by Laura Pavlov
He studied me. “That can’t be easy on you.”
“Who said life was easy?” I said.
Wasn’t that the damn truth.
Life had never been easy.
But that hadn’t stopped me before—and it wouldn’t stop me now.
Chapter Nine
Ford
I’d spent the day putting out fire after fire in the press. One of my top reporters had been working on a political piece, and to say things were getting tense would be an understatement. Exposing a corrupt politician never went over well, but it didn’t mean it didn’t have to be done at times. Montgomery Media was one of the strongest in the industry, and we didn’t print stories unless we were one hundred percent certain they were true. And we had the facts to back it up. Still didn’t mean everyone was going to like it.
There was a knock at my office door.
“It’s open,” I said, staring at my computer screen.
“Hey.” Harley walked in holding a pink bakery box and a cup. “Jack told me you’re dealing with a lot of drama, so I thought you might need a little refined sugar to get you through the day.”
Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She had pink icing on her cheek, which was not out of the norm for her. I’d never had a friendship with a woman, outside of Chanel, who was more like a sister to me. But Harley DeLuca made it easy. I talked to her every morning when I stopped in for coffee, and after our trip to Napa, I’d actually say we’d formed a friendship. She whined about the fact that I had Jerome offer her a ride home every night, but she’d come to be someone I worried about. And for whatever reason, she seemed to do the same for me.
I laughed. “You know I’ve eaten more sugar since meeting you than I probably have in my entire life.”
She rolled her eyes. “Relax, Montgomery. It’s a few cookies. Your pearly whites are still gleaming.”
She dropped in the seat across from my desk and pushed the box toward me.
She’d never come up to my office before, so this was a first.
“Hey, are you working late tonight? I wanted to run something by you and thought maybe we could grab dinner up the street,” I asked.
“Dinner seems sort of date-ish, no?”
I crossed my arms over my chest. She was right. I usually took the women I dated to dinner, but I didn’t feel like it lately. I liked her company, and I was all about trying out this friendship thing. She’d helped me through the anniversary of my father’s death, which was always the darkest time for me, and I was comfortable with her.
“You don’t go to dinner with Molly?” I reached for my water bottle and took a long pull.
“Of course, I do. But don’t you usually take your ladies to dinner? Molly tells me there are pictures of you all over the media with different hoochies a couple nights a week. I don’t want to be mistaken for a skank.”
I choked on my water, and she tossed me a napkin and reached in the box to help herself to a cookie. I coughed until I cleared my throat. “Jesus. I’m glad you’re getting your social media updates from Molly. But for the record, she must have failed to tell you, there’s already been a photo of you out there with me.”
“Shut the front door,” she shouted, pushing to her feet in a huff.
“Is it that offensive being seen with me? Christ, most people love the publicity. And it was only once.”
“What were we doing?” She dropped back down to sit.
“We were standing beside my car a few days ago. It’s not a big deal. It obviously didn’t warrant a lot of attention if Molly didn’t see it. My publicist just lets me know of any photos that go public.”
“I’m not looking for a ride on the Montgomery train of endless women. I have a bit more respect for myself.”
“Good to know. So, dinner? You’re the one who convinced me to embrace this friendship. Now I’m all in, so you can’t take it away. If it makes you feel better, I can invite a woman back to my place after dinner for a little fun.” I wriggled my brows.
She slapped the desk. “You’re truly disgusting. Don’t do me any favors. I’ll be closing shop at eight. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
“Thanks for the treats, even if you’re trying to kill me.”
“My pleasure,” she said before moving to the door.
“Harley,” I called out.
“Yeah?”
“You’ve got icing on your cheek. Clean it up before dinner. I’d hate for you to look like a hot mess if we get photographed together.” I smirked.
“You annoy me, Montgomery.”
“That’s the goal.”
I heard her laugh as she stepped out of my office, and I couldn’t help but smile.
And that pissed me off.
My phone vibrated with a new text.
Shawna ~ Hey there, handsome. You free tonight? Dinner and drinks?
That was code for sex. Shawna and I got together every couple of weeks. But I wasn’t feeling it at the moment.
Me ~ Sorry. Too much going on at work right now. Can’t get away.
She sent me back a sad face emoji, and I set my phone down to turn my attention to my computer.
Harrison stepped in my office, and I ran a hand over my face. I had a shit ton of work to do, and the interruptions needed to stop.
“Governor Soto is threatening a lawsuit over this story.” He dropped to sit in the seat Harley had just vacated and reached over to grab a cookie.
“Our legal team is getting ahead of it. It’s to be expected. What’s happening at the winery? Did you put that little fire out?”
Chef Peter had apparently banged a waitress and then tried to act like it didn’t happen. She’d refused to come to work until he apologized. I was thankful that my brother handled all the drama at the winery. Harrison had a knack for putting out fires.
“He’s meeting with her now. The guy is an asshole, no doubt about it. I think she actually likes him and that’s the problem. I met with each of them and I think it’s going to be fine. This should be cleared up in the next few minutes. Endless bullshit, right?” he said, running a hand through his hair.
