Blue-Collar Billionaires: The Complete Series, page 87
As we approach the table, everyone stands, and the introductions are made all around. Maybe it’s because I’m watching Mr. Lavin so closely that I see how his eyes follow Mya after she shakes his hand and then walks around the table to greet the other members of his team. She knows all of their names, as do I. Then she takes a seat right next to me.
Before I can even sit down, James is already ordering a scotch from the waitress. Then I see why.
Elizabeth is sitting two tables away.
She raises her glass of wine in our direction. I turn to see James give a begrudging wave. I’m not sure if anyone else has noticed her yet, but she’s already accomplished her goal. There’s no way James can focus completely on the client tonight with his ex-wife sitting right in his line of vision.
Christ.
“Thank you all for traveling to meet with me. I’ve had this week scheduled with potential investors for months, so it’s been helpful that you could come to me while I’m already in the States.”
“When do you go back to Italy?” Wallace asks. “I follow you on Instagram. You guys, his page is lit. Fast cars, beautiful clothes. You’re living the dream, man.” He sighs before digging into his salad course enthusiastically.
Andre just laughs. “Thank you. This is our goal, to be as the kids say, fire. Why is all of the American slang centered around temperature, I wonder? It used to be that things were cool, now they’re hot, fire, bomb or lit. Fascinating. I have an entire team of people who study the social media trends.”
James looks like he has no idea what is happening. But I strongly suspect that Wallace in his own unique, bumbling way has just broken the ice for us.
Well, if he’s broken the ice, I might as well jump in first. “Mirage employs a lot of talented young designers. It’s why our ad campaigns are so on trend. We combine years of experience in understanding what makes people buy with the fresh perspective of different generations.”
Mya grins over at me. “Wallace is on Milo’s team. He’s been with us for almost a year now and graduated from Columbia with honors. He’s also an amateur photographer and is pretty popular on Instagram, too.”
I glance over at her. He is? How does she know all that? Maybe there is something to paying attention in those bullshit icebreaker sessions at work after all.
Wallace looks shocked, too. “My account has nowhere near the numbers some of my friends have, but I just passed ten thousand.”
Mr. Lavin actually looks impressed. “That’s quite an accomplishment, especially for a hobbyist.” He clears his throat. “I’m happy to meet with you all in person after hearing about you from Mr. Lawson.”
James gives him a tight smile. “I’m extremely proud of my team.”
“It shows,” Andre replies.
Dinner proceeds with the typical pleasantries. Wallace looks a little confused, but I can only pray the kid can hold his tongue. With these types of clients, you never rush right into business. You need to woo them, almost like a woman you’re trying to convince to come back to your place after dinner. She’s not just going to come with you if you ask within the first ten minutes. She needs you to show her that you’re worth her time. Are you going to savor her the same way you do the ten-inch porterhouse on your plate? Or will you rush through the act like a kid scarfing down an ice cream cone?
I can’t imagine a man like Andre Lavin scarfing anything. He needs to see that we’re not only the best team to take over his marketing but also that we’re people he can work with.
We need him to like us.
As the waitress is clearing the entrees, Andre looks around the table with satisfaction. “Perhaps it is old-fashioned, but I care to meet with any agencies that work on our marketing directly. It’s important that the people crafting our image understand what we’re about here at Lavin Fashions.”
Everyone instantly ceases their side conversations and pays attention. Now we’re getting to the good stuff. The reason we’re all here.
“What is your vision of Lavin Fashions, Mr. Lavin?” Mya asks. “I’ve read the official company mission statement, but I would love to hear it from you.”
“Please, call me Andre.”
The way he’s looking at her makes it seem like he just wants to hear her say his name. My hand sitting on top of the table curls into a fist. It’s unsettling that this bothers me. He’s just a client, throwing a little charm at the pretty ad executive. I’ve seen it plenty of times, and I’ve had my fair share of clients, male and female, attempt to flirt with me.
None of those made me want to growl in frustration. Or made me worry that Mya might actually want to flirt back.
“It’s much more than just the clothes,” Andre begins after a brief pause. “Our brand creates the garments that become part of people’s memories. And for our newest venture, we’re looking for a partner that understands the importance of family, friendship, love.”
The woman sitting next to him sniffs. Cristiane Laveque. From my research on the Lavin team, I know that she’s a top designer for Lavin Fashions.
