BADBUSINESS

RIPLEYVAUGHAN

10NINC

CONTENTS

Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15

Afterword

BADBUSINESS

RipleyVaughan

Allrightsreserved

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrieval
systems,withoutwrittenpermissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview.

ISBN:978-0-9949776-2-5

CreatedwithVellum

ALSOBYRIPLEYVAUGHAN

BadInfluence–ABadBoyRomance

t was a very fancy office, with glass doors, light wood floors, and streamlined furniture that looked

perfectlyinplace,asifadesignerhadplanneditall.Rachelsatononeofthreeuncomfortablechairsthat
were the same tone of wood as the receptionist’s desk. It all looked expensive and intimidating,
especially to someone with thousands in student loans, waiting to interview for a job she desperately
needed.

Twenty minutes ago there had been three of them sitting there, and now there were two. The pretty

blondreceptionistwiththeinsanelylonglegsignoredthem,althoughshesmiledprettilywheneveraman
wearingasuitpassedher,whichwasoften.

Next to Rachel was another candidate for the job. A slender, pale girl in a really nice suit, with an

expensive-lookinghandbag.

“Have you heard anything about him?” Rachel whispered to the pale girl, otherwise known as her

competition.

The girl turned toward Rachel. “He’s considered one of the brightest young men in finance, and he

workshard.That’sallIknow.”

“I’veheardhe’shadfourassistantsinlessthanayear,”Rachelwhisperedback.
“Four?”Thepalegirlglancedtowardthehallwheretheotherinterviewcandidatehaddisappearedto

hisinterview.

“Andtheyallleftcrying.”
“Howdoyouknow?”palegirlasked.
“Ihaveafriendwhoworkshere.Shesaidheworkscrazyhoursandexpectshisassistantstobehere

aslongasheis.Alltheotherassistantswhoworkhereareafraidofhim.”

“Thenwhyareyouhereinterviewing?”
“I’vegotaboatloadofstudentdebtandnowaytorepayit,soI’mdesperateandhepayswell.Why

areyouhere?”

“I’ve got a finance degree, and working for Colin Evans could get me a foot in the door to a great

firm.”

The other candidate came out into the hall, red-faced and rushing as he strode past them, without

sayinganythingtothereceptionist.

“Youcangoinnow.Lastdoorattheendofthehall,”thereceptionistsaidtothepalegirl.
Pale girl stood, glanced once at Rachel, and left, walking down the long hall before disappearing,

leaving Rachel alone. The receptionist glanced at her in a way that made Rachel really aware of her
polyestersuitandbattered,five-year-oldpurse.

Lessthanfiveminuteslater,palegirlcameout,shakingherheadandmutteringtoherself.Sheglanced

atRachel.“He’sallyours.”Thensheleft.

“Youknowwheretogo,”thereceptionistsaid.
Rachelgotup,herheelsclackingonthewoodfloorwitheachstepshetook.Thehallwaspaintedoff-

white, with light wooden floors and soft overhead lighting. The door at the end of the hall was open,
leadingtoalargeoffice.Therewasadeskandemptychairdirectlyoutsidethedoor,prettymuchinthe
hallway.

“Comein,Idon’thavealotmoretime,”amansaidfrominsidetheoffice.
Rachelwalkedintoasun-soakedoffice,whereoneentirewallwasmadeupofhugewindowswith

viewsofdowntownSanFrancisco.Therewasalow-backedwhiteleathercouchalongonewall,along
withawoodenfilecabinetmadetolooklikeapieceoffurniture.

Atthebackoftheroom,ColinEvanssatatthelargestdeskRachelhadeverseen.Itwassteel-topped

andtookupalmosthalfthewidthoftheroom.TheonlythingonthedeskwasaMaclaptop.Oneofthe
expensive,overpricedonesthatpeoplewithmoney,whoknewnothingabouttech,bought.

“Youcansitthere.”Evanspointedtooneofthetwochairsinfrontofhisdeskwhilehecontinuedto

examinehisscreen.

Rachel did, placing her purse on the floor, after pulling out the manila folder with her resume in it.

ColinEvanscontinuedtoclickhismouseonthescreen,hisattentioncompletelyfocusedonwhathewas
doing.

Itgaveheramomenttoexaminehim.Hewasyoungerthanshe’dexpected,noolderthanthirty,and

crazyhandsome,whichthrewheroffforamoment.Helookedlikeaguyoutofaperfumead,withhis
shortcroppedblackhair,razor-sharpbonestructure,grayeyes,andajawlinethatmostmoviestarswould
killfor.Heworeaperfectlyfittedlightgraysuitjacketoverawhiteshirtandbluetie.

He finally glanced up from his screen. “What’s your name?” He opened his desk and pulled out a

folder,openingit.

“RachelMeadows.”
“Idon’thaveyourresumehere.”Heclickedhismouseandstaredatthescreenagain.
“Hereitis.”Rachelplacedacopyonhisdesk.Helookedatitforamoment,asthoughshockedtosee

actualpaper.

“Whydidn’tHRemailittome?”Heglancedagainatthescreen,andthenfinallyreallylookedather.
“Idon’tknow.Ijustgotthecalltocomeinandinterviewthismorning,soperhapsIwasalast-minute

addition.”

Hepickedupherresume,leanedbackinhischair,andscanneditfortenminutes.Rachelshiftedin

herchair,inwhatforherwasuncomfortablesilence,asshewaitedforhimtogetuptospeed.Shesaid
nothing,figuringhewouldn’twanttobeinterrupted.

“Youhaveanarthistorydegree?Whatmakesyouwanttoworkinfinance?”heasked.
“Therearen’talotofjobsinmuseumsorgalleriesrightnow,andIhavestudentdebt.Iworkedformy

fatherparttimeathisaccountingpracticeallthroughschool,soI’mgoodwithnumbersandExcel.”

“I’ve seen three people today, all of whom have finance degrees. Why should I hire you instead of

them?”Hewasfullyfocusedonherrightnow,anditwasunnerving.Hisextraordinarygoodlooksadded
totheintensityofhisattentionandmadeherunderstandwhytheothershadlefthisofficeflusteredand
upset.

Exceptshehadmoretolosethantheydid,soshecouldn’taffordtobethrownoffhergame.“Those

peopleyousawtodayareusingthisjobasawaytobreakintotheindustry.They’llbeeagerforthefirst
six months, and then they’ll get frustrated when they don’t move up—and then you’ll have to fill the
positionagain.I’mnotlookingtomoveup,I’mlookingtodoagreatjob,andpayoffsomeofmystudent
loanoverthenextfiveyears.”

Afurrowappearedbetweenhisblackeyebrows.“AreyousuggestingthatIshouldhireyoubecause

you’llbemediocreoverthelongterm?”

“I’msuggestingthatI’llbehappytobeanassistantforafewyears.”
“No one’s lasted longer than six months. I work long hours and I demand perfection. Anything that

comesoutofthisofficereflectsonme,andIexpectmyworktobedonetomystandards.”

She knew that about him. It wasn’t just the hours, but the demands placed on them that made his

assistants leave after only a few months. With a good degree, there were far, far easier ways to earn a
living. What was more interesting to her was why he chose to work such punishing hours. “How many
hoursaweekdoyouwork?”sheasked.

The furrow disappeared and for the first time he looked at her like she might be interesting.

“Dependingontheweek,anywherefromsixtytoeighty.”

“Soyou’reaworkaholic?”
“Iwouldn’tputitquitelikethat,butIsuppose.It’swhatrequiredtodomyjob.”
“Iknowthatkindoffocus.IgrewupwithitandIknowwhatyouneed.Youneedsomeonetoguard

yourhours,toensureyouaren’tinterruptedwhenyoudon’tneedtobe.Youneedsomeonetoensureyou
havefoodwhenyouneedit,someonetomakesureyoudon’thavetoworryaboutanythingelsebutthe
work.Iknowhowtodothat.Iunderstandbetterthananyonewithafinancedegree,andallIneedtoknow
isthatwhenyouyellatme,orloseyourpatience,it’sbecauseoftheworkandnotbecauseofme.”

Hisexpressionchanged,softenedevenashestaredather.“Theworkitselfcanbetediousandboring,

oratleastthat’swhatmylastassistanttoldme.”

Rachelbarelymanagedtokeepasmilefromherface.“I’mnotworriedabouttedious,orboring.”
“Willyoufindorderinglunchordinnerbeneathyou?”
Rachelshookherhead.
“Whathappenswhenajobatagalleryopensup?”
“I’mnotpromisingyoutwentyyears,butjobsatgalleriespayreallybadly,sojusttomakeadentin

myloansI’llneedadecent-payingjobforfiveyears.Andwhiletediousandboringmaybepartofthejob
description,thisjobpayswell.”

Hesmiledatthat,andheturnedfromhandsometodevastating.Itwashardnottostare.
“Canyoustarttomorrow?”ColinEvansasked.
“I’llbeherefirstthing.”Rachelstood.“Thankyou,youwon’tregretit.”
“I’llholdyoutothat.”ThenheturnedhisattentionbacktohisscreenandRachelrealizedshe’dbeen

dismissed.

Shelefttheoffice,asmileonherface.WorkingwithColinEvanswouldbedifficult,butshe’dgotten

thejobandthatwasallthatmattered.

“D

,areyouhome?”Rachelstoodatthesidedoortoherfather'shouse,listeningcarefullyforsounds

comingfrominsidethehouse.

Herdadlivedinasmalltwo-bedroomhouseintheNorthRichmondneighborhoodofSanFrancisco.

Rachelneverusedthefrontdoor,andforthetenyearsherdadhadlivedinthehouse,he'dneverlocked
thesidedoor.Healwayssaidthatifsomeonewantedtostealfromhim,they’dfindawayin.

Asalways,whenRachelvisited,shedidaquickinventoryofthehouse.
The shingles on the roof were curling at the edges. They had a year, maybe two left in them. The

sidingneededasolidcoatofpaint,assomeofthetancolorwaspeelinginparts,andallthewindows
werepasttheirprime—acouplehadcracksintheglass.

Ifshegotsomeonecheap,itwasstilltwentythousandworthofrepairs.Shehadnothingclosetothat,

andneitherdidherfather.

She'dlivedhereuntilshe'dpackedupfouryearsagoandmovedintothecity.Thishousehadnever

feltlikehome.Theonlyhousethathadeverfeltlikehomehadbeentheoneshe'dlivedinfrombirthtothe
ageoffourteen,whenhermotherdied.

Withoutthemoneyhermotherearnedasanofficemanager,they’dhadtosell—andsoayearafterher

mom’s death, Rachel and her dad had moved into this house. She'd never painted her room, or hung
posters,andshe'dalwaysfeltlikeaguesthere.Notthatherfatherhaddoneanythingtoiteither.Itwas
stillthesameaswhentheymovedin.

Asshesteppedontothedarktantilefloor,intothesmallkitchen,footstepsapproached.Herheartrate

increased, and a pit formed in her stomach, as it always did in that moment just after she entered her
father'shouseandbeforeshesawhim.

Hestrolledintothekitchenandsmiled,andsheinstantlyrelaxed.
“Hey,honey,howwasyourday?”Hegrinned,andshegrinnedinresponse,mostlyfromsheerrelief.

Helookedgoodtoday,likehe’dsleptlastnight.

Evenstill,hewasthinnerthanheshouldbe,hisfacewasamessofbrokencapillariesacrosshisnose

andcheeks,andthelinesaroundhismouthandeyesweredeepereverytimeshesawhim.Atfifty-seven,
helookedclosertoseventy.

“Lots to tell you, want some coffee?” Rachel went to the coffee maker and got the carafe, filling it

withwaterwhileherDadsatatthesmalltable.

After setting the coffee maker on, she stacked half the dirty dishes in the sink onto the plain white

Formicacounterandfilledthesinkwithsoapywater,lettingtheremainingdishesinthesinksoak.Asshe
didthis,sheglancedaround,lookingforemptybottles,butthereweren'tany.Asidefromthedirtydishes,
therewasnothingelseonthecounter.

“Dad, have you been eating?” She wiped her hands on a towel before pouring two cups of black

coffeeandcarryingthemtothetable.

Henodded.“Atthedinerdownthestreet,everymorning.BaconandFrenchtoast.Theydon'tevenask

formyorderanymore.”

One meal a day, and judging by the dishes he was eating snacks, but he clearly wasn't cooking,

becausethereweren'tanydirtypots.Butamealadaywasenoughtokeephimrelativelyhealthy.

“Sotellmeabouthim?”herfatherasked.
“Ugh,he'ssuchanasshole.Aboutasmuchuphisownassasahumancanpossiblybe.Hehasthis

large,fancyoffice,withwindowslookingoutontotheBay,andachromedesk.Gettinginwasn'thard—
he'sconstantlyshufflingthroughassistants.IgotthejobbecauseIwasthelasttointerview.”WhenRachel
had first started investigating Colin Evans, she'd learned he was impossible to work for, and had
immediatelydecidedthatgoinginlastwasherbestapproach.

He came from a rich family, had a Princeton education—and along with that, a sense of entitlement

thatwasalmostasbigashisego.

Beinghisassistantwouldbepainful,butshe'dhaveaccesstohisofficeandhisfiles,andhe'dtrust

herwithinformationnooneelsemightknow.Itwasagoodapproachtothisparticularjob.

Gettinginfortheinterviewhadtakenaforgeddegreeandamade-upbackstory,andthenallshe'dhad

todowasgoinlasttotalktohim.

“Howlongdoyouthinkthiswilltake?”Dadasked.
Racheltookasipofcoffee.“Hardtosay.Nomorethanacoupleofweeks,hopefully.Ikindofwant

togetinandout,withouthavingtosufferhispresencetoomuch.”

“Okay,theclientswereasking,sojusttobesafeI'lltellthemamonth.”
Rachel nodded. She didn't know who the clients were, and didn't want to know. All she knew was

theywerepayingtwohundredthousandtoremovesomefilesfromColinEvans’computersandreplace
themwithanothersetoffiles—whichwouldcreateavirusthatgavetheclientaccesstoallofhisfiles

goingforward.

Asalways,herfatherhandledtheclientandshehandledeverythingelse.Shedidn’tneedtoknowwhy

theywantedthisdone,orhowitwouldbenefitthem.Allthatmatteredwasthey’dpay,andforthis,they’d
pay a lot. There had been fewer and fewer clients over the past two years, and smaller jobs that paid
little. Her father was the contact person for the clients, and Rachel suspected that he’d answered more
than one inquiry while drunk, scaring off potential jobs. And it wasn’t like they could put an ad in the
localpaper:Small-timeconandhistech-savvydaughterwillingtogetaccesstocomputersystemsor
paperfilesforasmallfee.

She suspected her father was coasting on a reputation earned fifteen years ago, and memories were

gettingshort.

That’swhythisjobwassoimportant.Twohundredthousand,andherfather,withhismortgage-free

house and small amount of investments, could live carefully for the rest of his life—and Rachel could
walkaway.Besomeoneelse,livesomewhereelseanddowhateverthehellshewanted.Whatthatwas,
she didn't know, but more than anything, she wanted the luxury of not worrying about anyone else for a
while.

Two hundred thousand so she didn't have to worry about her dad drinking, or not eating; a gift of

moneythatfreedher.

BeingColinEvans’assistantwouldgiveherthat,andsoshe'dmanagethepompousassforaslongas

ittooktofinishthisonelastjob.

achelarrivedat the officeat seven, usingthe pass that Lindsayhad given heryesterday to open the

glassdoorstotheseventhfloor.

Attheendofthehall,shehadthesmalldeskthatoutsideColinEvans’office.Shestoodoppositeit

now,lookingdownatthelighttanwood,withasimpleblackchairbehindit.Aphoneandabasicdesktop
computerweretheonlyobjectsonthedesk.

ThedoortoEvans’officewasclosed,andshestaredatitforamoment.Thisearly,therewasnoone

about, but she didn't know enough about the habits of the people who worked here to dare search his
officejustyet.

Thelastthingsheneededwastobefiredonherfirstdayhere.
So,shesatbehindherdesk,andbootedupwhatlookedlikeafive-year-oldcheapDell.Alongway

fromthesleek,expensiveMaconhisdesk.

Itneededaloginandpasswordthatshedidn'thave.Gettingherethisearlymighthavebeenamistake.

Shestoodagainanddebatedgoingdowntothestreet,wherehalfablockawaytherewasaStarbucks.

“Goodmorning,Ms.Meadows.”ColinEvansstrodetowardher.Heworeatantrenchandagraysuit,

andhelookeddeplorablyalertforthistimeofthemorning.

“Goodmorning,Mr.Evans.”Shesatandsmiled,tryingtounderstandwhatsheshouldbedoing.She'd

neverbeenanassistantbefore.Anannyatleasttwice,areceptionistafewtimes,evenahousemaid,but
neveranassistant.

Hepulledakeyoutofthepocketofhistrenchcoatandusedittoopenhisofficedoor.
Shit—that meant she couldn't get in there unless he was in the office. Well, that made things more

difficult.

“WeshouldhaveatalkaboutwhatIneedfortheday,”hesaid.“Bringanotebook.”
Leavingtheofficedooropen,hewentinside,whileRachelopenedherdeskdrawers,hopingforpens

andnotebooks.

Theywereempty,exceptforthreepaperclipsandanemptybottleofTylenol.
Shit,shit,shit!Scurryingtothedeskclosesttohers,sheopenedthefirstdrawer,pullingoutapenand

ahalf-usednotebook.Itwouldhavetodo.Shewentbackandwalkedintohisoffice.

A day later, it was still awe-inspiring. She'd never seen an office like his outside of movies and

television, didn't even know they existed in real life. It was massive, pretty much the size of her
apartment, and the view of the bay with the sun coming up over the horizon was incredible. The floors
werealightwood,andalongthewallwiththedoortherewasasmallseatingarea,madeupofaleather
loveseatandtwomoreofthesamechairsthatwereinreception.

Opposite the door, his enormous desk was positioned with his back to the wall. He was sitting

already,hislaptopopenonhisotherwiseemptydesk.

“Whattooksolong?”Hewaslookingather.
Rachelturnedherattentiontohim,strugglingtokeepaneutralexpressiononherface.“Sorry,Idon't

haveanysupplies.”

“When Amy comes in, she'll show you where everything is.” He gestured toward one of the chairs

oppositehisdesk.

Shesatinthesameoneshe'dinterviewedinyesterday.Hewasreadinghiscomputerscreen,which

gaveheramomenttostudyhim.Privilegedassholethathemightbe,shehatedtoadmitthathewasalso
hot.Hehadblackhair,cutveryshort,grayeyessurroundedbythick,darklashesandachiseledjawline.

Heglancedup.“Mydaysareverybusy,soIcomeinearly.Unlessit'sanemergency,youwon'tbook

anymeetingsbeforeteninthemorning.”Hestopped.“Areyouwritingthisdown?”

Rachelbarelyrestrainedfromrollinghereyes.“Tena.m.,Icanrememberthat.”Shesoftenedhertone

withaprimsmile.

“Anymeetingrequestsyouget,emailtomefirst,andthenbooknothinguntilIconfirmthatI'mokayto

moveforwardwiththemeeting.Youwillcontrolmyschedule,allofwhichwillbedoneelectronically,
whichyouneedtotellmenowifyou'renotcomfortablewith.Ihadoneassistantwhohadnocluehowto
setupmeetingsonline.”

“I'mfullyoperational,”Rachelresponded.
Heregardedherforamoment,andshewonderedifmaybeshe'dbeentooflippant.
“Inadditiontomyschedule,you'llpreparereports,answerthephone,getmylunchifmyscheduleis

too busy to allow me to go, and I'll occasionally ask you to book dinners. Tell me now if you feel this
workisbeneathyou.”

Inanyothercircumstance,Rachelwouldhavelovedtotellhimtogofuckhimself,butthiswastwo

hundredgrandforherdadandherfreedom,soshesuckeditup.“Icanmanage.”

“Good.NowIneedacoupleofhourstoreviewfinancialdocuments—whydon'tyoutakesometime

togetsupplies.”

Rachelstood.“Imightgetacoffee.CanIgetyousomethingatthesametime?”
Hedidn'tlookup.“No,Ihadmineathomethismorning,”hesaid.
Turning around, Rachel walked out the door. She sat at her desk. He'd made no comment about her

beingherebeforehewas,orwelcomedhertothecompany.Whatanasshole.

Twoweeks,andshe'dneverhavetoseehimagain.
Shegrabbedherpurseandheadedtowardtheelevators,walkingquicklyinthesensibleblackpumps

thatwerecomfortable—andthatassoonasthiswasdone,she'dneveragainwear.Samewiththeblack
suitshe'dboughtatasecondhandshopthatwastoobigandthemostunflatteringthingshe'deverworn.
Butthiswaswhatshefiguredtheassistanttoaninvestmentbankerwouldwear,andsosheworeit,along
withtheglassesthatwerepurelydecorative.Hervanitywasanothervictimofthisjob,butintheendit
wouldallbeworthit.

SHE

RETURNED

withaventiStarbucks,theofficewascomingtolife.Asshesatatherdesk,theassistant

atthedeskclosesttohersglancedatherandsmiled.Rachelstoodandwalkedovertoher.

“Hi,I'mRachelMeadows,ColinEvans’newassistant,”shesaid.
Thewoman,aladywholookedtobeinhermid-thirties,smiled.“I'mAmyAndrews,RogerLarkin's

assistant.WelcometoAltmanBrothersandAssociates.”

“Colin mentioned you might be able to show me where to get supplies and perhaps know the right

persontohelpmelogontomycomputer.”

“Isurecan,andhowareyoufindingthingssofar?”Amy'ssmilewassweet,buttherewasagossipy

undercurrenttoherquestionthattoldRachelAmymightbeavaluablefriendintheoffice.

Itwasalwaysgoodtoknowthesecretsofthepeoplesheworkedwith.
“It’sgoingwell,Iguess.Startinganewjobcanbetough.”
“I’lltrytomakeitaseasyaspossible.Followmeandwe’llgetyouallsetup,”Amysaid.
Rachel followed Amy to the supply closet, which was at the other end of floor. Amy opened it and

startedtopulloutnotebooksandpens,handingthemtoRachel.

“Doyouhaveanyadviceformeonmyfirstday?”Rachelasked.
“He'snottheeasiestmantoworkfor.Lastlongenoughtostepintoanotheropenassistantpositionand

youshouldbeokay.”

“Thanks,ishereallythatdifficult?”
“He's so young and handsome and so driven. He's the only one that comes in early and works late.

Roger comes in around ten and works till nine at night, but he has no problem with me leaving at five.
Colinexpectshisassistanttobehereearlyandtoworkaslateashedoes.Thatscheduleisunforgiving,
butthensoishe.Hehasnopatienceformistakes,orfeelings.”

“Whyishelikethat?”
Amyshrugged.“He'stheonethepartnersrelyontoassesspotentialinvestments,sohisworkloadis

thelargestbyahugeamount.He'stheyoungestassociateherebyalmosttenyears,andIthinkhefeelshe
has to prove his worth? We all thought his rich father got him this job and that he’d coast by on his
connections, but instead he works harder than anyone and refuses to even talk about his family or their
friends.Rumorshavehimmakingpartnerbeforeheturnsthirty.”

“Willhedoit?”
“Probably,Idon'tthinkthere'smuchhedecidestodothathedoesn'tgetdone.Wealljustwishhewas

nicer about it. Let's go back and I'll give you the number for the IT guy, who'll get you the login
informationandsetyouup.”

Twentyminuteslater,Rachelwentbacktoherdeskandfinallyloggedontohercomputer.Insidehis

office,Colinstaredintentlyathiscomputer,andinthetimeshe’dbeengone,he’dsentherthreeemails
withattachmentsandveryspecificinstructionsaboutwhattodowiththenumbersenclosed.

Inhervariousjobs,she’dbeenhitonmoretimesthanshecouldcount;onebosshadpattedherass,

anotherkepttryingtorunhishandupherskirt,allofwhichshecoulddealwith.

Exceptlookingattheseemails,andthelistofthingssheneededtogetdone,ColinEvansmightbethe

worstbossshe’deverhad.

She’dneedanothercoffee,andsoon.
“Is he in?” The very pretty receptionist approached, teetering on six-inch heels, her short skirt

displaying—Rachelhatedtoadmit—long,thinlegsthatshewouldhavekilledfor.

“Yeah.” Rachel shrugged. Without access to the system, she’d had to write his appointments for the

daybyhandonactualpaper.Hehadameetingforten,anditwasonlynineforty.

ThelittlesheknewofColinEvanstoldherhewouldn’twanttomeetuntiltheclockstruckten.
“He’s—”
Thereceptionistignoredherandwenttothedooroftheoffice,posing,herhandsonherhips,oneleg

pushedforward.“Mr.Evans.”Hervoiceallofasuddenbecamesultry.

Out of sheer nosiness, Rachel stood, moving to the edge of her desk so she could see how Colin

reacted.

Colin looked up from his desktop and then back down, clicking his mouse. “My calendar says the

meetingisatten.Rachel?”Atnopointdidhetakeamomenttoappreciatethereceptionist’slegs,orthe
hairtossshegaveasshespoke.

Heropinionofhimwentupanotch—justone.Hewasanasshole,buthewasn’tanobviouslech.

“You called?” She maneuvered behind the receptionist, who stood at least a foot taller than her,

especiallyinthoseheels,whichlookedexpensive.

Shehadthesensethegirlwasanglingforabankerhusband.
“Didyoumovemymeetingupwithouttellingme?”Hehadtoanglehisheadtoseeherpastthetall

receptionist.

“No,it’salwaysbeenten.”Rachelglancedatthereceptionist.“YoucantellMr.LairdthatMr.Evans

willbereadyforhiminfifteenminutes.”

ThereceptionistnoddedandglancedonemoretimeatColin.ButColin’sattentionwasbackonhis

computerscreen.

Asthereceptionistleft,Rachelsatbackdown.She’dlearnedtwothingsalreadytoday:Colinwasan

asstoeveryone,notjusther;andhewasn’teasilydistractedbyaprettygirl.

Unfortunately,thatinformationdidnothingtohelphergetthehelloutofthisjob.

ACHEL

ARRIVED

hometoherapartmentcomplex,steamingmad.Itwasalmosteightatnight,andColinhad

dismissedherwithacurt“yougetanearlynight”becausehehadadinnerreservationtogetto.

Eleven hours of Excel spreadsheets, sorting out his schedule, and briskly delivered instructions.

Thank God she hadn't lied about knowing Excel, or she wouldn't have lasted the day. He criticized the
way she organized his files, gave her specific instructions on how to answer the bloody phone—like it
requiredaPHD—andhadherfetchhislunch.Itwaslikelivinginthebloodysixtiesagainandshewasa
secretaryonMadMen.

Everythingshedidwasonashareddrive,andwhilehehadafolderonthesamedrive,itlookedlike

he kept most of his work on a private drive that she didn’t have access to. It was an impressive and
maddeninglevelofinformationsecuritythatshehadn’tanticipated.

Asshewalkedtowardherapartment,onthefirstfloorofthethree-storycomplex,Maddypoppedout

of her apartment. She and Rachel had a standing Thursday night eight p.m. wine and gossip date that
Rachelhadforgottenuntiljustnow.

“What'sgoingon?”Maddysaid.
“I’msorryI’mlate,longday,”Rachelsighed.
“Youwantsomewine?”
“Morethanlifeitself.”Rachelopenedthedoortoherapartment.“Comein?”
MaddynoddedbeforegrabbingtwoglassesandabottleofwhitewineandfollowingRachel.
Rachellovedherapartment.Itwasbrightandsunny,withasmallkitchen,adiningnook,andaliving

roomthatlookedoutontothecommunalcomplexswimmingpool.Herkitchencupboardswerepainteda
brightyellowandherwallswereasoftcream,andthefurniturewaschosenbyher,andonlyforher.She
evenhadoneofthoseold-fashionedfifties-stylefridgesinavocadogreenthatsheloved,eventhoughit
wasusuallyalmostempty.Bestofall,herapartmentwasridiculouslycheap,ahiddengeminSouthSan
Francisco.

Her overstuffed couch was a floral print and ridiculously comfortable, and her bedroom was

decoratedinpinksandcreams,exactlythewayshewantedit.

Maddywalkedtothecounterandscrewedopenthewine,pouringtwogenerousglasses.
“Blessyou,”RachelsaidasMaddyhandedheraglass.
“Isitthenewassignment?”Maddyasked.
Rachel nodded. Maddy was her closest friend, even she didn't know what Rachel did for a living.

MaddythoughtRachelwasaconsultant,workingforherfather,whichhelpedexplainRachel'soddhours
andintermittentworkschedule.

Maddy was a talented designer working for a large design firm that paid her too little, but Maddy

lovedwhatshedid,sosheputupwithit.

“I'mworkingwiththebiggestassholeI'veevermet,”Rachelsaid.
“Wow,that'ssayingsomething.”
“He'sarrogant,rude,obnoxious,andbelieveshe'sbetterthaneveryonearoundhim.Unfortunatelyhe's

alsosmartandhardworking,soIcan'tcompletelymakefunofhim.”

“Ishecute?”
“Super-hot.Likelookslikeamodelhot.”
“Ugh,thatsucks.Howlongdoyouhavetoworkwithhim?”Maddyasked.
Atthispoint,Rachelhadnoidea.Gettingintohisofficemeantfindingatimehehadalongmeeting

awayfromit,andnooneelsewasabouttoseehersneakingaround—andshehadtofigureouthowtolog
intohiscomputer.She'dhopedhe'dgiveherhispasswordashisassistant,butnowthatdidn'tlooklikely,
soitmighttakelongerthanthetwoweeksshe'dhopedfor.“I'mnotsureyet,butanytimeistoolong.”

“There'snothingworsethanabadboss,right?”Maddysippedherwineandsighed.
“Howisyours?”
“Same,takingcreditforallmyworkandtreatingmelikeshit,”Rachelreplied.
“Youshouldtellherboss,anddamntheconsequences.”
Rachelshookherhead.“Ican'taffordtolosemyjob.There'snothingelseoutthere.Designshopsare

shuttingdownallaroundandI'dmostlikelyhavetomovetoNewYork,andIcan'tdothat.”

“Fair enough, but if at any point you want me to deal with her, just say the word.” Rachel smiled

grimly.Rachel'sbosswasano-talenthackwhowashavinganaffairwiththepresidentofthecompany,
andsogotawaywithnotdoingherjobandtakingcreditforotherpeople'swork.Perhapsbeforesheleft
SanFranciscoshe'dlookintothat,seewhatherspecialsetofskillscoulddotohelpMaddy.

Maddycouldn'tleave.Hergrandmotherlivedinaretirementhomelessthanaten-minutewalkfrom

theapartmentcomplex,andMaddywastheonlyresponsiblerelativelefttocheckonhergrandmother.

“Areyoustillplanningonleaving?”Maddyasked.
“I'llsublettheapartment,becauseI'mcominghomeeventually,butIwantayeartoexploreanything

andeverythingthatinterestsme.ButmyfriendsarehereandIlovethiscity,soIwillcomeback.”

“You'dbetter,orI'llchaseyoudown.”MaddyrefilledRachel'sglass.

“I

have a meeting with the partners; have the Raleigh numbers ready for me when I get back.” Colin
stoodatRachel’sdesk,talkingtoherwhilehecheckedhisphone,somethingthatdrovehercrazy.

Ittookeverylastbitofstrengthshehadnottostickhertongueoutathim.Notthathe’dnotice,because

he still hadn’t deigned to look at her even while he barked orders at her. “Of course, Mr. Evans, those
numbersaremyfirstpriority.”Shecouldn’tmanagetosayitwithoutaddingabitetoherwords.

Hefinallydraggedhiseyesfromhisphone.Heglancedatherasifhecouldn’tquitefigureherout.
Soshesmiledsweetly.“Haveagoodmeeting.”
Henoddedandstrodeaway.
Noonewaslooking.Amywasawayfromherdesk,andhisofficewasopen.She’dbeenworkingfor

him for three days. Three endless twelve-hour days where he almost never left his desk, and when he
wenthomeforthedayhelockedhisdoor.

Butnow,hehadanhourblockedonhisscheduleforhismeeting.Racheljumpedtoherfeet.Today!

She’d get those numbers replaced and then she’d quit this job and finally tell Colin Evans to go fuck
himselfandhisendlessnumbers.

Insidehisoffice,hischairwaspushedbackfromhisdesk,hislaptopsittingopen.Makingsureshe

hadherUSBkey,sheslippedinsidehisoffice,closingthedoorpartwaysosomeonewouldhavetopoke
their head inside to see her. All she needed was access to his drive, and she could change the existing
files and place the code she’d written that allowed her access to the drive from any location without
leavinganytraces.Itwasbrilliant,andshehadtopatherownback,becausenooneotherthanherfather
knewaboutit.

Shepressedthespacekeyandthecomputerscreencametolife,askingforapassword.
Shit!Eventhoughshe’danticipatedthatshe’dneedhispassword,itwasstillfrustrating.Rachelsat,

andenteredthefirstwordthatcametomind.Numbersdidnotwork,neitherdidhisnameorpassword.
Herdreamsofquittingtodaystartedtoshrivel.

Histopdrawerhadnothingbutanextrapenandwhatlookedlikeabrandnewcalculator.Thenext

drawerhadmostlyemptyfiles.Theonlypiecesofpaperintherewereresumes,includinghersandtwo
otherswithnamesshedidn’trecognize.

