“Great. Have Trevor read them, please.”
“If you could email them to me, I’ll print them. Thanks.”
Her expression seemed strange. Almost as if she was trying to gauge my mood. “I already did. Do you want to go over them together?”
“I’ll read them first, and if I have any questions, I’ll let you or Simon know.”
“Right. Okay. Here they are.”
I walked over to her desk and grabbed the stack. I was unprepared to have her whisper.
“Did lunch go okay?”
My gaze locked on hers while I tried to bite back anything snarky. “It went fine.”
“It didn’t help?”
I glanced over to Simon’s open door where I could see he was on the phone. Evidently, Tom had stepped out. “No. Did you think it would help to have my boss take me out to lunch during my first week on a new acquisition because you told him you thought I couldn’t handle laying off people?”
It wasn’t enough my own father doubted my ability to do this job; now she did, too.
Her eyes went round. “I did no such thing. I only shared I thought you’d have a hard time.”
“And how would you like it if you confessed to me outside of work something you were struggling with, and I then went to Simon behind your back and asked if he could perhaps talk to you about it? I confided in you because I thought I could trust you, not because I wanted our boss to hear about it or think for a fraction of a second I couldn’t hack it.”
Dammit. I hadn’t meant to whisper-yell all of that to her. Let alone do so at work. By the expression on her face, she was stunned and looked more hurt than angry.
“I never—I didn’t—You know what? You didn’t exactly mention the party with your family that’s set for tomorrow night, either. When the hell was that going to come up? You can’t accuse me of telling Simon things and then blindside me by withholding information.”
I took a deep breath, realizing she was getting defensive and hating this was going on where Tom or Simon could walk in on both of us getting heated.
“You’re right. I could’ve given you a head’s up, but it’s business. It’s not an intimate, get-to-know-my-non-girlfriend thing. It’s a party with dozens of people. Simon only said yes this morning because earlier he hadn’t known he’d be able to make it. So until then, I hadn’t even known you’d have to come.”
We were both silent. It occurred to me that if we were alone I’d already be ripping off her clothes. The tension was so thick it seemed the only way to let off some of the steam. Instead, I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Can we table this for now?”
Her face started to turn red, and she stood up. “Consider it done. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need to go do something.”
Fuck. I watched her walk out, knowing she was upset. Recognizing I should’ve waited until I could’ve been calmer to talk about it. I was ticked, but I also knew her intentions were good in trying to get Simon to talk to me. Guess I should have been grateful she hadn’t replied with ‘consider it tabled forever.’
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Emma
Back in my hotel room that night, I finally admitted to myself Trevor had hurt my feelings. My intention in saying something to Simon had been so he'd share with Trevor that he wasn’t alone in this. To give him an ally. I knew Simon had struggled in the beginning with having to let people go, not that you could tell now. But seeing it from Trevor’s perspective, I supposed he had a point in feeling betrayed.
I sighed, taking off my shoes and sitting on my hotel room chair. The entire thing screamed one thing. I was in too deep. This had gone beyond casual. It not only had seeped into the work place, but had also gained the capacity to hurt me in a way to which I’d never left myself vulnerable. I needed to rein things back. Back to casual.
As I lay there in bed after a hot shower, I halfway expected a call or a text from Trevor. Hell, I even thought he might go so far as to knock on my door, but when there was nothing, I was disappointed. This pissed me off because I’d been the one so adamant he not come to my hotel room in the first place. Just what I needed was to find myself a fickle female creating another no-win situation for him.
The next morning, I walked into the office, shocked to see both Simon and Trevor already there. Then I realized both were in the suits they’d worn the day before. They were sitting in the conference room going over paperwork.
“Did you two pull an all-nighter?”
Trevor’s baby blues hit me, causing me to envision closing the distance of thirty feet and straddling him on his chair. Evidently, I’d missed him this week. I had to remind myself to look away and at Simon since he was the one answering.
“We sure did. Your instinct was right on about Peter. Found out someone has filed an infringement of patent against him for his software. We’ve been here trying to figure out if the accusation is legitimate. Legal is still reviewing it.”
“Why didn’t you call me? I could’ve come back.” We’d all left at the same time. So obviously they’d returned. Had Trevor told Simon he didn’t want me there?
Simon answered. “There was no need to wake you when we got the late call. At this point we’re waiting on legal, but after speaking with Phillip this morning, I’d say there’s a ninety percent certainty we won’t be pursuing the sale.”
I should have felt relief, but instead I felt left out. “That’s probably for the best. Well, if you need anything, let me know.”
By the afternoon, legal had gotten back to us, and we were packing to leave. We would not be going through with the purchase of Big Town Fantasy Sports. It turned out Peter might have copied code from his last employer, who also ran fantasy sports software. They’d only filed yesterday, which explained why the issue hadn’t popped up before.
The best part was watching Peter’s face get red when Simon and Trevor broke the news. Normally, I wouldn’t want to be a part of such drama, but with this wanker, I absolutely desired a front-row seat. Instead of making millions, he now mostly likely would have to spend as much in damages.
