Chapter 1
“The invitations have gone out.”
“Awesome. I’ll keep an eye on the RSVPs. Then we can plan accordingly.” Edward nodded as he sat at his computer. He double checked, confirming the email address for invitation responses was correct.
“Did you ever think we’d get this far?” Joseph sat across from Edward’s desk and leaned back, putting his hands behind his head.
“I never had a doubt in my mind,” Edward said with confidence, not looking up from the screen. “Even back in university I knew it. When we work together, we’re unstoppable.”
“True dat!” Joseph leaned forward and high fived Edward before jumping up and walking out. “Back to work!” he shouted from the hallway.
Edward Caldwell rolled his eyes before returning to stare at his computer screen. They were opposites, but had managed to strike up a friendship in university that had remained. Since their first business class, they’d started talking about going into business together.
That was almost a decade ago. Each of them had a good sense about the other and after graduating top of their class, they had a lot to offer. Both turned down good salary jobs so they could start their new company. Edward never had a problem getting what he wanted, but he kept a humble mind and a keen sense of people. He talked his way through, into or out of anything and his dark brown hair, baby smooth chiseled jaw line and good looks didn’t hurt him any.
Joseph Johnson was in the same league as far as good-looking men went. Black hair, cut to succeed, chocolate brown skin with just a hint of a goatee and a smile that dazzled the ladies. His sharp mind was always dead on when it came to strategy and marketing. When they stood together they were almost dead on in height at 5’ 10 and when they went anywhere together, they turned heads and stopped conversations.
At the end of the day they always got together to summarize the day before leaving the office. “What you get?” asked Joseph plopping down in his chair across from Edward’s desk.
“The Owen project is being wrapped up this week. They made their transfer this afternoon and it should clear the bank tomorrow. I’ll put the finishing touches on the project and have it ready to be picked up by Friday.”
“Beautiful. That was a tough project.”
“You aren’t just kidding,” Edward said, running his hand through his hair. “That guy is tough to please, but I think we did it.”
“How about the new clients you were talking to today? Did you seal the deal with them?”
“Not yet, but I think it is close. I’ll leave them alone for a few days then contact them. Did you get the ads out?”
“Signed, sealed and delivered.” Joseph leaned back and smiled. “Now, let’s talk about what is really important.”
“What’s that?”
“The party, man. The cruise? I am going to party like it’s 1999,” he laughed, putting his hands up in the air.
Edward couldn’t help but smile at him as he shook his head. “Joseph, when will you ever grow up?”
“Never, man. I am going to hang on to my youthful good looks and do all the honeys.” He pinched his shirt with both hands and tugged on it as he looked off to the side with a cocky sort of confidence.
“You are too much.”
“Yes…yes I am. So, what do we have?”
Edward clicked a few times then read the screen. “Looks like thirty five so far.”
“Out of how many? Two hundred? That’s it? You sure you didn’t do something wrong?”
“Give them a chance to read the invitations, will you?”
“Okay, okay. Listen, I gotta jet. I have a hot date tonight with this beauty.”
“Who is she this time?” asked Edward.
“Miranda.” He said her name slowly, drawing it out. “If I’m a no show in the AM don’t come calling.” He laughed and smacked Edward on the shoulder. “Know what I mean?”
“All too well. Don’t be too late. I could use your help on the Altaire account.”
“Dude, you work too much.”
“It is what I do.”
“Let me hook you up with a honey….”
“No, Joseph. No.” He put his hand up and raised an eyebrow.
“Why not?”
“The last honey you hooked me up with was all over me.”
“So what’s wrong with that?”
“You know that is not what I’m looking for. I can take care of my own love life.”
“I’m not talkin’ about love. Just have some fun.”
Edward shook his head, looking at Joseph as if he was scolding him for even thinking such a thing.
“Man,” he said waving his hand at him. “Whatever. I’m gonna get my kicks while I can.”
“Enjoy yourself. I hope your pecker doesn’t fall off.”
“Pish.” Joseph walked out and started whistling as he danced down the hallway.
Edward shook his head smiling at his partner and went back to his work.
***
The next morning when he got into the office Joseph was already hard at work.
“What happened, Romeo?” asked Edward as he stuck his head into Joseph’s office on his way by. “Early curfew?”
Joseph made a face and waved his hand in the air. “She ended up going home early. Something about wanting respect before deciding to sleep with me.”
“You mean a woman with actual integrity?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Edward laughed and went to his office. After he reviewed the invitation responses he hit Joseph’s call button.
