Eleven

LILAH

I try not to spend my time daydreaming about him, but it’s difficult to focus on anything else when there are no clients.

Edward claimed he’d be sending all the clients my way, but aside from Andrew things have been slow. Which leaves me plenty of time to read and reread the training packet he put together. But there are only so many times I can do that before my eyes start crossing.

It’s clear as day to me that my boss wants me to prove myself before he sends more clients to me and I plan to knock off his socks by letting him know Andrew signed the contract this morning.

Yesterday, following breakfast at a cute little café I’d never heard of, Andrew was rather amenable to my persuasive pitch about our services here at Castle.

Of course his attraction to me helped, but I’m not going to look this gift horse in the mouth. I’ll finally get Edward off my back with this news.

Andrew showed up this morning to sign all the paperwork, officially making me his financial advisor. When I tried to rope him in to talk about some initial investments, he told me that he had to go.

He claimed he had some work to attend to and my thoughts immediately went to Natalia. Were they business partners as well as friends? Friends with benefits?

It’s none of my business.

I got what I wanted and I should be happy. But of course I’m not.

Andrew drives me crazy whether he realizes it or not.

Foolishly, I want someone I can’t have and that someone is Andrew Knight. If you let Charli tell it, he’s a playboy and the best thing he can offer me is a nice roll in the hay.

But something about his sweet gesture yesterday morning makes me think otherwise. He didn’t touch me once which made me crave it even more.

I know he has a reputation, yet there’s something about him that just pulls me in.

The sound of someone clearing their throat startles me, bringing me back to the present moment.

Edward Knight is standing in front of my desk in another expensive suit. His eyes are cool as he takes me in and the set of his mouth lets me know that his patience is running thin.

“Mr. Knight,” I greet him, running a hand over my reddened cheeks, “good morning.”

“Ms. Tucker,” he returns, observing me closely, “is this a bad time?”

Embarrassed to be caught daydreaming, I plant a reassuring smile on my face.

“Of course not. I’m glad you’re here.”

He quirks an eyebrow at me and the excitement bubbling in my stomach grows.

“Andrew Knight signed with Castle this morning,” I report.

Stoically, he nods and takes a seat in my guest chair.

“Your next step is to get him on board for a hefty investment in Rio Venture Corp.” An iPad appears out of nowhere and he’s tapping at the screen until he lands on the chart he wants.

I look on, amazed by his efficiency.

“Share this graph with him,” he says, pointing. The upward trend of the graphic catches my eye. “This company’s nearly tripled their stock value in the last week and he missed out by dragging his feet. Tell him that Rio Venture Corp holds the same potential and get him to buy at least twenty percent of the shares.”

Twenty percent?

My eyes nearly bug out of my head when he rattles off the grand total.

That’s a lot of fucking money.

I don’t even have time to form words before he starts giving me orders.

“Get him on the phone as soon as you can.” He gives me a deadline and leaves without another word.

If I was expecting a congratulatory smile or pat on the back, I definitely came to the wrong place.

Feeling like a pesky salesman, I wearily pick up the phone to make the call.

***

Today turned out shittier than I thought possible. A few minutes after Edward left my office, I received a phone call from the bank financing my car. I’ve fallen so far behind on payments that they’re threatening to pick up my Honda if I don’t promise them at least a fraction of what I owe.

Tough luck considering school is out for the summer and I won’t be seeing another paycheck until early September. I’ve paid up my rent and utilities, that’s about it. The only credit card I haven’t maxed out is being used to buy food.

It crosses my mind that I could possibly ask Edward for an advance on some of the money he promised me, but the notion makes me cringe. If I’ve learned nothing in the short time I’ve known that man, it’s that he’s not too sympathetic. And it might piss him off enough to cut ties with me entirely and I can’t risk that.

I’ve exhausted all other options and that money is the final lifeline for my project. I’ll walk before I jeopardize my chance.

That was five hours ago and now I’m walking around my favorite store to relieve some pent-up energy.

There’s an annoying vibration coming from my purse. I walk around for another minute before I realize it’s my cell phone.

Jesus, I’m out of it.

I didn’t even check to see who it is. “What?” I growl into the phone. It’s not intentional and I feel bad as the eyes of other Target shoppers land on me.

Please don’t let it be my mom. She’ll pick up on the irritation in my voice and drive all the way from Florida to see what’s troubling me.

“Cupcake, we really have to work on your phone manners.”

Andrew!

“Andrew?” I try again.

“Are there any other guys calling your phone who I should know about?” His teasing voice gives way to a tinge of possessiveness.

Why does that turn me on so much?

“None quite as territorial as you,” I tell him, playing along.

“I’ve warned you about tempting me, Lilah.”

“So you have,” I say airily, stopping to sniff a candle on the clearance aisle. The scent is downright dreamy.

What? I’m not going to buy anything. But a girl can look, right?

I’m so distracted that I almost miss Andrew’s next words.

“I have a request about my account.”

Oh, shit. Is he going to ask to be transferred to someone who actually knows what they’re doing?

Can’t say I would blame him if he does. I’m in way too far over my head and today has been a perfect example of that.

“What is it?” I ask bravely.

“All meetings are to be conducted at the place of my choosing from now on. Your office is stuffy and if I’m going to do this, then I at least want to do it my way.”

Of course he does.

“Fine. Name the place and I’ll be sure to accommodate you.” I give in.

I’m all too sure that Edward won’t mind since he’s the one who told me to do “whatever it takes” to stay on Andrew’s good side.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” I can hear him smirking through the phone. “Tonight. At my place. Eight.”

The sales attendant looks at me funny when I set down the candle jar a little too forcibly.

“Are you sure it has to be tonight?” I ask mouthing sorry to the concerned employee. Slowly, I back away from the shelf and begin walking to the entrance.

“Positive,” he states.

Rolling my eyes, I relent.

“I’ll text you my address. Let me know if you have any questions. See you soon, Cupcake.”