“Apologies, but this is not a strength of American companies, we have found. So few understand l’amore.” She shakes her head ruefully as if the vulgar ways of the American market are just too much.
Mentally, I’m rolling my eyes, but this could be a real obstacle to winning their business. If they think that we’re not cultured enough, it will be difficult to change that opinion. Granted, Mirage does plenty of “American” commercials and brands, but it’s not like we’re all racecars and beer. We have plenty of upper-echelon brands in the jewelry, hotel and entertainment industries.
“I believe Mirage can handle anything. We have such a diverse workforce that all of our clients find someone they can relate to. We also have more women in leadership roles than many of our competitors.”
Maybe that’ll calm her fears that we don’t get l’amore. Mya in particular handles a lot of brands that cater to women, including a high-profile lingerie line.
Andre sits back in his chair and seems to be considering her words. “I must admit we’ve been approached by other firms that are run by people who are married. They understand what brides want.”
James sits up straighter. “So, it is a bridal line?”
Andre laughs lightly. “Yes, the rumors are true. Lavin Fashions will introduce a new line called Lavin Bridal next year. It will be a separate division of the company which is why I’m meeting with investors. I didn’t want word to get out until it was all finalized.”
James looks like he’s going to be sick. This is why Elizabeth has been so smug. She must have heard the Lavin group wanted someone who has been through the process of planning a wedding. Just another way for her to rub her recent marriage in James’s face.
“I’m sure all the women on our team have mentally planned their dream wedding, even if they aren’t married.” I send a panicked glance at Mya.
This would be a really good fucking time for her to pipe in with some story of how she’s been dreaming of her wedding dress since she was a little girl.
Unfortunately, Andre seems to be following my line of thought because he turns directly to Mya, too. “If you were planning a wedding, for example,” he says, “wouldn’t you want a wedding planner who was married?”
Mya pauses with her water glass halfway to her mouth. “Well, yes. I suppose I would.”
James just blinks. Wallace pauses mid-chew with a piece of iceberg lettuce hanging from his lip. The whole table seems stunned into silence. She didn’t mean to say that, and everyone can see it on her face. But in a rare, caught-off-guard moment, Mya has done the unforgivable.
She’s been honest.
An awkward silence descends over the table. James takes another gulp from his scotch. Across from me, members of the Lavin team exchange significant glances before taking an interest in their plates. Worst of all, Andre Lavin just looks amused.
While Mya looks devastated.
You know how sometimes you can look back and identify the precise moment you fucked up? Well, later tonight I’m sure I’ll be remembering the exact second I pushed us all off the cliff together.
“I agree,” I state loudly.
James chokes slightly, and Wallace pounds him on the back. I ignore his panicked look and keep my eyes on Mr. Lavin.
“I agree with Mya,” I repeat in case anyone at the table missed it the first time I pushed my career in front of a bus. “Having a married wedding planner would be great. Although I’d be more concerned about the people actually doing the work. That’s really what sets Mirage apart.”
By now, everyone is staring at me, especially James, probably wondering where the hell I’m going with this.
Mya, however, is watching me with a small, tremulous smile on her face. Like she can’t believe that I’m backing her up right now. And damn if that smile isn’t what does me in. Because I don’t just bet on distracting Mr. Lavin; I double down and take it all the way to the bank.
“Mirage is really the best fit for anything to do with weddings. After all, it’s the only agency I know with two team leads that are in love and engaged to be married.” I turn to Mya and whisper, “Just go with it.”
Then I tilt my head slightly and brush my lips over hers.
* * *
MYA
Everyone is staring. I can feel the heat of their eyes on the side of my face. But even that isn’t enough to take me out of this moment. This sweet, thrilling moment. My eyes drift closed, and the world falls away.
Milo is kissing me.
If you’d asked me just an hour ago what kind of kisser I thought Milo would be, I’d have said aggressive. He’s all about going all-in and getting to the finish line. I would have assumed that he wouldn’t care much about the process but rather only about the end game.
I would have been completely and utterly wrong.
His lips are soft, and he feathers them over mine gently, barely touching me. The result is a whispery soft touch that sends chills up and down my spine. Then he lays his mouth over mine and kisses me properly, his tongue brushing softly against mine.
After what feels like several hours but is probably only several seconds, he pulls back. But he doesn’t just stop. No, Milo can’t do anything simply, not even shocking me to my core with a kiss. Because right after he pulls away, he does this soft little nuzzle, rubbing his nose back and forth against mine.
