Bentley_Vested Interest

by Melanie Moreland

  “I beg your pardon?”

  He tapped his lips, a knowing grin on his face. “I never thought of you as a pink kind of guy, Bentley.”

  I swiped at my mouth and looked at my hand. A smear of soft pink lipstick was on my thumb.

  Emmy.

  Aiden chuckled, and I knew the bastard had purposely not said anything. I shot him a dirty look and cleared my throat.

  “Thanks.”

  Greg reclined in his seat. “Seeing someone?”

  I never discussed my personal life with Greg. I knew nothing about his, aside from the fact he was divorced twice, and never seemed to lack a woman on his arm, or from the rumors, in his bed. I shrugged, not really wanting to talk to him about Emmy. We didn’t have that kind of relationship and it made me uncomfortable.

  “I am.”

  “Serious?”

  “Why would you ask that?”

  He held up his hands. “Lately, you’ve been, ah, different.”

  “Different?”

  It was his turn to shrug. “Happier, maybe? Content. Something. I thought, perhaps, it was because you were in a relationship. I’m pleased for you.”

  I paused. Greg was astute, but I didn’t think I had changed very much. Obviously, Emmy was having a bigger impact on me than I realized.

  Aiden leaned forward, clapping his hands. “Oh, great. Is this the part where we all spill our guts and talk about our feelings? This should be fun. I can go first. Because, right now, what I am feeling is nauseous. Can we get back to business?”

  A dry chuckle escaped my mouth, and I glanced toward him. He seemed tense and out of sorts, not his usual cheerful self. His shoulders were tight, and the folder bent under his grip. Greg seemed to be annoying him more than usual today.

  I stood. “On that note, I think we’re done.”

  Greg buttoned his jacket, and shook my hand. “I’ll be in touch. Let me know if there is anything in the file, you want me to pursue. Perhaps, we can work on a venture together. Something different from the usual.”

  “I will.”

  I followed Aiden to the elevator in silence. Once the doors shut, I barked out a laugh. “What the hell is up with you today?”

  He shook his head. “What’s with the personal comments? He never talks private shit.”

  “There’s more to it than that. What’s going on?”

  “Why the hell is he finding you leads? We find the leads.”

  “He’s not stepping on your toes, Aiden. So he found a couple things for us to look at—he’s done it other times. No big deal.” I flipped through the few pages in the folder. “Nothing major in here. Relax.”

  He crossed his arms. “You heard him. He wants to collaborate with us. Be part of the projects. Worm his way in.”

  Is that what he was worried about? Greg invading our group, so to speak?

  “We’ve discussed this a couple of times already. I have offered and he refused. Case closed. It’s the three of us. Besides, if I changed my mind, you know very well before that happened, I would give you and Maddox the opportunity to say no.”

  “And if one of us did?”

  I had the largest share in the company and could outvote them, but I valued their opinions, and we discussed everything. I met his challenging gaze steadily and spoke in a firm voice. “Then the answer would be no. You and Maddox are my partners.” I laid a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension. “My family.”

  He huffed out a breath, his shoulders loosening. “Okay.”

  We stepped outside, and Aiden moved to call Frank just as a kid slammed into me, causing me to drop the folder and stumble back.

  “Shit, man!” The kid gasped. “Sorry!” He bent and picked up the pages that fell from the folder, shoving them back inside. “My bad.”

  “Watch where you’re going next time!” Aiden growled, stepping in front of me.

  I took the folder from the kid and held up my hand to Aiden, stopping him from doing anything else. “No problem. It was an accident.”

  The kid ducked his head and nodded, then turned and took off running.

  I watched him disappear around the corner and sighed. “Crap, I feel old. Do they all dress like that now—the hoodie and baggie jeans? The ball cap with glasses and their headphone jammed in their ears all the time?”

  Frank pulled up to the curb and Aiden opened the door for me. “Yep, old man. Just like that.”

  I sighed and looked across the street at Al’s, wishing Emmy were hurrying back across the street with a scone for me. I’d even take her scowl if I could kiss her again before we left.

