were about to head to the podium. It’s time to acknowledge our benefactors. In the meantime, why don’t you say hello to some of the other members of your old team.”

  You mean the ones who weren’t killed. A few had been on vacation, and one had been on leave, spending time with his newborn son. Every time he looked them in the eye, he felt guilty for surviving when the others hadn’t. Not that he wanted to die, but he didn’t need the reminder that the only reason he was alive, was because some piece of shit had decided to make a run for it.

  “Maybe another time.” He pulled Gia closer to him. “I promised Gia a dance.”

  Her green eyes widened, but she smiled at him and replied, “And you’re not getting out of it either.”

  As they walked to dance floor, Roger wished he’d come up with something not so physical, but it worked. Mrs. Chamblee seemed tickled to see how he and Gia connected. It was funny, because she had forgotten that, as a DEA agent, Roger had done more undercover work than he could recall and acting was a required skill. Gia, on the other hand, didn’t know that.

  The music was already playing, and she said, “I think you’re supposed to put your arms around me and smile if you want them to believe it.”

  He looked at her and did as she said, pulling her so close he could feel her firm breasts pressed against him through his tuxedo jacket. As they moved to the rhythm, he said, “I’m not sure what a compliance auditor actually does, but you’re full of surprises.”

  “I research information. And that’s what I did about this fundraiser.” She grinned at him and asked, “Did you really think I was going to attend, knowing it was black tie?”

  “I had hoped so.”

  “While my friend Vickie was over, we did some digging. It really wasn’t difficult, only one thing was taking place at Gold Crown Plaza. I take it Director Chamblee is your boss?”

  He glared at her. Roger didn’t like his life being looked into, even by her. “Former boss. I work for myself now.”

  “So you were DEA before?”

  “I was.” There was no point denying it.

  “Why did you leave?” Gia asked.

  Looking into her eyes, he stopped dancing and said, “You’re hired to find out who is in the photo, not to get to know me better.”

  “Or at all,” Gia said. He nodded. “Well then, I guess I don’t feel like dancing any longer. Should we try the appetizers or mingle some more?”

  He wasn’t about to let her go. “I say we finish what we started.” Pulling her back into his arms, he added, “Then after the dance, we eat.”

  Gia didn’t resist but the rest of the evening was pleasantries only. He knew his lack of communication was as good as telling her he wasn’t interested. She was spending the next day with Lena. There wasn’t anything more Gia needed from him.

  And the faster she’s out of my hair, the better.

  Chapter 4

  “Not even a kiss goodnight? You’ve got to be kidding me,” Vickie said. “What type of guy takes a woman out on a date like that and gives not even a peck on the cheek.”

  “Vickie, how many times do I need to tell you? It wasn’t a date. He just needed a companion to attend the event.” She still didn’t understand why. It wasn’t as though he was shy or insecure. And at no point did he need her for anything. Even this research project was questionable now. Probably a picture of his family.

  “Gia, are you forgetting I was watching from your apartment window last night? Maybe you should try living a bit; quit looking for what’s wrong and start seeing what’s right. The guy is drop-dead gorgeous. There is no way he’s struggling for a companion. I bet there are women lined up drooling over him.”

  That wasn’t making her feel any better. “Vickie, I was only calling to say thank you for loaning me the dress. Not for a lecture.”

  “Why don’t you take the train and I’ll pick you up. We can spend the day together.”

  “So you can tell me in person what I don’t want to hear over the phone?” Gia asked.

  “That’s not funny. We’re best friends, and I only want you to be happy.”

  “I know, and if I didn’t have plans, I might actually take you up on the invitation.”

  Vickie’s tone was high-pitched. “You mean you’re seeing him again today? I knew it.”

  With a sigh, Gia replied, “I’m meeting someone for lunch and also turning in my résumé to HR.”

  “Yeah right.”

  “Why would I lie?”

  “You tell me. It’s Sunday. Who is working in HR? No one, that’s who,” Vickie stated sarcastically.

  Gia couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of that. Lena seemed so sincere about helping her. Had she only been kind, hoping Gia wouldn’t show? Nothing about Lena felt . . . fake.

  “I’m sure there was a misunderstanding. We are supposed to do lunch today. Maybe HR is tomorrow or she’s going to take it in herself.” Or it’s going in the trash. It was ridiculous to think one brief meeting was going to change her life forever.

  “Gia, you don’t need to do this. Why don’t you just move back to Maplesville? You could save money and, in a few years, try the big city again.”

  Although they were friends, Vickie didn’t understand how Gia felt any more than her family did. She didn’t want to be in a small town. She wanted the challenges the city brought. Yes there were times it was too loud and crowded, but she was never bored. There was always something to do. Usually work related, but still, she was busy, and Gia loved that.

  “Vickie, you know I can’t go back there.”

  “Can’t or don’t want to?” Vickie asked.

  “A little of both. But I promise, if this doesn’t work out, I’ll go home. Not for good, but until I can sort a few things out.”

  Vickie huffed. “That sucks.”

  “What does?”

  “I have no idea if I’m supposed to wish you luck or not anymore. I miss having you close by.”

  “Vickie, you make it seem like I’m on the other side of the world instead of an hour or two away.”

  “Usually you’re working. I was hoping since you lost your job we might get to spend some time together. You know, maybe take a trip to the beach and catch some rays. When I saw you yesterday, it looked like you haven’t seen the sun in months.”

  “It’s the brown hair. You’re used to seeing me as a blonde.” She had dyed it because her boss told her she’d be taken more seriously as a brunette. Now, she’s regretting changing anything about herself for that jerk. “I’m thinking of changing it back.”

  “Please don’t tell me you’re going to d
o it yourself. Last time your hair turned orange.”

  Gia laughed. “That really didn’t look good on me either. Okay. I will come see you soon and you can do my hair.” When Vickie wasn’t in a play, she worked as a licensed hair stylist. But she practiced in Maplesville. If she took her talents to Boston or New York, she’d make a boatload of money. And she actually might get noticed and land a movie role.

  But like Gia, Vickie was pigheaded and didn’t want to hear it. Thankfully they loved, respected, and encouraged each other in their choices.

  “Do you think he’ll still like you as a blonde?” Vickie teased.

  “You’re not funny. I told you, he took me on part-time until I find a job. So really I should be only one thing to him, and that is appreciative for what he’s doing for me.” Gia didn’t want to overthink Roger’s motive. She knew hers and that was all that mattered.

  “Fine, I’ll quit teasing you. But I’m warning you now, when the two of you hook up, I’m going to tell you I told you so.”

  Gia rolled her eyes. “Sorry, but you’re going to be disappointed.”

  Vickie chuckled, “Not as much as you will be if I’m wrong.”

  She wasn’t going down that path again. “Vickie, I need to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “You better.”

  Gia ended the call and rushed to catch the bus. Roger knew her mode of transportation, but there was no need for Lena to. It might hinder her getting the job. She seemed so laid back, but she was married into one of the richest families in Boston. And rode around in a limo.

  Sundays were a different schedule, but so many people took public transportation that there was always one going deep into the city. She hopped on the first one and knew she’d arrive prior to Lena. Or at least she hoped to. She was getting off a block before Henderson Towers. It was a clear sunny day so she should be able to make it that far without incident.

  As she sat on the bus, Gia looked over her résumé one last time. There wasn’t a lot to it. Hopefully that played in her favor. It showed longevity. Of course she wasn’t sure how it was going to work as a business reference. Please don’t ask what happened.