Why is that my kryptonite? That completely unnecessary little snuggle just takes all the indignation I was building up to and scatters it into the wind. Along with all rational thought.
A throat clears and it’s like jumping into an ice bath. If we’d been standing, we’d have probably sprung apart, but instead I grope the table blindly until my hand connects with my water glass. The icy liquid cools my throat but not my lust.
What the hell was that?
Everyone at the table is still eating and talking softly amongst themselves, almost like the last thirty seconds didn’t just change the rotational orbit of the planet. Isn’t it funny how a certain event can knock you off your feet but seems to have no effect on anyone else? It’s like experiencing an earthquake while everyone around you goes on with their lives unaware. Well, everyone isn’t unaware. Andre Lavin is watching us carefully.
So is James.
Oh shit.
This is where I should speak up. Tell Mr. Lavin that I cannot wait to see his newest designs, that women everywhere are going to be clamoring for the chance to wear one of his dresses. But I can’t because my mind is still muddled, and I can still feel the imprint of Milo’s lips against mine.
“You make an interesting point, Mr. Hamilton. Being married is one thing, but to have a couple who are currently planning a wedding designing my campaign would be ideal.” Mr. Lavin nods in satisfaction. “I had a good feeling about this firm, but I can see that your reputation is accurate. Professional, innovative and discreet. Exactly what I need.”
James looks slightly dazed, the same expression you might wear after you narrowly miss being hit by a cab. He looks between me and Milo and then back to Mr. Lavin, but nothing comes out of his mouth.
Once again, Wallace comes to the rescue. “You can’t go wrong with those two in charge, if you’re looking for discretion. They’ve been dating in secret for ages and nobody knew except for me. I mean, I could tell. He stares at her ass whenever she walks away.”
The water I just sipped comes back up my nose.
Milo hands me a napkin without missing a beat. “Thank you, Wallace. So, Mr. Lavin, tell us about your vision for Lavin Bridal in particular.”
And so it goes. Milo manages to carry the conversation all the way through the dessert course and then through coffee. Personally, I’ve never understood the practice of drinking coffee after dessert, but when the waitress comes around, I order some anyway. Maybe the extra caffeine will wake me the hell up.
But I still feel like I’m sleepwalking as James bids the members of the Lavin team goodnight and they promise to be in touch. Wallace is the first to scamper off, probably to go post the selfie he took with Mr. Lavin to Instagram. The thought makes me chuckle, but my throat instantly turns to sandpaper when James approaches.
This entire time, Milo and I have been sitting in silence. I couldn’t take the chance of asking any questions where the Lavin team might overhear. But now I wish I’d thought to text him or something so I’d know how we’re handling this.
But James doesn’t look upset at all. He’s practically glowing. It could be all the scotch, but either way, he looks thrilled.
“You two, ah, I should have known. You’ve done an amazing job keeping your relationship out of the office. Good work. Knew I could count on you.” He claps Milo on the shoulder and gifts me with a wide, loopy grin.
Even if I knew what to say to him right now, I don’t think I’d have the heart to wipe that smile off his face. Tomorrow is soon enough for him to realize that we’ve screwed up this deal. Maybe a good night’s sleep will make him more lenient when he’s deciding whether to fire us.
Milo pulls out my chair for me as I stand, and I follow wordlessly as we leave the restaurant. It’s a Thursday night, but as we walk back through the casino to reach the elevators to the rooms, there are so many people out you’d never think it was a weekday. Time seems to move differently here. I notice an older lady with a purple fanny pack methodically feeding coins into a slot machine. She looks like she’s been at it for a while. Maybe I should just stay down here, living off the free drinks and the adrenaline of gambling. It would probably be better than what’s waiting for me when we get back to DC.
I’m so deep in my thoughts that I’m not paying attention when we get on the elevator. It’s only when it stops that I realize we didn’t push the button for my floor. But Milo loops his arm around my waist and guides me out of the elevator anyway.
“But my room–”
“Not here,” he murmurs in my ear. The deep rumble of his voice so close sends a shiver down my spine. “Some of the Lavin team are on this floor. Wait until we get inside.”
“Inside what?” Belatedly, I realize he means inside his room. He has his key card out and the door open before I can say, No way in hell.
The door slams shut behind us, and all the things I was getting ready to say get stuck in my throat.