  Sadly, the door never opened and the street remained Emmy free.

  Still, it made me grin when I remembered she’d be at the house when I got home later.

  It was something to look forward to, at least.

  **

  The day couldn’t pass quickly enough, and finally, my last meeting was over. I waited impatiently for the car, almost pushing Aiden out of the way in my haste to open the door and clamor inside.

  He slid in, shutting the door. “Anxious, Bent?”

  I loosened my tie. “Just want to get home. Long day.”

  He leaned back with a grin. “Expecting an equally long night?”

  I lurched, punching his arm, dislodging the files sitting beside him. “Watch it.”

  He chuckled, and I bent to grab the papers that had fluttered to the floor. As I gathered them, a square, manila envelope, that looked oddly familiar, fell to the carpet.

  “What is that?” I asked.

  Aiden held out his hand, stopping me from touching it. He slipped a hand into his pocket, producing a latex glove.

  I cocked an eyebrow. “Planning on a murder spree on the way home, Aiden? Do you seriously carry one of those around with you?”

  He shot me a serious look. “You never know.”

  He picked up the envelope and studied it. It was the same type as the other pictures had arrived in. The sight of it made me anxious. “This wasn’t in the file when Greg gave it to you.”

  “No,” I agreed.

  “Has the file been on your desk all day?”

  “Yes. No one has been in my office other than you, Maddox, or Sandy.”

  Realization hit, and our eyes locked. “The kid this morning.”

  Aiden nodded. “It wasn’t an accident.”

  He opened the envelope carefully, and pulled out a picture, handling only the corner. He studied it then handed it to me. “Only touch it with the glove.”

  The photo was simple. Me, outside Greg’s office, this morning. Aiden wasn’t in the picture. The person who was, made me stiffen with alarm.

  Emmy was walking away from me, her head turned as she spoke. I was staring at her, a slight grin on my face.

  I looked up at Aiden. “Fuck.”

  “Stay calm. You’re the focal point.”

  “I didn’t see anyone.”

  He shook his head. “No one does, Bent. Everyone has a damn camera phone now, taking pictures of everything. It’s so common we don’t even notice it. From the angle, I’d say they were across the street. Five minutes later, they would have had it printed and were waiting for you to leave the building.” He tapped his knuckles on his knee. “Which means, they’re still watching.”

  “If they’re watching me, they’re watching her.” I felt the panic stirring in my chest. “I need to break it off with her until this is settled. They’ll leave her alone.”

  He snorted. “Wow. Overreact much?”

  I dug my hand in my pocket, running my fingers over the pearls hidden inside. “I can’t risk her. I can’t lose her. I fucking can’t.”

  He leaned forward. “And you won’t. Don’t do anything stupid, Bentley. I won’t let anything happen to her, or to you.” His voice lowered in understanding. “You won’t have to go through that again.”

  Aiden and Maddox knew my history. His look told me he understood.

  “I told Emmy about my parents.”

 
He nodded. “Then I know how much she means to you. I’m sure they’re doing this to piss you off, but I’ll put someone on her. They will be discrete, but you need to tell her so she doesn’t panic if she spots them.” He grinned. “She is pretty freaking smart, and she will spot them, I’m sure.”

  “I don’t want to worry her.”

  “Did this morning not teach you anything?”

  I dragged a hand through my hair. “Maybe Al’s a bad liar. If I don’t mention it, it’s not a lie.”

  He shook his head. “I spoke to him. He stuck to the script, but she knew instantly. Your girl is clever.” He held up the picture and snapped a copy on his phone. “I’ll send you this. I’m taking the original to have it dusted for prints, not that I expect to find anything.” He slipped the photo back into the envelope and laid it aside. “Take my advice, Bent. Lying by omission is still a lie. You’re better than that. Tell her the truth. You don’t have to overreact and dump her like an idiot, or make her panic, but you should tell her. Let her know we’re simply being cautious.”

  The car stopped, and I looked up the house. “Okay.”

  “Make sure the system is armed at all times. If you’re going out, let me know and I’ll be here. You want me to move into the first floor?”