Theotherdrawerhadapackageddressshirt,twopairsofbrandnewsocks,aboringstripedtie,and

packaged sets of plastic cutlery. There was nothing personal, not even a pack of gum, certainly no
pictures.

Nothing to help her get onto his laptop. Along the wall to her right were a series of wooden file

cabinets. She rushed to them and pulled them open. They were all neatly labelled, but none contained
numbersandshe’dneverseenhimpullanythingfromafilecabinet.Everythingheworkedoncamefrom

computerfiles.

Filesshedidn’thaveaccessto.
“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”
With a gasp, Rachel spun toward the door. The receptionist stood there, her arms crossed over her

chest.

Atthispoint,shehadtolearnthegirl’sname.
“Where’sColin?”thegirlasked.Sheworethesamestilettoshoesthatshe’dwornyesterday,buthad

replacedtheshortskirtwithaskintightdressthat,Rachelhatedtoadmit,lookedamazingonher.

“Inameeting.”
“Shouldyoubeinhere?”
Barelysuppressingasigh,Rachelclosedthefiledrawer.She’dneverbeenoneofthosegirlsthatsaw

everywomanascompetition,andifhotreceptionistwantedColin,thenhewasallhers.Buthavingher
breathedownherneckwasreallygoingtocrampherstyle.

“Hey,I’mnewhere.What’syournameagain?”
“Sarah.”
“Sarah,ColinaskedmetofindafileforhimandIdidn’twritedownwheretolook,soI’mhopingto

getitforhimbeforehecomesbackfromhismeeting.He’sgotveryhighstandardsandI’mdoingmybest
toliveuptothem.”

“Ijustknowhedoesn’tlikepeopleinhisofficeunlesshe’shere,”Sarahsaid.
“Hedoesn’t,butyouknowwhathedislikesmorethanthat?Menotgettingmyworkdone.”
“Who’s not getting their work done?” Colin’s head appeared behind Sarah. Even in her stilettos he

wasstillsixinchestaller.

“Ihadtoaskyourassistantaquestionaboutyourappointmentschedule.”Sarahsmiledflirtatiously.
“Youhadtohavetheconversationinmyoffice?”
ColinbrushedpastSarahandwenttohisdesk.
“IthoughtIsawamouseinhereandcametocheck,”Rachellied.
“Inhere?Inthisbuilding?”Colinfrowned.
“Itmighthavebeenatrickofmyimagination.I’dbettergetbacktothosenumbers.”
“They’renotdoneyet?”ColinglaredatRachel,whileSarahslunkaway.
“They’realmostdone.Iwasn’texpectingyououtofyourmeetinguntileleven.”
“Ineedthosenumbers.IhavesomewheretobetonightandIwanttogettheAltechprojectunderway

beforeIgo.”

“You’llgetthem.YougavemeuntilelevenandI’llhavethemtoyoubeforethen,”Rachelsnapped,

instantlyregrettingit.Normallyshehadmorecontrol,butgettingcaughtinhisofficehadthrownheroff
hergame.Colinwasatoughboss,butheusuallywasn’tunfair.“Areyouannoyedwithme,orjustangry
becausethemeetingdidn’tgowell?”

“Ihatehavingmytimewastedbyunnecessarymeetings.”
“I’llkeepthatinmindandtrytobookfewerofthem.”
“Ifyoucandothatyou’llbeamiracleworker.”
“I’llgetthenumberstoyouintenminutes.”Sheturnedonherheelandlefttheoffice,discouragedand

facingeightmorehoursofmind-numbingboredomandthousandsofrowsofnumbers.

Howthehellwasshegoingtogethispassword?

OLIN

STARED

downatthemusselwiththegrayfoamperchedonitanddecidedhehatedappetizers.The

tinymouthfullookedaboutasappetizingasdogfood.

“Don'teatit.Ittastesworsethanitlooks.”Danielle,hissister,approachedhim,abrightsmileonher

lovelyface.

“Thanksforthewarning.”Colinplaceditonahalf-emptyplatethathadbeenabandonedonthetable

nexttohim.

Theywereatanotherofhismother'sgalas,thisonetohelpUCSFMedicalCenter,oneofhermany

charitableendeavors.ThemainballroomoftheRitzwasdeckedoutinsilverandwhite,withthechairs
andtableclothsallwhite,andsilverhanginglightsanddiscoballscontributingthesilver.Theguestshad
allbeeninstructedtowearblackandwhite,whichhadbeeneasyforColin,ashistuxwasblack.

A twelve-person band played an instrumental version of a jazz song Colin couldn’t remember the

nameof.Atthispointintheevening,noonewasdancing.

“Sheropedyouintothisaswell.”Daniellelinkedherarmwithhis.
“Always. If I missed one, she'd never let me hear the end of it. It's easier to show for a couple of

hours.”Theroomwasfull,andagoodturnoutmeanthismotherwouldbehappy.Andifhedidn’tshow,
shetookitoutonDanielleandthestaffatthehouse,sohejustsavedeveryonetheaggravationbytaking
twohoursoutofhisscheduletoattendthesestupidevents.“Howlonghaveyoubeenhere?”

“Sinceearlythisafternoon.SheinsistedIhelporganizethestafftomakesureeverythingwaswhereit

shouldbe.Shethinksthemoresheexposesmetoherfoundation,themoreinterestedI'llget,butitworks
theoppositeway.”Daniellesighed.Sheworealongwhitegown,herlong,darkhairpulledintoaloose
updo, and while she looked gorgeous, she was also paler than normal, and she looked like she'd lost
weightrecently.

“Areyouokay?”Hisnineteen-year-oldsisterstilllivedathomewhileshewenttoStanford,studying

math.Shewasbrilliant,butalsoveryshy,soeventslikethisstressedheroutandexhaustedher.

“Justtired.Ihadanexamthismorningandstayeduplategettingready.”
“AnotherA,I'msure.”Colingrinned.
“Thereyoubothare,I'vebeenlookingforyou.”Hismotherwashalfwayacrossthehall,butevenstill

shecouldbeheardclearly.Shewasdressedinasilversequinedgown.Trusthismothertobreakherown
rules,justsoshecouldstandout.

“F.Y.I., she has someone she wants you to meet,” Danielle whispered, before their mother got too

close.

Colingroanedandsteeledhimselfforwhatwascoming.
“Colin,howmuchareyoucontributing?”Hismother—reallyAlanna,sincehehadn'tthoughtofheras

Momsincehe'dturnedten—air-kissedhisrightandthenhisleftcheek.

Her dyed blond hair was loose around her shoulders and her skin was smooth, unnaturally so,

probablyduetoanotherfacelift,whichwaswhyhehadn'tseenherforthepastmonth.

“Theusual,”hereplied.Healwayscontributedgenerouslytohismother'scauses,asitkeptherfrom

botheringhimforweeksafter.Heconsidereditpaymentforpeace,andifthat'swhatittook,thenitwas
moneywellspent.

“Good.Now,youbothcan'tstandhereinthecornerlikeacoupleofsocialmisfits.Youneedtoget

outandmingle,showtheworldthatwe'renotallgrumpyassholeslikeyourfather.”

“Ishehere?”Colinasked.
“No,hecametothepetrescuegala,sohe'sexcusedfromthisone.Ididn'twanttospendtheevening

wonderingifhewasgoingtothrowatantrumlikeatwo-year-oldtoddler.”

Colinnodded,sayingnothing,becausetherewasnopoint.Hisfatherdranktoomuchathismother's

events and inevitably got pissed that she'd spent too much, or was trying too hard to be the center of
attention,whichinturnpissedhismotheroff,andthentheyeachtriedtodragColinandDanielleintotheir
battles.

Itwasalwayseasierwhentheyweren'tinthesameroom.

Whytheydidn'tdivorcewasamysteryheandDaniellehadneverbeenabletosolve.Colinsuspected

that his father was still trying to figure out how to hide most of his fortune, so if they did divorce, his
motherwouldwalkawaywithlessthanhalf—andhismotherspenthertimekeepingtrackofthefortune
toensuresheknewwhereeverythingwas.Itwasn’tahealthysystem,butitworkedforthem.

“Oh, there’s Angela, I need to have a quick word with her.” Alanna glared at Colin. “Do not move

fromthisspot,I'mcomingrightback.”

“Howdoesshemakethatsoundsothreatening?”ColinwhisperedtoDanielle,ashismotherstrode

towardherfriend.Thefriendmarriedtoamanwho’dmadeafortunethroughinsidetrading.

“You will meet this woman tonight, so you might as well get it over with. She’d like you settled

beforeyou'rethirty.”

“Ashappilymarriedasourparentsare?”
“You have no idea. They're worse than they've ever been. They can't be in the same room for more

than thirty seconds before they start fighting. The only saving grace is that they're rarely in the same
room.”

WasthatwhyDaniellelookedsotired?Thatinadditiontoherstudies,shehadtheirmiserableparents

tocontendwith?

“Youknow,youcanalwayscomelivewithme.Ihaveaspareroomthatisyourswheneveryousay

theword.”

“It'sokay,I'mfine.Idon'tseethemalot,andMommightnotbethrilledtohaveamathematicianfora

daughter,butshe'sresignedtoitnowandshe'dneverforgivemeifImovedouttolivewithyou.She'dsee
itassomesortofrejection.”

Itwouldbe,notthatColinneededtopointthatouttohissoft-heartedsister.
Heglancedaroundtheroomatthepeoplehe’dknownsincechildhood.Itwasanincestuousgroup,all

rich,allentitledandalmostallassholes.Peopleenteredthegroupthroughmarriageormoney.

Richard Tyler, an old friend of his father’s, passed by with this third wife, a blond, fake-breasted

womaneasilyfortyyearsyoungerthanhim.Ashort,pot-belliedman,he’dinheritedhisfortunefromhis
father, and then increased it by buying struggling companies, stripping them down, firing everyone, and
selling the pieces. He and his first wife had an epic divorce that made several lawyers very rich, and
from that moment on, Richard sent half his money to offshore accounts so any future wives got almost
nothingfromhim.

“Good,you'restillhere.”Alannareturned.“Colin,comewithmeandDanielle.Mingle—thesearethe

kindofpeopleyoushouldspendmoretimewith.”

Withonelastglanceathissister,Colinfollowedhismother.She'dbeentryingtosethimupforyears,

soatleastonceeveryevent,sheintroducedhimtoafriend'sdaughter,cousin,orniece,hopinghemight
finallyfindlovewithoneofthe“right”people.Alannastillhadtheold-fashionedandridiculousideathat
therewererightandwrongpeopletomarry.

Whichwaslaughableconsideringthestateofhisparents’marriage.
Alanna stopped in front of a lovely twenty-something woman wearing a long, skintight black gown,

herdarkhairfallinglooselydownherback.

“Colin, this is Regina Edwards. Her aunt is a good friend of mine and she recently moved to San

Francisco.”

Colinsmiled,politely.“Nicetomeetyou.”
“Regina, you don't have a drink.” Alanna clicked her fingers at the closest waiter, who approached

carryingatrayofchampagneflutes.

“Thankyou,Mrs.Evans.”Reginatookaglassandsippedit.
Colindeclined before hismother dismissed thewaiter. He made ita point neverto have more than

onedrinkathismother'sevents.Betterhekeephisheadabouthim.

“YoutwoshouldtalkwhileIgofindoutwhytherearen'tmorewaitersonthefloor.Nooneshouldbe

standingaroundwithoutadrinkintheirhands.”

“Yourmotherislovely,”ReginasaidwhenAlannahadleft.“Shedoessomanygreatthingsforthis

city.”

WhichtoldhimeverythingheneededtoknowaboutRegina'sintelligence.“She'sagiver,definitely.

WhatbringsyoutoSanFrancisco?”

“I'm to present the entertainment segment on the local station, at six p.m. and again at eleven p.m. I

startinthreedays.”

“Congratulations.”
“It's a start. I have a plan, so three years of local networks, then national, and if it all works out,

cohostoneitherEntertainmentTonightorExtra.WithmyconnectionsintobothSanFranciscoandNew
Yorksociety,Icanprovideadifferentviewpointthanacommongossipcolumnist.”

“I'msureyoucan.”Colinglancedaroundtheroom.Therewerecouplesnowdancingandifhedidn't

leavesoon,he'dhavetodance,somethinghehated.

“Whatdoyoudo,Colin?”
“I'maninvestmentbanker.”
“What'sthat?”
“Ihelpdecideifacompanyisworthinvestingin.”
“Oh,soundsinteresting,”Reginasaid,clearlynotmeaningit.
“It has its moments,” Colin said. She was very pretty, but the last thing he would ever do was

encouragehismotherbyshowinganyinterestinawomanshe'dintroducedhimto.

If he wanted sex, Tinder was a swipe away. “Regina, it was lovely meeting you. I have an early

meeting.Goodluckwithyourentertainmentambitions.”

He quickly strode away, keeping to the side of the ballroom. He found his sister at the back. “You

wantadrivehome?”heaskedher.

“Desperately.Shouldwetellherwe'releaving?”Danielleasked.
“God, no. She'd try to keep us here longer.” He nodded toward the exit of the ballroom, where his

mother was stationed talking to a friend of hers. “Come with me.” He led Danielle toward the service
exit.

Anyescapewoulddo.

ore numbers, thousands of Excel lines—some he had her add, some she had to work out

uncomplicatedpercentages,andothersheaskedhertogothroughandsortintosmallerlines,depending
onwhatthedescriptionattachedtothenumberssaid.

Atfiveintheafternoon,afterspendingthepastninehoursstaringatExcelspreadsheets,Rachelwas

starting to get cross eyed. He never stopped. It would have been impressive if it weren't so stupidly
annoying.

He'dhadherfetchhislunchtoday,andworkedsittingathisdesk,reviewing—what?Shecouldn'ttell.

His computer faced the wall, and when he asked her into his office to give her more work, she sat
oppositehim,anentiredeskaway,soshecouldneverseewhatwasonhisscreen.Shecertainlycouldn't
getcloseenoughtoseehisloginpasswordtogetaccesstohisfiles.

Therewasacompanyserver,andhehadadedicatedfolderontheserver.Shesavedeverythingshe

didforhimonhisfolder,butwhateverhedidwassavedelsewhere.Itwasincrediblyfrustrating.Aweek
inandallshehadtoshowforitwasreducedvisionfromstaringatascreenandtheabilitytobiteher
tongueeverytimeheaskedhertofetchforhim.

“Howlateareyouworking?”Amycameover,asympatheticexpressiononherfacethat,perversely,

madeRachelwanttoclockherone,rightinthenose.

“Untilhislordshipdecideshedoesn'tneedmyservices,”Rachelresponded,clampingdownonher

moreviolenttendencies.“Itcouldbeanywherebetweensixandtentonight.”

“Heisveryunreasonable,”Amywhispered.Thedoorwasajar,butevenacrosstheenormousspace

thatwasColin'soffice,therewasstillthepossibilityhecouldhearthem.

Rachelshrugged.“It'smanageable.”Onlybecausesheplannedtobehereforaslittletimeaspossible,

althoughwitheachpassingday,hertwo-weektimeframeseemedlikewishfulthinking.

“Well,ifyoucanstickwithitforawhilelonger,anotherassistantpositionwillopenupworkingfor

someoneelse.”

Rachelnodded,likethatwassomethingshemightbeinterestedin.“Tellme—noonevisitshimever,

unlesstheyhaveanappointment.Doesn'thehaveanyfriendswhoworkhere?”

“Hmmm...”Amymused.“Notreally.Theotherassociatesareprobablyintimidatedbyhimandhe's

notexactlygreatatsmalltalk.Noonewantstotalkbusinessallthetime.”

“Ihearyouonthesmalltalk.”
“Youshouldcomeforlunchtomorrow.TheothergirlsandIaregoingoutaroundnoon.”
Rachelgrinned.“It’llbeFriday,sosoundsgood.”She'ddoanythingtogetawayfromherdesk,even

forabit,andsurelyhislordship,akaColin,couldn'thaveaproblemwithherhavinganactuallunch.

“Rachel,areyoudonechatting?”Colinappearedatthedoortohisoffice.“Ineedtotalktoyouabout

thePro-Locnumbers.”Hewentbacktohisdesk,expectingshewouldfollowhim.

WithawrysmileforAmy,Rachelsighedsoftlyandgrabbedhernotebookandpen.“It'sgoingtobea

latenight,”shewhispered.

“Sorry.” Amy strode toward the front, while Rachel went into Colin's office and sat on her usual

chair.Thereweretwochairs,butshealwayssatontheonetohisright,creatinghabitsshehadnointerest
inkeeping.

“Ineededtherawmonth-over-monthvariances,notthepercentchanges.”Heglancedathiscomputer

screen,thenbackather,hislefteyebrowraised.

Itwasdisgustinghowgood-lookinghewas.Todayhissuitwasalightgrayandperfectlyfitted.His

shoulderswerebroad,hishipsnarrow,andeverythingheworelookedreallyexpensive.Hisshirtwasan
unimaginative white, with a blue tie that was boring and did nothing to liven up the suit. His gray eyes
werestaringather,waiting,probablyforanapology.

And while she wanted nothing more than to flip him the bird and tell him to go fuck himself in his

thousand-dollarsuit,impulsecontrolwouldbeherfriendtoday.Sheevenmanagednottorollhereyes.

Butshewasnotanabusedpuppy,readytorolloverandwhimperatthesightofaraisedeyebrow.
Shewentbacktwopagesinhernotebook.“Youaskedforpercentchanges.”Sheturnedthenotebook

andhelditup.“See,righthere.”

“That can't be. My model generates percentages further downstream. Why would I want percent

changesthere?”Hisexpressiondidn'tsoften.

“Itwas—Iwouldn'thavewrittenitdownotherwise.Butit'seasyenoughtoaddthenumbers.I'lldoit

now.”Sherosefromherseatbeforehecoulddismissherandturnedonherheeltoheadbacktoherdesk,
gleefulaboutonesmallvictoryoverhim.

“Iwasn'tdone.”
Ofcoursehewasn't.Sheturned,plasteringapleasantsmileonherface.“WhatelsecanIdoforyou

Mr.Evans,atthistimeofthenight?”

He looked confused for a moment, before he glanced at his computer again. “It's six already. I lost

track of time. I need you to order in dinner from Pusateris. Something warm—I'm going to be here late
tonight.”

“AmIgoingtobeherelatewithyou?”
For a split second, he seemed confused by the question. “I guess, as you’re still working on the

numbers.”

“Then maybe I should order both of us dinner, don’t you think?” Somehow she managed to keep a

pleasant,neutralexpressiononherface.

Therewasaslightquirkofhislipsthatonanyoneelsemighthavebeenasmile.“Evenassistantsneed

toeat,Isuppose.”

“Ispastaokayforyou?”Rachelwasgoingtotakehersmallvictorieswhereshefoundthem,soshe

returnedtoherdeskandcalledintheorder.Thefactthatthepersonattheotherendofthelinerecognized
thelocationjustfromherphonenumber,andthattheyhadacreditcardonfile,toldherthatthiswasa
veryregularoccurrence.

Whenthefoodarrived,shetookoffherboring,boxysuitjacketandcarriedinhiscontainer.Thesame

ashers,pastaprimavera,andjudgingbythesmell,delicious.Hewas,asalways,sittingathisdesk,his
intentfocusonhiscomputerscreen.He’dremovedhisjacketandtieandhisshirtwasunbuttonedawhole
twobuttons.

Onanyothermanitwouldhavebeenunremarkable,butonhim,itwaspracticallynaked,considering

she’dneverseenhimuntilthismomentwithouthisjacketon.Evenhissleeveswererolledup.Sheplaced
hiscontainersonhisdesk.

“Eatinhere;Ineedabreakfromstaringatmyscreen.”

“Ifyousayplease.”Sheblurteditoutwithoutthinking,somethingRachelalmostneverdidwhenshe

wasworking.

Heraisedoneeyebrow,whichwasimpossiblysexy—howcouldaneyebrowbesexy?“Please.”
“Iwouldloveto.”Rachelquicklygrabbedherfoodandbroughtitback,pullingherusualchaircloser

tohisdesk.

Asheopenedhiscontainer,shesurreptitiouslywatchedhim,thewayhisshirtpulledacrosshischest

asheleanedforwardinhischair,thewayhisforearmsflexedashepulledoffthelidofhisplasticbowl.
She’dneverconsideredaman’sforearmssexybefore,buthiswere—leanbutstrong,hiswristslarge,his
handslongandelegant.

As he raised his head, she moved her attention to her food. Colin Evans was not her type. The

buttoned-up suit guy had never been her thing, especially a demanding, rude, perfectionist like the man
across from her. She was attracted to men who wore leather jackets and rode motorcycles and worked
withtheirhands.Simple,manlymen.Attractionwasaweaknessthatinterferedwiththejob,andthisjob
sheneededtogetdoneandfinishedsoshecouldgetthehelloutoftown.

Theyateinsilenceforafewmoments.“Whatareweworkingonrightnow?I’veadded,subtracted,

multipliedandcategorizedmorelistsofnumbersthanI’veeverseen,andI’malittleashamedtoadmitI
don’tknowwhyI’mdoingthis.”

“I guess I haven’t explained it properly.” He placed his fork on the table, next to his now-empty

container.Wow,hemustinhalehisfood,becauseherswasstillmostlyfull.

“IhavetheITdepartmentdownloadtherawdatadirectlyfromthecompany’ssystem,thendomyown

analysis and modeling. That way, I know the projections haven’t been manipulated to make the results
seemmorefavorable.”

“Areyouusuallyright?”
Hesmiled.“Always.”Helookedsosmugandconfident;shefeltasoul-crushingenvy.Itwasmore

than just the expensive suits, and his big office—he spoke as though he’d never had to worry about
anythinghisentirelife.

She’ddonesomebackgroundonhimandknewalittle.Hisparentswererichandwellestablishedas

partofSanFrancisco’ssocietyelite.Theywerealsostillmarried.She’dbethe’dcomehomefromhis
posh private school to a mom who had home-baked cookies fresh out of the oven, and he never had to
worry about paying for school, and they took a family vacation every year, and they were the type of
peopletheneighborsenvied.

It made her curious about the files she was supposed to replace. Would doing her job remove that

smile from his face? The dark, ugly part of her that envied him wanted to take that smile away. Mostly
becauseshe’dneverfeltthatconfidentorcomfortableinherownskin.

“Nooneelsehereseemstogothroughthosesortofnumbers.”Whatshe’dnoticedwasthattheother

assistantsorganizedschedulesandtookcallsandtooknotesandwenthomeatfive.

“Everyoneelsetruststhenumbersthey’resent,butnumberscanbecherrypickedandmanipulatedto

tell the wrong story, and sometimes people make the wrong decisions because they’re too lazy to do
properdiligence.”

“Isee.”Whatshesawwasthatherbosswasacompletecontrolfreak.Notthathehadn’twarnedher

abouthisworkaholictendencies.

“Youmusthavenoticedmyscheduleiscompletelyfreetomorrow?”
“Idid.”She’dfiguredheplannedtoworkfromhome,orspendalldaycrunchingevenmorenumbers.
“Idoanoffsitemeetingonceamonth.They’reclientsnotconnectedtothefirm,soyoudon’thaveto

bethere,butifyou’dlike,I’llemailyoutheaddress.Istartatnineandusuallyfinisharoundseven,but
youdon’thavetostaythatlate.Oryoucancomeinhereandhaveanormalday?”

Anormalday,ninetofive,reallyappealedtoherrightnow,butshewascuriousaboutwhathewas

doingandshe’dhadnoluckgettingthroughtohisfileshere.“I’dliketojoinyoutomorrow.”

“Great, and the day after you should come with me to the first meeting with the Altech company

executives.You’vedonealotofworkonthatproject,youshouldseeitthroughalltheway.”

“Soundsgood.”
“Yes,it’llbegreatforyoutoconnectthenumberstothepeopleandthecompany.”
Hesmiledatherlikehewasdoingherafavor,andallshecoulddowassmilebackandpretendthat

shewasinterestedandexcitedwhenallshewantedwasforthisalltoendandtogetthehelloutoftown.

HEN

DID

his assistant become hot? She’d been working for him for almost two weeks now, and while

he’dhiredherknowingshewaspassablyattractive,nowshewasfuckinghotandsomehowhe’dmissed
thetransition.

Partofitwastheglasses—inthelastfewdays,she’dstoppedwearingtheoversizedglassesthathad

obscuredherface.Someofitwasthelong,darkhairthatshenolongerpulledintoaponytailandnow
hungdownherbackinglossywaves.

Was her skirt shorter? The fitted tank top, that earlier that day had been hidden under her jacket,

revealedahotbody,tinywaistandagreatpairoftits.

All of which he should not be noticing. She was a pretty good assistant so far, a fast learner and

efficient,andhedidn’twanttofuckthatup.Sohe’deatenquicklyandgonebacktothereportsheneeded
for his Altech meeting. When he’d finished before nine, he’d decided it was time to go to his father’s
officeforavisitthatwasoverduebyafewweeks.

Hisfatherhadaninvestmentfirmonlyaten-minutewalkfromColin’sbuilding.Thesecurityguardlet

him in and he took the elevator to the twelfth floor. Generally his father, who had many, many faults,
worked until around nine at night, mostly to avoid spending any time with Colin’s mother, so chances
weregoodhe’dfindhisfatherhere.

Andifnot,thenatleasthe’dtriedtoseehimandthereforedonehisdutyforanothermonth.
Theelevatoropenedontomarblefloorsandrecessedlighting.Hisfatherwasoneofthreeprincipals

in the firm, and a millionaire many times over. A bad deal last year had prevented him from hitting
billionairestatus,somethingthathadenragedDadformonthsafter.

Colin had always suspected his parents didn’t divorce because his mother didn’t want to be a

previous wife, replaced by someone younger and hotter, and his father didn’t want to decrease his net
worthbeforehewassafelyabillionaire.

Andtheysaidromancewasdead.
Hisfather’sofficewasattheendofalonghall,withasmallenclaveatfront.Notsurprisingly,atthis

timeofthenight,thedeskinthesmallentrancewasempty,butthelightswereoninsidetheoffice.Colin
openedthedoor.Directlyahead,hisfather’sdeskwasempty,buthislaptopwasopenonhisdesk.

Agroantohisrightcaughthisattention.
Fuck! His father was lying on the couch in his office, a very attractive young woman on her knees

besidehim,hershirtandbralyingontheground,herskirtstillon.

The really disturbing sight of the woman enthusiastically blowing his father hit his brain, before he

jerkedhisgazetowardtheoppositewall.

“Forfuck’ssake,Dad.”
Therewasagasp,andtheshufflingofbodies,butonlywhentheyoung—stillinhertwenties—woman

ranpasthim,holdinghershirtagainstherchesttocoverhertits,didhelookinhisfather’sdirection.

ThankfullyDadhadzippeduphispantsandwasnowsittingupright.
“Jesus,Dad,she’salmostthesameageasDanielle.Andhere,attheoffice.”

“She’stwenty-nineandverywilling.Myassistantsgoontohigh-levelpositionsinothercompanies,

andsheknowsit.”

“Fuck, Dad, she’s your assistant? That’s pretty much every Human Resources rule broken.” A

tighteningofColin’sthroatremindedhimofthewayhe’dbeenthinkingabouthisownassistantearlier.
FuckingRachelwouldmakehimjustlikehisfather,somethingthatmadethehaironthebackofColin’s
neckstandup.“DoesMomknow?”Hethrewinthelastquestionjusttoenjoywatchinghisfathersquirm.

“Don’tbringtheideaofthatwomaninthisoffice.Thisissacrosanctspace,theoneplaceIcanbefree

ofher.”

“Haveyoufuckedallyourassistants?”Colinasked.
Hisfathershrugged,likeitwasnobig,fuckingdeal.“Most,I’dguess.”
Ofcoursehehad.Itmadesenseconsideringeveryassistanthisfatherhadhiredhadbeenyoungand

attractive,somecompetent,somenot.

“Why are you here?” His father stood, tucking his shirt into the waistband of his pants. His father

looked pretty good for sixty-six, although his gray hair was sparse on his head and he’d developed a
paunchinthepastfewyearsthathisshirtscouldn’thide.

“Youaskedmetodropby.”
“Thatwasthreeweeksago.”
“Oh,well,I’vebeenbusy,andMomhadabenefitthatIthoughtI’dseeyouat.”
“I’vetoldherI’mnowonlygoingtoeverythirdoneofthosestupidwasteofmoneyshindigs.”
“That’stoobad,itreallyseemedlikeshemissedyouatthelastone.”
“Ha,funnyguy.”Hisfathersatdownathisdesk.“IaskedyouherebecauseIhaveafriendwithan

incrediblebusinessideaandIcangetyoufirststabatbeingtheonetofinanceit.”

“Whichfriend?”
“RogerTilbury.”
Themanwhoonhisfirstventurehadcheatedhispartnersoutofanyequity,andhissecondcompany

he’dsoldtoalargercompetitorandmademillions,whileallonehundredandfiftyofhisemployeeshad
losttheirjobs.“Nothanks,Ihaveenoughonmyplaterightnow.”

“Roger’s pretty much guaranteed to make you money, as long as you have an airtight contract with

him.”

Hisfatherwasright,butColinhatedtheideathathe’dhelpweasellyRogerTilburymakeanymore

money.“Ireallydon’thavetime.”

His dad’s eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Colin. “Jesus, you don’t want to do business with him

becauseyoudon’tlikehim,right?”

“IonlydobusinesswithpeopleItrust.”
Hisfathershookhishead.“ForChrist’ssake,moneyismoney.Getyourheadoutofthecloudsand

youhavethepotentialtomakerealmoney,andmenlikeRogerwillhelpyougetthere.”

This wasn’t their first argument like this, and chances were, not their last. Colin stood. “Having

standards is not a character flaw, Dad.” He went to the door. The assistant had left, which was good.
Lookingatheragainwouldjustremindhimofoneofthemoreunpleasantpicturesinhishead.“I’llsee
youatthenextbenefit.”

He left, striding down the hall, the familiar bitter tang of disappointment at the back of his tongue.

Why did he expect his father to behave better, when he’d only proven time and time again that he was
entirelymotivatedbyhisownself-interest?

His father and his cronies would screw over anyone just to make more money, while their wives

organizedcharityfunctionsandeveryonepretendedtheyweregoodpeople.Itwasthehypocrisyhehated,
the pretense that made them give money to every cause of the week, while behind the scenes they bent,
brokeandignoredanylawthatgotbetweenthemandanothermillion.

WAS

nine when Rachel got home that night, tired from staring at numbers all day, exhausted from

spendingtwelvehoursadayforthepasttwoweeksattheoffice,andgenerallyannoyedthattwoweeks
in,shehadnothing.

Whensheclimbedthestairstothesecondfloor,shefoundherfathersittingoutsideherapartment,on

the concrete floor, his head resting against the wall. Rachel’s stomach sank and she sighed, suddenly
feelingsomuchmoretired.Herfatherhadthatall-too-familiarrednesstohischeeksandhisshoulders
wereslumped.

“Dad,whendidyougethere?”Shestrodetowardhim,pullingherkeysoutofherjacketpocketand

openingthedoor.

Herfatherslowlyclimbedtohisfeetandstumbledinbehindher,assheshutthedoorbehindthem.

Hispantswerecoveredindustfromsittingonthegroundandhisshoeshadmudthathetrackedintoher
tinylivingroomasheslumpedontohercouch.

“Doyouwantacoffee,Dad?”RacheldesperatelywantedtoclimbintoherPJ’sandwatchanhourof

mindlessTV.

“Nocoffee.Doyouhaveanythingstronger?”
“No,Dad.”Shelied,asshehadwineinherfridge—shealwayshadwineinherfridge—butthelast

thingshe’deverdowasfeedherfatherbooze.Hedidwellenoughfindingitonhisown.Herbestbetwas
togethimsoberedupslightlyandbackonhiswayhome.Itwouldbeasolidhourbycab,andshe’dhave
topay,whichwouldcostherafortune.

“Nocoffee.”Hewavedofftheidea.
Foodwasthenextbestoption,butsheworkedsomuchthesedaysthatshehadn’tbeentothegrocery

store in a couple of weeks. She opened a cupboard and pulled out a package of dry crackers, pouring
themontoaplate.

Shecarriedthemthethreefeetfromherkitchenintoherlivingroom,puttingtheplateonthecoffee

table. Her living room wasn’t big enough to fit more than a couch, so she kept a couple of stools as
emergency seating for when she had more than one other person here, which was almost never. She
grabbedastoolandplaceditoppositeherfather.

Helookedtenyearsolderthanhisfifty-oneyearsofage,thin,hischestsunkenandhisskinhadtaken

onagraytingeoverthepastfewyears.She’dtriedtalkingtohimaboutgettinghelp,goingtoAAoreven
arehabprogram,andhisreactionshadvariedfromangertothelasttimeshetriedbringingitup,when
he’dpunchedherinthestomach.Sincethenshe’ddecidedhewasprettymuchsetonself-destructionand
therewasn’tmuchmoreshecoulddootherthangetoutofhisway.

Itwasfuckingheartbreakingwatchinghimdoit,whichwaswhysheneededtogetthehelloutofSan

Francisco.

“Igotavisitfromourclientreptoday.Theyneedanupdatebytheendofthenight.”
“I don’t have an update.” God, now she really wanted a glass of wine and her PJ’s. “Colin never

leaveshisofficeandwhenhedoes,helocksthedoorandhasnevertrustedmewiththekeys.Ican’tgetin
there, and there are no visible files. He does everything on the computer, which makes me think I need
access to his system. I thought as his assistant I’d have that access, but I don’t. It’s going to take way
longerthanIinitiallythought.”