“What’s up?” Joseph asked.
“We have 142 confirmed.”
“For the cruise?” his voice rose excitedly.
“Yup.”
“Sweet.” There was a slight pause before Justin cleared his throat. “Hey, did Jacqueline Moross confirm?”
“Let’s see. Yes. It looks like it.”
“My day just got better. What about Angela….”
“Why don’t I print the list and you can review it at your leisure?”
“Perfect.”
Edward knew Joseph was a playboy, but he figured he would have grown out of it by now. As long as the business continued to do well and his gigolo ways didn’t interfere, Edward had no problems with it, and the business was doing exceptionally well. They were both self-made millionaires within the first five years and since then, Edward had more than doubled his net worth through investments and smart gambling, making him part of the top fifty billionaires in Europe. Joseph did pretty well for himself as well, but he liked to party too much and buy elaborate gifts for his playmates.
“Got that list?” Joseph asked walking in to his office.
Edward grabbed the two-page document and handed it to his partner.
“Just think, man. This time next week we will be floating on the biggest cruise ship in Europe and partying our asses off with some of the finest honeys in the country. I gotta say, having our ten-year anniversary party on a cruise ship was brilliant.”
“It should be fun.” Edward said dryly.
Joseph just looked at him. “Dude, what up? Your dog die or something?”
Edward threw his pen down and leaned back in his chair. “No. I just wonder if there is more to life than all of this.”
“Than all of what? Dude. Do you know how many guys would kill to have the position we have? You and I? We are the envy of the entire God damned country, maybe even the world. We are GQ.”
“I guess.”
“What’s your prob? I know what it is. You’re stuck behind this desk too long. You need to get out, have a little fun.”
“We don’t want the same things, Joseph. I want more than just a good time.”
Joseph pursed his lips in defeat. “Okay, man. Whatever you want, but you aren’t going to get it by sitting here in this office all day every day. Come on. Let’s get out of here. Start our weekend early.”
“Nah, I have to finish this.”
Joseph shook his head. “You are going to die young and regretful. No pussy will kill you, man.” He stood over Edward, putting his hands on the reports and staring at him until he looked up.
Edward pressed his lips together and rolled his eyes as he sat back, relinquishing control over getting his work done and letting Joseph argue his case. “What?”
“I am giving you one more hour. That’s all. I will forcibly shut this endeavor down and put you temporarily out of business if you do not agree to come out with me tonight and raise a little hell.”
“Do you have any idea how much work….?”
“Don’t care.”
“Joseph, we have deadlines….”
“Don’t care,” he repeated, shaking his head.
“I told the owners I would….”
“I… don’t… care.” He grabbed the folder and folded it back up. “Dude, come on. This is our business. We own this!”
“And we got successful by working hard.”
“So why not chill a little. You’ve got guys on the team that can do this shit. You just can’t give up the control.”
“That’s not true.”
“One… hour.” He plopped the folder back on Edward’s desk and walked out of his office.
He knew he was being defeated. He could lock his door, but Joseph wouldn’t give him any peace to finish. Besides, maybe he had a point. He did work a lot and he did own half the company. He deserved to relax a little. He grabbed his phone and pushed in an extension.
“Sanders, hey. I have a few things I’d like to go over with you before I have to leave today. Do you have a couple of minutes?”
Joseph picked Edward up at his apartment after he showered and changed. The red Lamborghini squealed up quickly as Edward locked his front door. He smiled and shook his head. Joseph was never one for laying low or going with the flow. Everything he did, he did loud, fast and flashy but with charisma and style. Edward climbed into the passenger side and pulled the door down. Before it even latched, Joseph was tearing away from the curb and heading down toward the coast.
“Let’s go to 76.” Joseph was licking his lips, hyped up on seeing some strippers while knocking back £10 drinks.
“Naw, man. I’m not up for all of that,” Edward pleaded. “What about The Pryzm? I’m sure by the end of the night, you’ll get what you are looking for and I can relax at the bar.”
“Dude, you are not fifty years old.”
“But I do have morals. I want to settle down. Find a nice girl, someone I can come home to.
“Tonight?”
“Don’t get me wrong. I still like to raise a little hell, but what is that going to get me? I want more.”
“Man, that’s deep.”
Edward grinned and smacked Joseph on the arm. “Just drive.”
They pulled up to the night club and parked in the back.
“Doesn’t look like it’s very busy tonight,” said Edward, checking out the several empty spaces in the parking lot.
“It’s early. We can grab a bite to eat and then par-tay with the ladies!”
