Without Regret

by Aubrey Bondurant

“I was there for a time. And Emma is staying there now.”

  I filed away the information that we were living in the same complex.

  He seemed relaxed, putting me at ease. I hadn’t been sure what to expect as I’d heard rumors of Simon’s Ice Man persona as the number one guy for negotiating acquisitions for the Stone Group. But there’d only been warmth from him thus far.

  “Since you already know a lot about this position and what it entails, why don’t you tell me what you think you’ll find the most challenging?”

  This was an easy question for me to answer. As the guy who went on-site to buy companies, there was one thing I dreaded. “That would be having to tell people they’ve lost their jobs if an acquisition or buyout dictated such. I look forward to the business side and the opportunity to learn from you, but delivering that sort of news is not something I think I’ll ever get used to.”

  He nodded. “You don’t. You simply get better at separating your emotions from it. Still, it isn’t easy. Helps to get along with the team, so you have someone to vent to. That’s why I propose we work together the next six weeks to see if it’s a mutual fit for the both of us.”

  This had been the proposal from the start, which was a win-win for me. If I decided this job wasn’t for me, I’d still have had six weeks of gleaning information from the best in the business. And if it did work out, then I had a job with the Stone Group. “That sounds more than agreeable.”

  “Brilliant. Let me walk you through the team, then.”

  I was happy when he mentioned Emma first, explaining she was from London and then New York, like him. “Some people make the mistake of thinking she’s only my administrative assistant, but I’ll tell you she’s my greatest asset. She’s especially good with research and keeping things organized.” He appeared to hesitate but then went on. “She may take a while to warm up to you, but don’t take it personally. Of anyone on the team, she’ll be the one you spend the most time with.”

  Although there was a small voice in my head which warned it wasn’t a good idea to pursue someone with whom I’d be working with, all I could focus on was the opportunity to spend time with her.

  “Then there’s Tom, who is the accountant and based in New York.”

  “He’s Phillip’s nephew, right?” I’d heard about the man and knew to be careful with him given his relationship to the owner of the company.

  Simon gave me a tight smile as if trying not to say what he wanted to. “Yes. He is. You’ll meet him when we travel to New York City in two weeks. We work with him for all things accounting while in the middle of a possible acquisition. And Lyle comes in as the forensic auditor, but he lives in Minnesota.”

  Simon went on talking about Phillip and a few of the others in New York I might be working with.

  “If you’re up for it, I thought I’d walk you through the last deal to get your feet wet. Then we can head to lunch.”

  ***

  Almost two hours later, my head was swimming. My father wasn’t kidding when he’d said Simon was the best in the business. I was learning the first rule about an acquisition was that no two were the same. I wasn’t above writing down a lot of notes. The key was to learn from him, not let my ego get in the way.

  “Have I overwhelmed you yet?” Simon sat back, assessing me. We’d just gone through the last acquisition that had taken place right here in Dallas. The folder sat in front of me, and I intended to study it more later.

  I chuckled and told the truth. “That obvious?”

  “No. But don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s what I’m here for. Quite frankly, I want this to be as successful as you do.”

  “Thanks. I’m certain once I spend some more time tonight looking at it I’ll have plenty of questions, but for now they’re still bouncing around in my head. I find this deal fascinating considering you found embezzlement. Do you know if they ever prosecuted?” Crazy to think the director of payroll and his girlfriend in HR had set up two fictitious people and paid them in order to get the money for themselves.

  “They didn’t have to. He struck a plea to pay the money back. Last I heard, he moved to California. The unique part of this deal was we only had to terminate a couple employees who had a track record of poor performance. Meanwhile, a few others took early retirement.”

  In other words, don’t get used to it.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Emma

  By the time Trevor and Simon broke for lunch, I’d pulled myself together. I didn’t like surprises, but I’d adapt. So what? I’d met him at the gym yesterday after I’d made his sister cry. As far as first impressions went, it wasn’t my worst, I thought wryly. And so what if he was pretty to look at? I met plenty of men in this line of work who were easy on the eyes. But I made it a rule never to date a suit. Never. Ever.

  “Emma, are the lunch reservations at Rios?” Simon asked as they walked out of his office. He’d sent me a quick message about an hour ago asking me to make them.

  “Yes. They’re all set. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Newhall.”

  I politely dismissed him, intending to have the office to myself during my lunch break. Perhaps I’d order those new shoes I’d been eying at Saks.

  “Please call me Trevor, especially since we’ll be working together so closely over the next few weeks.”

  Damn. He had a twinkle in his eye, knowing he’d backed me into a corner. Now I had to let him call me by my first name, so I wouldn’t look rude. He’d also effectively reminded me we’d be working side by side for the foreseeable future.

  “Of course, and please call me Emma.” I hoped he wouldn’t, but I couldn’t avoid offering.

  He grinned, the effect not dimming his hot factor.

  “You want to join us for lunch, Emma?” Simon invited.

  “Actually, I have other plans today.” Because he frowned, I amended, “But I’d love a raincheck.”

  “Yes, I suppose there’s plenty of time for team lunches.”