Herfathersighed,thesmellofhardboozefillingthespacebetweenthem.“Theyneeditdoneandtime

isticking.Theywantacompletiondatetonight,orthey’regoingtoreplaceus.”

Ifthathappened,herfather’snesteggwouldbedownthedrain,andshewouldn’tbeabletoleave.
“Tellthemanotherweek.I’llfindaway.OnemoreweekandI’llhavesomethingtoreporttothem.”

Shestoodup,feelinganxietyeatingaholeinherstomach.“Makethecallnow.”

Herfatherfumbledthroughhispocketsforaminute,beforefinallypullingouthiscell.Hedialedand

hadaquickcall,wherethankfullyhedidn’tsoundtoowastedwhilehewastalking.Shecouldn’thearthe
othersideoftheconversation,butjudgingbyherfather’sapologiesandtheexpressiononhisface,they
didn’ttakethelackofprogressallthatwell.

When he was done, he placed his phone on the coffee table and lay on the couch, using one of her

throwcushionsasapillow,hisshoeshangingofftheend.

Rachelgotupandwenttohertinylinencloset,pullingoutablanketwhichsheplacedoverherfather,

who’dclosedhiseyesandseemedtobesleeping.

Whatevertherisks,shehadtouphereffortsoverthenextcoupleofdays.Whichmeantspendingmore

time in Colin’s office and by his side, and finding out everything she could about where he stored his
information.

Evenifshehadtobegluedtohissidetomakeithappen.

ACHEL

ARRIVED

at the address Colin had emailed her just before nine in the morning. It was a twenty-

minutewalkfromwhereshelived,whichmeanttheareawasontheborderlinesomewherebetweennice
andsketchy.Thekindofareawherehipsterorganiccoffeeshopssatbesidepaydayloanhuckstersandthe
occasionalthriftshop.

The building was a one-story converted warehouse. The front had huge windows, and a front patio

withwroughtironchairsandtables.Shewentthroughthefrontdoorandfoundalineofpeopleatleastten
deepsittingonchairs,outsidethefirstdoortoherright.

Colincameoutofthatdoor.“Gladyou’rehere,comeonin,”hesaidtoRachel.“Mr.Arnandez,I’llbe

withyouinlessthantenminutes,”hesaidtothefirstmaninline.

Completely confused, Rachel followed him into a large space, that looked like an office space

designedbyatechcompany.Therewereacoupleofcomputerssetupontablesbythewindows,aseating
areastepsfromthedoor,andattheback,fourchairsaroundwhatlookedlikeadiningroomtable.

“Youmustbewonderingwhatwe’redoing?”Colinasked,asRachelglancedaround.“Doyouwanta

coffee? I had some delivered this morning.” He pointed to the small kitchenette, with doughnuts and a
largeportablecontainerofcoffeesittingonthecountertop.

He’d brought in the coffee? Not had her arrange it, but actually ordered it himself? What was even

moreshockingwasheworejeansandasoft-lookingnavysweater.Notatieinsight.Helookedamazing
in a suit, but the sweater molded to a muscular chest and broad shoulders, and the jeans hung low on
narrow hips, and somehow he managed to be even handsome wearing casual clothes. She was actually
dumbstruckatthesightofhim.Whatmadeitworsewasheseemedtohavenoideahowgood-lookinghe
was.

Ifshe’dbeenaskedbeforetoday,shewouldhaveguessedhe’dbeenbornwearingasuit.Thatwasn’t

theonlychangeinhim.Therewasanenergytohimtoday,asenseofexcitementshe’dneverseeninhim
before.

“Whatarewedoingtoday?”
“Onceeverytwoweeks,Ibookofficespaceandhelparosterofclientsthatareveryseparatefrom

the firm’s business. They’re small businesses looking for guidance, help with expansion plans, or to
reducedebtloadandincreaseprofits.Allthepeopleherearelocalsandmosthavenoformalbusiness
training.”

“Soyoudothiseverytwoweeksandthepartnersagreedtoit?”
“AslongasIcanfititintomyschedule,theyhavenochoice.Myworkisgettingdoneandwhenthey

wantedtohireme,thiswasaconditionIputintomycontract.”

“Whatdoyouneedmetodotoday?”
“Keepthelinemoving.I’lltrytostayaslongaspossible,buttheyshuttheofficedownatsevenandI

want to see as many people as I can. I ask everyone to bring financial records, simple line items like
revenue, expenses, debt repayment, things like that. Most bring it to me in Excel form, but the odd few
stillbringmereceiptsandhandwrittennotes.Ifyoucanorganizethenumbersbeforetheygettome,thenI
canfocusmoreonthecoreoftheirbusiness,ratherthanspendtimesortingoutthesimplenumbers.”

“Icandefinitelydothat.”
“Great.”Hegrinnedather,lookedboyishandsohandsome,itmadehercatchherbreath.
“I try to keep things casual, so I meet each person over there. The people in line are more than

welcometogetcoffeeandchatandstayinhere,butIlikethatareatobeseparated,somyconversations
can’tbeoverheard.”Hepointedtothechairsandtableatthebackoftheroom.

“Okay,I’llsendMr.Arnandeztherenow.”
“Thanks,Rachel,Iappreciateyoucomingtoday.”Heturnedasshestaredathisback.Intwoweeks,it

wasthefirsttimehe’dseemedhumantoher,andnice,even.Whichmadehimseriouslydangerous.She
hadajobtodo,andlikingthemarkmadeitevenhardertodothat.

Takingadeepbreath,sheturnedandgaveMr.ArnandezthegoaheadtomeetwithColin,whileshe

wenttothenextpersoninline,ayoungwomancarryingalaptopthatlookedalmosttenyearsold.

“Hi,I’mRachelMeadow,Mr.Evans’assistant,what’syourname?”
“MaggieDorne.”
ThewomanfollowedasRachelledhertoanotherseatingarea.Theybothsat,alittlecrowdedata

deskreallymeantforone.

“I have my files here.” Maggie booted up her laptop, which made a long, high-pitched noise as it

came,slowly,tolife.“It’sprettyold,Idon’thavetheextracashrightnowtogetanewone,notwhilethis
oneisstillbreathing.”

Barely breathing was an exaggeration. On life support was a more accurate assessment. The laptop

wasaten-year-oldDellwitha380processorandonly100gigsofRAM.Itwouldhavetobreathehardto
runabasicsetup.

MaggiepulledupasimplefileonExcelthatwas,tohercredit,wellorganized.Threemonths’worth

ofreceipts,expensesandrevenue,alllistedbydate.

“That’s great.” Rachel pulled a USB key out of her purse. “I’m going to copy this over to my

computer,soIcansortitandyoucantellmeaboutyourbusiness.”Shecopiedthefilesoverquicklyand
transferred them over, all while Maggie told her about her dessert truck business. She specialized in
cupcakes,butcouldmakeanything,andwasstartingtoseeanincreaseinherbusinessthroughcorporate
events.Hertruckwasportableandshecouldbringtraysintoanoffice,orthestaffcouldcomeoutintothe
parkinglotandplacecustomordersrightathertruckandshe’dhavethemreadyinacoupleofminutes.

She’djusthiredastudentparttimetohelpwithserviceandneededtoknowifshecouldaffordtohire

anotheremployeetohelpwithmorningprep.

RacheldidaquickdatasortwhileMaggietalked,impressingRachelnotonlywithherplans,buther

passion.OnepivottablelaterandRachelhadaquickandeasyspreadsheet,organizedinawaysheknew
Colinlikedtosee.

ShesaveditbacktotheUSBandhandeditbacktoMaggiejustasMr.Arnandezstoodup.“Mr.Evans

isreadyforyounow.Givehimthistoopen.”

“Thanks.”Maggiesmiled.“It’scute,doyoureallycallhimMr.Evans?He’sonlyeverbeenColinto

us.Buthe’salifesaver.ThefirsttimeImetwithhim,hehelpedmecutmyinterestratesbytenpercent
justbycallingmybank,andhewastheonewhosuggestedIcoldcalllocalbusinessestellingthemwhatI
bringtothem.That’sbecomethemostprofitablepartofmybusiness.”

“He is pretty smart.” Rachel grinned as Maggie headed toward Colin. It was possible this fake job

wasn’tsoterribleafterall.

Shegotuptomeetwiththenextpersoninline.

ACHEL

REMINDED

himwhenitwastimeforlunch,somethingColintendedtoforgetaboutduringhisoff-

sitedays.Theorderhe’dplacedfortraysofsandwicheshadarrivedanhouragoandhehadn’tnoticed.
ButRachelhadputasideaplateforhim,whiletherestofhisclientsinlinehadeaten.

“Thisisincredible.”Shesatoppositehim,andhandedhimhisplate.Therewereatleasttenpeoplein

lineandanothertenwouldarrivebeforetheendoftheday.

She must have seen him looking at the people waiting. “You need a ten-minute break,” she said.

“Besides,peoplearestilleatingtheirownlunches.”

“Ihaveanothertwentypeopletoseebeforetheendoftheday.”
“Andyouwill,we’llgetthroughalltheappointments.”
“Thefilesyou’vereorganizedarehelpingaton.Itallowsmetoreallyzeroinonthegutsofwhat’s

happeningwiththeirbusinesses,ratherthansortingthroughunnecessarynumbers.”

“It’s been fun, truly.” She did look like she was having fun. A few times he’d noticed her laughing

with the clients, and her eyes were bright and she looked relaxed. “I did have a thought while sorting
throughsomeofthefiles.Icancreateatemplatethatwillpulldataandautomaticallyorganizeitaslong
asit’senteredinastandardorder.”

“Howcomplicatedwoulditbe?”
“EasyenoughforanyonewithabasicknowledgeofExcel.Youhaveeveryone’semailonfile,soI

cansendittothem,anditbasicallygivesthemasimpleversionofaprofitandlossstatement.”

“It’sdefinitelyworthatry.Evenifhalfthepeoplecanuseit,itwillsavetime.”
“I’llcreateitovertheweekendandemailitoutbyMonday.”
Shewasofficiallythebestassistanthe’deverhad.“YourExcelskillsareamazingforsomeonewith

anarthistorydegree.”

Sheshrugged,hercheeksturningasoftpink.“I’mgoodwithcomputers.”Sheseemedtobemorethan

good, she was a wiz. A computer pro in a too-big suit and long, wavy hair that today she wore loose
downherback.Herlarge,browneyeswerefringedwiththick,darklashesandherlipswerebeautifully
shapedandadarkpinkcolor.Andhewasstaringatthemnow,andshouldn’tbe.

“Whydidyoustartthis?”sheasked.
“Itmadesense.MostofwhatIdoismakealreadywealthypeopleevenricher,buteveryonehere—

they’reusingtheirsavings,puttingtheirhousesupforcollateralagainstloans,andriskingeverythingto
buildabusinessbasedinSanFranciscothathireslocalpeople.Thesebusinesseshelpeveryone.”

Shenodded.“That’sagoodreason.”Shegrabbedhispaperplateandstackeditonherown.“Your

nextappointmentiswaiting.I’llsendhimover.”Shegotupfromthetable.

“Thankyouforlunch.”
Shenodded.“Itwasnice.”Therewasasadnesstohereyesthathedidn’tunderstand,butthenhisnext

clientapproachedandhismindmovedelsewhere.

ACHEL

GOT

totheofficeearly,aftergrabbingabagelandcoffeeonthewayin.Itwasjustpastsevenand

she was hoping to have a bit of quiet time to herself before Colin arrived for the day. They were
scheduledtoleavetheofficeateleven,foralunchmeetingtobrieflyreviewsomenumberswithAltech.

Tenminuteslater,rightinthemiddleofabiteofbagel,Colinstrodein,wearingasweat-stainedt-

shirtandapairofbaggysweatpants.

Rachelbarelyhadachancetoswallowherbitebeforehisdoorwasopenandhewasinhisoffice.

Shegotupandwalkedtothedoorway,standingtherewhilehepulledopenhisfiledrawerandpulledout
ashirtandtie,stillinitspackage.

“Goodmorning,”shecroakedout.God,Colininasuitwassomethingtosee,butinat-shirtthatclung

tohismuscularchestandshowcasedhisseriouslymuscledarms,well,hewassexonastick.

“Hey.” He glanced up and smiled, his hair loose and messy, a light stubble covering his cheeks.

“Altech sent a last-minute request this morning to move the meeting to nine, or they’d have to push the
meetingoffbyacoupleofweeks.IgotitduringmyworkoutandtoldthemI’dmakeninea.m.work.”

Hepulledtheshirtoutofthepackage.“Ihaveadrycleaneracoupleofblocksfromhere.Iknowthey

haveatleastonesuitofmine.Wouldyoupickitupandbringitbackhere?”

Somehow Rachel found access to her vocal cords. “Will do.” Colin rustled through his top drawer

and pulled out a dry cleaning receipt. Rachel stepped closer to the desk, trying not to stare at his
incrediblywell-definedbiceps.Justattheneckofhist-shirt,shesawahintofsomethingdarknavy.Was
itatattoo?

Shetookthereceiptandturnedaround,mentallycursingherweakness.LustingafterColinwouldnot

helpherfinishthisjob,andworse,mightmakeherlessalert.

Asshewalkedtothedrycleaner,shecalledthecarandarrangedforittobethereateight.Whenshe

returned,Colin’sdoorwasclosed.Sheknockedandopenedit,andstopped,asherjawdropped.

olyfuck!Hestoodinhisoffice,atowelwrappedaroundhiships,asheunpinnedthedressshirt.She

hadtheawfulsuspicionshelookedlikesomethingoutacartoon—big,roundeyes,mouthopeninanO.
Butsomeoneshouldhavewarnedher.

His skin was smooth, and lightly tanned, and broad shoulders tapered to slim hips that had those

divotsintheside—shedidn’tknowwhattheywerecalled,buttheyweremouth-watering.Hehadaneight
pack, each muscle in his stomach clearly defined. The real kick in the ass was the tattoo of a series of
symbolsjustabovehisrightnipple.Therewasnothingsexierthanatattooonamuscularbody.

Howdidamanwhospenthisdaysinfrontofacomputerlooklikethat?
“I’m sorry about this. I’d never deliberately make you uncomfortable, but I will not miss this

meeting.”Hepulledontheshirtandstartedtobuttonit.

“It’sfine,”shecroaked.
“Even still, I’m going to look ridiculous, as I have to wear the suit with those?” He pointed to the

blacktrainingshoesontheground.

“Didyoushower?”sheasked.Hishairwasdamp,andhehadbeadsofwateronhischest.God,she

hadasuddencompulsiontolickthosebeadsoff,onebyone.Whatwouldhetastelike?

“There’s a shower in the executive washroom one floor up, and luckily, other than you and me, no

one’s here right now, so I could walk the halls wearing just a towel without worrying about a dozen
HumanResourcescomplaints.”

Rachel would bet every last dollar in her savings account that if the women in the firm saw him

walkingaroundlikethat,therewouldn’tbeanycomplaints.Itwouldbefarmorelikelythatthey’dsteal
histowel.

Sheplacedthedrycleaningpackageononeofhisofficechairsandsteppedback.Hepickedupthe

packageandpulledoutthesuit,andthenglancedatherforalongmoment,beforesherealizedheneeded
toputonthepantsandwasn’tplanningtodoitinfrontofher.

“I’llgiveyousomeprivacy.”Shelefttheoffice,closingthedoorbehindherbeforesheslumpedinto

herchair,feelingoverheatedandalmostuncomfortablyturnedon.

“Get it together,” she mumbled, pulling out her purse as her phone rang. The car had arrived. She

stoodandwenttothedoor.

“Thecar’shere,”shecalledthroughthedoor.
Somehowshehadtogethershittogetherenoughtogethimtogiveheraccesstohisfiles,andbeing

tongue-tiedandstupidaroundhimwasnottheway.

OLIN

DID

NOT

TRUST

theweaselsinfrontofhim.Onewastall,broadacrosstheshoulders,withamassive

belly,notquitecontainedbyhisstrainingshirt.Hewasbaldandred-facedandloudandhadn’tstopped
talkingsincethey’darrivedatthefacilitytwentyminutesago.

Theotherwasshorter,withdarkhair,andreekedofstalebooze.Colin’smeetingnotesidentifiedhim

asPaulHarris,VicePresidentofOperations,butsofarhe’dsaidnothing,justnoddingatwhatthelouder
mansaid.Theyweretryingtoraisefundsforacompanythatprovidedfasterserviceforonlinedeliveries,
boastingthatthey’dperfecteddronedeliveriesbeforeAmazon.

Withbothmenwasatall,veryslim,prettywomanwhohadn’tsaidawordbutledtheirwaythrough

theofficebuildinglikeshewasamodelonThePriceisRight, arm waves to indicate which direction
theyshouldwalk,atidylittlecurtseywhenshe’dbroughtthemintotheconferenceroom.

Theconferenceroomwaslargeandhadhugewindowsonthewestwall.Waitinginthemiddleofthe

tablewasalargeplatterfilledwithpastries.

“Want something to eat?” Dave Murdock, the president of the company asked, as the silent woman

gesturedforColinandRacheltositattheendofthetable,closesttothewindow.

Murdockgrabbedapastryandplaceditonhisplate,sittingattheheadofthetable,astheotherman

bustledaround,connectingalaptoptoaprojector.

Thebuildingwasquietatnineinthemorning,theparkinglotmostlyempty.They’dbeentakendirectly

totheconferenceroom,withoutgettingachancetopassanyofthemainworkstations,soColinhadn’thad
a chance to see much of the office. During a site visit, he always made a point of walking through the
generalofficetoseewhetherseatswerefilledandifthosepeoplelookedhappy.Ittoldhimalotmore
thanaspeechbyapresident.

“I apologize for the last-minute meeting change, but I have to take a last-minute trip to Taiwan to

approvethefinalprototypeofthedrone.”

“Itsfine, I wasable to rearrangemy schedule.” Colin pulledout his computerfrom his laptop case

andbooteditup,asRachelsatquietlybesidehim.

“Wehavethenumbers,youdon’tneedthat,”Murdocksaid.
“I always like to cross reference against my own numbers,” Colin replied, pulling up his own

financialplans.“Please,start.”

The shorter man pulled up a series of spreadsheets on the screen that overestimated their potential

revenuestreambyatleasttwentypercent,andunderestimatedtheiroperatingcostsbyfifteenpercent.

Once they were done, both men sat, Murdock visibly sweating. “You can see, with the right

investment, how this could allow us to really develop the technology and grow our company, creating
thousandsofjobsrighthere.”

“Yournumbersareoverestimated,andIhaveyettoseeanyofthetechyou’rebuildingtheseestimates

on.Haveyouarrangedforademonstrationfortoday?”

“We’restillfinalizingafewthingsthere.Icanhaveademonstrationforyouintwoweeks,”Murdock

answered.“Makeanote,”hesaidtothesilentwoman,whosattothesideoftheroom,herlegscrossedat
theankle.“Bookameetingtwoweeksfromnow.”

“I’llneedtobereallyimpressedbythetech,becauserightnow,Idon’tbelieveyournumbers.”
“Idon’tunderstandhowthatcanbe.”Murdock’sfacehadgottenevenredderandhewassittingupin

hischair.“Whydon’tyousendusyournumbersandI’llseewherewehavedifferentconclusionsandI’ll
makesurewefindacommonground.”

“Thereisnocommonground.It’sblackandwhite.ThecorenumbersgointoanequationandIgeta

blackandwhiteanswer.”

“Whydon’tyousendusyournumbersandwecanassessthem?”Rachelasked.
Colin looked at her, as up till that point, she’d been silent. She had a smile on her face, but it did

nothingtowarmherexpression.

“We’vealreadysentyouournumbers,whichiswhyI’maskingforyours.Idon’tknowhowwegot

different results on our analysis. I don’t even know why you would bother taking the time to run your
analysis,consideringwe’dalreadydoneitforyou.”HewaslookingatRachellikeshewasachildwho’d
spokenoutofturninclass.

“Ialwaysrunmyownnumbers.”Colinstood;nothingelsewascomingfromthismeeting.Hedidn’t

like the way the numbers had run, and he didn’t like the men in front of him, but this was just the
beginning.Hewasalwaysthoroughbeforerejectingfundingforacompany,especiallythisone,asithad
comeasarequestfromthechiefpartnerofhisfirm.“Whydon’twecomebackwhenthedroneisready?
Andifyousendmeyouranalysis,I’llfindouthowournumbersarecomingoutsodifferently.”

Murdochstood.“I’veheardhowbusyyouare.Youcantrustustodotheworkforyou.”
“No, thank you. Send me what you have.” Colin stepped back from the desk, as Rachel stood. The

silentwomanjumpedtoherfeet.

“Sherrycanshowyouout,”Murdocksaid.
Colin did the standard shaking of hands. Murdock’s was damp, while the other man’s was dry, the

smellofstalealcoholevenstrongernow.

HefollowedSherryout,andwhensheturnedrighttotakethemoutthesameway,Colinturnedleft.
“Excuseme,thisistheproperway.”Sherrypointedright.
“Iwashopingforaquicktourthismorning,”Colinsaid.
“That’snotpossible.”Sherrypaled,hereyesveryroundasshelookedaround,asifhopingforhelp.
“Wejustwanttowalkthemainfloor.”RachelapproachedSherryandcastaglanceatColin,basically

sayingshe’dhandleSherryifheleft.

Hestrodeleft,walkingtowardthecenterofthebuilding.Therewerelotsofgraycubicles,whichhad

probablycomewiththeleasedbuilding,butveryfewpeoplesittingatthosecubicles.Theylistedtheir
employeesatonehundredandfifty,butonthemainfloorhecountednomorethantwenty.

“Excuseme,”Murdock’sboomingvoicecalledoutfrombehindColin.
Rather than have to deal with the annoying guy again, Colin took another turn and found the nearest

hall that led toward the exit. Within seconds he was outside, where Rachel waited in the parking lot,
standingbytheEscaladethatwasgoingtotakethembackintothecity.

“Thatguy’sanasshole.”Sheopenedthecardoorasheapproachedandclimbedinside.Heshouldnot

havestaredatherass,buthedid,weak,weakmanthathewas.

Hegotinandclosedthedoor.“AsIsuspected,they’veoverestimatednotjusttheirfinancialnumbers,

butnumberofemployees.Itmakesmesuspecteventhesourceinformationthey’vegivenus.”

“Whichmakeshimevenmoreofanasshole.”Shegrinned,andforamomenthewasawestruck.She

had the most gorgeous smile that lit her eyes and made her seem slightly naughty, and that thought went
directlytohisgroin.

Sheleanedbackinthecarandsighed.“Aretheyalwaysthatpompous?”
Helaughed.“No,somearehumbleandniceandhaveanamazingideathatwillbuildacompanyand

givepeoplejobs.Thosearethegoodmeetings.Today’sdidnotfallintothatcategory.”

“Ithinkheexpectedmetobesilent,justlikehisfemaleassistant.HewasannoyedwhenIdaredto

speak,likearealadult.”

“Hedid,you’reright.”
“Andtheothertwolookedathimwhilehespokeasthoughhetellingthemostfascinatingstoryinthe

world,didyounotice?”Sheplacedherhandontheseat,thesideofherpalmgrazinghisthigh,andfora
moment,allhecouldthinkofwaswhatwouldhappenifhetookthathandandplaceditonhisgroin.

“Ididn’tnotice.”
“He’sallegoandnosubstance.Mytakeonhimisevenifhewerewronghewouldneveradmitit,and

hesurroundshimselfwithpeoplewhoonlyagreewithhim.”

Heturnedhisheadtowardher.“That’sanexcellentinsight.”He’djustthoughtMurdockannoying,but

she’dsummedhimupinawayhehadn’tconsidered.

“Youdon’thavetosoundsosurprised,”shelaughed.Herlipsweresoftandredandhestaredatthem.

“Iknowstuff.”

“Ineversaidyoudidn’t.”
Shestoppedlaughingandtheairinthecargotthick.
Morethananythingatthatmoment,hewantedtotasteher.Herbodywasangledtowardhim,soallhe

hadtodowasturntoherandshiftaninchandhewascloseenough.Hereyesdarkenedandsheglancedat
hislips.

Heleanedcloserandsodidshe,andheverylightlypressedhislipstohers.Theironlyconnection

wasthroughtheirlips,andwhenheopenedhismouth,sodidshe.Hedeepenedthekissasherhandgot
evenclosertohisthigh,andsheturnedmorefullytowardhim.

Heplacedhispalmagainstherjaw.God,herskinfeltsinfullysoftandwhenhistonguetouchedhers,

she moaned softly. That was it, like a match thrown into newspaper, everything but the feel of her fled
fromhismindandhepulledhercloser,untilshewassittinginhislap,herbreastsagainsthischestand
herassfirmlyplantedonhiscock.

Herresponsedrovehimwild,kissinghimwithanintensitythatmatchedhis.Itwasferalandrawand

sofuckingarousinghewasinstantlyhard.

Hegraspedherhipsandgroundhiscockagainsther,tryingtogetcloser,damningtheclothesbetween

them. Running his hands up her sides, he grazed the sides of her breasts with his thumbs. She shivered
underhistouch,drivinghimcrazy.

It was the chuckle from the driver that got through his sex haze. He broke contact and caught the

driver’sgazeinthemirror.TheguywasgrinningandevenfuckingwinkedwhenhenoticedColinlooking
back.

Bynow,Rachelhadpulledbackenoughtoknowhe’dstoppedkissingher.Notthatithadanyimpact

onhiscock,whichwasstillrockhardanddesperatetobeinsideher—butnotnow,notinfrontoftheguy
drivingthecar.

Shit! Not ever, because she still worked for him, and he was not a pathetic dick like his father.

Althoughrightatthatmomenthisveryerectpeniswishedhewas.

“I’msorry,”washisweak-assresponse.
“I’msorry?”She,muchtohiscock’sdisappointment,gotoffhislapandmovedasfartotheotherside

of the seat as humanly possible. “Sorry, is that what you are?” She pointedly stared at his erection.
“That’sprettymuchtheworstthingyoucouldsayrightnow.”

Theonlyotherthingthathecouldthinktosaywasit’snotyou,it’sme,buthesuspectedthatwouldn’t

makethingsanybetter.

“I’mtakingadvantageofyou.”
Shesnorted.“Noonetakesadvantageofme.IfIdidn’twantthattohappen,Iwouldhavekneedyouin

theballs.”

ACHEL

WAS

MAD

,hervisionwastingedwithred.Thathadbeenthehottestkissofherlifeandhewas

fuckingsorry.Noonehadeverapologizedforkissingherbefore,andafterthat,heshouldbebeggingfor
more.Shewasturnedonandpissedoffandnotthinkingwithherhead.

Asshecooleddown,sittingsofarfromhimontheseatherrightsidewaspressedagainstthedoor,

somethingclosetosanitycamebacktoher.

She’dwatchedcarefullyashe’denteredhispassword,tryingtofigurewhichkeyshepressed,andshe

had a general idea of which ones—taking the time, while he was talking to the asshole CEO, to write
downcombinationsoflettersinhernotepad.Nowsheneededtotestthatoutonhiscomputer,andinstead
shewasmakingoutwiththeguy.

Stupid,God,shewassostupid.Butthensheglancedoverathim,andevenleaningbackintheseat,

his profile to her, he was stupidly hot. Some of it was the jawline, sharply defined, and his high
cheekbones,andthefactthatshe’dseentheridiculouslyhotbodyunderthatsuitthismorning.Andsome
ofit,shealmosthatedtoadmit,washowsmarthewas.She’ddatedmenthatwerearrogantassholes,but
whenitcamedowntoit,theyhadnorealreasontobearrogant.

Colindid.Hewasusuallythesmartestpersonintheroom,andwhilehecouldbeanassholeabout

that,atleasthehadareason.

“Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?” he asked. “You put long hours into getting ready for

today’smeeting.”

“So did you.” What she needed was for him to leave her at the office for the day, alone with his

computer.

“I’llhaveashortday,homebyfive.”Heglancedatthedriver.“Icanhaveyoudroppedoffanywhere

youneed,butIthinkahalfdayoffwillbebestforbothofus.”Thecarpulledupinfrontoftheiroffice
buildingandhegotouthisside.Ashewalkedaway,shewatched,wonderinghow,evenwiththeblack
trainingshoes,hestillmanagedtolookamazing.

“Whereto?”Thedriverlookedback,theexpressioninhiseyesinsulting.“I’llspendtherestofthe

daywithyou,ifhewon’t.”

“It’sagreatoffer,don’tgetmewrong,butIthinkI’llpass.”Shemadesurehervoicedrippedwith

sarcasmassherespondedbeforegivinghimheraddress.

Anotherdayandsolittleprogress—andontopofit,shewasstartingtoseriouslylustafterherboss.

Tomorrow,evenifshehadtoinventsomething,she’dgethimoutofhisofficeandgetthisjobfinished.

fter a shitty night’s sleep, Rachel arrived at the office at eight, carrying two coffees and wearing a

wrapdressthatdidn’tbelongtofrumpyassistantRachel,liketheboxysuitsandboringpumpsshe’dbeen
wearing,butactuallyfitherandendedaboveherknee.

Hewasinhisoffice,workingathiscomputerwhenshedumpedherpurseonherdesk.Todaywasthe

day,andnotimelikethepresent.Shewenttothedoorwayofhisoffice.

“Wouldyoulikeacoffee?”sheasked,tryingdesperatelynottorememberthefeelofhisbodyagainst

hers.Shewasaprofessionalandwoulddamnwellactlikeit.

Heglancedup,apolitesmileonhisface,butwhenhesawher,histhroatvisiblymovedandthesmile

falteredjustalittle.“Goodmorning.Youlook,um,nice.”

“Wouldyoulikesome?”
“Some?”
“Coffee?”
Henodded,clearlydistracted,whichgaveherseriouspleasure,becauseshe’ddonethattohim.“Yes,

soundsgood.”

“Right back.” She went to her desk and picked up the coffee she’d bought him on the way into the

office,alongwithaprintoutofthenumbersshe’drunfortheAltechmeeting.

“Thatwasquick,”hesaidasshewalkedthroughhisdoorsecondslater.“Iwantedtotalkaboutwhat

happenedyesterday.”

“Noneed.”Rachelcuthimoff.“Waterunderthebridgeandallthat.”Shestruggledtosmilelikeshe

meantitassheheldupthestackofpapersandapproachedhisdesk.Ratherthanstoppinginfrontofhis
desk,shewalkedtohisside,placingthestackonhisdesk,besidehiscomputer.Thenassheheldouther
handtohandhimhiscoffee,shedeliberatelystumbled,andthecoffeedumpedintohislap,coveringhim
incoffee,whichshe’daddedalotofmilkto,soshewouldn’tburnhimtoobadly.

Hejumpedfromhisdesk,asshemadeashowofgasping.
“I’msosorry.”Shekneltandgrabbedthecoffeecup,whichwasnowempty,asthesmellofcoffee

filledtheair.

“Shit,”Hebrushedhispantsascoffeesoakedthroughthematerial.“Shit,shit,shit,shit.”Heglanced

at her. She expected him to be angry, but instead, he shook his head and smiled ruefully. “I should be
gratefulI’mnotburnt.”

Hidingasmile,Rachelrantoherdeskandgrabbednapkinsshekeptinherdrawerandranbackto

him.“I’mso,sosorry.”Shedabbedathispantswiththenapkins,untilheplacedhispalmoverherright
hand.Hisskinfeltwarm,andsheglancedathisface.

“It’sokay,accidentshappen.”Hesteppedbackfromher,soshedumpedthewetnapkinsinthetrash.

“I can cover here, if you need to go home and get changed,” she said, trying to look as innocent as

possible.

“Ihaveameetingatnine,soIcan’tgetthereandbackintime.”
“Youcan’tgotoyourmeetinglikethat.”
Heshrugged.“It’sinternal,soonceIexplainwhathappened,they’llhavetodealwithit.Canyougo

tomyhomeandgetmeafreshpairofpants?”

“Sure.It’smyfaultthishappened,afterall.”Shetriednottoletherdisappointmentshow.Herleaving

theofficewasnottheplan.

“It’snotfar,andI’llreimburseyouforthecabcost.”Hepulledasetofkeysoutofhisjacketpocket.

“Take these—the larger one is for my apartment door, and if you tell security that I’ve given you
permission,they’llletyouin.It’sonthetwenty-secondfloor,apartmentfour.”Hegrinned,andherheart
skipped a beat, seriously a beat like she was twelve years old and experiencing her first crush. He
seemedtohavenoideahowhothewas,whichjustmadeitworse.“Don’tjudgemeonthemessinmy
kitchen.Ihaveacleaningladywhocomesineverycoupleofdays,andIhaveabadhabitofleavingmy
dishesinthesinkatnight.”

“Iwon’tjudgeyou,promise.”Butshewouldsnoop.Maybetherewasasilverliningtohermorning.

She hadn’t considered he might have something interesting in his apartment, but at least now she could
ruleitoutasapossibility.

“Backinabit.”Shestrodefromtheoffice,grabbingherpurseonthewayoutassheignoredthelooks

fromtheassistantsjustarrivingfortheday.

APARTMENT

WAS

a condo in a tall glass tower overlooking the harbor. She walked through a marble

lobbyandwentuptothepenthouse,whichhadjustfourapartmentsonthefloor.Hiswasattheendofthe
hall,withamassivewoodendoorthatopenedontoaproperfoyer,withacoatclosetandmarblefloors
thatgleamed.Thehallledintoaroomthatbrieflyleftherspeechless.