  I thought about it. There was a comfortable room there, and Aiden had stayed in the past. There was a complete set up security wise, too.

  “I’ll think it over.”

  “Okay. I have my code. No going out without me, Bentley—I’m serious.”

  “Yep. Got it.” I wasn’t taking chances with Emmy.

  I got out of the car and headed inside. Andrew greeted me at the elevator with his usual pleasant expression.

  “Good evening, sir.”

  “Andrew. How was your day?”

  “All is well. May I fix you a drink before I depart?”

  “No. Is Miss Harris here?”

  “Yes.” He chuckled, his brown eyes crinkling in his round face, and the light gleaming off his bald head. He was a short man, who took his job seriously. He kept my house immaculate, and on occasion, joined me in a game of chess we both enjoyed. He had been with me since I moved in. He had come highly recommended, and I would be lost without him. He came from a much larger household, but due to health issues, hadn’t been able to keep up. My quiet lifestyle worked well for him. Emmy had charmed him in about three seconds flat, and he clearly adored her.

  “She insisted on cooking you dinner.”

  “Commandeered your kitchen again?”

  “She did.” He patted his stomach. “I guarantee you will enjoy it. She made me a plate, as well.”

  I chuckled. “Excellent.”

  “Also, Mr. Tomlin was here earlier.”

  My eyebrows shot up. “Greg? He was here?”

  “Yes. He left you something on your desk. He received a call and couldn’t stay.”

  “All right. Did he, ah, see Miss Harris?”

  “Briefly. He introduced himself as she was heading up the stairs. Was I wrong to let him in your office?”

  “No, of course not. I’m sorry I missed him.” I clapped him on the shoulder. “Have a good evening, Andrew.”

  I headed to my office, surprised to find a bottle of Courvoisier on my desk, and a note from Greg.

  Bentley

  I felt I crossed a line with you and Aiden this morning. My apologies.

  I had hoped to share a drink with you, but have been called away.

  Perhaps next time. Share with Aiden. Enjoy – G.

  I stared at his handwriting—bold, dark, firm, just like the man. I frowned. It had been an odd day. Aiden’s sudden outburst, Greg’s apology and unexpected gift, and Emmy’s anger. Not to mention the photograph. I rubbed my temples in vexation. I wanted to stop thinking about it, and relax.

  Grabbing the bottle, I headed upstairs.

  Emmy was curled into the corner of the sofa in the sunroom, busy working on the laptop. She had changed into one her comfortable warm shirts and sweater with yoga pants. She liked this room the best. She said it felt like “me” the most out of all the rooms in the house. I wasn’t sure what she meant by that statement, but it was also one of my favorite rooms. Setting down the bottle, I bent over the back of the sofa, dropping a kiss to her head.

  “Hey.”

  She looked up, tired but smiling. “Hi. I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “Your head was buried in your work. How goes the project?”

  “Good. It’s so much easier with this laptop. I have everything I need right here instead of having to work off memory sticks, or wait until I go to school to finish something.”

  I sat down across from her. “Good. I’m glad it’s coming in useful.”

  “I’m taking good care of it. I’ll return it as soon as I’m done.”

  I waved my hand. “I told you not to worry about it. It’s one I bought and didn’t use. I’m glad it was something that helps you.”

  She regarded me suspiciously. She still wasn’t convinced over my explanation.

  “I hear you met Greg.”

  She smirked. “He introduced himself as Mr. Tomlin. He wasn’t exactly Mr. Warmth.”

  “No, he isn’t, but he’s good at what he does.”

  “You trust him?”

  It seemed an odd question, and I shrugged. “He’s never given me any reason not to. He does a good job on my behalf.”

  Her eyes dropped back to the laptop. “Good.”

  “Did he upset you?”

  She glanced up. “No. He was cool, and didn’t seem overly interested. Dismissive, I suppose.” She shivered. “He laughed when I said I was making you dinner. It seemed to amuse him. It was an odd sound.”

  I nodded in agreement. His laugh was a little strange, as if it were forced and not real.