I was boxing up everything while Trevor and Simon spoke with Phillip in the conference room on a call. Unfortunately, Tom chose to sit out the conversation, leaving him to mess with me instead.
“Are you tired of Texas yet?” He leaned against my desk as I put binders into FedEx boxes to be shipped. Although we weren’t purchasing the company, we’d keep all of the documentation in the New York office for reference.
“Texas is fine.” I found I didn’t need to lie about it this time.
He tsked. “Please. We both know you miss New York. You could come back there and work for me. I could use a full-time assistant.”
“For what? Forwarding your calls and making excuses as to why you’re not available?”
Although a lot of people would call him handsome, I knew way too much about the ugliness inside of him. His smile slipped. “Careful. Because it appears your boss is staying in Dallas. Local trips like this one may become your new norm. Goodbye Paris, New York, LA, and every other exciting city.”
He was trying to push my buttons, but I wouldn’t let him. “Simon may be giving up some travel, but that’s why we have Trevor.”
He chuckled, the sound grating instantly on my nerves. “Please. That boy probably apologizes to his steak for the cow killed before eating it. He’s never going to manage laying people off. And once Phillip realizes Trevor was more relieved than annoyed that this deal fell through, the kid’ll be gone. He doesn’t have the drive to make money. Which is surprising considering how ambitious his father is. Guess some people don’t get the genetics of their parents. Not that you would know that, though, right?”
I saw red, uncharacteristically losing my temper with him. “Fuck you, Tom.”
He leaned in closer. “Name the time and place, sweetheart.”
I gritted my teeth. “Hell would have to freeze over first.”
He backed off when we heard Simon’s voice.
“Everything okay?”
“Fine.” I turned away to pack the next box, so Simon wouldn’t see my face.
Tom simply laughed it off. “Just the typical sniping. What time is this shindig at your dad’s house again, Trevor?”
I stole a peek at him to see his gaze narrowed on me. “Six o’clock. Or whenever you show. It’s not a sit-down thing.”
“In about an hour, I’m heading back to the hotel for a nap and to change. You want a ride, Emma?” Simon offered.
“Yes. That would be great. I’ll finish up everything tomorrow morning.” I planned to come in early to ensure FedEx picked up the boxes first thing.
I’d return to the hotel with time to change my clothes and put on my big girl knickers to deal with tonight.
***
As I finished getting ready for the evening in my hotel room, I realized I was nervous about meeting Trevor’s father. I might not show it, but down deep, I felt insecure and feared I wasn’t good enough when I was around families. I’d long ago worked on my unpolished upbringing, so I could put on a decent front when mingling with rich people. In my work, I was around a great deal of them. But the veneer only went so deep, particularly when it came to family dynamics and the emotions that went with them.
The thought of Mr. Newhall guessing I might be involved with his son sent my nerves into a frenzy. I forced myself to look at my reflection in the mirror and stare a long moment.
Someone threw you away as trash. You’ll always be trash. Not worthy of a relationship with a man like Trevor, who comes from a good family and has been raised with a normal childhood.
My demons didn’t always give me a head’s up about when they would make an appearance. But I shook my head at the voice from the past.
I was stronger than this. Didn’t my tattoo mean strength? Hadn’t I fought the odds to make something of myself after being tossed away as a child? I belonged at this party amongst millionaires and politicians just as I’d belonged at all the others. As for the emotions, I simply needed to put them back where they belonged and treat Mr. Newhall like any other rich guy. Not as the father of the man with whom I was currently involved and who was probably still pissed off at me.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Trevor
I was exhausted from not sleeping the night before. And any thoughts of taking a nap went out the door once I arrived home and saw all of the catering trucks and experienced the general buzz around the house. It had been years since I’d seen this kind of chaos. Back when my mom had been alive, she and my father would host annual Christmas parties for Dad’s employees and our neighbors and friends. Now the guests would mostly be people who could influence or contribute towards my father’s bid for mayor.
Not that I held the change of guest list to potential campaign donors against him. He was a well-liked guy, had good morals, and could do a lot of positive things for the city of Houston. But I hoped his expectations of me wouldn’t escalate if he got the job.
It wasn’t as if I’d started out completely averse to the idea of taking over his company. But over time, I’d realized it was a failing proposition. Not only did I have other interests, but also I’d feel constantly criticized. My dad cast a large shadow, and I didn’t wish to live in it. Considering his father had been a teacher, you’d think he could appreciate a son not following in his parent’s footsteps.
I sighed, walking into the pool house and smiling at my dog. He was taking up residence there since my father was home and wouldn’t chance a pooparoomba repeat, especially before the party.
If anything could perk you up, it was a dog’s face. “Come on, boy. Let’s go outside.”
I didn’t bother to change out of my suit before taking him out to the yard to relieve himself and get some exercise. Luckily, my sister had otherwise been taking him for walks this week.
“Please tell me you’ll be picking up after him.”
My father’s voice, which seemed perpetually critical, rang behind me.
As always, I deflected with sarcasm, turning to face him. “Nah. I figured the guests might enjoy playing a game of avoid-the-dog-shit after a few drinks.”