His living room was filled with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows that covered two whole

walls.Itwasamazing.Shestoodthereforamomentandjustletthewarmthhitherskinandwondered
howheeverleftthisplacetogointotheoffice.

Thefloorswerealight,gray-tingedoak,andhehadaplushcharcoalsectionalthatshecouldn’tresist

sittingon.Itwasgloriouslycomfortable.Reluctantlyshegotupandwalkedthroughthediningroomwith
theglass-toppedtablethat,evenintheintensesunlight,gleamed,notastreakonit.Sheguessedhedidn’t
sitdowntoeatonitveryoften.Hiskitchenopenedontobothrooms.Ithadamarblecounterandsleek
appliances that made her old stove look like an antique, and it looked like it had come from a design
magazine.

Itseemedasthoughithadbeenchosenforhimandnotbyhim,notthatsheknewwhatkindofkitchen

hewouldchoose.Notthatsheimaginedhecooked,ever.

By the sectional there were sliding doors leading to the balcony, which had wicker furniture and a

barbecueandajaw-droppingviewoftheharbor.Shecouldn’tevenbegintoimaginewhattheapartment
musthavecost.

Another hall led from the living room to a large room that she initially thought must be the master,

becauseithadanensuite,buttherewerenoclothesinthecloset.Thenextroomwassmaller,withjusta
deskandchair.Butithadacomputer.AnotherMac,abig,shinydesktopwithagiantmonitor.

Jackpot!Shebootedupthecomputerandwenttothelastroom,whichwasahugebedroom,witha

king bed and gray sheets that were rumpled on one side. This room had huge windows as well, also
overlookingtheharbor,andadoorleadingtothebalcony.Itwassparse.Nowthatshethoughtaboutit,the

entire apartment was sparse. She hadn’t seen a single knickknack or family picture so far. The artwork
wasimpersonal,chosenbythesamedesignerthathadputtogetherhiskitchen—tasteful,butdisconnected
fromthemanshesortofknew.Itwasstunning,butstruckheraslonely,missingthecozyelementthather
apartmenthadinspades.

Hehadarowofclosetsoneithersideofahallleadingtoanensuitethatwaslargerthanherentire

apartment.Theshowerwasmassive,withfancyfaucetscomingoutofthewallandceiling,andoneside
wasawindow,justglass.Notfortheshy,butitlookedamazing.Therewasastandalonetubthathada
silverbasethatlookedlikeithadneverbeenused.

She’dfiguredhewaswelloffjudgingbythefancyofficeatwork,butthiswaswealthyinawayshe’d

neverevendreamedof.

Ifshehadmoretime,she’dhavebeentemptedtotakeabathinthatspectaculartub,butatsomepoint

Colinexpectedherbackattheoffice.Shereturnedtotheapartment’ssmallofficeandsatatthedesk.Of
coursehiscomputerwaspasswordprotected,soallshecouldhopewasheusedthesamepasswordfor
bothhisworklaptopandhishomecomputer.

Sheopenedthelittlenotebookshekeptinherbagandtriedthedifferentcombinationsshe’dwritten

down,gettingnowherewiththefirsteight.Thensheclosedhereyesandpicturedhimyesterday,theway
hisfingershadtouchedthekeys,andtriedagain—anditwasaccepted.

“Holyshit!”Rachelmurmured.Ithadworked,muchtoheramazement.ShehittheHomescreenand

looked up all his files. It seemed he had an offsite network where he saved everything, and in typical
Colinfashion, it wasall meticulously organized,starting with year andthen file foldersfor each of the
companiesheworkedon.

ShepulledaUSBkeyoutofasmallpocketinherpurseandconnectedittohiscomputer.Whenshe

pulledupthefiles,shegrimaced.

AllthefileswereconnectedwiththeAltechsourcedata.Ifshereplacedthenumbersandhereranhis

formulas, he’d definitely get different results—and knowing Colin, he’d definitely rerun his numbers
beforethenextmeeting.

Shit—thiscrappyjobhadbeensetupbythatassholeMurdock,theonewho’dspokentoherlikeshe

wasachild.NotthatMurdockwouldhaveknownthatshewastheoneactuallycompletinghisdirtyjob.
Thelikelihoodthathe’dcontactedherfatherdirectlywasslim—he’dprobablyhadoneofhiscroniesdo
itforhim.Assoonassheuploadedhervirus,she’dhaveaccesstoallhisfiles,atleastuntilhisnetwork
madeapasswordchange—whichcouldbeweeks,orevenmonthsaway.NowAltechwouldhaveaccess
toallhisfiles.Becauseofher.

Itmadewhatthey’dseenyesterdayevenworse.IfColininvestedinMurdock’scompany,therewas

nowayhe’dseeanyreturnonit.

Andshewashelpingatrulyawfulshitheadofaman.God,shehatedthisjob.
Thesoundofthedooropeningmadeherjumpthreefeetintotheair.
Withasilentyelp,sheshutthefilesandpulledtheUSBkeyout,quicklyshuttingdownthecomputer.
“Pleasebethecleaninglady,”shesilentlymuttered,overandover.
“Rachel,areyouhere?”Colin’svoicecarriedthroughtheapartment.“Mymeetinggotcancelled,soI

camehometochange.”

Hidingintheoffice,sheheardfootstepsapproaching.
Crap,whatshouldshedo?Sheshouldtellhimshewashere.Sittinginhisoffice,whenallsheshould

havedonewasgrabanewpairofpantsandleaveimmediately.Shewinced—thatwasnotagreatidea.

Soshehidbehindthedooruntilhewalkedby,holdingherbreathandprayinghewouldn’tcomein

there.

Itsoundedlikehewentintohisbedroom,soshegrabbedherpurseandheadedforthedoor,except

hershoesonthewoodenfloormadeatappingnoise.Soshetookthemoffand,carryinghershoesandher

purseandlookinglikeacrazywoman,shecrepttowardthefrontdoor.

She was in the hall, almost at the living room, when she heard the sound of the shower running.

Stoppinginhertracks,Rachelbreathedindeeply.Hewasintheshower.

Desire hit her in the gut and all she could think of was to walk into that bathroom and join him in

there.

Shewaslosinghermind.
Dropping her shoes and bag by the front door, she crept back down the hall toward his bedroom.

Insidethebathroom,theshowerstillran.Evenknowingshewasbeingextremelycreepy,shestilltiptoed
downthehallleadingtohisensuiteandstoodjustbehindthedoor.Fromthisangle,shecouldseejusthis
sidereflectedinthemirrorabovethevanity.Enoughtoseepartofatightassandhislong,muscledlegs,
butnotenough.

Jesus,shewasapeepingTomnow.
Even that idea didn’t stop her from shifting closer to the doorway, until she could finally see all of

him.Hisbackwastoher,andherestedhisheadonthetiledwallaswatersprayeddownhisbackand
acrossthemostspectacularbehindshe’deverseen.Tohisside,theglasswalloverlookedSanFrancisco
Bay,buthiseyesseemedtobeclosed.

Herthroatgotdryasheshiftedunderthewater,hiseyesstillclosed.He’dturnedtohissidenow,and

hehadanimpressiveerection.Sheheldherbreathashisrighthandmoveddownhisstomachandgripped
his cock, pumping a few times, as his head fell back and his mouth opened. Every muscle in her body
clenchedandherpantiesweredampashecontinuedtotouchhimself,andmorethananythingshewanted
tostripnakedandreplacehishandwithhermouth.

Hewasbeautifulanderoticandshewantedhimmorethanshe’dwantedanyoneinherentirelife.The

urge to touch herself was so strong, it was embarrassing. She was taking peeping Tom to whole new
levelshere.

She let out a ragged breath and decided that she had to leave. At that moment, he turned his head

towardherandforoneterrifyingmoment,helookeddirectlyather.Ittookasecondforittoregister,but
thenrecognitionhitandheknewshe’dbeenwatchinghim.

Theadultthingwouldbetoapologizeandexplainherverysketchybehavior.
SoRachelran.
Sheracedoutthedoor,barelystoppingtopickuphershoesandpurseonthewayout,andthenhitthe

elevator button, and waited for an agonizing twenty seconds before the elevator dinged its arrival. She
racedin,justassheheardhimcallhernamefromhisfrontdoor.

FranticallyRachelpushedtheclosedoorsbuttonandjustasthedoorsshut,heappearedinfrontofthe

elevator,wearingonlyatowel.Itwasthesecondtimeintwodaysthatshe’dseenhiminjustatowel,she
thoughthystericallyonthelongwaydowntothemainfloor.

Onherwayoutofthebuilding,Rachelglancedback,wonderingifevennowhewascomingdownto

—what,yellather,arresther?She’dwatchedhimnaked,andinthesamesituation,she’dfeelviolated
andhorrified.

Whatwouldshedonow?Howonearthwasshegoingtofacehimandwhen?Shouldshegobackto

theoffice?Orgohomeandassumeshewasfired?

Eitherway,shewassoscrewed.

thadbeenalong,strangeday.Colinsatinhisofficeandforthethousandthtimeinthelasthourthought

aboutRachel.

Hehadnowayofgettingintouchwithher.Herresume,withherhomenumber,wasinafileinthe

Human Resources manager’s desk, and there was no way in hell he was asking HR for it. Just the
explanationofwhyheneededitmadehimsweat.

She’d run from his apartment, leaving him desperately turned on and confused. He was sure her

presencetherewasjustbadtiming,andheneededtocleartheairsotheycouldbothgetbacktowork.He
couldpretendseeingherwatchinghimmasturbatewasn’toneofthehottestmomentsofhislife.Hemight
evenbeabletoconvincehimselfthathedidn’twanttofuckher.

Therewerefootstepsinthehall.Hesatupstraighter,hopingitwasheratsixonaFriday,whenmost

ofthefirmhadgonehomefortheweekend.

Whenthestepsstoppedatherdesk,heknewitwasher.Hemanagednottojumpupfromhischairand

runtoher,andinsteadstaredathiscomputerscreenasthoughhehadanyinterestinthenumbersonit.

“Hi.”
Heglanceduptoseeherstandinginthedoorway,hercheeksflushed,wearingthesamedressfrom

earlierintheday,theonethathighlightedhercurvesandshowedheramazinglegs.Christ,hewasstarting
tobeasbadashisfather,wantingtofuckhisassistant.

Hehadtore-establishaproperworkingrelationship,now,orthingswouldgettooawkwardbetween

them.“Youmadeitback.”

“I’msorryaboutearlier.MycabdrivergotlostandIgottoyourapartmentlateandIdidn’tmeanto

invadeyourprivacy,andI’mmortifiedthatithappened.”Shespokequicklyandherentirefaceturnedfire
enginered.

“My meeting got cancelled and I assumed you’d come and gone, or I’d never have gotten in the

shower.”

“Right.”
“Let’sforgetiteverhappened.”
Shenodded.“Icandothat.”
“ThenIneedtoestablishthatyoushouldhavecomebacktoworkimmediately.Whowasgoingtodo

theworkthatpiledupwhileyouweregone?”

“Em,Iwell…”
Itwasthefirsttimehe’deverseenheratalossforwords.“Ineedyournumber.”
“What?”
“MissMeadows,whenyoudisappearedtoday,afterItrustedyouwiththekeystomyhome,Ihadno

wayofcontactingyou.Ineedanumber,cellorhome,thatIcanreachyouat.”

“Oh,okay.”Shelistedhernumberandhetypeditintohercontactpage.
“Iassumeyou’reheretowork.”
Her expression had changed from embarrassed to stony. “Of course. I mean it’s Friday night, why

wouldn’tIbeheretowork?Doyouneeddinnerfetched?Yourofficedusted?Icouldprepareanevening
cocktail.”

Choosingtoignorehersarcasm,heshookhishead.“I’vesentyouaboutsixfiles,withinstructionson

whatyouneedtodowiththem.Also,Ineedyoutobringmewhateverfilesyou’vegotonAltech,asI
wanttorevieweverythingagainthisweekend.”

“Ofcourse,there’sworktodo.”Sheturnedonherheelandleft.
Hewasleftstaringathiscomputer.Shit,he’dplannedtogohomeinabouthalfanhourandnowhe

hadtostickaroundandplaythisout.Onthebrightside,shewaspissedoffathim,whichwasbetterfor
hisself-control.She’dkeepherdistancethiswayandthatwasbetterforbothofthem.

HOURS

LATER

, Rachel still simmered with anger, as she ran seemingly endless numbers through

differentanalyses—endless,endlessanalyses.Ifsheneversawanotherspreadsheetinherlife,itwould
betoosoon.

The asshole was still working in his large office as she sat outside, basically in a hallway, slaving

awayatalmostnineonaFridaynight.Themanwho’dkissedheryesterday,who’dlaughedwithherafter
that terrible meeting, he was gone, replaced by the shithead who’d interviewed her for the job.
Apparentlyherseeinghimnakedhadchangedhim.

God,she’dcomesoclosetoendingthistoday.Allshe’dhadtodowasreplacethefilesandshecould

havewalkedinhereandquit,maybeevendroppedanothercoffeeinhislapwhileshedidit.

Thatwouldhavebeensatisfying.
She’devenbeenstupidenoughtoleavethekeyswhenshe’drunfromhisplace,soshecouldn’tget

themcopiedandgotohisplacewhileheworkedandfinishwhatshe’dstartedtoday.

Neverhadshebeensooffhergame.Seeinghimnakedhadbrokenherbrain.
Sheglancedupwhenhecameoutofhisoffice.“I’mgoingtograbsomethingtoeat,”hesaid,before

stridingoff,withoutaskingherifshewantedanything.Whatadick!

But he’d left his door open. So she got up and checked down the hall. The elevator dinged as it

openedattheirfloorandthentherewassilenceasherodedownstairs.Shedidanotherquickcheckup
and down the hall, but of course no one else was around, because it was FRIDAY night and they were
normalpeople,withnormallives.

She ran to his desk, sitting in what was an exceptionally comfortable chair. It had a mesh back that

moldedtoherbodyandhadprobablycostafortune.Shesureashelldidn’thaveanythingthisniceather
desk.

His laptop was still sitting on his desk, and she entered the password that had worked in his home

computerearlier.ShepulleduphisfilesandfoundtheAltechones,andthenthefolderwiththesource
data.ThensheplacedtheUSBintohiscomputerandpulledupherfiles.She’dlookedatthesenumbers
enoughoverthepasttwoweeksthatshecouldeasilyseethedifferenceinthenumbers.Thenewnumbers
werebigger,nothugely,buteachonewaslargersoshecouldseehowitwouldskewtheresults.He’d
seenthetotals,buthadn’tlookedatthesourcedataasmuchasshehad,soheprobablywouldn’tknow
whathadbeendone.Butwhenhereranhisformulas,he’dgetnumbersmuchclosertowhatAltechhad
shownandhe’dprobablyassumeshe’dscrewedupsomewhere,becausehisroyalhighnesswouldnever
makeamistake.

He’s an asshole, she thought, as an unfamiliar prick of conscience delayed her from deleting the

originalnumbers.

IfMurdockwaswillingtopayherdadovertwohundredgrand,thenwhatdidhestandtogainfrom

this?Noonedeserveditless,atleastfromwhatshe’dseenofhim.

Thesoundofanelevatordingbrokethroughthesilence.Shit!Rachelshutdownthefile.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Colinstoodinthedoorway.
Rachel swallowed, moving back from his computer, which still had her USB drive connected to an

outletintheside.

Hestrodeintohisofficeasshegotupfromhischairandstoodback,towardthewall,herattention

half focused on him and half focused on the USB drive. If he took a look at those files, he’d know
somethingwaswrongandsheguessedhe’dfireheronthespot.

“Youneedtoanswerthequestion.”Helookedpissed,andmuchtoherself-loathing,reallyhot.
He’dtakenoffhistieandunbuttonedthetoptwobuttonsofhisshirt,justenoughsoshecouldseethe

smoothskinofhischest.

“IsentyouafilethatI’dmakeamistakein,andwashopingtodeleteitfromyourcomputerbefore

yourealizedI’dscrewedup.”Asexplanationswent,itwasn’tstrong,butitwasallshecouldcomeup
with.

“Howdidyouevengetintomycomputer?IlogoffeverytimeIleavemydesk.”
“Idon’tknow,itwasopenwhenIsatdownhere.”Shetriedtolookasinnocentaspossible.“Ididn’t

knowyouloggedoff.”

He stepped toward her, closer to his desk. It was a miracle he hadn’t already seen the USB, and

somehowshehadtodistracthimandremoveit.

It was either hit him or kiss him, and both were equally appealing. She stepped toward him as he

frowned,clearlyconfusedbywhatshewasdoing,buthisentireattentionwasfocusedonherandnothis
computer.

Shestoppedlessthantwoinchesfromhim,enoughthathehadaviewofhercleavageandthescentof

him,somethingwoodsyandclean,envelopedher.

“Whatareyoudoing?”hewhispered.
“WhatIwantforachange.”Sheplacedthepalmofherhandonhischest,rightathispec,feelingthe

heat of him through his thin shirt. His heartbeat increased as she held her hand there and that told her,
despitethefrown,hewantedthis.

Stepping against him, until her body was pressed against him, she felt him grow hard against her

thighs.Thatgaveheralittlethrill.Hemighthavebeenanautocraticassholetonight,butshecouldcontrol
himaswell,atleastlikethis.Havinghimhangonhereverybreathturnedheronsomuch.

Raisingher head towatch his face,she moved her handslowly down hischest, across his stomach

andtothewaistbandofhispants.Hisbreathhitchedasherhandslippedunderneath,justenoughtofeel
theskinofhisstomach,rightwherehisshirtended.

“I’mnotsurethis….”
She brushed the tip of a finger across the head of his very erect penis, and he stopped talking. He

mightnotbesure,buthiscockwas.

“I’m sure,” she whispered, keeping one hand at his waistband, while her left hand moved to the

buttonsonhisshirt,undoingthemslowlyuntilitwascompletelyopen.Shetrailedfingertipsacrosshis
stomach,feelinghismusclestwitchunderhertouchassheexaminedhistattoo.Itwasaseriesofsymbols
abovehisrightnipple,drawninblackandthenoutlinedinred.

Touchingthetipofhertonguetooneofthesymbols,shetastedhischestashesuckedinabreath.
“Whatdoesthismean?”
“It’saHindusymbolforspeakthetruth.”Hesoundedbreathless.“IthoughtifIinkeditonmychestit

wouldstandforsomething.”

“Hmmm.”Shelickedanothersymbolwhilesheunbuttonedhispantsandtheydroppedtotheground.

Nounderwearforhim.Shewouldhaveguessedhimaboxershortskindofguy.

“Rachel.”Heplacedhispalmunderherchinandraisedherfaceuntilshewaslookingdirectlyinto

hiseyes.“Thisisnottheplace.”

“Your cock’s telling me otherwise.” She gripped the head and slowly pulled her grip down to the

base,whilehiseyesdarkenedandhisbreathcameinpants.“Don’tyoueverjustdowhatyouwantand
fucktheconsequences?”

Beforehecouldanswer,shepushedhimtowardhischair,whichfacedtothesideoftheroom,sohe’d

havetolooktohislefttoseehiscomputer.Andrightnowhisattentionwasentirelyfixatedonher.

Hesatinhischair,stillwatchingher.Sheplacedherhandsonhiskneesandleanedin.Heopenedhis

mouthtokissher,butinsteadsheranhertonguedowntheinsideofhisthroat,beforegettingtoherknees
infrontofhim.Shepushedasidehiskneestomakeroomforherchest.

Themusclesofhisthighscontractedwhensheleanedforwardandglancedup,herheadlevelwithhis

cock.Hewasgorgeous,sitting,hisshirtopentorevealhismuscledchest,hiscockstandingstraight,and
hishandsgrippingthearmrestsofhischair.

Sheglancedupandsmiledathim,lovinghowmuchcontrolshehadoverhimatthatmoment.Itmade

herwet,andmorethananythingshewantedtoclimbontopofhimandfuckhiminhisofficechair,but
thenshe’dlosehercontrol.

Insteadshelickedthehead,aroundandthenthetop.Hetastedsaltyandwarm,andshemoanedand

diditagainashegrabbedthebackofherhead.

Shemovedback,andshookherhead.“NotouchingorIstop.”
Heremovedhishandsandshemovedback,thistimetakinghimcompletelyinhermouthashegasped

loudly.

Shegrippedthebaseofhiscockasshemovedherheadupanddown,overandover.Thetasteofhim

andthefeelofhimmadeherwanttotouchherself,butshechosenotto.Ifhewatchedhercome,itwould
givehimsomecontroloverthis.Hisbreathcameinshortgaspsasshegrippedhimtighter,movingfaster
upanddown,usingtheedgeofherteethinawaythatmadehimgripthearmrestsofthechairtighter.

Shegrinnedandglancedup.Hewatchedher,hiseyesdark,hisjawclenched.Keepingeyecontact,

sheranthetipofhertongueacrosstheheadofhiscock.

Thenshestoppedandheheldhisbreathforalmostaminute,asshestayedperfectlystill,hiscockstill

hard.

“Rach—”
“You don’t get to say anything.” She blew on the tip of his cock. “One more word and I stop

immediately.”

Henoddedandshetookhimbackinhermouth.
Afewminuteslater,hisbodystiffenedandhecameinhermouth,groaningloudly.Sheswallowedhis

comeandgrinned,rememberingquicklywhythehellhe’dcaughthertobeginwith.

As he recovered, she used his desk to rise, blocking his computer with her body as she reached

behindherandgrabbedtheUSBdiskoutofit.Holdingitinherfist,shestrodetothedoor,stoppingthere.

“Isentyouthefilesyouaskedfor.NowI’mgoingtogohome.SeeyouonMonday.”
Hewasstillmostlynaked,andhisdazedexpressionturnedserious,almostdisappointed,whichdidn’t

makeatonofsense.

“Goodnight,”shecalledout,beforequicklygrabbinghercoatandpurseandstridingtotheelevator.

She was still turned on, and right now she needed a glass of wine and time alone with her vibrator or
therewasnowayshewassleepingtonight.

OLIN

HAD

BARELY

PULLED

himselftogetherwhenhegotatextfromhisdad,askingtomeetfordrinks.Jesus,

Rachel’ssalivawasstilldryingonhiscockandhisfatherhadjustremindedhimthatColinhadn’tfallen
allthatfarfromthefamilytree.

He’djustbasicallyfuckedhisassistant,intheofficenoless.Becausehehadthecontrolofagnatand

shewasthehottestthinghe’deverseen.

The image of her kneeling in front of him would keep him up tonight, both because he knew it was

wrong and because it was the hottest fucking thing he’d ever seen. His door had been wide open the
wholetimeandhe’donlynoticedattheendwhenshe’dstoppedtosaygoodnight,thatsmugsmileonher
face.

Drinks,hisfathertextedagain.
No,nottonight.Gohometoyourwife,Colintextedback.
He’dgohomeanddrinksomethingwithahighboozecontentandsleep.Thenhe’dthinkabouthowto

repaythefavor.Becausetherewasnowaytheywereleavingthingslikethis.

DAY

,Rachelmadethehour-longdrivetoherdad’shouse,aftertextinghimtolethimknowshe

wascoming.Sheparkedhercarandgotout,feelingtiredandconflictedandsowearyofallofthis.Last
nighthadbeenthefirsttimeshe’dbeenreallyhonestwithColin.She’dtouchedhimbecauseshe’dreally
wantedto,wantedtofeelhowbadlyhewantedher.Thatithaddistractedhimbeautifullyhadbeenanice
sideeffect,butthetruthwasstartingtoblurtheliesanditwasgettinghardtotellbetweenthem.

Thefakeassistantactwaswearingherdown.
Whenshe’dstartedinthebusinesswithherdadatseventeen,ithadbeenfun.They’dbeensmalljobs

backthen.Pretendtobeintoaguysohe’dhitonherandherdadcouldtakethepicturesbacktotheguy
andblackmailhimintopayingasmallsum,orhe’dtakethepicturestotheguy’swife.

Neveraskfortoomuch,herdadhadsaidtoheronce,orthemarkgetsdesperateandthingsgosouth.

She’dhadaknackforthebusiness,anabilitytobecomewhatthemarkneeded,whetheritwasapotential
one-nightstand,someonetotalkto,theperfectreceptionistsoshecouldcopyclientfiles—there’dalways
beenachallengethatshe’denjoyedupuntilthelastcoupleofyears.

Nooneexpectedthecute,dumbchickbehindthereceptionist’sdesktobeabletoslipavirusintothe

systemthatallowedhertocopyfilesinaninstant.Thenwhenshedisappearedtheyhadnowaytofind
her.Butherchancesofrunningintoapastmarkonthestreetgreweveryday.Witheachjobthepossibility
ofgettingcaughtgrew.

Now,shejustwantedout.Totrytomakealivingwherenooneelsesufferedandshedidn’triskjail.
Shewentaroundthehousetothesideentrance,andasalwaysthedoortothekitchenwasunlocked.

Inside,thehousewasquiet,thekitchenempty.

UsuallywhenherdadwashomehehadtheTVon,butnowtherewasjustanoppressivequiettothe

house.

She’dmovedoutatseventeenandgottenherapartmentatShadyOaksataseriouslydiscountedrent

afterdoingafavorforNick,thelandlord.Itwasthebestthingshe’deverdone.

Shecouldn’timaginestilllivinghere,hopingthingsweredifferent.
“Dad,”shecalled.
Noanswer.
“Dad.”Louderthistimeandstillnoanswer.
Crap, she had a sinking feeling she knew where he was. There was no way she was going home

withoutseeinghim.Itwasatwo-hourroundtripandshedidn’tplantocomebacktomorrow.

SheleftandwalkeddownthreeblockstoagrimycornerofGrove—toFinnigan’spub.Thefrontdoor

hadoncebeengreeninhonorofJoeRathburn’sone-quarterIrishheritage,butwasnowakaleidoscopeof
blackscuffs,peelingpaintandgraffiti.

The windows were painted black on the inside, letting in a dark gray light that vampires, and

apparentlyhardcoredrunks,lovedbuttherestoftheworldfounddepressing.

Thiswastheplaceshehatedmostintheworld.Whenshe’dbeenakidafterhermother’sdeath,she’d

comeheretofindherfatheranddraghimhome.She’dbeenokaycominghomefromschooltoanempty
house,butbeingtherealoneafterdarkhadterrifiedher.Sonightafternight,she’dcometothisbarand
draggedherfatherhome,soshedidn’thavetosleepinanemptyhouse.

With a grimace, she pulled open the door and walked inside. The guy sitting closest to the door

coveredhiseyesassunlighthithisface.

“Close the door,” Joe called from behind the bar. “Rachel, it’s been too long since you’ve come

here.”Helookedherupanddowninawaythatmadeherskincrawl.

“Funny how perspective changes your outlook on things,” she said. “It seems like just yesterday to

me.”

He frowned, clearly not understanding, something she knew from past experience he hated, so she

madeapointofalwayssayingsomethinghecouldn’tquiteunderstand.

Joewasashort,skinnyguywithashaggybeardandtheworsttasteinclothes.Healwaysworealoud

shirtandmismatchedpants,liketoday’swherehe’dmixedapinkshirtwitharustpairofpants.Hewas
eithercolorblindorjustdidnotgiveashit.

Asalwaysherfatherwasslumpedatthefarcornerofthebar,ahalf-finishedwhiskeyinfrontofhim.

Thereweresevenotherpeopleinthedump,practicallyarushforJoe,consideringmostofthetimethere
wereusuallyonlytwoorthreepeoplethere.

Threeoftheguyssherecognizedfromheryearsofcomingherealmosteveryday.Theysatatthebar,

twostoolsapart,allofthemrangingfromtheirfifties,tooneguywholookedlikehecouldbeeighty,but
wasprobablywayyoungerthanthat.

Onenoddedasshepassedhim,andshenoddedback,feelinglikethatfifteen-year-oldkidwhohated

comingintothisbartohavetoarguewithherdadtodraghimhome.Onthegoodnightsshehadtowait
onlyafewminutes,butthereweremorebadnights,whereheinsistedononemoredrink,whichnever
tooklessthananhour.

“It’smylittlegirl.”Herfatherfinallylookedupfromhisdrink.
“Notsolittleanymore,”Joesaidwithaleer.
Rachelsatonthestoolnexttoherdad.
“CanIgetyouanything,Rachel?”Joeasked.“It’sonthehouse.”
“I’mfine,Joe.”Theglasseswerealwaysdirty,becauseJoe’sdishwasherhadbrokenyearsagoand

nowhewashedthembywipingouttheinsidewithadirtycloth.

“Dad,Ineedtotalktoyouaboutthecurrentjob.”
“Anynewsonthat?”Herfathersatupstraighter.Hiseyeswerebloodshot,andhishandstrembled,

buthewasn’tslurringyet,sothiswasasgoodatimetotalktohimasany.

“Whocontactedyouaboutit?”
“AguynamedPaulsomething.IthinkitmightbeSimon.”
“ProbablynotPaulSimon,butmaybeHarris.”
“Yeah,Ithinkso.”Herfatherraisedhisnow-finishedglasstowardJoeforarefill.
“Dad,maybeyoushouldgohomenow.”
“Andsitaloneinanemptyhouse?That’sjustsad.”
Andsittingaloneinanemptybarwasn’t?“DidHarrissaywhyhewantedthenumbersswitched?”

Herdadshookhishead.“Withtheamountofmoneyheoffered,Ididn’task.”
Nordidsheatfirst,butnowherconsciencewasbeingalittlebitchaboutthis.“Whodoyouthinkwill

beaffectedbythis?”

Her father laughed. “Why would we start caring about the mark now, Rach? Doing a job like this

couldpushusintothebigtimes.IfthisPaulguymentionsustohisrichfriends,thenwemightgetmore
jobsthatpaylikethisone.”

Therewouldn’tbeanymorejobs,atall,butshehadn’tyettoldherdadthat.Itwastimeshewoman’d

upandbrokethenews.“Youcanhaveallthemoneyfromthisone.”

Herdad’seyesnarrowed.“Why?”
“Afterthis,I’mdone.Idon’twanttodothisanymoreandyoushouldhaveenoughfromthisjobtolive

on,especiallyifyou’recareful.”

“Whatdoyoumean?Thisiswhatwedo.We’reateam.”Herdad’svoicehadgoneupseverallevels.
Whatteam?Forthepasttwoorthreeyears,he’dtakenthecallsandshe’ddoneallthework.“Iwant

totravel,Dad,seeabitoftheworldandfindoutwhatIwanttodofortherestofmylife.”

“That’sbullshit.Whatdoyouwanttodo,worklikeregularsuckers?Youwon’tleave,youcan’t.”
“I’dstayifyougotsomehelpforyourdrinking.”
“This again.” Her dad almost snarled, his lips curling at the edges. “You’re like a broken fucking

record.”

“Ijustwanttoseeyougetbetter,butifyouwon’t,Iwillleave.”
“Ungratefulbitch.”
“Justdonewithallofthis,”Rachelreplied.
Her father’s face turned ugly and his right hand curled into a fist. She could see the urge to hit her

crosshisface—heevenpulledbackhisarmtogivehimmoretraction—butthenheglancedaroundhim,
notingthepeoplearoundthem,andJoewatchingthemboth.Hedroppedhishandbyhisside.

That’swhatguttedher.Hewantedtohither,butknewhecouldn’tdoitwhenanyoneelsewatched.

Thatperhapstheothertimeshadbeenachoiceandnotablinddrinkstupor.Thathe’dhitherandknown
whathe’dbeendoing.

Shewassick,ofhim,ofthisbar,ofallofthis.
Rachelgotoffthestool.“I’llfinishthis.Considerthemoneymyresignationgifttoyou.”
“You’llhatedoinganythingelse.Idid.”
“Ineedtofindoutformyself,Dad.”
“Iwon’ttakeyouback.”
“Iwon’taskyouto.”Rachelleft,feelingaweightliftingfromherchestasshewalkedoutthedoor.
Atleastnowherdadknew.Nowshehadtofigureouthowtofinishthisandgetthehelloutoftown.

“I

droppedthefilesyouaskedforinthefolderonthe‘G’drive.”Rachel,wearinganotherform-fitting
blackdress,cameintohisoffice,acting,asshehadallmorning,likenothinghadhappenedbetween

themonFridaynight.

He’dtriedtotalkaboutitfirstthing,butshe’dimmediatelycuthimoffbyaskingaboutwhatworkhe

neededhertocompletethatday.Whichwouldhavebeenfine,excepteverytimeshecameintohisoffice,
hegotsemi-hard.

Herpresenceandthememoryofhermoutharoundhiscockwerekillinghisconcentration.
Shemightbeabletoactcasually,butshewasallhe’dthoughtaboutallweekend.Andhehadn’teven

seenhernaked.

Hedesperatelywantedtoseehernaked.Thiswaswaytooone-sided.Whenhe’dkissedherafterthe

Altechmeeting,she’dbeenturnedonandhadwantedhimasmuchashe’dwantedher,butnowitseemed
asifshewasunaffectedbyhim.

Hewasturnedonandshewasactinglikegivinghimthebestblowjobofhislifehadbeenthesame

asfilinganinvoice.

“Whydon’tyousitandwecandiscussaboutwhat’supcomingthisweek?”Excepttheonlythinghe

wantedtotalkaboutwaswhathadpromptedtheblowjobandwhenhecouldtouchher.

