“Tyler!” I called out. “Tyler! Have you seen my black eyeliner?”
“When have I ever worn your eyeliner? I don’t even know what the hell that is. Or what this is.” Tyler held up an eyelash curler.
I snatched it out of his hand. “Just forget it,” I mumbled, looking down at the floor. “Are you still waiting for the call?” I looked at him in the mirror.
He shrugged. “Yeah, but I’m pretty hopeful. They know I can get the job done.”
I smiled. “Damn right.”
As Tyler left the room, I looked over what makeup I did have. It wasn’t much. While I would’ve loved shopping at the MAC counter, I was instead sticking with the local drug store’s finest. I wasn’t complaining, though. It was better than nothing. More than anything, I wanted this night to be over with.
I was a freelance accountant. Sounds awesome, right? Being my own boss. Well, it wasn’t. I was broke, and unless I could find a permanent position somewhere, I’d have to continue working odd jobs just to make it work. The company I was currently freelancing for was invited to an event, by a company they were hoping would buy them out. I had no intentions of going, but I was told it was mandatory, even for temps. It was a black tie formal event, and everyone was expected to be there, including some of the company’s top clients. Since I’d be there socializing, I might as well hand out some cards I made, to either get my name out there or, perhaps, even be offered a job.
I looked in my closet. The only formal item I had was a bridesmaid’s dress I wore three years ago. Lucky for me, it didn’t look like a bridesmaid’s dress. Add a little bit of this and that, and I thought it could pass.
“Aren’t you done yet?” I jumped as Tyler came up behind me. “Well, you clean up nice.”
I looked him up and down in his crisp suit that was so perfectly pressed. “Not too bad yourself, Tyler.” We stood and just smiled at each other. This was nice, being able to go out and enjoy ourselves. It wasn’t something we did often. In fact, I didn’t think it was something we’d ever done.
“So, here’s my number. I would really like for you to call me. Perhaps we can meet up again soon. Outside of a plane.”
I glanced at her as I buttoned my jacket. She stood there holding a piece of paper. Taking it from her, balled it up and tossed it on the table. “I’m good.” She stood there stunned, and quickly straightened up. “Aren’t we landing soon, Stacy?”
She cleared her throat. “It’s Quinn. And yes, sir.”
I glared at her. I didn’t give a fuck. “Right. Well then. Let’s buckle up for safety.” I headed back to my seat. She had the nerve to take the seat next to me. I slowly turned to her, still adjusting my sleeve. “Was that the seat you started in?”
She gawked at me, clearly flustered. She opened her mouth several times, looking like a goddamn fish out of water. “Of course not, sir, my apologies.” She got up quickly and headed back to wherever she had to be. Yeah, I knew I was being a dick.
We landed twenty minutes later, and I gazed out on the tarmac from my private plane. Alistair, my driver, was already there waiting.
“Welcome home, Mr. Mandrake. It’s great that you’re back here in the States.”
“Thank you, Alistair. I’ve been gone far too long, so I’m glad to run things from here. As much as I love Paris, well, nothing beats a good American burger and fries, that’s for sure. I’m also glad I got to see you before your vacation, Alistair.”
“Oh yes, I couldn’t agree more. We should arrive at your penthouse shortly, Mr. Mandrake.”
I nodded, getting in the back of the sedan. “Thank you, Alistair, and I don’t know how many times I’ve asked you to call me Grayson.”
“My apologies, Mr. Mandrake.”
I rolled my eyes and smirked.
Alistair had been my personal driver for as long as I could remember. He wasn’t just my driver, but also a very good friend who I trusted with just about anything, including my life.
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
You’ve been gone far too long, baby. Can’t wait to feel you. I’ll be the naked one in your bed.
I smiled. Well, it looked like Ashley got the memo I was headed home. Thank fuck! I was getting tired of the French women. Ashley was the typical sure thing. My occasional take-along person to events. I didn’t date. That was never my thing. Relationships were too complicated, too much work, and not something I was interested in. I did that before, and it wrecked me. I enjoyed being a bachelor.
“I can’t believe you’re going to work in your dress a couple of hours before this whole party starts.” Tyler looked me up and down with a disapproving scowl. I glanced around at all the other patrons in the café where I worked. There weren’t many, but that could change at any minute.
“I have to,” I said. “I couldn’t get anyone to cover my shift, and I need the money, Tyler. You know that better than anyone. Besides, I’m being extra careful. I’m wearing an apron over my dress. Sometimes you just got to do what you got to do, right? We won’t be that late.”
“Yeah, I guess. Look, just be careful okay? I’ll be back in a few hours to pick you up. I’m just hoping we’ll be able to get a cab. It looks like it’s going to rain.” Tyler peered up at the sky, noting the change in color.