Trying to gather my thoughts, I look around the room. The layout is the same as the one I was given, TV, big window directly across from the door, except he has a king-size bed instead of two doubles. Behind him, there are several dress shirts scattered on the bed, and the covers are all tangled, like he took a nap before coming down to dinner. Just like that I have a mental image of Milo naked in those sheets, and being alone with him in this room seems like a very bad idea.
Completely at ease with the idea of the two of us being alone, he shrugs out of his suit jacket and loosens his tie. I’m instantly distracted by the small patch of skin revealed at the top of his shirt where it’s unbuttoned. “I know you must have a million questions,” he says finally.
But I don’t. Truthfully, I only have one.
“What the hell just happened?”
Download BEG ME now
at minxmalone.com/begme
Also by M. Malone
Mess with Me (Romantic Comedy)
BEG ME (Milo & Mya)
My rooster is on strike. Yeah, I can’t believe it either. But he’ll only crow for one woman. Spoiler Alert *she hates me*
ASK ME (Andre & Casey)
Am I arrogant? Maybe. Do women still want me? Abso-F’ing-lutely. Then I meet the one woman who isn’t impressed.
NEED ME (Vin & Ariana)
Crazy sh*t every day keeps relationships away. Except this guy who just keeps showing up. And if I’m not careful, I might get used to needing someone.
WANT ME (Law & Anya)
No strings. Sounds good, right? But if I’m not her boyfriend the position is open for someone else.
* Join my VIP list for FREE books *
newsletter.mmalonebooks.com
The Alexanders
One More Day : “Good girl” Ridley has always attracted bad guys. Now she’s on the run and has nowhere to hide. So when Jackson Alexander mistakes her for her twin, for once she decides to do the “wrong” thing.
The Things I Do for You : Nicholas Alexander finally has something his dream girl needs. He’ll give Raina a baby if she gives him what he wants. Her.
All I Want: The only thing Kay wants is for Elliott Alexander to stop treating her like she’s invisible. But a car accident forces her to reach out to the only man she trusts to save her.
All I Need is You : When the man she loves leaves town after their steamy kiss, Kaylee Wilhelm is done. But when she's targeted by a stalker, Eli is the only one who can protect her.
Just One Thing : Scientist Bennett Alexander is a bona fide genius but he still needs a dating tutor to “get the girl”. What could go wrong? Other than falling for his teacher, of course!
Before I can even sit down, James is already ordering a scotch from the waitress. Then I see why.
Elizabeth is sitting two tables away.
She raises her glass of wine in our direction. I turn to see James give a begrudging wave. I’m not sure if anyone else has noticed her yet, but she’s already accomplished her goal. There’s no way James can focus completely on the client tonight with his ex-wife sitting right in his line of vision.
Christ.
“Thank you all for traveling to meet with me. I’ve had this week scheduled with potential investors for months, so it’s been helpful that you could come to me while I’m already in the States.”
“When do you go back to Italy?” Wallace asks. “I follow you on Instagram. You guys, his page is lit. Fast cars, beautiful clothes. You’re living the dream, man.” He sighs before digging into his salad course enthusiastically.
Andre just laughs. “Thank you. This is our goal, to be as the kids say, fire. Why is all of the American slang centered around temperature, I wonder? It used to be that things were cool, now they’re hot, fire, bomb or lit. Fascinating. I have an entire team of people who study the social media trends.”
James looks like he has no idea what is happening. But I strongly suspect that Wallace in his own unique, bumbling way has just broken the ice for us.
Well, if he’s broken the ice, I might as well jump in first. “Mirage employs a lot of talented young designers. It’s why our ad campaigns are so on trend. We combine years of experience in understanding what makes people buy with the fresh perspective of different generations.”
Mya grins over at me. “Wallace is on Milo’s team. He’s been with us for almost a year now and graduated from Columbia with honors. He’s also an amateur photographer and is pretty popular on Instagram, too.”
I glance over at her. He is? How does she know all that? Maybe there is something to paying attention in those bullshit icebreaker sessions at work after all.
Wallace looks shocked, too. “My account has nowhere near the numbers some of my friends have, but I just passed ten thousand.”
Mr. Lavin actually looks impressed. “That’s quite an accomplishment, especially for a hobbyist.” He clears his throat. “I’m happy to meet with you all in person after hearing about you from Mr. Lawson.”
James gives him a tight smile. “I’m extremely proud of my team.”