Shesmiled,sittinginherusualchair.“IsthisaboutFridaynight?”
“Wecan’tnottalkaboutit.”
Shegottoherfeet.“Webothhadagoodtime,andthat’sit.Nothing’schanged,you’remybossandI

hadamomentofweaknessanditwouldbebestforourcontinuedworkingarrangementifwepretendedit
neverhappenedandmoveon.”Sheleft,whilehestruggledtofindsomethingtosay.

Everythingshe’djustsaidwassofuckingreasonable.Hewasnothisfather,thekindofpersonwho

tookadvantageofsomeonewhoworkedforhim.Butthisdidn’tfeelasthoughhewereincontrol.Justthe
opposite—shewasincontrolandhewasbeggingforscraps.

Itwasdrivinghiminsane.Hegotupfromhisdesk,tooantsytoworkatthatmoment.Hewalkedtoher

desk.

“I’mgoingtogooutforlunch.I’mhavingproblemsconcentratingonworktoday.”
“Dowhatyouneedtogetyourfocusback.”Shesmiledpolitely,asiftheywerejustworkcolleagues

andshehadn’thadhisdickinhermouth.

Thispoliteback-and-forthwasdrivinghiminsane,whenallhewantedtoaskwaswhyshe’dblown

himandwhenhecouldfuckher.

DAYS

laterandColinstillgotsemi-hardeverytimeshecameintohisoffice.

“Good morning.” It was a little after seven a.m. and she stood in the doorway to his office,

unbuttoninghercoat.

“Sleepwell?”sheasked.
“NotaswellasIshould.”He’ddreamtofherlastnight,andalmostcomeonhissheets,likeatwelve-

year-oldboyhavingawetdream.

“That’stoobad.”Exceptherhalfsmilemadehimthinkshedidn’tfeelthatwayatall.“Baddreams?”
“Thebestkind.”Helookedatherinawaythatmadeitclearshe’dbeenapartofthosedreams.
Shevisiblyswallowed,andglancedatthewindowbehindhimwhilehercheeksreddened.
Itwasthechinkinherarmorhe’dbeenlookingfor.Shewasn’tunaffectedbyhim.“Howwereyour

dreams?”

“Nonexistent.Isleptlikeababylastnight.”
“Goodtohear.”Hegrinned.Todayhe’dfindawaytodistractherthesamewayshe’ddistractedhim.

“I’

GOING

outtograblunch,doyouwantanything?”

ColinglancedupfromhiscomputertoseeRachelstandingjustinsidehisdoorway.“Nothanks.I’ll

probablygooutaswell.”

“That’sunusualforyou.”
“I’mopentoalotofnewexperiencesthesedays.”
“Doesthatmeanyouadmitbeingstuckinarut?”
“ItmeansI’mreassessingsomepastopinionsandbehaviors.”
“Self-improvementisimportant.”
“IshouldhavekeptkissingyouinthecaraftertheAltechmeeting.That’soneofmyepiphanies.”
“Itwasagoodkiss.Butperhapsyouwereright.Weshouldn’tcomplicateaworkrelationshipthat’s

actuallyworking.”

“Somethingthatworksherecanworkanywhere,right?”
Her smile was shaded with something almost like regret. “Mr. Evans, our work relationship should

remainuncomplicated.”

“YouweretheonewhomadeitcomplicatedFridaynight.”
Now her smile was genuine. “I did, didn’t I? Be back in a bit.” She turned on her heel and left,

leavinghimwithatonofquestionsandacompletelackoffocusonhiswork.

Hisdickwasstartingtorulehislife.
Colingotupfromhisdeskandstrodeoutofhisoffice.She’dleftalready.
Her desk had her computer, one paper, and a pen sitting on it, nothing personal. If she left today, it

wouldalmostbeasifshe’dneverbeenthere.Forthatmatter,asidefromwhatwaswrittenonherresume,
heknewnothingabouther.

Hewalkedtotheelevator,noddingatthereceptionist,whosmiledathim.
“Colin, are you actually leaving the office for lunch?” Frank Kasza, one of the other associates,

approached.Hewasdressedintheofficestapleofblacksuit,blueshirt,andred-and-bluestripedtie.

“It’sthatonedayoftheyear.”
“We’regoingtoTao,ifyouwanttocome?”Franksaid.
Colinhaddinnerthereacoupleofweeksago.Ithadbeenexpensive,andservicehadtakenacouple

of hours. “Wish I could, but if I’m getting out of here before ten tonight, I have to finish analyzing the
Altechnumbers.”

“You’reamachine.”

“No,definitelyhuman.”He’dhungoutwithsomeoftheyoungerguyswhenhe’djoinedthefirmfour

yearsago,buttheyremindedhimofhisparentsandtheirfriends.Worriedmoreaboutbeingseenatthe
rightclubwiththebest-lookingwomanandmakingthemostmoney,nomattertheconsequences.

Not that he should have been surprised. He’d become an investment banker, an area of finance not

knownforitshumanitarians.

TheelevatoropenedandFrankandColinbothgotin.Ashestoodthere,Colincaughtthefaintesthint

oflemons.Shewasn’tthatfaraheadofhim.

“Have I told you about that new club I went to on Saturday night?” Frank continued to talk as they

walkedofftheelevatorintothebusybuildinglobby.Colinscannedthecrowd,lookingforher.She’djust
leftthroughtherevolvingdoorsandhadheadedleftonthesidewalk,herlong,distinctivehairswinging
witheachstep.

“Hey, have a great lunch.” Colin cut Frank off mid-sentence before striding to the side exit of the

building.Shewasattheendoftheblock,thesunlightcatchingredglintsinherhair.

Halfrunningtocatchup,hefollowedherintoaStarbucksasshegotinline.Asalways,itwasbusy,

people lined up to collect the drinks they’d ordered, another lineup to order, and a mass of people in
between.Hestoodbehindher,gratefulthatshe’dyettonoticehim.

It was her hair that smelled like lemons. He’d never realized until now that she only came to his

shoulder,becausesheseemedtaller.Herdresswasform-fittinglikeyesterday,thematerialclingingtoa
perfectass.Fucktherules,hewantedher.

Badly.Oratleasttoknowshewantedhimasmuchashewantedher.
Shelookedoutthewindowandmusthaveseenhiminherperipheralvision,becausesheturned.
“Icouldhavepickedsomethingupforyou.”
“Ineededthefreshair.Ididn’tknowyouwereinhereuntilIendedupinlinebehindyou.”
“Youcouldhavesaidsomething.Yoursilencemakesitfeelabitstalkerish.”
“Ididn’twanttointrudeonyourtime.Youseeenoughofmeduringtheday.”
Sheraisedaneyebrow.“IdefinitelyfeelasthoughI’veseenallofyou.”
“I can’t disagree, but I don’t feel as though I’ve seen enough of you.” Colin managed to keep his

expressionstoic,eventhoughtheglintinhereyescouldonlybecalledflirtatious,whichmadehimwant
togrinlikeafool.

Sheshrugged.“You’vemadeoutokay.”Itwasherturntogiveherorder,whichshedid,movingtothe

side.

Heorderedacoffee,whichtheypouredrightthereandthen,andasheplacedthelidonit,hername

wascalled.Shegrabbedherdrinkandleftthroughthedoorclosesttoher.Hehadtoracetocatchup,but
whenhedid,hekeptinstridewithher.

“Areyougoingbacktotheofficenow?”
“Isthatanorder?”Again,shewasflirtatious.
“WhatwouldyoudoifIgaveyouanorder?”
“Doyoureallywanttogivemeorders?”
Hewassilentforamoment,justexaminingher.Sheremindedhimofagypsy,especiallytoday,with

herhairinloosewaves,apairofgoldhoopsinherears,andherskinalight,goldenbrown.Evenher
clothes,thefittedwrapdressandflatsandals,helpedcreatethatimpression.Addedtothat,therewasa
senseofmysterytoherthatwasstartingtodrivehimcrazy.

“Wouldyoufollowmyorders?”
“Don’tIeveryday?”Shegrinned.
They approached the building they worked in. As they walked through the lobby, he lightly grasped

herelbowandguidedhertowardthesideofthelobby,pastasetofdoubledoors.

“Wherearewegoing,Mr.Evans?”

Therewasasmalljanitorclosetattheendofthehall.Heopenedthedoorassheraisedoneeyebrow.
“Scared?”hetaunted.
With a toss of her hair, she went in, standing next to the metal shelving container which held the

janitorialsupplies.

He followed her in and closed the door behind them. With the door closed, the tiny space was

completely dark. There was just enough room between where she stood and the wall for him to fit in
there,hischestbrushingagainstherbreasts.

“Isthisentirelyappropriate?”Herbreathbrushedhischin.
“No.”Hefoundthetieonherdressandpulleditapartasherbreathingincreased.Thedressopened.

Heplacedhispalmagainstherstomachasheleaneddownandbrushedhislipsagainstherjawline.Her
skinwassoftandsmooth,andinthedarkhehadtofeelhiswayaroundher,thelineofherjawbone,the
sinewofherneck,thehardbonesofhercollar,allanewworldtoexplore.

Theonlysoundinthespacewastheircombinedbreathing.
Herhandbrushedhisstomachanddroppedtohiscock,graspingitthroughthematerialofhispants.

Heremovedherhandandplaceditbackbyherside,holdingittherewhilehegrabbedherotherhandand
imprisonedit.

“Notthistime,MissMeadows.”
Inahalf-standing,half-crouchingposition,hekissedatrailoverhercollarbones,stoppingtotastethe

skinrightatthedivotatthebottomofherthroat.Thendown,untilhefoundtheuppercurveofherbreast.
He had to release one of her hands so he could push the cup of her bra below her breast. Once he’d
recapturedherhand,hecrouchedevenfarther,untilhismouthwaslevelwithherbreasts.

Hebreathedout,andthenpressedhismouthtoherskin,paintingapictureinhisheadbymovinghis

lipsacrossherskin,downtheslopeofherbreast,findingtheraisedskinofhernipples.Shegaspedwhen
hetouchedthetipofhistonguetohernipple.

Thatsoundmadehisentirebodytense.Hiscockwasrigid,butheignoredhowbadlyhewantedtobe

deepinsideher.Insteadhesuckedonhernippleasherhandswrenchedwithinhisgrasp.

Grinning,hemovedtotheothernipple,asherbreathstartedtocomeoutinharshpants.Gettingtohis

knees,heletgoofherhandsashepulledherpantiesdownherlegswithonehand,whilehispalmrested
onthefeather-softskinofherinnerthigh.

Pressing his mouth to her stomach, he breathed in deeply. Her arousal filled the air and made him

wanttobeatagainsthischestlikeacaveman.

“I’mgoingtotasteyounow,MissMeadows.”Henippedtheskinjustbelowherbellybutton,whilehe

liftedherrightlegandplaceditoverhisshoulder,givinghimperfectaccess.

Hefollowedthelineofherthighwithhistongue,beforereachingsoftlips,alreadywet.Tracingher,

beforedippinghistongueinsideher.“Youtastedelicious.”

She’d said nothing since he’d removed her dress. Her silence felt like a form of control, too

contained,asifsomehowshewerekeepingpartofherseparatefromthis.

Touchingthetipofhistonguetoherclit,hegraspedherassasshemoaned.
Thenhestoppedasshegrabbedhishead.
“Tellmeyouwantmetofuckyouwithmytongue.”
Asoftmoanwasherreply.
Hetouchedherclitagain,enoughtomakehermusclescontract,butnotenoughtogetherevencloseto

thepointofcoming.

“Tellme,”herepeated.
“Iwantyoutofuckmewithyourtongue,asshole.”Shepushedhisheadtowardherpussyasshesaid

it.

Itwasasclosetosweetandsubmissiveasshegot.Helickedandsuckeduntilheavybreathsbecame

softmoansandshecame,clenchingthebackofhishead.

Onelastlickmadeherlegsjerk,andthenhemovedback,pocketingherpantiesassheletoutalong

breath.

“Youhavesomeskills,Mr.Evans.”
“Youcouldsoundalittlelesssurprised.”Fumblinginthedark,hehelpedherfindthetiesofherdress

andwhenhewasconfidentshe’dputherdressbacktogether,heopenedthedoorandslippedout,closing
itbehindhim.

He strode back to the office with a shit-eating grin on his face and a hard-on that was going to last

mostoftheafternoon.

he’dmanagedtoavoidgoingintohisofficeforthepastfivehours,butnowshehadnochoice.Rachel

neededtophysicallyhandhimafilethatheplannedtotakehomewithhim,andleavingitonherdeskfor
himtopickupwasn’tanoption,becausethenhe’dknowshewastryingtoavoidhimandthatwouldbean
admissionthatshefeltawkward.

Therewasalsoherpride—thelongershewentwithoutseeinghim,themoredifficultitwouldbeto

facehim.Sohe’dmadeherorgasm,andsure,there’dbeenstarsbehindherclosedeyelids,butitwasjust
anorgasm.Shegotupfromherseat,fartooawarethatherpantiesweremissingandshewasstillaroused
fromthinkingabouthimandthefeelofhismouthandthewayhe’dgrabbedherasswhileshe’dcome.

Heglancedupandimmediatelyhegrinned.Agrinshewantedtobackhandoffhissmugface.
“Ineedtogiveyouthis.”Sheapproachedhisdesk,maintainingasmuchdistanceasshecould,while

stilllandingthefileonthesurface.

“Thank you.” He leaned back in his chair and stared at her, his eyes bright. “We’re not even, you

know. I still haven’t seen you naked.” Even though he stared at her like he knew what she looked like
nude.

“Youhavemypanties,don’tyou?”
Anothergrin.“Iearnedthem.”
“It’screepy,likeserialkillercreepy.”
“Youwantthemback,youknowwhereIlive.”
The part of her that was still thinking about that orgasm was seriously tempted. Actual skin to skin

contact,hiscockinsideofher.Anditwouldputherinsidehisapartment,andgiveheranotherchanceto
switchfiles.

Except she’d never slept with a mark before, and this was getting so complicated and weird, and

sleepingwithhimwouldmakeitevenworse.

“Hereheis,asalways.Itoldyouhe’dbeinhisoffice.”Awomanstoodinthedoorway.Shewastall

and slender and looked vaguely like all the women in those Real Housewives shows—round cheeks,
artificiallyplumpglossedlips,blondhair,andaboutthreetonsofmakeup.Shewasdressedinafigure-
huggingbluesheaththatlookedlikeithadcostatonofmoneyandsix-inchheels.

Behindherwasagirlwithlong,brownhairandeyesthesamecolorasColin’s.Shewasprettyinan

understated,classicwaythatmadethewomaninfrontofherlookcheapincomparison.

“Hello,Mother,”Colinresponded.
Shit!Rachelshiftedtothesideoftheroom,alltooawareshewaspanty-less.
“Youneveranswermycalls,soyou’veforcedmetocomefindyouhere.”Hismothersaunteredinto

the room, dropping into one of the two chairs opposite Colin’s desk, while the girl, who Rachel was

startingtosuspectwasColin’ssister,remainedatthedoor,cuttingoffRachel’sonlyescaperoute.

Before her eyes, Colin changed, his posture straighter, the grin gone entirely, replaced by the same

expressionshe’dseenonhisfacethedayheinterviewedher.“I’mbusy,Alanna,andIgethomelate,soI
haven’thadachancetocallyouback.”

“I’mnotheretochastiseyoufornotcallingmeback,”hismothersaid.
Exceptthat’sexactlywhatshe’ddone.
“I’mheretoinviteyoutodinnerwithDanielleandme.WehavereservationsatBambootonightandI

knowIcanextenditbyone.”

Colinglancedathissister,hisexpressionsoftening.“Howdidthetestgo?”
Shesmiled,herfacelightingup,becomingradiant.“WaybetterthanIthought.IgotanA.”
“Youalwaysdobetterthanyouthink.”
Rachelfeltlikeshewasintruding,butifshetriedtoleavenow,she’dattracttoomuchattention,so

sheremainedstillandquietandjusthopedthey’dallleave.

“Enoughaboutthat,canyoucome?”Alannainterjected.
“Rachel, would you care to join us for dinner?” Colin looked at Rachel, and she felt the other two

womennoticingher.

“Em...”Rachelsearchedforexcuses.Shecouldn’timagineanythingshe’dratherdoless.
“Whoisthisperson?”Alannaasked,lookingRachelupanddowninawaythatmadeRachelfeelboth

inferiorandpissedoff.

“Thisismyassistant,Rachel,”Colinreplied.“She’sbeenworkingaroundtheclockhelpingmeonmy

latestproject.Youcanfitinanextratwopeopleintoyourreservation,can’tyou?WhatmaîtredinSan
FranciscoisgoingtorefuseAlannaEvans?”

Alanna’seyesnarrowedasshecontinuedtostareatRachel.
Rachelfelteverymeasureofhowshefailedtoliveuptothiswoman’sstandards.Andshewasanold

hatatnotlivinguptootherpeople’sstandards.

Shewasthedaughterofadrunk,amanwho,whenhe’dbothertoshowuptoherswimmingmeetsand

school concerts, had been, on the good days, loud and embarrassing, and on the bad days, loud and
belligerent.She’dlostcountofthenumberoffightsherfatherhadstarted.

Peopleweresympatheticaslongasyouwereonestepremovedfromthem,butwhentheythoughtyou

mightbebestfriendswiththeirdaughter,ordatetheirson,theyimmediatelywantednothingtodowith
you.

“I’msureyourassistanthasplans.It’ssolastminuteandit’saveryfancyrestaurant.She’snotreally

dressedproperly,”Alannasaid,turningbacktoherson.

Colin’smotherwasabitch.
“Rachellooksgreat,”Danielleinterjected.“Ireallylikeyourdress.”
“Thanks,” Rachel said to Danielle, Colin’s very sweet sister. “Dinner sounds excellent. I was just

thinkinghowhungryIwas.”Herpridewasoverrulingherneedtogetthehelloutofthisawkwardfamily
situation.She’dgojusttopissoffAlanna.

Herpridewasabitch.
“Excellent.” Colin grinned at his mother. “We need to finish up here. Perhaps we should meet you

thereinhalfanhour.”

“Fine,then.”ExceptAlannalookedanythingbutfine.SheglancedagainatRachel,butthistime,the

lookwasspeculative.“Comeon,Danielle,ifwegetthereearlywecanhaveadrinkatthebar.”

SheroseandjoinedDanielleatthedoor,whodidn’tlookthrilledattheideaofdrinksbeforedinner.
Aftertheyleft,Rachelletoutalongsigh.Howthehellwasshegettingoutofthis?
“Ifyoudon’tgo,she’llthinkyou’reafraidofher,”Colinsaid,asifhehadreadhermind.
“Youcouldhavewarnedmetherewerecominghere.”

“IfI’dknown,neitherofuswouldhavebeenhere,butmymotherlovesherstealthvisits.Sheknowsif

shebringsDanielleIwon’tsayno,andsheknowsDaniellewon’tsaynotoher,soit’sanuglywebof
familyguilt.”

“ThatI’mnowcaughtupin.”Rachelthoughtofheroldwoolcoat,thatcostfiftybucksandwouldlook

so shabby next to whatever chinchilla fur his mother was wearing. “You could tell her that there was
urgentworktobedoneandItookthehitandmisseddinnertogetitdone,soyoucouldspendprecious
timewithyourmother.”

Hechuckled.“Theonlyexcusemymotherishearingfrommeisthatyougotintimidatedandbacked

out.”

“You’reanasshole.”Rachellefttheoffice.
“Andyou’restartingtobepredictable,”hecalledout,asheclosedhislaptop.
Rachelslumpedintoherchair,andthenrememberedsomethingreallyimportant.Sheranbackintohis

office.“Iwantmypantiesback.”

HIS

WAS

her version of hell. Rachel followed Colin into a dark, bizarrely lit restaurant. It had sleek,

modern,shinytablesandchairs,blackwalls,andlinesofredandyellowlightsontheceilingsthatgave
everythinginthespaceanotherworldlyglow,likesomethingoutofasci-fimovie.

“WhyamIhere?”shemutteredtoherselfforperhapsthethousandthtimesinceshe’dclimbedintothe

cabwithColin.

Whilehe,bastardthathewas,seemedtobeenjoyingthisallimmensely.Hestillhadthesamestupid

grinonhisfacethathe’dhadwhenshe’dbeenfirstforcedintodinnerbyhismother.

“I can drop your coat off at the coat check.” Colin held out his hand for her fifty-dollar Macy’s

clearancespecialcoatwiththeripontheinsidelining.

“I’llhangitonthebackofthechair.”Withouthercoat,makingaquickgetawaywouldbeimpossible,

andsheplannedtoeatandrun.

“Berightbackthen.”Hecheckedhiscoat,whileshestoodclosetotheentrance.ShespottedAlanna

andDanielleatatableinthecenteroftherestaurant.Daniellelookedbored,whileAlannatalkedwith
anotherwoman,wholookedlikeshewasinhermid-fifties,waswearingawhitesequineddress,andwas
crouchednexttoAlanna’schair.

“Areyouready?”Colinwhisperedinherear.
“Lookingforwardtoit,”Rachellied.
Asmuchasitpissedheroff,Rachelwasalltooawareofhershabbycoatandcheappurseasheads

turnedtowatchthemastheypassed.Shegotthesensetherestaurantwasasmuchaboutbeingseenasit
wasabouteating.Colin,inhismagnificentlyfittedsuit,lookedincredible,andforthefirsttimesinceshe
wasateenager,shefeltlikeshewasn’tuptopar.

Astheyapproached,Daniellesmiledatbothofthem.ColinheldoutachairforRachel.Shesatasthe

womaninthesequineddressturnedtoglanceatbothofthem.

“Donna,youremembermyson,Colin,don’tyou?”Alannasaid.
“Nicetoseeyouagain,”DonnasaidwithagrimaceRachelsuspectedmighthavebeenanattemptata

smile,exceptherfacewasfrozen,soonlyhermouthmoved.Rachelnoddedingreeting,butDonnaturned
backtoAlanna,completelyignoringRachel.

Atleastsheknewwhereshestoodandwhileitshouldhavepissedheroff,makingsmalltalkwitha

face-frozensocietybitchwasnothighuponherbucketlist.

“Howmanymoreyearsofschooldoyouhave?”RachelaskedDanielle.
“Ifinishmyundergradthisyear,butI’mgoingtoYalenextyeartogetmymasters,andmayevenget

myPHDfromthere.”Daniellespokesoftlyandseemedsoshy,andsodifferentfromherbrother,buthe
watchedherwithanexpressionthatcouldonlybetermedasadoringwhileshespoke.

“Mylittlesister,alsoknownasmathgod.”ColingrinnedasDanielleblushed.
“I’mnot,Ijustlikehowblackandwhitemathis.It’salwaysclear,alwaysstraightforward,andIfind

thatcomforting.”

DonnaleftandAlannafinallylookedatRachel.“Haveyoubeenherebefore?”
Rachelglancedatthemenuandalmostgasped.Thepriceswereridiculous.Theappetizersstartedat

thirtydollarsandtheentreesatsixty.Itwasfood,forChrist’ssake.“Itlooksfamiliar,butIcan’treally
remember.”Sheansweredasifsheateouteverynight.

“Thenyouhaven’t,oryou’dremember.”Alannawavedatapassingwaiterandpointedatherempty

martiniglass.

If she had to guess, Rachel would have figured the Food Network would have called the restaurant

Asianfusion.Thewaitersallworeblackpantsandwhitekarate-typejackets,andthereweremuralson
thewallsofwhatlookedlikebonsaitrees.

The waiter arrived with Alanna’s drink and asked what they would like to eat. Alanna ordered a

salad,andDanielleandColinbothorderedthemonkfish,whichcostsixty-eightdollars.

That was almost her grocery budget for the week. “Monkfish as well, please.” Rachel handed the

waiterhermenuasColinorderedabottleofwine.

“Wheredoyoulive?”AlannaaskedRachel.
“IhaveanapartmentinSouthSanFrancisco.”
“Isthatwhereyougrewup?”Alannaasked.
Rachel was positive Alanna wasn’t asking because she was interested, more trying to assess her

upbringing,orinRachel’scase,herlackofpedigree.“No,myparentsliveanhouroutsidethecity,ina
smalltowncalledSt.Helena.”

“Whatdotheydo?”
“Alanna,youdon’tgettogrillRachel,”Colinsaid.
“It’sfine.Myfatherjustretiredfromhisaccountingjobandmymotherwasaschoolteacheruntilshe

retiredfiveyearsago.”Lies,alllies,butsowasherresumeandthisway,whenshefinallyswitchedthe
numbersanddisappeared,Colinwouldfinditimpossibletotraceher.

Someweak,ridiculouspartofherwassaddenedbytheideaofneverseeinghimagain.
“Wheredidyougotoschool?”Alannaasked.
“Rachel has an art history degree, Mother. Now enough with the grilling, so we can all enjoy our

dinner,”Colininterjected.

“I’mjustcurious,that’sall.”Alannashrugged.“Perhapsshe’dliketocomebythehouseandseeour

Kandinsky?Areyouafan?”

“Whoisn’t,right?”Rachelwasstartingtosweat.Arthistorymajor—whycouldn’tshehavechosen

English,orhistory?Sheknewalittleaboutthat,butsheknewnothingaboutartandneverexpectedtobe
challengedonit.

ThewaiterarrivedwiththewineandgaveRachelabreather,whilehemadeashowofpresentingthe

bottleandthenhavingColintasteit.

“Howlonghaveyouworkedformyson?”
Whywasdinnertakingsolongtoarrive?“Aboutthreeweeksnow.”
“That’s it?” Alanna stared at her for a moment. “You two seem to know each other quite well for

havingworkedtogetherforsuchashorttime.”

Inasecond,AlannawasgoingtocomerightoutandaskRachelifshewassleepingwithherson.
Rachel stood. “Excuse me, I need to powder my nose.” She slipped out from behind her chair and

walkedpastclumpsoftablestothebackoftherestaurant,toalong,sleekhall,evendarkerthanthemain

restaurant.

Itendedatanopaqueglasswall,behindwhichvagueshapesmoved.Therewasonedoor,andthere

weren’tanymarkingstoindicatemaleorfemale.

Whenawomancameout,shefeltsafetoenter,stoppingjustinsideasawomanexitedastall,whilea

guywashedhishandsattherowofsinkssetrightupagainsttheopaquewall.

Ifshehatedthisrestaurantbefore,shedespiseditnow.
There was a floor-to-ceiling mirror just beside the door and the stalls all had high doors, which

essentiallymadethemaroomtothemselves.

TheguyandthegirlleftandRachelwastemptedtoslumponthetuftedcouchbythemirrorandjust

hangoutinthebathroomuntildinnerwasoverandshecouldgohome.

ThedooropenedandColinwalkedin.
“Ihatethisrestaurant,”Rachelwhined.
Hesatbesideher.“It’spretentiousasshit,butthefood’sgood,Iswear.”He’dremovedhisjacketand

thetopbuttonofhisshirtwasundone.Hehadthefaintesthintofstubbleonhischeeks.Herinstinctwasto
raiseherhandandfeelthetextureofhisskin,aninstinctsheruthlesslysquashed.

“Yourmotherthinkswe’resleepingtogether.”
Heangledhisbodysohefacedher.“There’sbeennosleeping.”
The way he was looking at her, his body inches from hers, made her skin tighten with anticipation.

“Thisisabadidea.”

“Goingouttodinnertonightwasabadidea.This—thisisagreatidea.”Heleanedclosertokissher

onthelips,butsheangledherhead,andhecaughthercheekinstead.

Seemingtounderstand,hemovedtoherneck,hisbreathcausinghersensitivenerveendingstoshiver.

Hisheadhadbeenbetweenherlegs,butsomehowakissseemedtohertobemoreintimate,tohavethe
promiseoftruth,whenallsheplannedtogivehimwerelies.

Ashismouthcurvedacrosshercollarbone,herbodycamealive,hernipplesgettinghard,andonce

againherpantieswerewet.

Hegraspedherhandandpulledhertoherfeet,takinghertothestallfarthestfromthedoor.
“Fromajanitor’sclosettoabathroomstall.We’rereallyclassingtheplaceup,”shewhispered.
There were voices outside and the door to the bathroom opened. Rachel rushed into the stall as he

followedandclosedthedoor,thetightspaceforcingthemtostandrightagainsteachother.Twowomen
weretalking,whileRachelbreathedinandout.

“Comehomewithmeafterdinner,”hebreathed.
God,shewantedto,sobadly.Andnotbecauseshehadajobtodo,butbecauseshewantedtofuckhis

brainsoutandwakeupnexttohim.Thoseweredangerous,dangerouswants.Atleastonewantshecould
takecareofnow.

Inhere,this,intheheatofthemoment,thiswasnostrings.Itwaseasy.
Hiserectionpushedagainstherstomachandshereacheddownandgraspedit.
Hiscockwashard,whichmadehermusclescontract,andthememoryofhistongueagainstherclit

hadherclenchingherthighs.

Sheopenedtwobuttonsonhisshirtandpushedherhandinside,feelingthesmoothskinofhischestas

heundidthetiestoherwrapdress,pullingitapart.

Heturnedheruntilherbackwastothedoorassheopenedhiszip,pullingouthiscock.Theyboth

seemedtounderstandtherewasnoneedforwords,justrawlust.Hegraspedherasswithhishandsand
liftedher,pushingasideherunderwearwithhisfingersbeforehepushedhiscockinsideher.

Rachelgaspedatthefeelofhim,ashemovedinandout,herbackagainstthedoor.Heheldherup,so

hertoesbarelytouchedtheground.Hispantshitthefloor,poolingaroundhisfeet,andsheunbuttonedhis
shirt, pressing her hand against his abdomen. His strength surprised her, the intensity on his face as he

staredatherwhilehemovedinsideheralmosttoomuch.

Thetendonsinhisneckstoodoutashekepthersuspendedinmid-air.Sheheldontohisshoulders,

pressingdownashepushedup,grindingagainsthisbody,alreadysoclosetocoming.

Her orgasm caught her by surprise, making her moan, while he tensed inside her, coming without

makingasound.

Seconds later, he lowered her to the ground and suddenly it got awkward. What did you say after

impromptubathroomsex?Goodjob,nicework,orshouldshejustpathimontheassandaskhimtoget
thehelloutsoshecouldpee?

Thankfully,he made thecall, pulling uphis zipper, tucking hisshirt back intoplace and leaving the

stall.

Minutes later, Rachel came out of her stall to an empty washroom. After washing her hands and

staringwistfullyatthecouch,shedecidedshecouldn’tstallanylongerandreturnedtothetable,where
herfoodwaited.

“Iwasstartingtothinkyouweren’tcomingback.”Alannapokedathersaladwithafork,arefreshed

martinibyherelbow.

“Andmissthis?Notachance.”RachelmadeapointofnotlookingatColin,becauseeventhoughshe

wasn’tpronetoblushing,onelookfromhimandshe’dbestrawberry-coloredinnotime.

Afteracoupleofmouthfulsofadmittedlydeliciousfish,shefinallydaredaglanceinhisdirection.He

lookedsmugagainandshewastemptedtokickhimunderthetable.

Thiscouldnotbehabitforming,becauseshewasstartingtolikehim,eventhoughhismotherwasa

nightmare and he was a smug asshole. Because underneath the suit and the money and the impeccable
mannerswasamanwholikeddirtysexandseemedtolovetomakehercomeandhadabodytodrool
over.

Forthefirsttimesinceshe’dfirstmethim,shethoughtofhimasdangerous.Hewasstartingtomake

herforgetwhatherpurposewasinbecominghisassistant,andthatwouldruinallherplans.

lanna knew he was screwing his assistant and she wasn’t happy about it. Colin had wondered for

yearsifAlannaknewabouthisfatherandallhisassistants,andtonightconfirmedshehad.

As soon as Colin paid the bill, Rachel had stood, mumbled her excuses and left the restaurant, not

quiteinaflat-outrun,butclosetoit,whilehismothergraspedhissleeve.

“She’sforfun,notmarriage,understood?”Alannasaid.
“None of your business.” Both his parents were so hypocritical. His father talked as though he’d

draggedhimselffrompoverty,convenientlyforgettingthetensofmillionsofdollarshe’dinheritedfrom
his father, and Alanna had been his father’s first assistant. The first of many, but the only one to snag
RichardEvansintomarriage,andnowshepretendedlikeshe’dgrownupaRoosevelt.

Colin turned to Danielle. “See you around, little sis.” They had lunch every Sunday, but Alanna

couldn’tknowaboutit,orshe’dinsistonbeingpartofitanditwashisonlytimetotalktoDaniellealone.
Everyweekhemadesurelivingwithhismotherwasn’twearingherdown.Atleastnextyearshe’dmove
outofstatetoschool,intoherownlittleapartmentandfinallyawayfromtheirparents.

Helefttherestaurantandstrodedownthestreet,seeingafamiliarfigureablockaheadofhim.Hehad

toruntocatchuptoher,graspingherelbowwhenhedid.

“Letmegetyouacabhome.”
Shestopped,breathingheavily,flushedeveninthelamplight.“Icantakethetram.”
“Betterstill,I’lldriveyouhome.I’llfeelbetterknowingyou’resafelyinsideyourapartment.”
“It’sokay.”Shelookedflustered.
“Iinsist.Mycar’sparkedjustaroundthecornerhere.”
Hepinpointedthemomentwhenshe’drunoutofexcusesandsheshrugged.Heledhertotheparking

lotwhereheparkedeveryday,openingthepassengersidedoorofhisAudiforher.

