Chapter 29

This woman is making it harder for me to woo her. Until Faye entered my life, getting women was never a problem. They were more than happy to fall at my feet, and I was happy for them to stay there.

I used them for my pleasure. A gift here and there always dealt with any problem they may have at me ending any relationship or agreement.

Faye isn’t like that.

The PI couldn’t get any more information on her simply because there isn’t any.

“Seriously, man, I am starting to worry about you. Do you remember a time when you had fun? It’s like this place became your world and you lost that key ability to have any kind of fun.”

“I have fun. It’s just not the same as what you like.”

“Then tell me when was the last time you had fun with a woman, and that chick back at Cherry doesn’t count. Even that’s been what, seven, eight months ago?”

“I’m seeing someone.”

“You are? How do I not know this?”

“Because you’re more interested in your own life than what I’ve got going on. I’ve been seeing her for a short time.”

“When do I get to meet her? I want to tell her all about what a giant prick you are.”

“Colorful, Dean, seriously. Don’t you get tired of buying … virgins?” I keep my voice down.

The door is open, and I don’t want anyone knowing my business.

“Nope. They’re easy.”

I don’t want anyone thinking of Faye as easy.

“What makes them easy?” I ask.

“Simple. They’re there to provide me with a service, and I pay them. You forget they’re willing.”

“You ever think they may not be willing?”

“Please, that’s not going to happen. They want the money.”

“And what if they don’t have a choice?”

“They all have a choice. Malcolm doesn’t seek them out. They go to him. He’s an asshole, but he’d never force a woman. Where is all this coming from?” Dean asks. “It’s a bit of fun. I get what I want, and they get money.”

Shaking my head, I glance down at my desk. I don’t know. I really don’t fucking know.

I’m trying to think of how to get Dean out of my office when I hear her clear her throat. Looking up, I see Faye at the door of my office.

“Erm, Emily gave me these. She says they need looking through, and also she’d like to schedule a meeting with you.”

I’m aware of Dean looking at her.

Faye doesn’t have a clue who he is. This is the first time they’ve met each other in person, but he saw her picture. I don’t know if he remembers. Glancing at him, I see he recognizes her but can’t seem to exactly place her.

“Thank you.”

“Am I still okay to leave early?”

“I’ll be taking you. No worries.”

She nods, taking a step back as I advance to the door. No matter how many times I touch her, she still tries to hide it at work.

I don’t blame her.

I’m the one that made the fucking rule of no office relations. I should keep my hands to my fucking self, but with her, anything could happen.

Dean laughs, and I close the door, leaning against it to see my friend holding his stomach.

“Holy shit, that’s her, isn’t it? That’s the chick you bought.”

“Keep your mouth shut.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you knew her?”

“I didn’t know her.”

“What?”

“She started working for me a short time ago. I didn’t even know it was her until we met on the elevator.”

“You’re paying her?”

“What? Fuck, no.” I glare at Dean. “Look, I don’t want any of this shit to get out, okay? Malcolm doesn’t need to know.”

“Malcolm wouldn’t give a shit. He deals with women who need him. Her job is done.”

“Don’t say that.”

“What? You got a problem with knowing you paid a woman to fuck? What is so wrong with that?”

“Everything.” This isn’t about paying her for her virginity. It’s so much more than that, and yet I know to many that’s exactly how it would seem.

Faye hates our past. It’s not hard to see.

“I’m not going to Cherry, okay?”

“You like this woman,” Dean says.

The laughing, joking playboy disappears, and I see the man, the friend I had.

“Yes.”

“How much?”

“Enough to know I want to build a life with her.” This makes Dean’s eyes open wide. I’ve shocked him.

I’ve surprised myself.

My feelings for her have grown a lot in such a short time, but I know what I want. It’s why I’m a successful millionaire at thirty-five years old, and rival companies that have been around a lot longer than mine. I go after what I want, and I want Faye. Even with her troubled sister and the guilt she carries.

“Wow, so, one day we’ll meet then, officially?”

“One day. Not yet. I need to know you won’t bring up how we met.”

Dean smiles. “Fair enough. You enjoy your girlfriend.” He slaps me on the back, and I watch him leave.