“It shows,” Andre replies.
Dinner proceeds with the typical pleasantries. Wallace looks a little confused, but I can only pray the kid can hold his tongue. With these types of clients, you never rush right into business. You need to woo them, almost like a woman you’re trying to convince to come back to your place after dinner. She’s not just going to come with you if you ask within the first ten minutes. She needs you to show her that you’re worth her time. Are you going to savor her the same way you do the ten-inch porterhouse on your plate? Or will you rush through the act like a kid scarfing down an ice cream cone?
I can’t imagine a man like Andre Lavin scarfing anything. He needs to see that we’re not only the best team to take over his marketing but also that we’re people he can work with.
We need him to like us.
As the waitress is clearing the entrees, Andre looks around the table with satisfaction. “Perhaps it is old-fashioned, but I care to meet with any agencies that work on our marketing directly. It’s important that the people crafting our image understand what we’re about here at Lavin Fashions.”
Everyone instantly ceases their side conversations and pays attention. Now we’re getting to the good stuff. The reason we’re all here.
“What is your vision of Lavin Fashions, Mr. Lavin?” Mya asks. “I’ve read the official company mission statement, but I would love to hear it from you.”
“Please, call me Andre.”
The way he’s looking at her makes it seem like he just wants to hear her say his name. My hand sitting on top of the table curls into a fist. It’s unsettling that this bothers me. He’s just a client, throwing a little charm at the pretty ad executive. I’ve seen it plenty of times, and I’ve had my fair share of clients, male and female, attempt to flirt with me.
None of those made me want to growl in frustration. Or made me worry that Mya might actually want to flirt back.
“It’s much more than just the clothes,” Andre begins after a brief pause. “Our brand creates the garments that become part of people’s memories. And for our newest venture, we’re looking for a partner that understands the importance of family, friendship, love.”
The woman sitting next to him sniffs. Cristiane Laveque. From my research on the Lavin team, I know that she’s a top designer for Lavin Fashions.
“Apologies, but this is not a strength of American companies, we have found. So few understand l’amore.” She shakes her head ruefully as if the vulgar ways of the American market are just too much.
Mentally, I’m rolling my eyes, but this could be a real obstacle to winning their business. If they think that we’re not cultured enough, it will be difficult to change that opinion. Granted, Mirage does plenty of “American” commercials and brands, but it’s not like we’re all racecars and beer. We have plenty of upper-echelon brands in the jewelry, hotel and entertainment industries.
“I believe Mirage can handle anything. We have such a diverse workforce that all of our clients find someone they can relate to. We also have more women in leadership roles than many of our competitors.”
Maybe that’ll calm her fears that we don’t get l’amore. Mya in particular handles a lot of brands that cater to women, including a high-profile lingerie line.
Andre sits back in his chair and seems to be considering her words. “I must admit we’ve been approached by other firms that are run by people who are married. They understand what brides want.”
James sits up straighter. “So, it is a bridal line?”
Andre laughs lightly. “Yes, the rumors are true. Lavin Fashions will introduce a new line called Lavin Bridal next year. It will be a separate division of the company which is why I’m meeting with investors. I didn’t want word to get out until it was all finalized.”
James looks like he’s going to be sick. This is why Elizabeth has been so smug. She must have heard the Lavin group wanted someone who has been through the process of planning a wedding. Just another way for her to rub her recent marriage in James’s face.
“I’m sure all the women on our team have mentally planned their dream wedding, even if they aren’t married.” I send a panicked glance at Mya.
This would be a really good fucking time for her to pipe in with some story of how she’s been dreaming of her wedding dress since she was a little girl.
Unfortunately, Andre seems to be following my line of thought because he turns directly to Mya, too. “If you were planning a wedding, for example,” he says, “wouldn’t you want a wedding planner who was married?”
Mya pauses with her water glass halfway to her mouth. “Well, yes. I suppose I would.”
James just blinks. Wallace pauses mid-chew with a piece of iceberg lettuce hanging from his lip. The whole table seems stunned into silence. She didn’t mean to say that, and everyone can see it on her face. But in a rare, caught-off-guard moment, Mya has done the unforgivable.
She’s been honest.
An awkward silence descends over the table. James takes another gulp from his scotch. Across from me, members of the Lavin team exchange significant glances before taking an interest in their plates. Worst of all, Andre Lavin just looks amused.