Sheclimbedinandheclosedthedoorbeforegettinginandstartingthecar.
“Nicecar.”
Itwas,smallandzippyandperfectformaneuveringaroundthehillsofSanFran.“WheredoIgo?”
She gave him an address and then when they were close, directed him to a three-story apartment

buildingthatlookedlikeitwasbuiltinthe20’s.

“You can drop me off here.” She glanced toward the entrance, looking, if possible, even more

uncomfortablethanshehadintherestaurantwhenhismotherhadbeengrillingher.

“It’snotthesafestneighborhood.Ishouldgetyoutoyourdoor.”Especiallyconsideringallthestairs

wereoutdoors.

“I’velivedhereawhileandI’mperfectlysafe.”Sheopenedthecardoor.
Havinghimheremadeheruncomfortable,andnowhewantedtoknowwhy.Didshehaveaboyfriend,

orworse,ahusband?Whichjustwenttoshowhowlittleheknewabouther.Inalloftheirtimeworking
together,shenevermentionedanythingpersonal,andhe’dneverasked,butnowhewantedtoknowmore
abouther.Morethanjustthefeelofherbodyunderhis.

“It’snobother.”Hegotoutofthecarandcrossedthestreetwithhertothefrontofthebuilding.There

wasahighwallsurroundingmostoftheproperty,exceptforthefrontentrance.Aconcretepathledtoa
setofstairs,whichwerepoorlylit.Theapartmentsonthegroundfloorhadfrontdoorsthatopenedonto
anemptypoollitteredwithleavesandcigarettebutts,withoverturneddeckchairsscatteredaroundthe
edge.

“Whyareyouhere?”sheaskedashefollowedherupthefirstsetofstairs.
“Beingagentleman,that’sall.”
“Itwon’tgetyoufuckedagaintonight.”
“Thereyougo,dashingmyhopes,butI’mstillgoingtowalkyoutoyourdoor.”
Onthesecondfloor,herapartmentwasthethirdtotheright.Shepulledoutherkeysandopenedthe

doorashecranedhisnecktoseeoverherheadandinside.

Sheturnedtoseehimandshookherhead.
“Youwanttocheckmyplaceout?”
Heshrugged,eventhoughthetimefortryingtoappearnonchalantwaswellpast.
“Come in.” She entered and he followed into an apartment that could have come directly from an

episodeofILoveLucy,completewithavocadogreenfridgeandatinystove.

The kitchen and living room were tiny, but eclectic, with a floral patterned sofa and pink kitchen

counters.

Therewasnowayamanlivedhere.Sowhywasshesoreluctanttohavehimknowwhereshelived?

It’snotasthoughhe’dbeenstalkingher.

In the almost overwhelmingly feminine space, against one wall was a small desk, with a sleek

computerandunderneathitagraybox,whichlookedlikeafilestoragesystemsomeonehadtriedtotalk
himintobuyingwhenhe’dbeenshoppingforahomecomputer.

“Thatlookslikeagoodcomputer.”
“That’swhattheguyatthecomputerstoretoldme.”Shehunghercoatonaracknexttothedoorand

droppedherpursenexttothecouchbeforeturningtowardshim.“Thisismyplace.”

“It’slovely.Howlonghaveyoulivedhere?”
“A few years.” She went to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of wine before grabbing two glasses

fromacupboard.Shedidn’taskbeforehandinghimaglass.

“Itwon’tcomparetowhatwedrankearlier,buttheatmosphereisbetter.”
Hetookitandsatonhertinybutsurprisinglycomfortablecouch.
“Youcan’tdrinkwineinyourjacket.”Sheplacedherglassonthecounterandtookthreestepstothe

couch,holdingoutherhand.

Hestoodandhandedittoher,theirfingersbrushing,beforeshequicklypulledherhandbackandhung

hisjacketontherack.

“Ilikeyourplace.”
“Itdoesn’tevencomeclosetocomparingtoyours.”
Herslookedlikeahome—hiswassomewhereheslept.Hecouldn’tevenrememberthelasttimehe’d

satonthebalconyandenjoyedtheview,whichwasthereasonhe’dboughttheplacetobeginwith.

“Yourmotherdoesn’tlikeme,”shesaid.
“Doesthatbotheryou?”
“No,Ihavenointerestinchangingsomeone’sopinionofme.”Yettherewasastiffnesstoherthattold

himithadbotheredher,justalittle.

“Ifithelps,she’snotreallyentitledtojudgeanyone.”

“Whydoyoucallyourmotherbyhername?”Shesatonwhatlookedlikeamushroom,exceptitwas

pinkandtuftedatthetop.

“She’sneverbeenmaternal.Ican’trememberasingletimewhenshereadmeabedtimestory,oreven

tuckedmein.WhenmysisterandIwereyoung,nanniesbathedusandmadesureweateandtookusto
schoolandpickedusup.Therewereasuccession,anewnannyeverysixmonthstoayear—Iwasnever
sure why, but after a while Danielle and I stopped getting attached and just relied on each other. Then
whenwewereolder,Alannasuddenlyfoundusinterestingenoughtowanttobearound,rightaroundthe
timeIwenttouniversity.Bythatpoint,I’ddecidedshe’ddonenothingtodeservethetitle,soIcallherby
hernamemostofthetime.”

“Doesshelikethatyoucallherbyhername?”
“God,no,shehatesit,whichiswhatreallymadeitstick.DaniellecallsherMother,becauseofthe

twoofus,she’stheniceone.”

“Didyouseeyourfathermuch?”
“No,heworkedallthetimeandhadnointerestinchildren,notevenhisown.”Almostnooneinhis

life asked about his childhood. They were usually too distracted by the family money or his mother’s
incrediblecharitableefforts,butRacheldidn’tseemtocareonewayoranother.

Itmadehimlikehermore.
Rachelshiftedonherstool,crossingherlegsattheankle.Thetiesonherdresshadloosened,giving

himtheteaseofcleavage.Hestillhadnotseenhernakedandhedesperatelywantedtorightthatwrong.

He had to shift on the couch as his cock got semi-hard. “From what you said earlier, you had a

textbookperfectchildhood.”

She took a sip of wine. “My mother did all the typical mom things. She tucked me in every night,

kissedmyforeheadandtoldmeshelovedme.ButthethingImissthemostishowinterestedshewasin
mylife.EverydaywhenIgothomefromschool,she’daskaboutmydayandbereallyinterestedinallthe
stupidlittledetails.AttwelveIstoppedansweringherquestionsandshegaveupasking.”Shesighed.“I
wassostupid.I’dgiveanythingtotellheraboutmylifenow.”

“Youcouldcallhernowandtellher.”
“Right,it’sjustnotthesamewhenyou’reanadult.”Shesippedherwine,shiftingagain,lookingas

uneasyasshehadinthecar.“I’mtryingtopictureAlannatuckingyouinnow,andit’scomingacrossless
sweetandmorenightmarish.”

“Tomeaswell,”Colinlaughed.“Willyoucomeouttodinnerwithmetomorrownight,justus?”he

asked on impulse. He wanted to see her outside the office, just the two of them, try to understand what
drewhimtoher.Shewaslikenooneelsehe’deverknown.

“Yourmotherwouldnotapprove.”
“Shewouldnot.”
“Then I will.” Rachel smiled and her eyes lit up and she looked so beautiful for a moment he was

awestruck.

“I’llleaveyou,then.”Itwashardstandingwithanerection,buthemanaged.
Shestood,andheloweredhishead,kissingheronthecheek.Whenhemovedback,hereyeswere

wideopen.

“Thankyouforthewine.”Heplacedhisglassonthecounter,grabbedhiscoatandleft,beforehewas

temptedtotrytokissheragain.

Arealdate,andthenperhapsshe’dlethimseehernaked.
Amancouldhope.

hateverinteresthehadinhisworkwasobliteratedeverytimeshecamewithineyesight,whichwas

often,becausehekeptfindingreasonsforhertocomeintohisoffice.

Hisdeadlineswerepilingupandallhecouldthinkofwasthesoft,breathymoanshe’dmadewhen

he’dslippedinsideherlastnight,thesoftnessoftheskinontheinsideofherthighs,thewayshetasted.

Itwasalmostfourandsofarhe’dgottennothingdone.Worsethanthat,hedidn’tgiveashitaboutthe

workthatneededtobedone.

Whenwasthelasttimehe’dlefttheofficeatfour?
“Rachel,”hecalledout.
Sheappearedinthedoorwaytohisoffice.“Youbellowed,Mr.Evans.”Hergrinsoftenedthetoneof

herwordsandmadehimwanttogrinrightback.

“Idid,MissMeadows.Dowehaveanythingurgentontheagendafortherestoftheday?”
“Nothing.FortherestofthisFridayafternoon,youarefreetoworkwithoutinterruption.Iwouldbe

too,butmybosskeepscallingmeintohisoffice.”

“Whatanassholethatguyis.”Colingrinned.“Heshouldmakeituptoyoubybuyingyoudinner.”
“Idon’tthinkIcantakeanotherseventy-dollarpieceoffish.”
“Iwouldn’tsubjectyoutothat.Shutyourcomputerdown,weleaveinfive.”
Her expression turned serious, and for a moment he thought she might turn him down, but then she

noddedbeforereturningtoherdesk.

Heshutdownhislaptopandpackeditinhisleatherbriefcase,little-kidlevelsofexcitedaboutbeing

withheroutsideoftheoffice.Helefthisoffice,stoppingatherdesk.“Ready?”

Aftergrabbinghercoatandpurse,shefollowedhimtotheelevator.
“Arebothofyouleavingfortheday?”thereceptionistaskedafterhe’dpushedthedownbutton.
Heturnedtoglanceatthereceptionist,whowasstaringatRachel.
“Yes,”Colinsaid.
“WhatshouldIsayifsomeoneasksforyou?”ThereceptionistaddressedRachel.
Colinstartedtospeak,butRachelansweredbeforehecould.“Theycanleaveavoicemail,andyou

can tell anyone who asks that Mr. Evans and I have been here since seven this morning and we will
answeranyurgentquestionsanyonemighthaveonMondaymorning,probablybeforethey’reoutofbed.”

TheelevatordingedandColinentered,withoutglancingbacktoseewhatthereceptionist’sresponse

toRachel’sanswerwas.

Shefollowedhiminsideandthedoorsclosed.
“Shedoesn’tlikeyou,”Colinsaid.
Rachelshrugged.“I’mcompetitionforyourattention.”

He stepped closer to her and leaned down, brushing his lips against her earlobe. “There is no

competition,neverwas.”

Shesmiled.“Youmayhavetotellherthat.”
Theelevatordooropenedandtheywalkedintothelobby,whichwasreallybusywithpeopleleaving

thebuilding.

“Thisiswhatitlooksliketoleavetheofficeatanormaltime,”Rachelsaid.
“It’sevendaylightoutside.”
“You’renotgoingtoburstintoflames,areyou?”
“Let’sfindout.”Colinsteppedoutside,andheldthedoorforher.
“Wherearewegoing?”
“Follow me.” He led her toward the parking garage down the street, where he’d left his bike that

morning,gratefulfortheextrahelmethealwayskeptundertheseat.

“Yourideamotorcycle?”Rachelaskedashehandedherahelmet.
“It’smorefunthanacar,andeasiertogetaroundtraffic.”
Shevisiblyswallowed.
“Areyouscaredofridingonone?”
“That’snotit.Ijustdidn’tthinkyouwerethetype.”
“I’mnotaburly,beardedguywearingabatteredleatherjacket,althoughIdohavealeatherjacketat

home.”

“Goodtoknow.”

ACHEL

FOUND

outwhyhiskitchenlookedsopristine.Henevercooked,barelyevenknewwheretofind

plates.Hetextedhisdinnerorderjustaftertheyarrivedathisapartmentbuilding,evenbeforetheygotin
theelevator,oneofthemanylocalrestaurantshehadonspeeddial.

Shefollowedhimontohisfloor,thememoryofhimstandinginfrontoftheelevatorinjustatowel

floodinghermemory.

Between the motorcycle and the tattoo and how unbelievable he looked in a suit, he was becoming

catniptoher,distractingherfromalmosteverythingshehadplanned.

Shewasbackinhisapartmentandallshecouldthinkofwasjumpinghimandrelievingtheachethat

hadstartedbetweenherthighsthemomenthe’dsuggestedtheygofordinner.

Hetookhercoatandhungitupintheclosetinthefronthall.
“DidImentionlasttimethatyourapartmentisstunning?”
“Youweretoobusyracingoutthedoor.”Hestrodeintohiskitchenandopenedthefridge,pullingout

abottleofwine.Shecaughtaglimpseinside,andallhehadtherewereseveralbottlesofwineandeven
morebeer.

“Iswhiteokay?”heaskedasshefollowedhimintohismassivekitchen,sittingononeofthebarstools

by the island. His kitchen was as pristine as the last time she’d been here, the gleaming stainless steel
burnersofhisveryexpensivestoveshininginthelateafternoonsun.Thecountertopsdidn’thaveaspeck
onthemandtherewasn’tanyvisiblefoodanywhere,notevenabowlwithapplesinit.

“I’dratherhaveabeer.”
He pulled out two bottles and pulled off the caps. “I think I can find some glasses in here

somewhere.”

“The bottle’s fine.” She took it from him. Just the sensation of their fingers brushing sent prickles

downherarmtoherabdomen.Thiswasbad.He’dgonefrombeingdistractingtocompletelydestroying
herfocus.

Thedoorbellrangandsheglancedathim.
“Dinner’shere.”Herantothedoorwhileshesippedherbeerandglancedaround.Theafternoonsun

streamedintotheapartment,lightingitinapaleyellowglow.

Hecamebackcarryingtwolargepaperbagsthatsmelledamazing.
“I hope you like Indian. They’re two blocks from here, they’re quick and most importantly, it’s

delicious.”

“Perfect.”Ashepulledoutplasticcontainersfromthebags,sheopenedthecupboardsclosesttothe

dishwasher,figuringthedisheshadtobeclose.Thefirsttwocupboardsshetriedwereempty,thethird
hadthreeplates,threebowls,andfourwaterglasses.

“I kind of figured you weren’t the domestic type, but this is not good.” She kept the door to the

cupboardopenasshepulledouttwoplates,placingthemontheisland.

He shrugged. “I don’t cook, I’ve never had a dinner party and I work almost all the time, so there

didn’tseemtobeapointtobuyingawholesetofdishes.”

“Maybejusttofillthisenormouskitchen.It’sacrimethatyoudon’tusethatstove.”Rachelenjoyed

teasinghim,andheseemedtoenjoybeingteased.Shecouldthinkofthirtydishesthatwouldbeajoyto
makeinthiskitchen.

“It’syourstouseanytimeyouwant.MyonlytermsarethatIgettoeatsomeofwhatyoumake.”
“Deal.”Shewasstupidlypleasedbytheoffer.Whensheshouldbethinkingofhowtogetbackonto

hiscomputerwhileshewashere,insteadshewasthinkingofwhathemightliketoeatifsheweretocook
forhim.

“WouldyoumindifIexploredyourterrace?Theviewlooksamazing.”
“Let’seatoutthere.”
“Great.”Rachelfilledherplateandgrabbedherbeer,takingittotheterracewhereshesatonachair

withapricetagstillattachedtothecushion.

“Whendidyoumoveinhere?”sheaskedashesatinthechairnexttohers.
“Two years ago.” He took a sip of beer as he stared out over the harbor, the water dotted with the

whitesailsofboats.“I’mnotherealot.”

“With this view, I’d be here all the time.” A brisk wind brushed across Rachel’s cheeks as she

glancedathim.

“It’swhyIboughttheplace,andthenIneverspentanytimeouthere.”Hesmiledruefully.“Itseemsa

bitridiculouswhenIsayitoutloud.”

“Whydoyouworkallthetime?”
“I don’t know.” He took another sip of beer. “Well, I do know. Work is straightforward. There are

numbers and they tell me a story and that story has a yes or no ending. And when the ending is yes,
companiesgrowandthere’ssatisfactioninthat.Igrewupwatchingmyparentsandtheirfriendssayone
thingandmeananother,andtheirchildrendidthesame,andIdecidedI’dratherworkthandealwithany
ofit.”

“Youdidn’tlikeyourparents’friends,soyoudecidednottodoanythingbutwork?That’sweak.”She

smiledtosoftenherstatement.

He chuckled. “It is. I’m not the type of guy to walk up to someone I don’t know and make easy

conversation.I’dratherbungeejumpwithoutarope.”Heshrugged.“I’mterribleatsmalltalkandyou,
you’vebeenatthecompanyjustafewweeksandalreadyyouseemtohavemadefriendswiththeother
assistants.It’simpressive.”

Rachelsmiledtocoverhowawkwardshefelt.ItwaseasytobelikedwheneverythingaboutRachel

Meadowswasinventedtomakeherlikeable.Whenpeoplelikedyou,theywerelesslikelytoquestion
what you were doing. She’d learned that early on, so she slipped on a façade and became what would
makeherlifeeasiest.Ifsheneededtobecuteandairheaded,thenthatwaswhatshewasforawhile.A

serious, work-obsessed stick in the mud—she could do that too. She’d almost forgotten who she was,
whatherownopinionswere,andmostimportantlywhatshewanted.

It was why she wanted to escape to another city so badly. Away from all the lies and her father,

perhapsshecouldfigureoutwhoshewas.

“It’snotsoterriblebeingstraightforwardallthetime.It’shonestandyoushouldn’thavetoapologize

forbeinghonest.”

“Thankyouformakingexcusesforme.”Hegotupandgrabbedheremptyplate,stackingitontopof

his.“Anotherbeer?”heasked.

Rachelnoddedandhewentinside.Shehadamomenttotrytoregainherfocus,buteverythinginside

foughttheidea.Therewassomethingsoseductiveaboutpretendingshewasnothingbuthisassistant,and
this was no more complicated than office politics and dealing with the repercussions if news of their
relationshipgotout.

Shestaredattheview,tryingtoignorethepitinherstomachthattoldhershewasrunningoutoftime

togetthisjobdone.Atsomepointsheneededtodecide—inorout.Shecouldhavefinishedthisaweek
agoifshe’dbeenfocused.

Hecamebackwithanothercoupleofbeersandhandedonetoher.
As he stared at the harbor, she surreptitiously watched him, as relaxed as she’d ever seen him. His

jacketandtiehadbeenabandonedassoonashe’dwalkedinthedoorandthenhe’dunbuttonedthetop
twobuttonsofhisshirt,showingjustahintofhistattoo.Hislonglegswerestretchedoutinfrontofhim,a
hintofasmileonhisface.

God,ifshewentaheadandgaveAltechaccesstohisfiles,he’dbepissed—worse,devastated.He

trustedsofewpeoplenowandaftershewasdonehere,he’dtrustalmostnoone.

“Ihaveoneofmymother’seventstomorrownight.Ithinkit’sforahospital.Wouldyoucomewith

me?Havingyoutherewillmakeitbearable.”

Itwasthelastthingsheshoulddo.She’dprobablyhateeverymomentofsomestuffysocialevent,and

hismotherwouldhaveafitifshewalkedinonhisarm.

“Almostbearable.HowcouldIturnthatdown?”
“Icanpickyouuparoundeight.”Hegrinned.
“I’llbeready.”
“You’rethebestassistantI’veeverhad.”Heshookhishead.“Sothisisgoingtohurt,butwehaveto

moveyoutoanotherdesk.Iwanttodateyou,andIshouldn’tbeyourbossatthesametime.It’snotright.”

“You’resayingthisbecauseifwegooutinpublictomorrownight,everyoneisgoingtoknowabout

us?”

“I’mdoingitbecauseit’swhatright.”
Andhe’dalwaysdowhathethoughtwasright.God,thereweremomentswhensherealizedtheywere

sodifferent.Ifheknewabouther,he’dbehurt,butevenmoredisappointed.Sheplannedtobelonggone
beforethathappened,soshedidn’teverhavetoseethelookofdisappointmentonhisface.

Rachelglancedathim.Hewasstaringatherandherbreathhitched.
He got up from his chair and placed his beer on the table next to him, before taking two steps and

droppingtohiskneesinfrontofherchair,placinghisfaceoppositehers.

Heleanedforwardandbrushedhislipsacrosshercheek.“I’vewantedtotouchyouallday.”
“Thenwhydidn’tyou?”
“Becausetheanticipationcanmakesomethingssomuchbetter,don’tyouthink?”Helightlynipped

herearlobe,causingherstomachtoclenchpleasurablyinresponse.

“Aslongasthefollow-throughwarrantstheanticipation,”shebreathed.
“Let’sfindout.”Herantheedgeofhisteethalongherjawlineanddownherthroat.Shegraspedhis

arms,leaningintohiskiss.

Atleastinthisshewashonest.Completelyrawinherneedforhimandwithoutanypretense.
“WouldyouliketoknowwhatIthoughtabouttoday?”Henuzzledherneck.“Iknowhowtheskinof

yourinnerthighsfeelsagainstmytongue,butistheskintherepalerthantheskinonyourarms,orthesame
color?” He pulled her sweater over her head, leaving her in just a bra and pants, before kissing a path
acrossthetopofherbreasts.

“Iknowhowyournipplestaste,butaretheystrawberry-coloredordarkred?”Heundidthebackof

herbraandpulleditoffher,beforedippinglowerandpullinganippleintohismouth.Shegasped,her
coretightening.

“DoesyourfaceflushwhenImakeyoucome?”Hemovedtotheothernippleasshepressedhergroin

againsthismid-section,tryingtorelievethepressurebuildingthere.

His fingers brushed her stomach as he undid the buttons on her waistband. Rachel watched as he

pulledherpantsandherunderweardownherlegs,throwingittotheside,leavingherfullynudeonhis
terrace.

A crisp wind brushed against her nipples, still warm from his mouth, and her skin was almost

unbearablysensitive.

“I’mnakedandyou’reclothed.”Herfeeble,arousedmindcouldonlystatetheobviousatthatmoment.
“Ioweyou.”Hemovedfurtherdown,hislipsbrushingagainstherstomach.Everynerveendinginher

bodywasfocusedonhishandsandmouth,ashegraspedtheinsidesofherthighsinhislargepalms,and
hekissedhiswaydownherstomach.

Shewatched,transfixed,ashesettledbetweenherlegs,andthengrinnedather.
“God,doitalready,”shemoaned,desperateforsomerelieffortheachebetweenherlegs.
“Iloveitwhenyoutellmewhattodo.”Hefinallylickedher,alighttouchofherclitthatmadeher

grasp the arms of the chair and groan. Another light lick was more of a tease than a relief, and out of
frustration, she grasped the back of his head and pushed him towards her clit—which was so sensitive
thatwhenheblewonit,themusclesinherlegsclenched.

Hechuckledbeforelickingheragain,stronger,enoughtostartbuildingtowardanorgasm.Whenhe

pushedafingerinsideherandincreasedthepressureofhistongue,shetumbledintothestrongestorgasm
ofherlife,hermoansembarrassinglyloud.

Thesmuggrinonhisfacewouldhavebotheredher,ifsheweren’tmeltingintoapileofsatisfiedgoo.
He moved up to his knees and she leaned forward and licked his chin, tasting herself on him. She

unbuttonedhisshirt,whileshetouchedthetipofhertonguetohisneck.Hisstomachmusclesclenchedas
shebrushedherknucklesacrosshisabdomen,beforepushingtheshirtoffhim.

Itwascrazyhowgorgeousthismanwas.Effortlesslyso.Nakedfromthechestup,hispantshanging

lowonhistrimhips,hisstomachrippledwithmuscle,hewasthesexiestmanshe’deverseenandhehad
anerectionthattentedhispantsandmadehermouthwater.

Pushing him backward so she could stand, she got to her feet, while he remained kneeling, his face

levelwithherstomachandwhilethatviewwasintoxicating,herimmediategoalwastogethimnaked.

Asifseemingtosensethat,hestoodandletherundothebuttons,andthenpulldownthezipperuntil

hispantspooledathisfeet.Shethenguidedhimtothechairandhesat,watchingherwithhungryeyes.

It didn’t escape her that she was outside, fully naked, although as they faced the water and were

twenty stories up, only someone with high-powered binoculars could see her. But the wind brushed
againsthersensitiveskinanditfeltnaughtyinawaythatmadehermorearoused.

The cool wind did nothing to diminish his erection. She moved to her knees in front of him and to

repay him for teasing her, she blew lightly on the head of his penis. His groan made her grin, and she
rewardedhimbylickingthehead,theskinsoftandwarmagainsthertongue.

“Youcalledmeatease,”hemurmured.
“Isthatacomplaint?”Shemovedherheadback.

“God,no.”
“Good.”Shetookhiminhermouthandhegasped,hishandsgraspinghershouldersasshesuckedand

licked, while he moaned in time with her movements. When she gathered his balls in her left hand and
squeezedlightly,hisentirebodyjerked.

Hemovedherchinup.“Ifyoukeepthatup,Iwon’tfeelyourbodywrappedaroundmycock,because

I’llcometoosoon.”

Rachel smiled and stood, aware of how he watched her body, the way her nipples tightened as she

movedtowardhim.Sheclimbedontohislap,rockingherpussyagainsthiscockassheslippedherlegsin
betweenthechairandthearms,sosheresteddirectlyagainsthim.Thenshemoveduntilshewasseated
onhim,hiscockpulsinginsideher.

Hefeltincredibleashemovedinsideher,sittingupsoherchestrestedagainsthis.Shegraspedhis

shoulders as she pushed against him, using her feet to move down when he moved up, grinding her clit
againsthisstomach.

Placinghishandsunderherass,heguidedhermovementsuntiltheyweremovingcompletelyinsync,

hischinagainsthershoulder,hisbreathhotagainstherskin,ashersensitivenipplesbrushedhischest.

Shecamefirst,fallingovertheedgeintoorgasm,whilehecontinuedtomoveforafewminuteslonger

untilhecamewithalongmoan,hisbodyconvulsingunderhers.

Theybothcaughttheirbreath,theirbodiespressedtogether,skinhotwheretheytouched,coolwhere

thebreezebrushedagainstthem.

Finallysheshifted,enoughtopullherlegsoutfromunderthearmsofthechair,whichcausedhimto

pulloutofherandnowshestartedtogetcold.

Asshestood,sodidhe.
“Comeinside.”Heledthewaytotheslidingdoors,allowinghertooglehisassashepulledthem

openandgesturedherinside.

Onceinside,hegrabbedathrowblanketfromthecouchandthrewitaroundhershoulders,beforehe

flickedaswitchnexttothemanteltostartthegasfireplace.

Herclotheswerestillonthemantelandshe’dstartedtofeelawkward,especiallyasheseemedso

comfortablepaddingaroundhisplacecompletelynude.

After disappearing down the hall leading to his bedroom, he came back a moment later, wearing

sweatpantsandcarryinganoversizedsweatshirt,whichhehandedtoher.OnRachelitcametoherknees
andshesankontohiscouchashegrabbedtwomorebeersfromthefridgeandhandedonetoher.

“Ishouldprobablygethome.”
“No you shouldn’t. Stay here for the night, I can drive you home in the morning.” He sank onto the

couchnexttoher,stillhalfnaked,andevenaftertwoorgasms,hersensescametolifejustbylookingat
him.

Fuck,itwasmorethanjustlustthatmadeherwanttostaywithhiminhisinsanelybeautifulapartment.

Ahugepartofherwantedtostayhereandjustluxuriateinhiscompany,maybesitandwatchamovielike
adatingcouplewould.Thenshecouldwakeupinthemorningandclimbontopofhimandtwoorgasms
latertheycouldgoforbrunch.Andmaybethenshe’dtellhimeverythingheknewaboutherwasalie,and
she’dbeenhiredtoensurehefailedatthejobhelivedfor.

Ifshestayedshecouldfindatimeinthemiddleofthenight,whileheslept,tofinallygetatthosefiles

andinsertthevirusintohissystem.

“Ishouldgohome.IpromisedmyparentsI’dcallthemtonight.Mymomlikestotalktomeatleast

onceaweek.”Rachelsmiled,apracticed,pretty,fakeasshitsmile,theonenormalgirlsgavewhenthey
talkedabouttheirwell-loved,livingmothers.Liesweresomucheasierthanthetruth.

Aflickerofdisappointmentcrossedhisface.“I’lldriveyouhomenow,then.”
“Ican…”

“Don’t,Rachel.Ifyouwalkoutthatdoorwithoutmethiswillfeellikeaone-nightstand,andI’mnot

settlingforthat.Thisismorethanthat,soyou’llgetdressedandI’llgetmycarkeysandI’lldriveyou
homeandthentomorrownight,atalittlebeforeeightintheevening,I’llcomepickyouup,takeyouto
dinnerandthentomymother’sgala.”

Shenodded.“I’llgetdressed.”
“Keepthesweatshirt,itsuitsyoumorethanitdoesme.”
Sheforcedasmile,notevenarguingwithhimoverthesweatshirt,becauseitsmelledlikehimandit

wasprobablyallshe’dhaveofhimwhenthiswasover.

eactuallygaveashitabouthowhelookedtonight.He’devengoneoutthatdayandboughtanewshirt

—walkedintoastore,trieditonandboughtit,insteadofwhathenormallydid,whichwastoorderit
onlineandhaveitdeliveredtotheoffice.

Ittookeffortnottotexther,especiallyaftershe’dleftsoabruptlylastnight.Therewasstillsomething

mysteriousaboutheranditbothattractedhimanddrovehiminsane.

He walked through the courtyard of her apartment building as a tattooed biker guy passed him,

narrowing his eyes as he stared at Colin. Another guy came out of a door leading to the back of the
building. The guy was so big he almost didn’t fit through the doorway and he scrutinized Colin as he
walkedpasthim.Thisapartmentbuildingdidn’tlookallthatsafe.

Colin headed up the stairs to Rachel’s apartment. Thirty seconds after he knocked on the door, it

opened and she stood there, a toothbrush in her mouth, wearing a long, simple, fitted black dress that
madeherlooklikesomethingoutofawetdream,alllushcurvesandlonglegs.

“I’mstillgettingready,”shesaidthroughthetoothbrush.
Hewalkedin,shuttingthedoorbehindhimassheracedtothebathroom.Asecondlatershecameout,

withoutthetoothbrush.“Hi.”

“Youlookbeautiful.”
Hersmilewasuncharacteristicallyshy.“Twomoreminutes.”Shedartedbackintothebathroomand

cameoutafewmomentslater,wearingbrightredlipstick.

“Isthisbuildingsafeforyou?Someoftheguyswalkingaroundlookalittledangerous.”
“I’m completely safe here, not to worry.” She waved off his concerns. “I have a confession.” She

steppedintoblackheelsandgrabbedablackwrapfromatinycloset.“I’veneverbeentoagala.”

“I’msoenviousofyourlackofgalahistory.”
Heopenedthedoorandshewalkedthroughandlockedthedoorafterheshutit,puttingthekeysina

smallsilverclutch.

“HeyRachel,youlookfancytonight.”Anothertall,tattooedguywalkedpastthem,givingColinalook

thatcouldbestbedescribedasastinkeye.

“Thanks,Mac.It’smybestdress.”Rachelgrinned.
“Howdidyoufindthisplace?”Colinaskedastheywalkedpasttheemptyswimmingpool.
“Afriendrecommendedit,andI’mperfectlysafehere.Theguyswouldneverletanythingbadhappen

toagirlwholivedhere.They’relikeourbigbrothersinaway.”

“Terrifyingbigbrothers,”Colinmuttered,asheunlockedhiscarandopenedthepassengerdoorfor

her.

“Willyoursisterbetheretonight?”

“Always.Mymotherdragshertoallherevents,eventhoughmysisterisbusywithschoolandisvery

shy.There’srarelyanyoneheragethere,butIkeephercompanyandcanusuallygethertoleaveearly.”

“Thensheshouldbeexcitedtoseeusthere.Wemightevenbeabletomakeitfunforher.”
“That would be great.” Colin started the car, wanting to ask her why she’d raced out the door last

night,butsofareverythinghadbeeneasy,andhesuspectedthatifhebroughtitup,thateasinesswouldbe
gone.

“Didyoutalktoyourmotherlastnight?”
“Shewantedtofindoutaboutmyweek.Youknowhowmothersworrywhentheydon’thearfromus.”
“Yourmother,maybe.Minejustwantsanupdateonwhatmyfather’sdoing.Eventhoughtheylivein

thesamehouse,theydon’ttalktoeachother.”Theydroveuptothehotelandavaletopenedfirstherdoor,
thenhis.Shestoodintheentrancetothehotelashepassedtheyoungvalethiskeys,hereyeshugeinher
lovelyface,surroundedbythethrongsofpeoplegoingintothehotel,someguests,othersclearlygoingto
hismother’sgala.

Rachelstoodoutsoclearlyfromeveryone.Shelookedrealwheneveryonearoundherlookedfake.

Hewalkedtoherandgraspedherhand,andtheywalkedsidebysideintothehugemarblelobby,pastthe
reception,andtowardthelargestballroominthecity.

“Wow,” Rachel whispered as they approached the double doors leading to what could only be

describedasawinterwonderlandinAugustinSanFrancisco.

Thewallshadbeendrapedwithashimmerywhitefabricthatflutteredfromabreezethatseemedto

becomingfrombehindthewalls.Whatlookedlikefakesnowwasthreefeetdeeponthefloor,andthe
tablesandchairswereallcoveredinsilver-and-blackstripedmaterial,makingthemlooklikewrapped
presents. Black-tie-clad waiters carrying trays maneuvered through the room and at the back of the
ballroom,abandplayedaninstrumentalversionof“StrawberryFields.”