“Yeah. It’s always something. You heading back to Napa now?”
“Yep. I’m going to grab Jack, if I can get him out of the bakery. He’s frosting cupcakes again,” Harrison said with a laugh. “He claims it’s his happy place.”
I shook my head. “Ridiculous.”
“I was surprised to see Harley up here. You two are getting friendly, huh?” He raised a brow and smirked.
“What is that supposed to mean? We’re business partners—and friends, I guess.”
“I think it’s great. It’s just so unlike you, that’s all.”
There was a knock at my door, and Sam informed me that Edward was here, and my brother moved to his feet.
“Send him back,” I told Sam before hurrying my brother out of my office. He didn’t need to be part of this meeting.
“Ford, how are you?” Edward was in his mid-fifties, tall and stocky. He ran my security and did investigative work for me as well. The guy was stealthy and dependable.
“I’m well. Please, take a seat. What did you find out?” I asked. I’d had him look into Harley DeLuca’s mother as I was concerned after what she shared with me at the winery. I’d become friends with Harley, and I wanted to make sure she wasn’t in danger. And we’d also invested in her business and we needed to know what our risks were. Unlike my brothers, I was more than aware that the world was a bit jaded, and I wasn’t about to get caught off guard by anyone. Ever. We’d run a thorough check on Harley when we agreed to invest, and she’d checked out.
“Damn, Valentina DeLuca is into a lot of dark shit,” he said.
“Meaning?”
“From what I can tell, she started out as an escort at a young age. Got knocked up by a rich dude, who
I don’t believe was involved at all in Harley’s life. It looks like there was some form of payout at the time, but it’s not traceable. She’s been in and out of her daughter’s life, but it appears Harley’s been raised mostly by her grandparents.”
This was all stuff Harley had shared when my mother asked her five thousand questions.
“And where is Valentina now?”
“She lives with a guy who is known for running both drugs and women. Let’s just say he’s a bad dude. And with all the publicity your brothers did regarding the bakery, it looks like Valentina has Harley on her radar. She’s made a few visits to the grandfather’s house but obviously doesn’t know where her daughter’s staying right now. But in all honesty, Valentina could easily have someone follow her home to figure out where she lives, or simply pay her a visit here.”
“Jesus. Fucking Jack and his brilliant ideas. He’s put a target on her head.”
“Unfortunately, I think you’re right. But I will say, this isn’t new for Harley. There were a few instances at Berkley where the police were called, due to some sort of domestic dispute around Harley. She never pressed charges, but she did have a few hospital visits for broken bones and other injuries. I think she’s probably been dealing with her mother’s issues most of her life.”
I shook my head. My hands fisted on my desk. How the hell do you bring this shit to your daughter’s doorstep? Harley was trying to do something good with her life, and she was working damn hard. It pissed me off.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Thanks for looking into that. How about we get someone to stay back a bit but look out for her? I don’t want her to know about it, but I don’t think we have any options right now.”
“You got it, Ford. I’ve got just the guy for the job. She won’t even know he’s there, but he’ll be around just in case someone tries to pay her a visit.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. Keep me posted.” I shook his hand and walked him to the door.
I had an innate need to protect this girl, for whatever reason. She’d helped me through a dark time, and I wasn’t going to let anything happen to her. Her mother wasn’t going to come in and fuck up everything Harley had worked for. Not on my fucking watch.
I spent the rest of the day in meetings, dealing with crisis after crisis. I glanced at my watch and realized I was already late as it was a few minutes after eight. I made my way downstairs and found Harley still working. Hell, I expected her to be annoyed that I was late, but the girl’s work ethic rivaled my own.
“Oh, hey. Is it already eight?” she said, untying her apron and dropping it on the counter. She walked to the sink to wash her hands.
“Yeah. You hungry?”
“I can eat,” she said with a laugh. “But let’s just go somewhere easy. I know a great ramen place.”
Ramen? Noodles? Was she serious?
“It’s up to you. I thought we’d go to Brown’s up the street.”
She laughed. “Of course, you did. Because everyone needs a three-course steak dinner after a long day at work. That’s probably why you get photographed everywhere. You go to swanky places. There aren’t a lot of photographers outside of the ramen place. Come on, broaden your horizons, Montgomery. Let’s keep it simple.”
I rolled my eyes as we made our way outside. “Fine. I’ve never had ramen.”
Harley gave Jerome the directions and laughed. “You’re kidding me right now. Where have you been living? Under a rock? Ramen is the best. It’s yummy, affordable goodness.”
I laughed. “A steak is pretty damn good too.”
“It’s overrated. Overpriced. You have to dress a certain way. Ramen places take you just as you are.”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s ridiculous. But I’ll try it. Next time we’re getting a steak.”
“So cocky. Already assuming this friendship is in the bag. I could be sick of you by morning, Montgomery.”
“If I were a betting man, I’d say that’s doubtful,” I said.
We made our way into the odd storefront restaurant and found a table in the back. You had to seat yourself, which was not the norm at the places I dined, but I’d bite my tongue. I had shit I needed to discuss with her and starting off in an argument was not a good plan.