While Mya looks devastated.
You know how sometimes you can look back and identify the precise moment you fucked up? Well, later tonight I’m sure I’ll be remembering the exact second I pushed us all off the cliff together.
“I agree,” I state loudly.
James chokes slightly, and Wallace pounds him on the back. I ignore his panicked look and keep my eyes on Mr. Lavin.
“I agree with Mya,” I repeat in case anyone at the table missed it the first time I pushed my career in front of a bus. “Having a married wedding planner would be great. Although I’d be more concerned about the people actually doing the work. That’s really what sets Mirage apart.”
By now, everyone is staring at me, especially James, probably wondering where the hell I’m going with this.
Mya, however, is watching me with a small, tremulous smile on her face. Like she can’t believe that I’m backing her up right now. And damn if that smile isn’t what does me in. Because I don’t just bet on distracting Mr. Lavin; I double down and take it all the way to the bank.
“Mirage is really the best fit for anything to do with weddings. After all, it’s the only agency I know with two team leads that are in love and engaged to be married.” I turn to Mya and whisper, “Just go with it.”
Then I tilt my head slightly and brush my lips over hers.
* * *
MYA
Everyone is staring. I can feel the heat of their eyes on the side of my face. But even that isn’t enough to take me out of this moment. This sweet, thrilling moment. My eyes drift closed, and the world falls away.
Milo is kissing me.
If you’d asked me just an hour ago what kind of kisser I thought Milo would be, I’d have said aggressive. He’s all about going all-in and getting to the finish line. I would have assumed that he wouldn’t care much about the process but rather only about the end game.
I would have been completely and utterly wrong.
His lips are soft, and he feathers them over mine gently, barely touching me. The result is a whispery soft touch that sends chills up and down my spine. Then he lays his mouth over mine and kisses me properly, his tongue brushing softly against mine.
After what feels like several hours but is probably only several seconds, he pulls back. But he doesn’t just stop. No, Milo can’t do anything simply, not even shocking me to my core with a kiss. Because right after he pulls away, he does this soft little nuzzle, rubbing his nose back and forth against mine.
Why is that my kryptonite? That completely unnecessary little snuggle just takes all the indignation I was building up to and scatters it into the wind. Along with all rational thought.
A throat clears and it’s like jumping into an ice bath. If we’d been standing, we’d have probably sprung apart, but instead I grope the table blindly until my hand connects with my water glass. The icy liquid cools my throat but not my lust.
What the hell was that?
Everyone at the table is still eating and talking softly amongst themselves, almost like the last thirty seconds didn’t just change the rotational orbit of the planet. Isn’t it funny how a certain event can knock you off your feet but seems to have no effect on anyone else? It’s like experiencing an earthquake while everyone around you goes on with their lives unaware. Well, everyone isn’t unaware. Andre Lavin is watching us carefully.
So is James.
Oh shit.
This is where I should speak up. Tell Mr. Lavin that I cannot wait to see his newest designs, that women everywhere are going to be clamoring for the chance to wear one of his dresses. But I can’t because my mind is still muddled, and I can still feel the imprint of Milo’s lips against mine.
“You make an interesting point, Mr. Hamilton. Being married is one thing, but to have a couple who are currently planning a wedding designing my campaign would be ideal.” Mr. Lavin nods in satisfaction. “I had a good feeling about this firm, but I can see that your reputation is accurate. Professional, innovative and discreet. Exactly what I need.”
James looks slightly dazed, the same expression you might wear after you narrowly miss being hit by a cab. He looks between me and Milo and then back to Mr. Lavin, but nothing comes out of his mouth.
Once again, Wallace comes to the rescue. “You can’t go wrong with those two in charge, if you’re looking for discretion. They’ve been dating in secret for ages and nobody knew except for me. I mean, I could tell. He stares at her ass whenever she walks away.”
The water I just sipped comes back up my nose.
Milo hands me a napkin without missing a beat. “Thank you, Wallace. So, Mr. Lavin, tell us about your vision for Lavin Bridal in particular.”
And so it goes. Milo manages to carry the conversation all the way through the dessert course and then through coffee. Personally, I’ve never understood the practice of drinking coffee after dessert, but when the waitress comes around, I order some anyway. Maybe the extra caffeine will wake me the hell up.