Aroundthecircumferenceoftheroomwerepottedpinescoveredinthesamefakesnowthatwason

theground,withaspotlightovereachofthem.

“My mother has outdone herself tonight,” Colin said to Rachel as he looked around the already

crowdedspaceforhissister.

“Howoftendoesyourmotherdothis?”
“Everycoupleofmonths,althoughnotusuallythislarge.”
“Itremindsmeofacircus,exceptthedanceflooristhecenteroftheringandwe’realltheclowns.”
ColinglancedatRachel,whowaslookingaroundheringenuineinterest.Afewofthemenpassing

themstaredatherappreciatively.Oneofthem,DickieTully,wasmarriedandtwentyyearsolderthanshe
was,andColinhadthesuddenimpulsetoramhisfistintotheoldperv’sface.

“Champagne?” Colin asked, as a waiter walked by with a tray, grabbing two flutes and handing

Rachelone.

“TheonlyeventsIknowofwherethechampagneisfreeareweddings,andthat’susuallyoneglass

perpersontotoastthebrideandgroom,beforethecheapwineisproduced.”

“Well,attwothousandaheadforthisproduction,they’ddamnwellbetterbeservingchampagne.”
“Twothousand?Soyoupaidfourgrandfortonight?Wow,I’manexpensivedate.”
Helaughed.“Ialwaysbuyatleasttwoticketstomymother’sgalas.Icontributetohercausesandshe

leavesmealoneforacoupleofweeks.BestmoneyIspend.”

“Well,thechampagne’sgood,soI’mgrateful.”
“That’sastart.Thesethingsareusuallyprettyboring.”
“Boring?Noway.It’slikewatchingtheRealHousewives,butinreallife.”ShenoddedtowardRoger

Tilbury,whowasdancingwithhiswife—well,thewifewasdancing,whileRogershuffledacrossfrom
herasmuchashewasable.“Tellmeaboutthem.”

“That’sRoger,he’samulti-millionaire.Andthat’shisthirdwife,Melodie.She’sneveradmittedher

age,butbestguesseshaveheratleasttwenty-fiveyearsyoungerthanhim.”

“Werethefakeboobsbeforeorafterthemarriage?”
“Before, and they were very effective. She was the nanny to Roger’s youngest child, the only child

withwifenumbertwo.”

“It’salwaysthenanny.”Rachelgrinnedasshewatchedthemdancebadly.Rogerwasatall,balding

man,wholikemostmenhisagehadabelly,whilehiswifelookedlikeadancer,allsinewandbone,with
enormousbreastsandblondhairthatfellhalfwaydownherback.

“The second wife—who was a receptionist at Roger’s company while he was married to his first

wife—wasnotimpressed.Butthefirstwife,whogotandprobablydeservedhalfhisfortune,trainedhim
toensurehehadfoolproofpre-nupsfromthereon,sothesecondwifewalkedawaywealthybynormal
standards,butleftSanFranciscoshortlyafterthedivorcewasfinalized.”

“It’s better than Real Housewives.” Rachel stood close enough that the light, citrusy scent of her

shampooteasedhissensesandherarmrestedagainsthis.Andhehadaspectacularviewofhercleavage,
whichwaspresentedalmostperfectlyinhergown.

HehadtoforcehisattentionbacktoRoger,butitwasworthittoseehowmuchsheenjoyedwhathad

beentiresomegossipupuntiltonight.“ThemostinterestingpartofRoger’slovelifeisthathisfirstwife
—theonemymothersaysbroughtthemoneytothemarriage,whichmadeuptheinvestmentthatallowed
himtoopenhisfirstbrokerage—isheretonight.”

“No,”Rachelgasped,hereyesbrightwithhumor.“Where?”
“In the corner, wearing red sequins. You’ll know her from that wonderful dinner we had with my

mother.Youshouldremember,right?”

“Irememberthefishwasgood.”
“Irememberyou,halfnakedinthebathroomstall,comingaroundmycock.”
Hereyeswidenedandherbreathhitchedandhecouldtell,shedidremember.Nowheregrettednot

bookingaroominthehotelabovethem.Thehotelwouldhaveoneavailableifheofferedtopaywhatever
necessary.

Hermouthopenedslightlyandshelickedherbottomlipandheinstantlywenthard.
“Sotheex-wifeisinthesameroomasthecurrentwife.Havethereeverbeenanyladyfistfights?”

Rachelasked,hereyessparklingwithhumor.

“Theladiesinthisroomonlyfightwithuglywords,terriblerumors,andlooksthattheywishcould

kill. Donna doesn’t seem to have any issues with Roger’s current wife—she used up all her hatred on
wifenumbertwo.Sheandmymotherlookdownonwifenumberthree,whichmightbeworse.”

“Bettertobehatedthanpitied,”Rachelmuttered.
The light had dimmed in her eyes. Before he had a chance to ask why, he caught sight of his sister

walkingalongtheedgesoftheballroom.“IseeDanielle.WaithereandI’llbringherback.”

Daniellelookedshyanduncomfortableuntilshesawhimandasmilelitupherface.“Sogladyou’re

here.”

“Iwouldn’tleaveyoualoneatoneofthesethings.Whydon’tyoucometalkwithRachelandme?”He

ledhertowhereRachelstood,arefreshedglassofchampagneinherhand.

“So good to see you again.” Rachel grasped Danielle’s hand, in her warm, genuine manner and

instantlyDaniellerelaxed.“Yourdressisgorgeous.”

“You think?” Danielle held out the skirt, which was layers of a light fabric, each layer a different

shadeofpink,anditfloateddownherbodyinawaythatdidreallysuither.“Mothercalledittwee,butI
likethatit’scomfortableandpretty.”

“Itsuitsyouperfectly.”
“Iloveyourdressaswell,”Danisaid.
“YourbrotherwastellingmeaboutsomeoftheRealHousewiveslovetrianglesintheballroom.But

therehavetobepeopleherethatlikeeachotherandhavehappymarriages?”

“Mosteitherdivorceorenduplikeourparents,marriedandhatingeachother,butthereareafew.”

Danipointedtotheotherendoftheballroom,atacoupleintheirlatesixties.

“IsthatMrs.Pittman?”Colinhadn’tseenherinyears.
Daninodded.“Theydon’tcometomanyofMother’sevents,buteveryonceinawhileIseethemand

they’relovely.Shejustrecentlyretired.”

“Right,she’saheartspecialistandheteachesattheuniversity,inthephysicsdepartment,right?”
Daninodded.“Italktothemwheneverwe’reatthesameevents.Theyseemtolikeeachothereven

afterthirtyyearsofmarriage.”

“That’sencouraging,”Rachelsaid.
“Here you two are.” Alanna’s voice cut through the music and stopped their conversation. She

approachedthem,hersmilefrozeninplaceassoonasshenoticedRachel.

“Rebecca,right?”Alannasaid.
“Rachel,nicetoseeyouagain,Mrs.Evans.”
“Youbroughtyourassistanttomygala?”AlannaaskedColin.
“Ibroughtadatetoyourgala,”Colinresponded.
“Doesthatmeanyou’llstaylongerthanthirtyminutes?”
“Itmakesitmorelikely.”Colinkissedhismotheronherunlinedcheek.Tonightsheworeaskintight

redgown,withherhairincurls.

“IsDadhere?”
Alannanoddedandrolledhereyes.“Standingbythebar,gettingaheadstartonthescotch.I’mgoing

toneedyoutomakesurehe’snotfallingdowndrunkbeforeIgiveaspeechatten.”

Notachanceinhell.Nowaywashegettinginvolved,especiallywithRachelhere.
“I’lltalktohimatsomepoint.”
“There’ssomeonehereIwantyoutomeet.”AlannaglancedatRachel.“You’llreallylikeher,she’s

perfectforyou.”

“Nottonight,Alanna.AsIexplained,Ihaveadatehere.”
Alanna sniffed. “If you insist. Do talk to your father. And Danielle, I may need help ensuring the

waitersstopcirculatingduringmyspeech.Canyoufindthecateringmanagerandmakethatcleartoher?”

Daninodded,asAlannafloatedoffintothecrowd.
“Forgetthat.You’renotgoingtobeAlanna’slittlehelperallnight.”Colinglancedaroundtheroom,

whichwasfulltocapacity.

“Weshoulddance.”RachelgrabbedDani’shandanddrewherontothedancefloortoaninstrumental

versionof“PapaDon’tPreach.”RachelmadeDanigigglebyperformingsomebizarreshimmydancethat
managedtobebothsexyandendearinglynerdyallatonce.

Shit!Helikedher.Alot.Hisheartevenskippedalittleasshegrinnedathimfromthedancefloor.

Christ,hewasgoingtobeafuckingcliché.Theguythatdatedhisassistant.Hecouldevenseemarrying
her.

“Thegirldancingwithyoursisterisahotlittlenumber.”HisfatherpickedthatmomenttojoinColin.

ProbablybecauseAlannawasnolongertalkingtothemandunlikelytoreturnforawhile.“Whoisshe?”

Thebarmusthavehisfavoritescotch,becausealthoughheworeatuxasusual,thebowtiewasaskew

asifhe’dbeentuggingonitandthewaistcoatunderneaththejacketwasunbuttonedalready.Alannawas
goingtothrowafitwhenshesawhowhelooked,especiallythisearlyintheevening.

“Mydate.”
“ThenI’llsteerclear.Butshe’snotyourusualtype.”
Asifhisfatherknewhisusualtype.“She’snotthetypetodatemenoldenoughtobeherfather’solder

brother,sodon’tworryaboutsteeringclear.”

HisfatherglancedatRachelagainandbackatColin.“Youlikethisone.”
“Shedeservestobetreatedwithrespect.”
“Wheredidyoumeether?”
Talkaboutaloadedfuckingquestion.Alannaknew,soshe’deventuallymentionittoDad,butColin

wouldneverheartheendofitifhetoldhisfatherthathe’dbroughthisassistantashisdate.

“Weworkinthesameofficebuilding.”ColinhopedthatRachelstayedonthedancefloor.Havingto

dealwithAlannaandhisfatherinthesamenightmightsendherscreamingtowardthefirstexit.

Itwasthenhenoticedthewomanstandingbytheentrancetotheballroom,staringathisfather.She

lookedvaguelyfamiliar,buthecouldn’tplaceher.Shewasyoung,maybeearlythirties,withchin-length
blondhair,slimandprettyandohfuck!Hefinallyrememberedwhereheknewherfrom.

“Yourfuckingassistantishere.Areyououtofyourmind?”Thelasttimehe’dseenher,she’dbeen

givinghisfatherablowjobandthenhadrunhalfnakedfromtheroom.

His father turned toward her and glanced around, probably for signs of Alanna, before nodding

discreetlyather.“ItoldherI’dgetheraticket,aslongasshedidn’tspeaktooracknowledgemeinany
way.She’sfascinatedbythesethings.”Hisfathergrimaced.“Idon’tknowwhy,Iguessshe’snotasbright
asIthoughtshewas.”

Colincouldguesswhy.Maybeshewasmorethanambitiousinhercareer.Morethanasteppingstone

into a better-paying job, she wanted a better life, or at least one that looked, from the outside, to be
luxurious.BeingthewifeofRichardEvanscouldlookwonderfultoanyonewho’dneverlivedwithhim.

“IfAlannaevengetsawhiffthatoneofyourgirlfriendsisintheroom,she’lllosehermind,”Colin

said.

“WhywouldAlannalosehermind?”RachelandDaniapproached.
DadkissedDanionthecheek.“Hello,mygirl.”HethenturnedtoRachel.“You’remyson’sdate,I

hear.”

“Whatyourwifehasputtogetherismarvelous,theroomisstunning.”
“Don’t tell the harpy that. The more compliments she gets, the more of my money she spends on

puttingthesethingstogether.”

“Alltheproceedsgotocharity,Dad,”Danisaid.
“SoAlannatellsme,butshe’snotdoinganyofittobecharitable,she’sdoingittobethecenterof

attention.”

ACHEL

COULDN

’

DISAGREE

with Colin’s dad, but saying it out loud at the actual event seemed mean-

spiritedandmaybeitwasthechampagne,orthewayColinhadlookedatherallnight,butshewasina
generousmood.

ShewantedtolikeRichardEvans.Forstarters,unlikehiswife,hedidn’tlookatherasifshe’djust

crawledoutfromunderarock.Instead,helookedatherasifhewastryingtogetasolidunderstandingof
whatshelookedlikenaked,andperhapsthatwasworse.

HowonearthhadheandAlannacreatedtwopeopleaswonderfulasDaniandColin?
Theywerebeingwatchedbyawomanstandingclosetothedoor,withalookofnakedlongingonher

face. Rachel knew that look, recognized it from the mirror, back when she’d been a teen and watched
otherfamilies—happyfamilies.Sheknew,deepinhergut,theneedtobelong.Thewomanwasprettyand
youngandwearinguncomfortableheels,asshekeptshiftingherweightfromonefoottotheother.Wasshe
Colin’sex?

“Whoisthatwomanbythedoor?”shewhisperedtoColin.
“Myfather’smistress.”

“Seriously.She’syoungenoughtobehisdaughter.”
Daniglancedatbothofthem.“What’sgoingon?”
Rachelwasn’tgoingtotellher.ShehadnoideawhetherDaniknewherfathercheated,andshewasn’t

goingtotellher.

“Shit, Mom’s on her way over.” Colin turned to his father. “You have to get her out of here, Dad.

Bringingherherewasaterriblemistake.IfyouthinkthatwillconvinceMomtodivorceyouandnottake
allyourmoney,you’rewrong.”

“Keepyourmomdistracted,I’lltakecareofher.”RachelturnedtoColin’sdad,whofinallyhadthe

gracetolookembarrassed.“What’shername?”

“Caroline.”
Rachel walked to the woman, who stopped staring at Richard as soon as she noticed Rachel

approaching.

“Caroline,right?”Rachelsaid.
“Hewantsmetoleavenow,doesn’the?”Sheshookherheadandsighed.“IknewassoonasIwalked

inherethiswasaterribleidea,butIwantedtoseehisworld,theoneoutsideofwork.”

“Cometothelobbybarandgetadrinkwithme.”
Theywalkedsidebysidetothelobby,wheretheybothsatonstoolsnexttothegleamingwoodenbar.
“Myshoesaretorturedevices.”Carolinekickedhersoff,lettingherfeetdangleassheorderedadirty

martini.

“I’msorry,I’vegottobehonest.Why?You’regorgeousandhe’s…”
“Oldenoughtobemyfather.Iknow.”Caroline’smartiniarrivedandshepulledatwentyoutofher

purseandplaceditonthebar.“Idon’thavedaddyissues,ifthat’swhatyouwerethinking.Myparentsare
marriedandhappyandwonderful,andmyfatherwouldbehorrifiedifheknewIwasdatingamanclose
tohisage—worse,amarriedone.”Shetookasipandsighed,hershouldershunched,thestrugglenotto
cryvisibleinthetightnessofherjawline.

“Youcareforhim?”Rachelorderedherownmartini.
“You must think I’m an idiot, but you should see him at work. He’s in charge and so smart and he

didn’tseemthatmucholderthanIam.”Carolinetookanothersipandgrimaced.“Idon’tevenlikehard
alcohol,butamartiniseemedrightforthemoment.”Shebrushedawayatear.“Thelimosandthefancy
hotelroomsandtheprivatejetwerereallyniceaswell.”

“Beingontheoutsidelookingin,feelinglikeyoudon’tbelong,likeyou’renotwanted.Itkicksyouin

thegut,doesn’tit?”

“It’stheworst.I’veneverfeltanythinglikeitbefore.”
“That’ssomethingtobegratefulfor.Somepeoplehavefeltthatwayforyears.”
CarolinenoddedandglancedatRachel,notwithpity,butunderstanding.“Anythingthatmakesmefeel

likethiscan’tbegood.What’syourconnectiontoRichard?”

“I’mherewithhisson.”
“Ihopehe’sabettermanthanhisfather.”
“Far,farbetter.”
Caroline smiled sadly. “I’m glad, as you seem like a nice person.” She shuffled off the stool, bent

downandpickeduphershoes.“Thankyouforbringingmetomysenses.I’mgoinghome.”Shewalked
barefootthroughthehotel’sautomaticdoorsandhailedacab.

Rachel stayed at the bar and finished her martini, saddened by the encounter and angry at Richard.

He’dallowedthatgirltocometohiswife’sgalawithouteverconsideringorcaringaboutwhatthecost
wouldbetoCaroline.Itwasselfishandcallousandhedeservedtobecalledoutforit.

“Thankyouforthat.”Colinsatbesideher.
“Yourfather’sanasshole.Shethinksshe’sinlovewithhimandyourDaddoesn’tgiveashitabout

her.”

“Youhavehimpegged,butI’dalsoaddnarcissisticassholetothedescription.”
“IthinkIunderstandnowwhyyoudon’twantmeworkingforyouanylonger.”Colinwouldhateany

comparisonstohisfather,anddatinghisassistantseemedlikesomethinghisfatherhaddonemorethan
once.

“Idon’twantanyonethinkingI’manythinglikehim.”
“You don’t have to worry about that.” As far as Rachel could see, Colin was completely different

fromhisfatherandbetterforit.

“Yousavedmyfamilyfromwhatcouldhavebeenareallyuglyscene.”Colinstoodandheldouthis

hand.“Idon’tlikeleavingDanialonefortoolong.Wouldyouliketocomebackinandhavesomemore
reallyexpensive,pre-paidchampagne?”

“Iwould.”Racheltookhishandandallowedhimtohelpherfromherstool.Theywalkedbackinto

theballroomtogether,towardwhereDanistood,rightnexttohermother.

“Rather than subject you to my mother, let me subject you to my dancing.” Colin led Rachel to the

crowdeddancefloor,wheretheyfoundaspotattheedgeandhepulledherintohisarms.

“Thankyouforcoming.I’veneverenjoyedoneoftheseuntiltonight.”
Rachel pressed her chin against his shoulder, loving the feel of his arms around her back, his chest

againsthers.“Ienjoyeditsomuch.”Sheclosedhereyes,feelingthelureofthisman.

ShecouldbeRachelMeadowsforever,behisassistant,behisgirlfriendandforgeteverythingelse.
She’ddonenothingwrongyet,andwouldn’t.Therewasnowaythatshe’dbetrayColin,notknowing

himthewayshedid.

Whensheopenedhereyes,shegasped.
Her father, wearing a pair of ratty jeans and a dirty sweatshirt three sizes too big, stood in the

doorwaytotheballroom.

How?Wherewassecurity?
Exceptshesawtwomeninblacksuitsapproachingherfatherfromthedirectionofthehotellobby.
Wouldtheygethimoutofherebeforehesawher?
ShepulledherheadbackandkissedColin.Heopenedhismouth,kissingherback,assheputallher

feelingsandhersenseofurgencyintothatkiss.“JustknowIreallycareforyou,”shewhisperedasthe
kissended.

Hesmiled.“Afterthatkiss,Ibelieveyou.”
“Iwasn’tgoingtohurtyou,”shesaid,breakingapartfromColin,justasherfathercalledhername.
“Rachel.”
Eveninthecrowded,noisyspace,thesoundofhernamecarriedandconversationaroundherdimmed

noticeably.

Her throat went dry and her hands started to shake. Rachel ran up to her father, the smell of cheap

whiskeywaftingfromhim.“Dad,weneedtogetoutofhere.”

“You’reheredressedtotheninesatafancyballwiththemarkwhilewejustgotfired.”
He was so loud and she felt Colin walk up behind her, even as she kept her focus entirely on her

father.

“Whoisthis,Rachel?”
“Doesheknowwhoyouare?”herfathersneered,asalwaysameandrunk.
“Weneedtogetoutofhere.”Rachelgrabbedherfather’sarmanddraggedhimtowardthelobby.
“We’re fired, did you hear?” Dad pulled his arm from her grip and stood his ground, while Colin

staredatbothofthemincompleteconfusion.

“Iheard,Dad,buthereisnottheplace.”
Dad narrowed his eyes as he glanced about. Oh God, the music had stopped, and everyone around

themwatched.Alannastoodwithherhandsonherhips,lookinglikeshe’djuststruckgold.

“Youthinkyoubelonghere.Youthinkyou’reoneoftheserichpeople.Isthatwhyyou’rehereandnot

finishingthejobwehaven’tbeenpaidfor?”

“Whatisthisjobhekeepsreferringto?”Colinasked.
“The job where she was supposed to con you into getting her to work for you and then place fake

informationonyourcomputer.”HerfatherendedthatbylaughinglikesomemaniacalBondvillain.

In the sheer nightmare of shit that was coming at her, one of the worst was how little her father

actuallyunderstoodwhatshedid.Herskillshadpaidhisbillsforthepastfiveyears,andshe’ddoneall
theworktoensurehestillhadmoneytospendathislocaldivebar,andhehadnocluehowshedidanyof
it.

Notthatitmatteredanylonger.
SheknewthemomentColinunderstoodwhenhisexpressionchangedfromconfusiontorawhurt,and

thentoanger.

“Ididn’tdoanything,”shetriedweakly.
“Andthat’swhywelosttwohundredgrand,”herfatherpipedin.
“Youlyingbitch.Whohiredyou?”Colin’sfacecouldhavebeenmadeofgraniteforalltheemotionit

nowshowed,whichwasworsethantheanger.He’dshutherout.

“Idon’tdealwiththeclients,”Rachelreplied.
“Butyouknow.”
“It’sAltech.”
“Youweregoingtohelpthoseratbastardstofuckmeover?”
“IwashiredtodoajobIdidn’tendupgoingthroughwith,”Racheltriedweaklytoexplain.
“I’mguessingyourfatherhereisnotanaccountant.”
Rachelshookherhead.
“Everythingyoutoldmewasalie?”
“Canwegosomewhereelseandtalkaboutthis?”
“Isthereaproblemhere?”oneofthetwosecurityguardsaskedastheystooddirectlybehindherdad.
“Yes,thesetwodon’tbelonghere.Throwthemout.”ColinturnedhisbackonRachel.
“Noteverythingwasalie.”Exceptshecouldseebythestiffnessinhisshouldersandthewayhe’dno

longerlookatherthathe’dstoppedlistening.

Allaroundthem,peoplestaredandthelookonAlanna’sfacecouldonlybecalledgleeful.Shewas

ontheoutside,excludedanddefinitelynotgoodenough.Again.

Afterfollowingthesecurityguardoutoftheballroom,shekeptonwalkingoutthedoorsandintothe

coolnight.JustlikeCarolinebeforeher,sheflaggedataxi,readytoleavealoneandbrokenhearted.

“Didyoulikehim?”Herdadstaggeredtowardher,thesamemeanlookonhisfacefromearlier.
It was like alcohol Jekyll and Hyded him, turning him from a quiet, nice man into a mean, abusive

asshole—and she’d never quite known if drinking showed his real personality or changed him into
someonedifferent.

“Idid,Dad,andyoucouldhavewaitedtotellmethat,butyouwantedtomakemepayfornotgetting

youthemoney,didn’tyou?”

“Youweredoingeverythingbutwhatyoushouldhavebeendoing!ThefirstruleItaughtyouwasnot

to get involved with the mark, and you sure don’t date them. You didn’t do anything else with him, did
you?”

Shewouldn’tnoworeverdiscusshersexlifewithherfather.
“Itdoesn’tmatter.Youwantedtoembarrassmetonight,wantedtomakememiserable,asmiserable

as you are.” She felt tears on her cheeks. “I quit, Dad. Right now. Go to rehab or don’t. I don’t care
anymore.”

Sheclimbedintothecabandshutthedoor,lockingitwhenhetriedtogetinwithher.“Gohome,”she

calledthroughthepartiallyopenwindow,asthecabdroveawayfromthehotel.

Shewasnumbandexhausted,andallshewantedtodowasclimbintobedandtrytohidefromthe

painthatwasthreateningallherfrozenedges.

e’darrivedatworkearly,avoidingeveryone.Afterwalkingpastheremptydesk,heshuthisdoor,put

hisphonedirectlytovoicemail,andfocusedonnumbers.Itdidn’twork.Forfourhourshe’dstaredatthe
filesonhisscreen,tryingtofocus,determinedtogetheroutofhismind,butnothingseemedtowork.

Theangerwasstillthere,butbeneaththatwasthepainofknowingshe’dbeenplayinghimand,like

anidiot,he’dbelievedher.Hestillwantedtobelieveher,wantedtoseeher,talktoherevenaftershe’d
playedhimforanidiot.

Aknockonthedoorpulledhimoutofhisthoughts.
The door opened and the receptionist—Sarah, if he remembered correctly—stood there. “I have a

visitor here I thought you might want to see? I tried calling your assistant but there’s no answer. Is she
comingintoday?”Theoverlyexaggeratedinnocentexpressiononherfacetoldhimsheknewbloodywell
Rachelwasn’tcomingin.Hehadnodoubteveryoneatthefirmknewaboutthemessthathadhappened
Saturdaynight.Theymightnotknowallthedetails,buttheynowknewhe’dbeendatinghisassistantand
they’dhadaverypublicbreakup.

“She no longer works here.” He opened up his calendar. “I don’t have any meetings until later this

afternoon,sowho’sheretoseeme?”WasitRachel?Fuck,itwasstupidhowmuchhewantedittobeher,
weakassholethathewas.

“It’syourfather.”Sarahsmiled.“It’ssuchanhonortomeethimandIcanseewhereyougotyourgood

looksfrom.”

Thatwasweird—hisfathernevercamehere.Ifhehadtoseehim,Colinalwayswenttohisfather’s

office,ormethimatarestaurant.

“Youhavewonderfultaste,younglady.”HisfatherappearedbehindSarah,whoblushedandstepped

backsohisdadcouldenterhisoffice.

“Isthereanythingelseyouneed,Mr.Evans?”
“No,”Colinanswered.
“Shewasn’ttalkingtoyou,andthere’snoneedtobesoabrupt.”HeturnedtofaceSarah.“Pleasecall

me Richard, and if I do think of anything, I’ll let you know right away. You’ve been really helpful.”
Colin’sdadgrinnedatthereceptionistassheclosedthedoor.

“Stopflirtingwithher.She’stooyoungforyou.”
“Well,myassistantquitandleftSanFrancisco,soI’minthemarket.”Hisfatherglancedattheclosed

doorasifseriouslyconsideringtheidea.

“AsIheardit,sheleftyou.”
“It’sallthesame.”Hisfathershrugged.“Ilikedher,Ireallydid.Shewascapableandbrightandfun.”
“Andinlovewithyou.”

“I was clear with her from the beginning that we were never going to end up together. Even if I

managetoextricatemyselffromthatMedusamonsteryoucallamother,I’mnevermarryingagain.”

Colinverymuchdoubtedhisfatherwaseverhonestwithanyone.“Whyareyouhere,Dad?”
“IwantedtotalktoyouaboutwhathappenedSaturdaynight.”
“There’snothingtotalkabout.”HewouldnotbetalkingaboutRachelinanywaywithhisdad.
“Oh, son, it’s all everyone is talking about. For the first time ever, you bring a date to one of your

mother’sshindigs—andthenhaveaverypublicfightwiththatwomanwhensomeoneIbelievewasher
drunkfather,interruptedandtherewasshoutingaboutlies.”Hisfathergrinned.“Yourmotherismortified
thatithappenedinpublic,buthappyyou’redonewithawomanshefeltwasn’tatyourlevel.”

“Jesus, Dad, you’re both ghouls, you know that? Alanna is a hypocrite to judge anyone. Leave this

alone.”

“It’stoobad,Ilikedher.Hotlittlenumber,thatone.”
Colinwasabouttotellhisfathertofuckrightoff,whentherewasanotherknockonhisopendoor.

BillDander,oneofthefourseniorpartners,stoodthere.

Inwardly,Colingroaned.BillandhisfatherhadgonetoYaletogether,andeverytimetheysaweach

otheritwaslikeafratreunionbetweentwosixty-somethingboys.

Sureenough,Colin’sdadstoodandhuggedhisfriend,beforetheyperformedthesamebizarrehalf-

handshakehalf-danceproductiontheyalwaysdidwhentheysaweachother.

“Whenarewemeetingfordrinks?”BillclappedRichardontheback.
“I’mfreenextThursday.”
BillglancedatColin.“Whenyouhaveamoment,weshoulddiscussAltech.”
“Discussitnow,Iwasjustgoingtoleave.MaybeI’llhaveatalkwithyourprettyreceptionistonthe

wayout.”

“Thatone’satreasure.Iknowacoupleofpeoplehavesignedontothefirmjusttogettoseeherlegs

onadailybasis.Andsheactuallyknowshowtousethephone,soit’sawin-winforeveryone.”

ThelastthingColinneeded,todayofallfuckingdays,wastowatchhisfatherandoneofhiscronies

chucklingoverthelegsofagirlyoungenoughtobetheirgranddaughter.

“Altechisabadinvestment,Bill,”Colinsaid.“Isentyouareportwiththedetails.I’mnotsurewhat

thereistodiscuss.”

“Davecalledmetodiscussyourfindings.Hefeelsthatthenumbersyoucameupwitharemisleading

andhewantsthemreviewedbysomeoneelse.”

Billsatdown,whileRichardhoverednearthedoor.BillhadhiredColintwoyearsoutofPrinceton,

andColinhadalwayssuspectedhisfatherhadpushedBilltodoso,eventhoughRicharddeniedit.Colin
would’veturneddownthejobofferifhe’dthoughthisfatherhadanypartinit.ThenColinhadworked
twiceashardtoprovetoeveryonethathe’dearnedthisjob,andhisfamilyhadnothingtodowithhim
gettingit.

Billwasashort,thinmanwithwireframeglassesandaloudlaugh.HeleftColinaloneforthemost

part,whichwaswhyhemadeaprettygoodboss.

“ThenumbersIcameupwithwerefromtherawdata.They’recorrect,asmynumbersalwaysare,”

Colinsaid.

“I’mnotquestioningthenumbers,butI’veknownDavealongtimeandhe’saguywhodelivers,and

we’redownfivepercentonlastyear,soweneedadelivery.Justenoughtoshowpositivegrowthonlast
year,sowe’llallgetourbonusesandwe’llalllookgolden.”

“Altechhasnosubstance.Anyrevenuestreamisgoingtocomeinwaypasttheirprojecteddates,if

theyevergetthetechnologytowork,andtheirclaimsofexpenserecoupinthreeyearshavenobasisin
anyrealityIcouldsee.Longterm,they’reabadinvestment.”

“Look,wejustneedthemtogettotheIPOstageandwescorethewinthere.Whathappensafterisnot

onus.”

“If we’re the ones that recommend them then it’s completely on us, and my name will be on that

report.DaveMurdockissketchyandunderhandedandinmyprofessionalopinion,theinvestmentisnot
somethingIwouldrecommendtoourclients.”

“Colin,getyourheadoutofyourass.”Richardcamebackintotheoffice,closingthedoorbehindhim.

“Murdockisaveteran.Hecanbetrustednottomakeanyonelookstupid.”

“Yourfather’sright.Iknowtheman,hiswifeisbestfriendswithmysister.He’soneofus.Justsign

offonit.”

“Whatdoyoumean,oneofus?”IttookrealeffortforColinnottoyellatthetwomeninfrontofhim.
“Someonewe’veknownforalongtime.Wehelpeachotherandeveryonegetsrich.”Richardgrinned.

“Itkeepsusallinyachts.”

Billlaughed,likethatwasactuallyfunny.Excepttherewasnothingfunnyaboutanyofthis.Colinhad

notrealizeduntilthismomenthowincestuoushisworldreallywas.Everyonekneweachother,theydid
businesstogether,andtheyprotectedeachotherandgossipedbehindtheirbacks.

NowBillwasaskingColintoignoreMurdock’scorruption.Itwasappalling.
“Didyouhiremebecauseofhim?”ColinaskedBillwhilepointingatRichard.
Billstood.“Ihiredyouforalotofreasons.JustgiveDaveachance.Everyoneknowsthatifyousign

off,it’sasclosetoasurethingaswegetinthisbusiness.He’sexpectingyouinthreedays.”

“I’llvisitonemoretime,andifIstillfeelasthoughyourmanDaveisanunderhandedconartist,then

it’sanogo.I’mnotsigningmynametoacompanythatinacoupleofyearsisgoingtofold,leavingthe
peoplewhoinvestedinitemptyhanded.”

“Hewasalwaysthisintense,evenasakid.”Richardstood.“Letmewalkyoutoyourofficeandwe

candiscusswherewewanttogofordrinksonThursday.”

Colin watched them both leave. “Assholes,” he muttered. What had started as a shit day had turned

intoacesspoolofcrapday.

Shuttinghiscomputer,hegaveuponwork.Itwasn’ttakinghismindoffofRachelandworse,itwas

makinghimevenmoremiserable.

FTER

TWO

DAYS

ofhidinginherapartmentandtryingtopretendtheworlddidn’texist,Rachelmanagedto

climboutofbed,getdressed,andleaveherapartment.She’dwallowedenoughinself-pityandnowshe
neededtofacetheconsequencesofwhathadhappenedatthebenefit.

Itwasjustaftersixinthemorning,andafteranothersleeplessnightshestoodoutsidehisapartment

building,waiting,knowinghe’dcomeoutsoon.

Excepthedidn’t,andsohalfanhourlatershewentinsideandapproachedsecurity.“I’mColinEvans’

assistantandhe’saskedmetodropoffsomereportsathishome.Iwashereacoupleofweeksago.”