“Please don’t say that. Rain is the last thing we need. I can’t show up to this thing drenched. If I make a good impression, maybe they’ll like me enough to hire me on permanently. Text me when you’re on your way, and I’ll see you in a few hours, okay?” I shoved him toward the door.
“Fine, I’ll see you in a bit.”
I smiled as I watched him walk out. Tyler was someone who would forever be in my life, and I was eternally grateful to him. He had always been there for me. We never had much, but we had each other, even when we were apart for seven years. Seven years, three months, and seventeen days to be exact. The darkest moments in our lives. It wasn’t something I could forget easily, even if I wanted to. I needed to stop thinking about that. I needed to just focus, do this job, and then go to this party. It’d be nice to have something other than Ramen noodles for a change.
I stretched my neck, and wondered if it was too late to leave. I should’ve just sent a prospect on my behalf and called it good. The announcer finally spoke:
“Good evening. I would like to welcome all of you to the annual company party. We couldn’t be more delighted to have each and every one of you here. After all, without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
“Mandrake Enterprises started as just a plain hotel and casino offering valuable accommodations. Next thing we knew, Mr. Mandrake expanded it, and it now features five-star hotels, top-rated chefs, yachts, sponsorships, and the opportunity to go abroad. Most importantly, charities and the huge impact Mandrake Enterprises is having right here in the city with the local public schools and children’s hospitals. We thrive on our relationship with our employees. We always want you to feel included, and that you are, indeed, a part of our team. That’s why we host this party every year…”
Fuck, I hope this thing is over soon. I wanted to make a surprise entrance, pretend like I was enjoying myself, and then have a round two with Ashley. Instead, I was stuck in the kitchen with a bourbon, listening to the same speech that was made every year. I needed to hire a writer.
“This party is hosted every year to have our employees meet our clientele. We enjoy and value each of our clients and hope to continue to have a long-lasting relationship with you as well. As most of you know, Mr. Mandrake has been assisting the development in Paris for the past couple of months, and we almost didn’t think he would make it back in time, but he made it. Grayson Mandrake!”
There was my cue.
I walked on stage, shaking hands with a few people along the way. “Thank you, Mr. Arlington. I didn’t think I would be back in time myself, but I’m glad to be here.” I gazed out to the crowd and paused. “I just want to make this quick because, let’s be honest, the filet mignon isn’t going to eat itself.” Laughter erupted from the crowd, mostly women. Probably one of which I’d be fucking tonight. “This party is a thank you to the staff, which is most of you out there, as well as the clients. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are. So, please, enjoy yourself, drink, eat, and be merry. If anyone needs anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” I turned to the band and cued them to start playing, hoping everyone would begin mingling. I nodded as the crowd erupted in applause and headed off the stage.
“I told you we weren’t going to be able to get a cab.”
“Yes, Tyler. Thank you for pointing that out, but now is not the time for the ‘I told you so’ attitude. We’re almost an hour late, and I have to get there. Let’s just start walking and maybe we’ll get a cab or something. I don’t know.”
I glanced down at my feet. After spending four hours standing in four-inch heels, I was not looking forward to walking the sixteen blocks in them, but it was a small price to pay to try to make myself look good, as well as doing some job scouting. A job that wasn’t even guaranteed, but something I was hoping could be offered. Hell, if anything, maybe one of the many clients there would be willing to offer me something, but I wasn’t too sure how that would look.
Eight blocks down, we finally got a cab. Tyler had to wrestle down an elderly couple, but damn, we saw the cab first.
“I can’t believe we’re ninety minutes late. How’s my hair? Is it presentable?” I asked Tyler, as I possibly did a horrible job trying to smooth it down.
“You’ll be the most beautiful person there,” he said. “I promise. But if there’s no food, you owe me a pizza.”
I laughed and punched his shoulder. “Deal.”
Glenda, my administrative assistant, was having me make the rounds, introducing me to clients and employees, both old and new. I was tired and jet-lagged, and the only thing getting me through the event was the bourbon in my hand and the knowledge that Ashley would be doing anything I told her to when I got home. I was thinking rope. Rope was good. Rope was very good.
“And what are your thoughts on the most recent proposal?” a man asked me.
My sexual thoughts were interrupted. Fuck. I didn’t know what the hell he was talking about, or for that matter, who the fuck was talking to me. Who was this guy? I took a quick assessment. He was about sixty-ish, 5’6, and a buck fifty, and his pants looked a size too big. Either he was a client or an employee. I was hoping employee, with him looking like that.
“Do you think it’s a good idea to sell or wait?” The little maggot peered up at me again.
With a polite smile, I responded, “You know, tonight is a night all about mingling and socializing. Let’s not talk business, but instead, enjoy ourselves.”