Edward smiled, shaking his head as he got out of the car. “Sure thing, Romeo.”
Whenever they got together and went out, they always seemed to conjure up a flock of people who wanted to be in their social circle, no matter where they went. This night was no different. They were able to get through a meal before having to deal with too many people, but as soon as they walked out of the café and into the bar, a trio of women motioned them over.
Joseph, being the ladies’ man of the duo, didn’t hesitate to move in. Edward hung back and watched, a big grin on his face.
“Ladies,” said Joseph, drawing it out as he eyed the trio. They were all a perfect ten in his book; long legs, tanned, long hair and skin tight dresses that showed plenty of skin. He ran his hands across two bare backs and offered them all a drink.
Edward joined them, but sat on the side as he continued to watch. One of the blonds sashayed over and ran her long red fingernail across his chin.
“Hello,” she said with a sexy voice. “I’m Sasha, one of Joey’s friends.”
“Joey, huh?”
“Uh huh.” She kept her blood red lips parted.
Edward loved playing along to the charades most women put on for attention. “I think I remember him talking about you.” And he did, but only the part about her doing whatever it took to get what she wanted. Careful, man. He remembered Joseph’s words very clear. Sasha is hot as hell, but she’s a gold digger. She’ll spend your money faster than you can give it to her.
“Oh, yeah? He talks about me?” She grinned and looked over at him, her eyes moving down to his ass. “Did he mention that he wanted me to go on your little cruise with you?”
Edward chuckled. “Uh, no. He did not mention that.”
“Well, I mentioned to him on how much I loved cruises and he brought it up.”
“I’m sure he did,” he said, glancing toward his friend. “Did he give you an invite?”
“No,” she pouted, putting her head down. Her bleach blond hair fell forward and pooled into his lap. “Do you think you could get me one?”
“I don’t know.”
Before he got his response out, she was running her hands up his thighs. “I’ll do… anything.” She leaned forward, thrusting her paid-for breasts forward. She pouted the perfect pout as her eyes got heavy with lust.
“I… really don’t have an extra invitation to….”
She slid her hand across his pants and rubbed him in the perfect spot to cause him to rethink his answer. She leaned down, putting her lips inches from his ear. “Come here, baby.”
His cock stirred as she turned away from him. She inched her dress up and took his hand leading him to the back of the night club.
Joseph put his hand up and chuckled. “That’s my boy! Get it.”
Edward shook his head and followed Sasha into the ladies’ bathroom. She bent over with her ass toward him and looked under the stalls, then strutted over and locked the door.
“You’re all mine now,” she said, pulling her dress up and turning around. She pushed her perfect heart shaped ass out toward him, took his hand and put it on a cheek. “It’s okay, I won’t bite… unless you want me to.”
“I appreciate all you are trying to do here, but honestly I don’t want sex from you.”
She stood up and looked at him with a pouty lip. “What?”
“It’s nothing against you. You are gorgeous. I just want more. That’s all.”
“Aweeee, that is so sweet.” She stepped close to him and put her hand on his chest, cozying up to him and inhaling his scent. Her hand slid down and tugged at his belt buckle. “Okay, no sex.”
He wanted to stop her and explain again that she didn’t have to do sexual favors for an invitation to his party but she seemed awfully determined. He leaned against the counter and put his hands on the side as he watched her unzip his pants and pull him out. She knew what she was doing for sure. Her long fingers wrapped around him and stroked him just right as her bright blue eyes looked up at him, pleading for him to allow her to give him pleasure. When he realized she was waiting for the okay, he nodded and watched her blood read lips part. She took the head of his cock into her mouth and sucked just right. She inched it in further, her tongue playing with the tip. His head went back as an arousal began to fester deep within him. When he looked down again, she had most of him inside her mouth, her throat expanding as she pushed a little further. She gagged and pulled him out long enough to get a breath then slid him back inside. It didn’t take long for his arousal to build to a level that made him grab her hair and push into her harder. He grunted as she swallowed him and he came as her long fingernails played with his genitals. He grunted loudly when he felt himself empty inside her mouth. She greedily took it all and swallowed every drop. When she stood up, she cupped her breasts and smiled, licking her smeared-red lips.
“Fuck, you are hot,” she said.
He took a deep breath and pulled his pants together. “Why don’t you give me your address and I’ll have an invitation sent to your house right away?”
She squealed and jumped up and down, hugging him tightly. “Really? I am going on a cruise?”
He laughed. “Yes, you are.”