Greg smirked, knowing his dad would do no such thing. He’d been threatened with that many times in the past, and he still got invited to high-level meetings. Besides, he might not be there all the time, but he was brilliant at what he did.
“You have to grow up, Greg,” his mother said angrily. “We didn’t raise you like this. I especially resent the fact that you include my friends’ daughters in your shenanigans! Don’t you care about Glenda’s feelings? You made her hope, then you dropped her three days later!”
“She knew what she was getting into, Mum,” he retorted.
“You’re so inconsiderate of women’s feelings, Greg,” his mum accused. “All you care about is satisfying yourself.”
“Look, I have to go,” he said.
“This conversation is not finished, Gregory,” his dad called out.
“No time,” he responded, leaving his dad’s office. He was only twenty-six. He had no plans of being roped into the boring, responsible life too early.
What he was looking forward to was meeting with his cousin Rick for some fun with a few girls they’d met at a club the other night.
~ ~ ~
Greg shook his head to bring him back to the present. It hurt to remember that afternoon. Because the next day, his parents were gone.
He took a deep breath to settle his emotions. Once again, he was hit by the realisation that he’d never get the chance to make them proud of him. That opportunity was lost forever.
He didn’t know whether to believe in life after death, but a big part of him still hoped that somehow, his parents and grandfather could see that he’d made a turnaround. He still hoped that they knew of the promise he’d made to his brothers and grandmother to be completely dedicated to ensuring that the Carmichael Corporation, the company created by his grandfather out of nothing, would flourish and continue to grow in leaps and bounds. He didn’t know of any better way to honour the loved ones they’d lost unexpectedly.
He’d kept his promise every day, working as hard as he possibly could. Knowing that he was now contributing to the company as equally as Zach and Jeff had alleviated some of his guilt.
And though his mother was no longer around to see it, he’d changed his attitude towards women. While he’d never intentionally set out to hurt anyone in the past, he’d been an inconsiderate, immature idiot who’d seduced anyone he was attracted to. He’d reasoned that since the ladies were very much aware of his reputation, they must have known what they were getting into by being with him. Looking back, it appalled him how many girls he’d sweet-talked insincerely to satisfy his wants. He never wanted to be that kind of guy again.
However, he was still very much into the single life. It was simply a fact he couldn’t change. He’d come to believe that a serious relationship just wasn’t meant for him. Not at this point in time, anyway.
The difference was that he was now completely honest with girls about what he wanted—fun flings only, and nothing more. If they were looking for commitment, he stayed away from them, even if the physical attraction was great.
His grandmother had surmised that the reason love had never captured his heart was because he had too many choices—too many women who were throwing themselves at him. Well, that was true. Especially now that Zach and Jeff were most definitely taken, the interested ladies seemed to have become bolder and more aggressive in getting his attention. So even though he’d become very picky, he didn’t lack for female company whenever he wanted some.
He was surprised by the number of women out there who were happy with a short fling. Their reasons were varied, although two motivations had been the most common. Either they wanted the experience of ‘dating’ a rich guy for a few days, or they intended to use his name to further their personal interests. He didn’t mind those motives. He was comfortable with that kind of give and take, as long as they were honest about it from the beginning.
Admittedly, it wasn’t all roses for him in the dating game. There had been a few ladies who truly lit his fire. But since they were genuinely the kind who equated sex with emotions, he’d had to keep his paws off of them. He knew he was bound to lose interest after about a month or so. That cycle had been pretty consistent for him. So he’d rather avoid them than break their hearts later.
“Greg!”
“Hey,” he said, smiling at Annette, the actress sister of one of Jeff’s friends.
“You promised me another dance, handsome,” Annette purred, running her hand on his chest.
“I did, too,” he agreed amiably, leading her to the dance floor.
Now, here was a woman who’d happily climb into his bed on his terms. Actually, he was trying to choose between Annette and Liana, another guest, to be his fling while he was at the Sanctuary. Both girls had made it clear they were happy with no-strings fun if that was all he was offering. He knew and they knew that being associated with him, even for just a short while, could do wonders for their respective careers.
Both women were very pretty and sexy, but neither held a strong enough attraction for him to easily make a decision. Unfortunately, while he was at the Carmichael Sanctuary, his choices were limited.
He held Annette close, trying to read his body’s reaction to her.
Meh. Nothing to get excited about.
His gaze strayed to the big double doors and his breath hitched, his heart beating faster. Gemma had just walked back into the ballroom.
Ah, damn it. Why her? He couldn’t do anything with her. He shouldn’t do anything with her.
###
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Links To My Other Books:
All these books are strong stand-alone novels. But if you would like to read them in my preferred order, start with Will To Love (Lifestyle by Design Book 1) and follow the order below.
Click on the book title to get your copy.
Lifestyle by Design Series
Book 1: Will To Love
Clarise Carson and Will Matthews
Book 2: Heart Robber
Jessa Allen and Rob Granger
Book 3: Ray of Love
Faye Summers and Ray Thackery
Secret Dreams Series
Book 1: Secret Words
Jasmine Allen and Kane Summers
Book 2: Secret Designs
Ari Mitchell and Dylan Summers
Book 3: Secret Moves
Kris McCann and Trey Andrews
Book 4: Secret Tastes
Samantha Lane and Adam Craig
Time for Love Series
Book 1: Forever
Rebecca Andrews and Zach Carmichael
Book 2: Finally
Sarah Daley and Jeff Carmichael
Book 3: Again
Amanda Payne and Connor Reid
Book 4: Always
Brenna Ward and Ash Payne
Book 5: At Last
Gemma Aldwyn and Greg Carmichael
Captured by Love Series
Book 1: The Unwilling Executive
Lucas Renner and Jade Tully
Book 2: The Unyielding Bachelor
Rick Donnelly and Lexie Mead
Book 3: The Undercover Playboy
Carter Garrett and Cassie Stephens
Book 4: The Unintended Fiancé
Bradley Mead and Erin Baker
Book 5: The Unforgettable Ex
Gavin Redford and Natasha Garrett
Book 6: The Unknown Billionaire
Jarryd Westbourne and Marilyn Grant
Book 7: The Unmasked CEO
Coming soon!
Again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Miranda P. Charles
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The Unknown Billionaire (Captured by Love Book 6) Page 19