Nodding dismissively, I strolled away. Fucking shit. I’d do ten more minutes max of this and then leave.
I took a long drink from my bourbon and stretched my neck. Upon stretching, I just happened to glance toward the door, plotting my exit, when I saw her. She was certainly someone who’d caught my eye. If I didn’t know any better, I would say she was a vision of perfection. She was wearing a long, deep-dark-purple dress with a rhinestone belt. Her dark hair was in a messy updo. She looked around a little timidly, like she was unsure of herself. Like she didn’t belong and maybe felt a little out of place. She raised her hand, waved at someone, and smiled. She had the most beautiful smile. I’d seen her somewhere before, but I couldn’t place it.
All thoughts of doing anything else left my mind, other than thoughts of fucking her. Tired? What? Me? No. Not tired, but now I wanted to know who this girl was standing at the door.
My eyes followed her every movement as she walked over to some girl who enthusiastically hugged her. Minutes later, a guy sauntered up and placed his hand on the small of her back. I instantly hated him. I wanted to march over, punch him in the face, and tell him to step away from my girl. My girl? I didn’t even know her name, but I just claimed her as my girl. What the fuck was wrong with me? Clearly this jet lag was affecting me more than I thought. I glared back over at the guy; his hand was still on the small of her back. Visions of me bludgeoning his skull were becoming more and more vivid. I sighed. Now I had to pretend like I was paying attention to Glenda’s introductions.
“Excuse me, Glenda?”
“Yes, Mr. Mandrake.”
“That woman over there, in the purple dress, who is she? I haven’t met her.”
Glenda scanned the crowd with squinted eyes. “I’m not sure. I believe she assists with Walters and Reed. I’ve seen her a few times with that firm. Now, over here we have Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. They’re on the board of—”
“That will be all, Glenda, thank you,” I sharply cut her off.
“But, Mr. Mandrake—”
“I said that would be all, Glenda. Thank you.” I turned my attention back to the dark- haired woman.
I made a quick inspection of my dress before glancing around at everyone’s attire. Great. Everyone appeared as if they’d just stepped off a damn runway. Here I was imagining I could possibly pass, but what the hell was I thinking? There was no way in hell I could ever compete with these people. They were used to this. Most were born into money. Me? I was lucky if I had enough change for a week’s worth of food. I don’t know why I thought I could do this. I was just about to make my escape when Isabella spotted me. Dammit.
“Emmalin, it’s about damn time!” Isabella said. “Get your ass over here!”
Plastering on a smile, I made my way to her. Unexpectedly, she yanked me into an embrace. She clearly had one too many cocktails.
“Oh my God,” she said. “What took you so long? You won’t believe who made a grand entrance tonight.”
“Good to see you too, Isabella. Sorry I’m late. Did I miss anything good?”
“Girl, please. This is a party. It’s full of alcohol, food, men who are looking for a good lay, and, um... did I mention alcohol, where the Dom Pérignon flows like water?” Isabella giggled as she grabbed two flutes of champagne from a server passing by and handed one to me.
“There you are,” Tyler whispered as he joined us; he’d stepped outside to make a call. “This is some event.”
Glancing around the room, I couldn’t help but agree. I peered back down at my dress. It might as well have been a potato sack. Maybe that would’ve been nicer.
“Grayson Mandrake,” Isabella chimed in. “He has got to be the most fuckable guy on the planet. He just drips sex. Can you imagine one night with him?”
“Grayson Mandrake?” I asked. “Yeah, I’ve heard of him. CEO right? Wasn’t he overseeing the expansion in Paris?”
“Not anymore,” she said. “I guess that project is over. Look, there he is now. Oh my God! He’s looking over here.”
I turned in the direction Isabella had been staring, but I was distracted by loud cheering in the opposite direction. I shifted to see what the commotion was, but I couldn’t see over the small crowd that had formed. Typical drunks, I guessed.
I glanced back over at Isabella and noticed some guy had approached her. Of course he would. She was stunning, with her long legs and dirty-blonde hair. She looked like a damn runway model. Tyler’s phone buzzed and he went off in the corner for more privacy. Ditched again. As I scanned the room, my eyes locked with a guy standing in the middle of the room.
My breathing stopped. This guy was absolutely stunning. He stood at least 6’3, and the suit he wore did not do him justice. He had jet-black hair with a fine stubble and the most piercing cerulean eyes I had ever seen. So piercing, they seemed to be looking directly at me as if he could delve into my soul. Our connection was broken when Tyler came back over. I quickly diverted my eyes out of embarrassment.
“Hey, I’m heading out.”
I glanced at him in shock, momentarily confused and still hazy from the enchanting spell of the sex god. “Are you serious? You just got here.”
“I know, but I got word about the job, and I gotta head out now. It’s one of those, if I don’t take it now, it’s ‘wait another month’ kind of jobs. I’ll call you later.”