  “He’s different. Don’t worry about him, though. You won’t see him very often. We don’t do the social thing.”

  “Okay.”

  I sighed. “Are you still angry with me?”

  “No.”

  Shrugging off my jacket, I leaned back. “So, that’s it? No yelling or silent treatment?”

  “Neither.”

  “Not that I’m complaining, but can I ask why?”

  She shook her head and stood, closing the laptop. Straddling me on the chair, Emmy pulled my tie loose, and unbuttoning the collar. She ran her hands along the base of my neck, her touch gentle and soothing. “I don’t think I want to know the kind of women you dated if that is what you were expecting.”

  I gripped her hips, enjoying how she felt on my lap. “You were pretty mad this morning.”

  “I was. I said my piece and it’s done.” She ran her fingers through my hair.

  With a long exhale, I leaned into her caress.

  “That feels good.”

  She tugged on the strands. “I like your hair so much better when you leave it natural. It makes you even hotter.”

  I chuckled at her statement. She had informed me I was too young for a comb-over and hid the gel I used to keep my hair in order. I had to admit I liked the feel and ease of simply toweling it dry and leaving it alone. It was freeing, and Emmy liked to run her fingers through it, so I left it. She also liked me a bit scruffy, and I had stopped shaving every day to please her. Although, at times, it felt odd.

  Aiden and Maddox had nailed me to the wall about becoming a pussy. I had flipped them off and walked away. Emmy’s opinion was more important. Her pleasure came with benefits that resulted in my pleasure—frequently.

  She spoke quietly. “I know you worry because of what happened to your parents. I talked it through with Cami and she convinced me it was a totally romantic gesture.”

  A smile tugged on my lips. “I guess I owe Cami.”

  I met her gaze. It was soft, concerned, and a little confused. “I’m not used to being worried about.”

  “I can’t help it when it comes to you.”

  “I know. I feel the same about you.”


  Our eyes locked and I sucked in a fortifying breath.

  “I have something to tell you.”

  She frowned. “That doesn’t sound good.”

  I pulled out my phone and showed her the picture Aiden had copied.

  “That was this morning!” she exclaimed.

  “Yes.”

  Her lips pursed. “Well, that isn’t happening again.”

  My chest tightened. “Oh?”

  She nodded, looking serious. “That pattern makes my ass look huge! I am not wearing that dress again—ever.”

  I gaped at her. “Your dress? You’re worried about your dress? Someone was stalking us, Emmy.”

  She shrugged. “You, I would say.”

  “Still, this involves you and your safety. It’s the second time.”

  “I think I’m just in the shot. Looking less than fashionable, I might add.”

  I slipped my hands over her ass and squeezed. “For one thing, your ass does not look huge. And second, it’s not the point of the conversation.”

  “What is?”

  “I wanted you to know about what was happening.” I huffed out a heavy sigh. “And to tell you, Aiden is going to assign someone to watch over you.”

  “No.”

  “Yes. It’s important.”

  “It’s not necessary.”

  “Then we can change at it another time. Do this for me, please. Give me the peace of mind. I need it right now.”

  She looked down at the photo and shoved my phone into my chest. “Fine. They had better not interrupt my day, or I’ll go ballistic on them.”

  “They’ll only be observing. I’ll make sure.” I stroked her cheek. “Thank you.”

  “You owe me.”

  “More than I could ever repay you.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then let’s have dinner.”

  “Great idea. Dinner, some wine, and a little time with my girl.”

  Her eyes glowed. “Okay.”

  I winked. “Good.”

  **

  Twilight was descending, the room aglow as the sun set. We devoured her delicious pasta, drank the wine, and I had swum my laps as she finished her work. After swimming, I doffed my wet trunks, and wrapped a towel around my hips. I felt Emmy’s gaze follow my every move, and knowing she was watching, I moved leisurely, my erection kicking up just thinking about her heated gaze. I poured myself a generous dollop of the brandy Greg had dropped off, and got a smaller one for her, thinking she might enjoy it. I handed her the glass and sat beside her.