He shook his head, long accustomed to my humor. “Cute.”
My dad already looked the part of a politician. Gray at the temples of a full head of dark hair, light blue eyes, and features which had aged gracefully. He stood at the same height as me at six foot two and kept himself in good shape with both golf and tennis.
He came closer, clasping a hand on my shoulder in a fatherly gesture. “So, Phillip tells me y’all failed with this latest potential sale.”
And there it was. That poke implying I’d botched something. “The only thing that failed was the owner neglecting to inform us about a patent infringement case against him, something he’ll probably lose. And since he was an asshole hoping to let go most of his staff, I was happy we didn’t make the deal.”
My father might be blinded sometimes by his obsession over his company and politics, but he was a good man. One from whom I’d learned my values. “Problem is there are plenty more out there. A lot of men get to the top by stomping on the people who helped get them there.”
Wasn’t that the truth. At least my father hadn’t done it that way. No, he’d worked hard and treated people well along the way. “True.”
“How’s your sister holding up with this whole breakup?”
I quirked a brow that he’d be questioning me. “You could ask her yourself.”
He expelled a breath. “You know I don’t do well with tears. I worry about her. At least when she had Edward, I didn’t have to.”
I chuckled and threw the ball for Rufus. “He turned out to be a cheating, lying bastard, so perhaps there was more worry there than we thought.”
“You have a point. I didn’t see that coming. Not saying I want her to take him back. Quite the opposite. He may come from a good family, but the last thing I want is for my little girl to be disrespected by a cheater, especially one who cheated with her best friend.”
At least we could agree on something. “She’s stronger than she realizes. She’ll get there.”
He nodded. “Just like your mother was.”
There was an awkward pause as he looked out over his estate, apparently wistful and thinking about her now. So many of my friends’ fathers were on the 2.0 younger model wife. Most via divorce. But not even my mother’s death had spurred my father in that direction. I could say without a doubt he’d loved her. But unfortunately, her departure left something broken in him. Something that caused his wanderlust away from our childhood home and his narrow-minded focus on business. I suppose it was his way of coping. But for me, the very last thing I wanted was a life only fulfilled by my job.
“I have some people I’d like you to meet tonight. Please tell me you have a less wrinkled suit to wear.”
And bam. The spell was broken, and my father was back to all business. And I was back to making jokes.
“Yeah, I’m sure I can throw something in the dryer to look presentable.”
***
I watched the door like a stalker, waiting for Emma to arrive. After replaying our conversation from yesterday and thinking about her intentions, I was anxious to speak with her. I owed her an apology. It worried me that she might have already spun it up as a reason to break things off.
The moment Emma stepped through the massive double front doors of my house, I moved towards the foyer to intercept her. My eyes drank in the sight of her in a dark blue dress that hugged her curves and with her hair left soft and long. It was all I could do not to take her hand and lead her upstairs to my bedroom. Thankfully, Simon’s presence standing beside her kept me from acting on the impulse.
“Good evening,” I greeted, taking Simon’s hand first.
“You have a lovely home,” he remarked, glancing around.
“Thank you.” I turned my gaze to Emma, trying not to get hard over the shade of red her perfect, pouty lips were tonight. “You look lo
vely tonight. Appreciate you coming.”
“Thanks for having us.” She seemed on edge.
“Let’s get you both some drinks and—”
My father’s voice came up from the side of us. “Ah, you must be Simon Granger. Trevor has told me so much about you. I’m Charles Newhall.”
It was a lie that I’d said anything about Simon, but I figured my dad had gleaned plenty of information about Simon from Phillip.
“I am indeed Simon. A pleasure, Mr. Newhall.”
My father’s gaze landed on Emma as I introduced her. Although she was smiling, I could tell it was forced. If I wasn’t mistaken, she was nervous. I wondered why. “This is Ms. Emma Brown. She also works on the team for Stone Group.”
“Nice to meet you.” My dad took her hand with a smile.
“You as well, Mr. Newhall.”
I noticed her eyes barely met mine.
But luckily, my dad gave me the opportunity I’d been hoping for, speaking to Simon. “If you don’t mind, I have a few people here I’d love to introduce you to.”
“Of course I don’t mind.”
“Terrific. If you’ll excuse us?” The two men moved on into the ever-increasing crowd of people and left us alone.
“Hi,” I greeted, feeling breathless at the vision in front me and the fact I hadn’t touched her in days.
Her face heated a sexy shade of pink. “Hi.”
“Any chance I can steal you for a few minutes to talk?” I wanted to apologize for losing my temper with her yesterday.
Her brow rose. “Talk?”
I smirked. “Yes. Although after missing you this week, I wouldn’t object to taking care of what’s on your mind later.”
Crap. I instantly saw her panic and replayed what I’d said. Missing her. Clearly a trigger. But I wouldn’t let it deter me. I knew she had to have missed me, too, even if she wasn’t able to admit it yet.
“We don’t need to talk, Trevor. That’s the whole beauty of this situation. Not having to worry about stuff like that.”
My eyes narrowed. “I see.”
Without Regret Page 14