“But—”
He kissed my cheek. “I have to go, Emmalin.”
“Do you know how long you’ll be gone?”
He shook his head. “It’s out of state, so who knows. That’s the joy of being an on-call worker.” He kissed my cheek once more before running out the door.
I stared after him, stunned. Well shit. There goes that. Sighing, I turned back toward Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome, but he, too, was gone. Just my luck.
Maybe he’s her husband. Although, it’s hard to tell if she’s wearing a ring, as if he could even afford something so extravagant. Boyfriend perhaps? Then again, when has a significant other proven a problem for me?
“Well, if it isn’t the most arrogant son of a bitch to ever walk the earth. Grayson fucking Mandrake,” an annoying voice said.
I rolled my eyes. I knew that voice, and I knew it too well. I slowly turned around. “Chace. Still a complete prick. I’m sorry you didn’t get to outgrow being a douchebag while I was gone.”
“Who do you think I learned it from, asshole?” We glared at each other. Chace broke into a smile first before patting me on the back. “Welcome back. Why didn’t you call and let me know you were coming back early? I had to hear it from Ashley, of all people.”
“Ha. Well, in my defense, she only knew because I was looking for a quick fuck when I got in.”
“Yeah, that’s pretty much all she’s good for… sometimes not even that.”
“True shit.” I tossed back the rest of my bourbon. Chace and I were known to share women at times. We’d never done a threesome, but we’d been in the same room. He would fuck a girl, and as soon as he was done with her, she would slide right over and fuck me.
Speaking of fucking me, where did the girl in purple go?
“What do you say we get out of here and have a real party? Call up some girls? However, there are definitely plenty of girls here we could have some fun with.”
I turned my attention back to Chace. “Um, you know, I was thinking of leaving… but I think I’m going to stick around for a few.” I scanned the room again, hoping to spot the purple dress.
“Where is she?” he asked.
“What?”
“You heard me. Where is she? I know that look. You’ve spotted someone. Well? Where is she? Maybe she’s someone I would be interested in, too.”
“Fuck off, Chace. Not now.”
“Whoa, getting all greedy. That’s unlike you, Grayson.” He jabbed me in the side.
I gritted my teeth. “I mean it, Chace.”
“Okay, I get ya. Tell me, if I spot her first, is she mine for the taking?”
My eyes narrowed. “You do remember I’m a black belt, right? Do you need a demonstration?”
“Ha ha, okay. Fine, man. I get it.”
Damn it! Where did she go? Why the fuck was I so worried? When the hell had I ever had to look for a girl? Panties were practically flung off before I even approached one. Hmm, I guess I was a bit of a man whore.
I was about to shut the place down when I saw her standing off in the corner, talking to that fucking maggot. Why the fuck is he still here? Doesn’t he have a bedtime?
Most of the old assholes had already left the party. The only ones left were those who were looking for a good time. Wait. Unless this asshole was thinking he wanted to have a good time with her. I don’t fucking think so.
“Hey, Chace, I’ll catch up with you later.” I didn’t wait for his reply.
“We’re a small company, nowhere near the size of Mandrake, but we get by. We’ve only been around for about eleven years or so…”
God, he was boring me. But that didn’t matter. That was something I was going to have to deal with if I wanted to find a permanent offer. My thoughts wandered to Tyler. I was happy for him, but I wondered how long he’d be gone this time. I couldn’t think about that now. It’d taken way too long to get back on my feet. The least I could do was do a better job of acting interested.
“Well, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me. I know you’re very busy, and thank you so much for the business card. I’ll be sure to speak with your HR department about any possible openings.”
Placing the business card in my clutch, I turned to walk away and ran smack into a wall of steel. This wasn’t any wall of steel I ever had a chance encounter with before. This steel was covered in a suit that I was sure cost three times the amount of my rent. And the scent. God, the scent. It was masculine, a combination of spice and rosewood. I could bathe in that scent. It was heaven and sex rolled into one. “I-I’m so sorry. I’m so clumsy… oh my God. I spilled my champagne all over you. I am so, so sorry…”
I couldn’t believe I just did that. Of course, the only napkin I had was already balled up. It’d have to work. Uselessly, I dabbed at the fabric. Shit! Why did this have to happen tonight of all nights?
“It’s okay,” he tried to assure me.
“No. No, I’m terribly sorry. I’ll replace your suit. You have my word.” I made a mental note that a suit like this cost more than I would ever see in my bank account… and, well, who needed to eat three times a day anyway? Eating was overrated. I was about to search for another napkin when a hand reached under my chin, gripping me firmly before pulling my head up. I was staring into the cerulean eyes from earlier.
“It’s okay. Really,” he said one last time before smiling.