“How about I order for us? Seeing as I have the menu memorized and all. I take it you eat anything outside of refined sugar?”
“I’m not a huge fan of white flour, but since you insisted on eating at a noodle house, I’m guessing I’ll have to forego that rule as well.” I rolled my eyes and tossed the menu to the side.
She laughed as our waitress approached. Harley ordered us two bowls of her favorite slop.
“Do you have a nice bottle of white?” I asked the server.
“Um. No. We have wine by the glass.”
My jaw hit the ground because what restaurant doesn’t offer wine by the bottle? Hell, you can purchase a bottle of wine at a drugstore. Wasn’t this place in the food business? Wine was a necessity. Harley chuckled before speaking, “We’ll take two white spritzers.”
“What the hell is that?” I whispered as our waitress glared at me and walked away.
“It’s delicious. It’s like a White Claw.”
“I don’t know what that is.”
“Ah, Montgomery. You really need to live a little, my friend. You’re going to love this.”
“Fine. I’m sure I’ll suffer later, but it’s fine. I wanted to discuss a few things with you.”
“Yes. You mentioned that. What is it? You want me to cut sugar as an ingredient in my pastries?” Her head fell back in laughter. She really was pretty. Hardly a stitch of makeup, her dark hair pulled back in an elastic and trailing down her back, and her brown eyes twinkled with flecks of gold and amber—fucking gorgeous. Her lips full and her smile contagious.
I leaned back in my seat which was designed for a little person. It barely supported my weight and creaked every time I moved. Annoying as hell.
“So, because we’ve partnered up, I had to look into your financials a little deeper.”
She sat up, spine going stick straight, and her face hardened. “You what? You’re spying on me?”
“I’m not spying on you. I’m doing my due diligence.”
“Yeah, that’s what rich people say when they snoop into other people’s business. If you want to know something about me, just ask. Don’t go behind my back.” I was stunned by how angry she was. I hadn’t expected that. Hell, I hadn’t even told her that I’d snooped into her personal life as well. I’d definitely be keeping that to myself. Investigating her finances was common practice in the business world, especially when we were partnered up.
“Will you relax? This is not rich-people snooping. This is standard business operation, Harley. You’re leasing a space from me, and I’ve invested in you. I don’t just jump in without doing my research.”
“Bullshit. Our contract is written up in a way that you have nothing to lose by our joint venture, only something to gain. If I don’t deliver, you can bail. You’re just making up an excuse for getting in my business. If you want to know something you best come to me, or you can call this friendship done.” She leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest. Jesus. She was such a badass sometimes, I almost forgot this was a twenty-three-year-old woman who also happened to be small in stature. But her presence was—massive. As was her strength. Harley DeLuca was a force to be reckoned with. I suppose she’d have to be considering all her mother had put her through.
“Listen, you want to own your own business, this comes with the territory. Anyone who invests in you is going to do their research on you. And you claim you’re an open book, so what’s the problem?” I asked, studying her intently.
“I’ll tell you what my problem is, Montgomery.” She paused when our waitress set down our odd cocktails. “I’ve been around enough shady p
eople in my life, I’m not looking for shady friends.”
I laughed. I’d been called a lot of things, but shady was not one of them. I reached for my wine, or whatever the hell this was. It was carbonated and served over ice with a straw. “I can assure you, I’m not shady. If I were shady, I wouldn’t be telling you about it, would I?”
“Stop staring at it and just try it, you pretentious princess,” she said before reaching for her drink and taking a huge sip. She sucked half the cheap concoction out of the glass. “You bring up a valid point, but it would have been a lot simpler if you’d just come to me first.”
“Moving forward I will come to you with concerns,” I said, taking a small sip of my cocktail as I scrunched my face at how sweet it was. “My god, what is this?”
Her laughter carried around the restaurant, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s a spritzer, and it’s delicious.”
“My family owns a winery, for God’s sake. This is terrible.”
She covered her face with her hands and continued to laugh. “You are such a prima donna, I can’t even handle it. Okay, so let’s hear it. What’s this big concern you have?”
“You took a loan out at a high rate and used your grandfather’s home as collateral. That’s not wise.”
“Jesus, you really do your homework. I’m quite aware that it wasn’t a perfect scenario, but it is what it is. It was my only option. I mean… I’d hate to have to dip into my trust fund.” Her voice dripped sarcasm.
I rolled my eyes. “I get it. You didn’t have a choice. But you have partners now, and we can offer you better options.”
Our bowl of carbs was placed in front of us. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it smelled delicious, and my stomach rumbled.
Harley used her chopsticks and twirled the noodles around. “And what are these mysterious options?”
“We take over the loan. I’ll adjust the rate, make it much more reasonable, and you don’t need to have your grandfather’s house as collateral.”
She set down her chopsticks and used her napkin to dab at her mouth. “What would I give you as collateral?”
“I don’t take on risky investments. This is low risk. You don’t need collateral. You’re selling something that I believe in. It’s a long-term investment for me. And I own a piece of the company, so obviously I want it to succeed.”