“Yourname?”Thestone-facedsecurityguyasked.
“RachelMeadows.”
He typed it in and then waved her through to the elevators. Surprised that it worked given how she

looked,Rachelrushedthroughthemarblelobbyandpressedtheupbutton.Shecouldn’thelpbutseeher
blurryreflectioninthemetaldoorsoftheelevator.Whatshesawwasamess.Herhairlookedlikeshe’d
runbackwardsthroughawindtunnel,andthesweatsshe’dpulledoffthefloorofherbedroomwereway
toobig.

TheelevatordooropenedandRachelhadtothinkamoment.Shecouldgohomenow,andcomeback

whenherhairwasbrushedandshewaswearingsomethingnicer.

Damnit,shewashere.Shegotontheelevatorandpressedthepenthousebuttonwithashakinghand.

Her phone rang and she pulled it out of her purse, hoping maybe Colin was trying to call her. Her

stomachdroppedwhenshesawitwasherfatheragain,fortheumpteenthtimeinthepasttwodays.She
shutitoffandputitbackinherpurse.

The doors opened and she stepped into the hall. He’d been so mad the other night, and for good

reason.

“Youcandothis,”shemutteredassheknockedonhisdoor.
It took one minute and twenty-three seconds for him to open the door. His shirt was buttoned only

halfwayandhispantshungoffhiships,becausehehadn’thadtimetoputonabelt.Hiseyeswererimmed
withdarkcircles,andatwo-dayscruffmadehimlookimpossiblysexy.Hishairwasstilldampfromthe
shower,andmorethananythingshewantedtostepintohisarmsandhavehimholdher.

“Canwetalk?”sheasked.
“No.”Heclosedthedoor.
Shit!Rachelrestedherheadagainstthecoolwoodofhisdoorasaheadachestartedtopoundagainst

herskull.

Shepressedthedoorhandleanditopened.Hehadn’tlockedit.
Standingattheentrance,shecalledout,“I’msorry.”
Hecamebackintothehall.Hestillhadn’tbuttonedhisshirt.“Youliedtome.Overandover.You’re

abiggerhypocritethananyofthem.”

“Ididn’twanttolietoyou,”sherespondedweakly.
“That’snotgoodenough.”Heturnedhisback.
“Please,Ineverintendedtohurtyou.CanyoutrytounderstandthatIcareforyouandonceIgotto

knowyou…”

“Rachel,youhavetoleave.”Hisexpressionshowednothingbutanger.
“You’veneverdoneanythingyouwantedtotakeback?”
“Idon’tlietotheonesclosetome.”
“Andapparentlyyoudon’tmakeanymistakesorforgivethem?”
“Gohome.”Heleftthehall,leavingherstandinginhisdoorway,feelingdefeated.
Sohewaspissed—well,shewasalittletoo.Ittookeverythinginhertocomehereandsaysorryto

himinperson,andtheleasthecoulddowaslisten.

She walked into his hallway, shutting the door behind her. He was in the kitchen, standing at the

counter,staringintospace,frowning.

“Icouldhaveyouarrestedfortrespassing,”hesaidwhenhenoticedher.
“Thencallthepolice.”Shedroppedherpurseonthefloor.

OLIN

WAS

LOSS

.Heshouldcallthepolice,orsecurity,andhaveherremovedfromthebuilding.He

should have locked the door, and not listened to a word out of her lying mouth, but he’d been weak,
becauseidiotthathewas,he’dmissedher.

He’dgoneintotheofficeandbeenatacompletefuckinglossbecauseshewasn’tthere.Andnowshe

washere,athishome,lookinglikeatotalmess,likeshe’dcrawledoutofbedandhadbeencryingall
night,afuckinggorgeousmess.

Likeachocolatebarwrappedinbacon.Allthethingsheknewweren’tgoodforhimandyethestill

cravedit,stillcravedher,liesandall.

“Iwashiredtodosomethingthatwasillegal.”
“Itwhatyou’rereferringtofraudortheft?Whichlawswereyouplanningonbreakingwhenyoutook

thatjob?”heinterjected.

“It’showDadandIhavegottenbythelastfewyears.”
“Right,thenot-accountantfather.Where’sthesaintlymother?”
“She’sdead.”
Thatstoppedhimcold.Partofhimfeltbadlyfortauntingherabouthermother,butthosestories—lies

—she’dtoldaboutherfamilyhadseemedsoreal,sofuckingidyllic.She’dlefthisapartmentonenightto
gocallhermother,forfuck’ssake.“Nothingwasreal.”

“That’snottrue.”Shewalkedtowithinsixinchesofhimandpressedherrightpalmagainsthischest.

“Moreofitwastruththanyourealize.”

Her skin was warm against his, the scent of her floral shampoo teasing his senses. She moved her

handunderneathhisshirtanddowntohisabdomen.Immediatelyhiscockhardened,becausehisheadand
hisdickwereveryfarapartandhisdicklikedheralot,evenwithallthelying.

Shemovedcloserstillandpressedherlipsagainstthesideofhisthroat.“Thispartwasneveralie.”
Becausehewasweak,sovery,veryfuckingweak,hekissedher.Therewasnothingsoftaboutit.He

wasturnedonandstillangryandpissedoffthathewantedherthewayhedid,andhecontrolledthekiss,
movingherbackwarduntilshewaspressedagainstthekitchenwall.Shewassoftandresponsiveandshe
kissedhimback,givinghimeverythinghewasgivingherandmore.

Withoutbreakingthekiss,hecuppedherassandpulledheragainsthim.Thenheliftedherup,asshe

wrappedherlegsaroundhiswaistandhewalkedherdownthehallandintohisbedroom,droppingher
onthebed.

Shelookedupathim,hereyesheavylidded,herexpressionacombinationofarousedandwary.He

grabbedthecuffsofhersweatpantsandpulledthemoff.Sheworenothingunderneathandthesightofher,
halfnaked,herglorioushairfannedaroundher,almostmadehimgroanoutloud.

Shesatupandpulledthesweatshirtoffandnowshewascompletelynaked.Ashestoodthere,she

movedontoherhandsandkneesinfrontofhim,facinghistentedpants.

Ashewatched,sheundidhisbuttonandslowly,tooslowly,pulleddownthezipperuntilhispantsfell

tothefloor.Withthetipofherindexfinger,shetracedtheoutlineofhiscockthroughthethincottonofher
boxers,ashestoodthere,everymuscleinhisbodytensefromwantingmore.

Whenshegrippedhiscockinherhand,throughhisunderwear,hegraspedhershoulder.“Stopteasing

me,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.

Withasmile,shepushedherfingersthroughtheslitinthefrontofhisboxers,graspedhiscockand

pulleditthrough.Hecouldhaveswornshepurredassheblewonthetip,beforerunningtheendofher
tonguearoundthehead.Sheglancedupathim,hereyesbright,beforesheenvelopedhiminhermouth,
warmandsoftandwetandsofuckingamazingasshemovedupanddown.

He’dneverseenanythingaseroticasRachelonherhandsandkneesonhisbed,hermouthwrapped

aroundhiscock,herentirebodymovingeverytimeshesuckedonhim.Itwastoomuch—he’dneverlast
longenoughifshecontinued.Ittookstupidamountsofwillpower,buthemanagedtomovebackenoughto
pulloutofhermouth,herlipsredandlushassheglancedupathim.

Hegotonthebed,behindher,grindinghiscockagainstherassashepressedhischesttoherback,

beforecuppingherwithhispalm.Shewaswetandlushandreadyforhim.Ashemovedinsideher,she
gaspedandclenchedaroundhim.

Graspingahandfulofhair,hekissedherneckashemoved,lostinthesensationofher,thefeelofher

body, the softness of her skin and the soft moans she made every time he pushed inside. She touched
herselfashedeepenedhisthrusts,movingfaster,feelingthetensionincreaseinside,untilhegraspedher
hipsandcameinsideher.

Breathinghard,hepulledoutofherandcollapsedonthebedasshefelltoherside,inchesfromhim,

but not touching. She faced the wall and he raised his hand to trace the curve of her waist, before he
pulledback.

“Thischangednothing.”Hesatup,whenallhewantedtodowasliedown,pullherintohisarmsand

fallasleep.Butoutsideofsex,nothingwasreal.Hehadnoideahowmuch,ifanything,ofwhatshe’dtold
himoverthepastsixweekswasthetruth.

Sheturnedtohimandforonebriefmomentshelookedupset,beforesheturnedbackaroundandsat

upinthebed,herbacktohim.

Aftergettingdressed,shewalkedoutthedoorandsecondslater,heheardhisfrontdooropeningand

thenclosing.

FELT

likeshewasrunningthelastlapofamarathoninsteadofclimbingasetofstairsasRachelfinally

gottoherfloorinShadyOaks.HerdoorwasinsightasMaddy’sdooropenedandshecameout,wearing
asimplefloralprintdressandcarryingapurse,clearlyonherwaytowork.

“Whoa,youlookawful,”shegasped.
“Thanks.”Rachelcouldn’tevenmusteruptheenergytobesarcastic.Shejustwantedtoclimbback

intobedandforgeteverythingthathadhappenedoverthepasttwomonths.

SheopenedherdoorasMaddystared,clearlyconcerned.
“Seriously,areyouokay?”MaddyaskedasRachelsteppedintoherapartment.
“Probablynot.”Rachelcollapsedontothecouchandgrabbedthethrowshekeptontheedge,pulling

itoverherbody.

“Yourplaceisamess.It’snevermessy.”Maddycamein,shuttingthedoorbehindher.
“Don’tyouhavetogettowork?”Rachelmumbled.
“Iwasthereuntilmidnight,soifI’malittlelate,theycansuckit.”Maddypickedupsomeofthedirty

clothesonthefloor,creatingapileinthecorner.“Wantsomecoffee?”

Rachelshookherhead,butMaddystartedtomakesomeanyway.
“Whathappened?”Maddyasked.
“Ifellformybossandgotfiredandgotmyheartstompedon.”Rachelfelttearsburnthebackofher

throat,butitfeltgoodtotellsomeonethatwantednothingfromher.

“Youdatedhot,assholebossguy?”Maddysatonthetuftasthecoffeepercolated.
“He’snotsuchanasshole.”Rachelsatup,curlingherlegsunderneathher.“Imightbetheasshole.”
“Whatdidyoudo?”
“Ilied.”
“Iguesshewasmadwhenhefoundout.”
“Youcouldsaythat.”
“Whatdidyoulieabout?”
Rachelsighed.Shewasabouttocompoundoneshitstormoflieswithanother.“Imadeamistakeand

triedtocoveritup.”

ThecoffeemakerbeepedandMaddygotupandpouredtwocups,puttingjustmilkinRachel’s,exactly

thewayRacheldrankit.“Youcanstoplyingtome.Whatisityoudo?Iknowyousaidyoudocontract
computerwork,butIhavetocallbullshitnow,becausejudgingbythewayyoulook,theliesarestarting
tocausehavocinyourlife.”

MaddyhandedRachelhercoffee,smiledsweetlyandsatbackdownonthepinktuft.
“How?”Rachelstarted.
“It’sShadyOaksforChrist’ssake.Sure,theoccasionalstraightandnarrow,suchasme,getsaplace

here,butitwouldtakesomeoneblind,deafanddumbnottonoticemostofthepeoplelivingherearen’t
exactlyentirelyontherightsideofthelaw.”

“WhydoyouthinkI’mnotontherightsideofthelaw?”

Rachel took a small sip of her coffee. “One week you go to work looking like a stripper, then you

don’tworkfortwoweeks,thenyougotoworklookinglikealibrarianfromabadeightiesmovie.Most
peopledon’tweardisguisestotheirregularjobs.”

“Fair enough. I steal information for a price.” Rachel sighed. “I’m really good at it, so I went into

Colin’sfirmtoinstallabugintohissystemthatwouldextractallhisinfoandgivemeaccesstochange
hisfiles,exceptIneveractuallygotaroundtoit.Thenhefoundoutandnowhewon’ttalktome.”

“Iwouldn’teitherinhisposition.”
“Thanks,Maddy,Ifeelmuchbetternow.’
“Sorry,Idon’tmeanitthatway.Tomostpeoplethelawisblackandwhiteandyou’reononesideor

theother.Butlivinghere,it’sdifferent.I’veneverfeltassafelivinganywhereasIdohere.Aboutayear
ago, I went out on a blind date with this asshole who insisted on making sure I got home safe and then
would not leave. He followed me to my door and started to get really aggressive, insisting I let him
inside.JesseandMarkcameoutoftheirapartmentsandwalkedtheguytothegate,andthenthrewhimon
theroad.Thentheywishedmeagoodnightandwentbacktotheirapartments.”Shechuckled.“WhatI’m
tryingtosayisthatIdon’treallyjudgemuchanymore.God,ifIcouldaffordto,I’dhireyoutocomeinto
myworkandjustcausehavoc,forthefunofit.”

“I’ddoitforfree,anytime.”Forthefirsttimeintwodays,Rachellaughed.“Icoulddoittomorrowif

youwanted.Itmighttakemymindofftherestofmylife.”

“Tempting, but not just yet. Now, what are you going to do about this? I’ve never seen you this

depressedbefore.”

“Idon’tknowhowtomakehimlistentomeandI’mnotreadytowalkaway.”
“He’s hurt and probably angry, but you’re you. Once he’s recovered from the initial shock, he’ll

realizewhathe’stryingtowalkawayfromandhe’llgethisheadinorder.Untilthen,don’tgiveup.That
guyrightnowhasnoideahowluckyheisthatyoucareenoughtokeeptrying.”

Rachelfelttearsattheedgeofhereyelids.“Idon’tknowwhatIdidtodeserveyou.”
“Youlistenedpatientlytomewhineaboutmyjobforoverayear.”
“YoujustgivemethegoaheadandI’llmakethemwishthey’dneveroverworkedyou.”
“I’llkeepyouposted.”MaddystoodandtookRachel’semptycupintothekitchen.“Ihavetogoto

work.Yougetanotherdayoffeelingsorryforyourself,buttomorrowyouhavetoconvincethatmanthat
he’sbeinganidiot.”

“Deal.”RachellaybackdownonthecouchasMaddyleft.

olin stepped out of the building to go to his next appointment, meeting the principals of a software

companyhisfirmwasthinkingofinvestingin.Sofarthenumberslookedpromising,sothenextstepwas
anonsitevisit.

Rachel stood across the street as he came out of the revolving door, and as he looked at her, she

wavedandsmiledlikehewasalong-lostfriendshehadn’tseeninyears.

Itwasthethirdtimeintwodayshe’dseenher,anditbothpissedhimoffandfedthepartofhimthat

stilldesperatelywantedtoseeher.

Thismorning,she’dbeendownthestreetfromtheentrancetohisgymwhenhe’dcomeoutatsevenin

themorning,andyesterdaymorning,she’dbeenathisfavoritecoffeeshopwhenhe’dstoppedtopickup
anespressobeforework.

Hiscaranddriverwaitedatthecurb.“I’llbeacoupleofminutes,”hetoldthedriver,beforecrossing

thestreet.

“Youknowthisisstalking?”
“Am I making you uncomfortable?” The disheveled woman of two days ago was gone. Today she

worejeanstuckedintobootsandaform-fittingsweater.Therewasalookinhereyesthathecouldonly
describeasdetermined.

“Howlonghaveyoubeenstandinghere?”
“Igotherefiveminutesago.”
Hewasn’tsurewhethertobelieveher.Hell,hewasn’tsurewhyhewastalkingtoher.
“Yournewassistantseemsprettycapable,butshe’snotasgoodasme.”
“Most of what’s on her resume is the truth, so in some ways she’s a definite step up.” His new

assistantwasatempfromanagency,andpleasantenough,butRachelwasrightaboutonething—shedid
notcomparetoRachel.

Buteverythingshesaidwasn’talie.
“I came here to tell you something absolutely true. I’m really, really good with computers, coding,

building systems and hacking into other systems if I need to.” She smiled again, almost like a flight
attendant would after wishing a difficult passenger a good night. “See you around.” She walked away,
leavinghimstandingthere,alittlestunned.

HREE

HOURS

LATER

, he came out of the office in North San Francisco and once again, she stood on the

sidewalkacrossthestreet.

Hewalkedtowhereshewaited.“Howareyoudoingthis?”

“Itoldyouthetruth.I’mreallygoodwithcomputersandyourscheduleisonyoursystem.”
“Isn’titillegaltoaccessasystemyouwerelockedoutofthemomentyounolongerworkedthere?”
“It’sdefinitelyagrayareaandIprobablyshouldn’thaveadmittedit,butI’mdonelyingtoyou.From

now on it’s the truth and nothing but.” This time her smile was a little less forced. “My father is an
alcoholicandI’vebeentakingcareofhimsinceIwasfourteen.”

“AreyoutellingmethissoI’llfeelsorryforyou?”
“No.Seeyouaround.”
Forthesecondtimethatday,hewasspeechlessasshewalkedaway.

ATER

THAT

EVENING

,shewassittingatthebarattherestaurantwherehe’dstoppedtopickuptakeout.She

satonastool,sippingonadrink,wearingadressandheelsandlookingjaw-droppinglysexy.

Heshouldtakehisfoodtogo,butinsteadhesatnexttoher.“Ineverfiguredyouforapinkdrinkkind

ofgirl.”

Shepickedupherdrink,whichhadatinywhiteumbrellaperchedontheedge,andtookasip.“Me

either, but it’s some form of sling, and the bartender said it was delicious, and I have to say, she was
right.”

“Thiswasn’tonmyschedule.”
“No,butyouhavethefishtacosfromhereeveryWednesday.”
Shewasright.HedidcomehereeveryWednesday.Christ,hewasthewalkingdefinitionofarut.“I

mayneedtomakesomechangesinmylife.Whyareyouhere?Whyareyoufollowingmearound?”

“I miss you.” There was enough vulnerability on her face that he felt compelled to stay for a little

whilelonger.

“Why?”Whyhadshecomeintohislifeandmadehimrealizeeverythinghedidn’thave,showhimthe

sunandthenfuckhimover?

“WhydoImissyou,orwhydidItakeajobworkingforyou?”
“Both.”
“My father used to be a private detective, sometimes a con artist, and after my mother died, he fell

apart.Itookover,didwhatIknewtokeepusafloat,tomakesurewehadmoneytoliveon.I’mreally
goodatitandIdon’taskquestions.”

“Isthatthehearnoevil,seenoevil,speaknoevildefense?”
“It’snotokay,butit’swhatItoldmyself.This—you—weremylastjobbeforeIlefttownandfigured

outwhatIwantedtodowiththerestofmylife.”

She seemed sincere and he wanted to believe her, wanted to go back to when things between them

weresimple,wheneverythingwasbuiltonalie.

“Whatdoyouwanttodowiththerestofyourlife?”
“Idon’tknow.”Shesmiledsadly.“Doyouknowwhatyouwanttodo?”
“IhavesinceIwasten.”
“Whatten-year-oldwantstobeaninvestmentbanker?”
“Iwantedtobuildthings,andIdothatinmyownway.”
“Aslongasyouknowyou’rehappy.”Shefinishedherpinkdrink.“Ilikedworkingwithyou.Itcould

befrustratingandthehourswereridiculous,butthereweretimeswhenitwasreallyamazing.Thebest
day,handsdown,wasthedayyouspentwiththelocalbusinessowners.ThatwasthedayIstartedtolike
you.”

“ThatwasthedayyoubecamethebestassistantIeverhad.Howdidaconartistgettobesogood

withcomputers?”

“I started building them when I was fourteen, putting together bits of different systems, and then I

learnedhowtocodealittle.Itwastheonethinginmylifethatmadesenseatthetime.”

Thatheunderstood.
Shesmiled,butherexpressionwassad.“I’mnotaconartistanylonger,notanassistanteither.Ineed

tofigureoutwhatIam.”

Itwasthesadnessthatgottohim,thatmadehimwanttowrapherinhisarmsandtakeherhomeand

forgetanyofthishadhappened.

She got off the stool. “Look, the one thing I know is the way it feels when you don’t belong. You

belong, but you stay separate. You need to find something you want to be a part of, and people you
actuallyliketobearound.”

Ilikebeingaroundyou.Itwasonthetipofhistongue,buthehelditback.Wasithisfuckinghurt

pride, his disappointment in how she’d let him down, even a form of punishment for her—something
stoppedhimfromforgivingher,anditdamagedbothofthem.

She waited a moment before sighing. “You should take your food home before it gets cold.” She

walkedaway,glancingoncebackathimbeforeleavingtherestaurant.

HIS

TIME

ACHEL

wentdirectlytoFinnigan’s,parkingdownthestreet.AtalittleaftersixonaTuesday,

shewascertainshe’dfindherdadhere.

Asalways,theinsidewasshroudedindarknessandherfatherwasperchedonhisusualstoolatthe

endofthebar.

“Rachel,twovisitsinsuchashortamountoftime.WhendidIgetsolucky?”JoeRathburnsaidasthe

doorclosedbehindher.

“Fuckoff,Joe.”Rachelwalkedtowhereherfathersat,keepingastoolbetweenthemasshesat.
“Youshouldn’tberudetomyfriend.”TheslightslurringtoldherthatDadwasatleastthreedrinks

intotheevening.Notfullslurringyet,sohemightnotbemeanyet,buthewasdefinitelyheadedthere.

“He’snotyourfriend,Dad.He’stheguywhomakesmoneyoffyoursickness.”
“Thathurts,Rachel.”TherewasanedgetoJoenow,hiseyesweredarkandwoundedandapparently

hehadfeelingstohurt.

“StopsellinghimboozeandI’llapologize.”
Joebackedaway,clearlynotwillingtoletgoofhismostlucrativecustomer.
“Dad,whatareyougoingtodogoingforward?”
Herfathershiftedtowardher.“WhatwereyoudoingwiththatguyonSaturdaynight?”
She wished he was asking because he cared that he’d broken her heart, but she suspected he was

mostlystillinterestedinhowtheycouldgetbackthejobthey’dlostandstillworktogetthetwohundred
grand.

“Ilikedhim.Alot.Andnowhewon’ttalktomeandI’mnotsureIentirelyblamehim.”
“Youshouldhavetoldme.Icouldhavefoundawaytofinishthejobdifferently.”
Twentyyearsago,perhapsherfathermighthave,butthemansittinginfrontofher—noway.
“Dad,I’mheretotellyouwhatyouneedtodoifyouwanttohavearelationshipwithme.”
Heshookhishead,asiftryingtoclearoutthecobwebs,orthinkthroughthewhiskey.“Whatdoyou

mean?You’remydaughter.”

“Whenyoucanprovetomeyou’vebeensoberformorethanfourmonthsandyouhaveajob,thenand

onlythenwillItalktoyouagain.Youneedajob,Dad,andyouneedtofixtheroofatsomepoint,andyou
needtobecomethemanyouwerebeforeMomdied.”Shegotoffthestool.“Untilthen,Idon’twantto
hearfromyou.Iloveyou,butIcan’twatchyoukillyourselfanylonger.”

“Youcan’t.We’reallwehave.”
Unbearably sad, Rachel sighed. “I hope you get your shit together, Dad,” she said as she left

Finnigan’sforthelasttime.

The guys at Shady Oaks would make sure her dad didn’t get onto the premises, and hopefully this

wouldpushherdadintodoingsomethingabouthisaddiction.Andifitdidn’t,well,therewasnothingshe
coulddoforhimanymore.

olin arrived at the Altech offices without an appointment, two days before he was supposed to be

there.Murdochmighthavecalledinsomefavors,butthatwastheonlycontrolhewasgettingoutofthis.

Asheapproachedtheentrance,heheardhisnamecalled.
Whenheturned,hesawRachelgettingoutofasmallredCivicintheparkinglot.
Sherantowardhim.“Iknewyou’dcomehereatsomepoint.”Sheworeapairofblackjeans,black

boots and a gray blazer that fit her curves perfectly. And he was so fucking grateful to see her, he just
barelycontainedasmile.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Icametowatchyoutellthemalltogotohell.”Shegrinned,hercheeksflushedandhereyesbright.
“Younolongerworkforme.”
Sheshrugged.“Iknow.Ithoughtitwouldbefun.”
“It’s a terrible idea. These are the people who hired you to fuck me over.” Except he was the one

fuckedinthehead,ashewashappytoseeher.Hewashere,basically,totellthemtogofuckthemselves
forwhattheytriedtodo.

“Trytostopme.”Shewalkedaroundhim,throughtherevolvingglassdoorsandintothebuilding.
Hefollowedherinside,stoppingatthereceptionist’sdesk,whichwasempty.Aheadpoppedupatthe

nearest cubicle. The silent woman—Alyssa, if he remembered correctly—scurried to the desk, shaking
herhead.

“Youdon’thaveanappointmenttoday.Ihavetoaskyoutocomebackanothertime.”
“Iwon’ttakealotofMr.Murdock’stime.”
AsAlyssadialedanumberonthephone,Colinglancedaround.Thebuildingwasevenquieterthan

thelasttimetheywerethere.Thenearestcubicleswereallempty,andtherewasasilenceforeigntomost
working spaces. Phones weren’t ringing and the usual background noise of conversations or computers
wasmissing.

“He’s here, Mr. Murdock. No, at the front, and I asked him to leave, but he won’t. He’s looking

around.”Alyssahungup.

“Mr. Evans, this is unexpected.” Murdock appeared from the back of the building, followed by the

silentvicepresidentColinhadmetduringthelastmeeting.Murdockwaswearingapairofrumpleddress
pantsandashirtthatlookedlikeithadbeensleptin,andthesilentvicepresidentwasdressedinablack
suit,hisskinpale,hiseyesred-rimmed.

Rachelstoodinthecorner,glaringatbothofthem.
“Icameonelasttimetoseeifthere’sanysubstancetoyourbusinessortocallitthecrockofshitI

suspectitis.”

“That’sunnecessarilyrude.Comeintotheconferenceroomandlet’shaveadiscussionaboutthis.I

knowBillandthepartnersatyourfirmwantthistosucceedasmuchasIdo,sowehavecommongoals
andI’msurewecancomeupwithagameplanwecanallagreeon.”Murdocksmiled,hislargefacered.

“Canyoushowmethetechnologytoday?”Colinasked.
“Come with me and we can discuss.” Murdock led the way toward the same conference room as

before,soColinfollowed,Rachelbyhisside.Astheyapproachedtheglassdoor,thesilentVPsteppedin
front.

“Youdon’tworkforhimanymore,soyoushouldn’tbehere,”SilentVicePresidentsaidtoRachel.
SheglancedatColin,hercheeksred-tinged,andforabriefmoment,sheseemedtogetsmallerinfront

ofhim.

“She’swithme.Youwanttotalktome,thenRachelcomeswithme.”
RachelstraightenedandfollowedColinintotheconferenceroom.Theybothstoodattheendofthe

table,andthebackofherhandbrushedhisasMurdockclosedthedoorandsilentVicePresidentsatatthe
chair closest to the door. Colin’s anger at both of them turned into a slow, simmering rage. The whole
makemoneyatanycostthingwasnotanexcusetodowhatthesemenhaddone.

“Howmuchfurtherareyouwiththedronetechnologythanyouwerelasttimewewerehere?”Colin

asked.

Silent VP and Murdock exchanged glances, before Murdock slumped into a chair. “Look, it’s been

more difficult than we anticipated, the tech is finicky, and we’re having to retool the operating system,
becauseahighpercentagewerecrashing.”

“So you don’t have a finished product?” Colin asked, enjoying watching both men squirm, as they

clearlyhadnothing.

“Look,we’llhaveone,butweneedaninfluxofcashtocontinuetesting.ItalkedwithBillDander,

andbothourcompaniesneedawin.Ifweneedto,wecanfindawaytoconvincepotentialinvestorsand
thenusethatmoneytobuildabetterproduct.”

“How?”Rachelasked.
MurdocklookedtowardSilentVP,whosubtlynoddedhishead.“Iheardyougotfired.”
“Do you really want to bring this up?” Rachel glared at both of them. “Colin knows everything,

includinghowyouhiredmyfatherandmetotrytochangeColin’ssourcenumbersandextractinformation
fromhissystem.”

“That’sridiculous.”Murdockraisedhisvoice.“Whatproofdoyouhave?”
“I have the emails between you and that idiot detailing it out.” Rachel turned to Colin. “Would you

likemetosendthemtoyou?OrperhapsIshouldsendthemtotheChronicle,maybesomeblogs.What
wouldpeoplethinkaboutthemtryingtotrickyouintomakingthewrongdecisionabouttheircompany’s
financialviability?”

“Iknowwetalkedaboutthisbefore,butisthisfraudortheft?Icouldn’trememberwhatwedecided.”

Colinwasenjoyingthismorethanheshould,especiallyasbothmenwerenowvisiblyuncomfortable.

“That’sillegal,”Murdockshouted.
“Right, isn’t that what we were just discussing? Or is it only illegal when you’re not the victim?”

Colinsaidcalmly,knowingitwouldfrustrateMurdockevenmore.

Colin watched Murdock visibly pull himself together, straightening his shirt over his round belly,

lettingoutashakybreath,whileSilentVPpressedashakinghandtohistemple.

“Look,wecanallwinwiththis.Weneedtheinvestmentandyourcompanyneedsaboostbeforeyear

end,andifwecanbothagreetoturnablindeyetowhat’shappenedinthepast,thenwecanallwin.”

“Whathappenstomyinvestorswhenyounevermakegoodonyourpromises?”
“We’regoingtomakeitwork,”Murdockreplied.
Except he wasn’t, ever. Some of the firm’s clients were wealthy and wouldn’t miss the money, but

otherswerepensionfunds,andevenifColinwaswillingtounderminehisreputation—whichhewasn’t
—hewouldneverknowinglyputatriskhardworkingpeoplerelyingonhisinvestments.

“The tech is bullshit. They’re miles behind at least three other companies in developing a reliable

drone,andtheiremailstellmetheyknowit.Murdockhasseveralbadinvestmentsheneedstocover,and
theguybythedooristryingdesperatelytorestorehisemptyretirementfund.”RachelglancedatColin.

“Whattheladysaid,it’sabadinvestment.”ColinsmiledatRachel.“It’stimetogo.”
He took her hand and led her to the door, where Murdock still stood. “Bill Dander is going to be

pissedwhenItellhimyounevergavethisachance.”

“I really don’t give a shit.” Colin opened the door and followed Rachel through into the hall. He

admiredherassinhertightjeansasshestrodethroughthebuildingandoutontothestreet.

Oncetheywereoutofearshot,sheglancedathim.“Isyourbossgoingtobepissedwithyou?”
Colingrinned.“Definitely.”
“Areyouworried?”
No,hewastheleastworriedhe’deverbeen.“Ihavesomechangestomake.”
Theyarrivedathercar.“Letmedriveyouhome.”
Hercar,atinyHondaCivicthatlookedatleasttenyearsoldandhadadentedfender,lookedlikeit

wouldbarelymakeonehill,nevermindtheentiretriptohiscondo.

“She’sbetterthanyouthink.Alittledented,sure,butherenginehasbeengiventheonceoverpretty

recently, so she’ll get anywhere I need her to go. But if anything less than an Audi has you nervous, I
understand.”

Hiscaranddriverwaitedatthecurb,butthelookonRachel’sface,atonceguardedandhopeful,did

himin.“I’lltellmydriver.”

Whenhegotback,shewassittinginthedriver’sseat,agrinonherface.“Thatwasfun.”
“Howdidyougetaccesstotheirsystem?”Colinasked.
“Didn’t.”Sheshrugged.“Ifiguredtheywerestupidenoughtoputsensitiveinformationonemail,soI

took a chance and I was right. The stuff about their retirement and bad investments—that came from a
deepdiveintotheirbackgrounds.”

That made him laugh out loud. God, he’d missed how smart and vibrant she was. He’d missed

everythingabouther.

“Imissyou,”headmitted.
Her hands stiffened on the steering wheel and even though she stared straight ahead, out of the

windshield,hecouldtellbythesetofherjaw,she’dheardhim.

“Itwillonlyworkifyouonehundredpercentforgiveme.”
“IknowIcanbe…”
“Impossible,unforgiving,anythingelseImissed?Ididworkforyou,remember?”
“Difficult…”
“Iforgotthatone.”
“I need you in my life, because without you I’m the guy that works too much, laughs not at all and

hateseveryonearoundhim.”

Shesmiledwhilestilllookingoutthewindshield,andthatsmilesentreliefthrummingthroughhim.
“Ineedtosortoutmylife.Ihavesomechangestomake,”shesaid.
“Aslongasyoufigurethingsoutbymyside.”
Sheglancedathim.“Icandothat.”
“I’mquittingmyjobtomorrow.”
Hereyeswidened.“Really,whatmadeyoudecide?”
“You. You told me the day you liked me best was the day you and I worked together to help local

businesses.I’llmakealotlessmoney,butit’swhatIlovetodo.”

“IhavealittleapartmentinscenicSouthSanFranciscothatwecanbothlivein.”
“Don’tbecrazy.I’llmakelessmoneybutIwon’tbepoor.Ihavemorethanenoughtoliveonforthe

nextfiftyyears.You’rebringingyourfloralcouchandyourcrazycomputersetuptomyplace.”

Shelaughed.“I’llconsiderit,onlyifyouletmemakeyournetworksecure.”
“Deal.”
He rested his hand on the back of her neck, craving some form of physical contact that wouldn’t

distractherfromdrivingontheverysteephillhercarwasstrugglingtogetup,andtriednottocountthe
secondsbeforetheyarrivedathisapartmentandhecouldgethernakedandintobed.

Judgingbythesmileonherface,shewaslookingforwardtoallofitaswell.