But I still feel like I’m sleepwalking as James bids the members of the Lavin team goodnight and they promise to be in touch. Wallace is the first to scamper off, probably to go post the selfie he took with Mr. Lavin to Instagram. The thought makes me chuckle, but my throat instantly turns to sandpaper when James approaches.
This entire time, Milo and I have been sitting in silence. I couldn’t take the chance of asking any questions where the Lavin team might overhear. But now I wish I’d thought to text him or something so I’d know how we’re handling this.
But James doesn’t look upset at all. He’s practically glowing. It could be all the scotch, but either way, he looks thrilled.
“You two, ah, I should have known. You’ve done an amazing job keeping your relationship out of the office. Good work. Knew I could count on you.” He claps Milo on the shoulder and gifts me with a wide, loopy grin.
Even if I knew what to say to him right now, I don’t think I’d have the heart to wipe that smile off his face. Tomorrow is soon enough for him to realize that we’ve screwed up this deal. Maybe a good night’s sleep will make him more lenient when he’s deciding whether to fire us.
Milo pulls out my chair for me as I stand, and I follow wordlessly as we leave the restaurant. It’s a Thursday night, but as we walk back through the casino to reach the elevators to the rooms, there are so many people out you’d never think it was a weekday. Time seems to move differently here. I notice an older lady with a purple fanny pack methodically feeding coins into a slot machine. She looks like she’s been at it for a while. Maybe I should just stay down here, living off the free drinks and the adrenaline of gambling. It would probably be better than what’s waiting for me when we get back to DC.
I’m so deep in my thoughts that I’m not paying attention when we get on the elevator. It’s only when it stops that I realize we didn’t push the button for my floor. But Milo loops his arm around my waist and guides me out of the elevator anyway.
“But my room–”
“Not here,” he murmurs in my ear. The deep rumble of his voice so close sends a shiver down my spine. “Some of the Lavin team are on this floor. Wait until we get inside.”
“Inside what?” Belatedly, I realize he means inside his room. He has his key card out and the door open before I can say, No way in hell.
The door slams shut behind us, and all the things I was getting ready to say get stuck in my throat.
Trying to gather my thoughts, I look around the room. The layout is the same as the one I was given, TV, big window directly across from the door, except he has a king-size bed instead of two doubles. Behind him, there are several dress shirts scattered on the bed, and the covers are all tangled, like he took a nap before coming down to dinner. Just like that I have a mental image of Milo naked in those sheets, and being alone with him in this room seems like a very bad idea.
Completely at ease with the idea of the two of us being alone, he shrugs out of his suit jacket and loosens his tie. I’m instantly distracted by the small patch of skin revealed at the top of his shirt where it’s unbuttoned. “I know you must have a million questions,” he says finally.
But I don’t. Truthfully, I only have one.
“What the hell just happened?”
Download BEG ME now
at minxmalone.com/begme
Also by M. Malone
Mess with Me (Romantic Comedy)
BEG ME (Milo & Mya)
My rooster is on strike. Yeah, I can’t believe it either. But he’ll only crow for one woman. Spoiler Alert *she hates me*
ASK ME (Andre & Casey)
Am I arrogant? Maybe. Do women still want me? Abso-F’ing-lutely. Then I meet the one woman who isn’t impressed.
NEED ME (Vin & Ariana)
Crazy sh*t every day keeps relationships away. Except this guy who just keeps showing up. And if I’m not careful, I might get used to needing someone.
WANT ME (Law & Anya)
No strings. Sounds good, right? But if I’m not her boyfriend the position is open for someone else.
* Join my VIP list for FREE books *
newsletter.mmalonebooks.com
The Alexanders
One More Day : “Good girl” Ridley has always attracted bad guys. Now she’s on the run and has nowhere to hide. So when Jackson Alexander mistakes her for her twin, for once she decides to do the “wrong” thing.
The Things I Do for You : Nicholas Alexander finally has something his dream girl needs. He’ll give Raina a baby if she gives him what he wants. Her.
All I Want: The only thing Kay wants is for Elliott Alexander to stop treating her like she’s invisible. But a car accident forces her to reach out to the only man she trusts to save her.
All I Need is You : When the man she loves leaves town after their steamy kiss, Kaylee Wilhelm is done. But when she's targeted by a stalker, Eli is the only one who can protect her.
Just One Thing : Scientist Bennett Alexander is a bona fide genius but he still needs a dating tutor to “get the girl”. What could go wrong? Other than falling for his teacher, of course!