  I managed a small smile and gave Simon a look which said ‘do not, under any circumstances, make me go with you today.’ Luckily, he knew my ‘I’ll tell you later expression’ well enough to leave it alone. Besides, it wasn’t as though I’d been included in his initial plan for lunch. That had only supposed to include the two of them.

  “Yes. Another time.”

  “Oh, but before I go, I wanted to thank you.” Trevor’s smirk indicated he was up to something.

  “Me?” What game was he playing?

  “Yes, for checking on my sister yesterday at the gym. Especially after her awful first impression.”

  Despite having absolutely no reason to be embarrassed, I could feel my neck heating. I hated him putting me on the spot in front of Simon. “Uh, happy to help.”

  Now leave. Just go, and don’t say another bloody word.

  “And the advice you gave her. Would you call that your ‘over-under strategy’?”

  Getting over someone by getting under someone else. Bloody hell. She’d told him what I’d said? I didn’t have siblings, but I hadn’t expected her to confide something so sexual to her brother. “Yes, well, I suppose it’s more eloquent than other names I’ve heard.”

  “I’ll be sure to tell her you said hello. In fact, she’s in town another few days if you want to get together. Just wait until she hears we’ll be working together.”

  Shoot me. Shoot me now.

  I threw a pleading look towards my boss, whose lips were twitching but who finally came to my rescue. “We’d better go before we’re late for the reservation. I’ll see you after lunch.”

  Once they stepped into the lift, I expelled a relieved breath, grateful that ordeal was over.

  ***

  “You met Trevor and his sister at the gym yesterday?”

  I lifted my gaze from the computer to Simon’s incredulous eyes. After nearly two hours, he’d just walked back in from lunch. Thankfully, he was alone. “Not as though I knew who he was at the time I met them. She was crying, a
nd I got caught up in it.”

  “How?”

  “Not important.” I certainly didn’t want to share I’d been the one to make her cry. Simon rolled his eyes, which amused me. It was such an immature action for a man who was always in control.

  “Is there anything else I should be made aware of about yesterday and the two of you meeting?”

  I didn’t appreciate his hinted implication. “First off, you know I don’t date suits. Secondly, I spent more time with his kid sister than I did with him.”

  Simon appeared relieved. “Fair enough.”

  “Peyton called, by the way. Wanted me to pass on she’s making spaghetti tonight.”

  His face got all wistful. Now, there was a word. Evidently, love could make you weirdly wistful. Although I had no intention of ever uttering the L-word to a living person—it was reserved for my wine, chocolate, and shoes—I was happy Simon had found it. He’d certainly met his match in Peyton, and she brought out a good side in him.

  “She made me spaghetti when we were first figuring things out. If I talk about work, she takes away my garlic bread or worse—my fork.”

  That was pretty fucking adorable, I had to admit. Even for someone jaded like me. “That’s sweet. So how did everything go with Trevor? You think he’ll work out?”

  I was torn about whether I wanted it to or not. If he was successful, it would mean I could get back to traveling the globe. But the thought of having to do that traveling with Trevor and spend long hours with him made my stomach flip in an unfamiliar way.

  “I honestly do. Whether it’s wishful thinking or not, I can’t be certain yet. But he’s easy to get along with, has a good head on his shoulders, and isn’t afraid to learn. All qualities I’d hoped for.”

  “When is he returning?”

  “Tomorrow. He’ll be using the extra office, and I’ll block out most of my time, especially this week, to walk him through some of our last deals. In the meantime, I’ll get you the dates for our trip to New York. We’ll take the jet since it’ll be the three of us. I’ll stay at my flat, so you only need to book a hotel for you and Trevor.”

  “Sounds good.” I was brilliant at coordinating travel details, having perfected the art over the years. But the thought of having Trevor with me in the same hotel was unsettling.

  “By the way, Peyton wanted me to invite you over for a barbeque on Saturday? Something casual with a few friends over at the house.”

  The house he spoke of was a cute little ranch-style home Peyton had owned before they’d met. It had a big backyard designed for entertaining. Since coming to Dallas, I didn’t normally have plans over the weekend. “Sure. I’ll bring wine.”

  He smiled. “I think she’s counting on it. And I have a favor to ask.”

  Damn. This was a heavy Monday, between the talk about my staying in Dallas, the shock of Trevor, and now my boss asking favors. I didn’t often see Simon look uncomfortable, which meant it was something personal. “What’s that?”

  “When we go to New York, I was hoping you could help me pick out a ring.”

  My eyes got big, and although I wouldn’t consider myself a girl who squealed, I let one out anyhow. Then I got up and gave my boss and friend of the last seven years a big hug. “You’re proposing. That’s brilliant.”

  He turned beet red, either because of my reaction or the uncharacteristic physical contact. Simon and I had a sibling-like affection for one another, but we seldom showed it, only on rare occasions such as this.

  “You have to keep the secret from Peyton.”

  I scoffed. “Please, if there is one thing I’m good at, it’s that.” Hell, there were secrets about me that not even Simon knew. “But when are you planning to do it?”

  “I was thinking once I return.”

  I waited for the rest of it. “That’s it? Just once you get back from New York. No romantic trip or night planned?”

  He gripped the back of his neck. “Peyton’s kind of down to earth. You think I should plan something more?”

  I sighed, thinking it ironic I’d be the one to give advice on this topic considering I wasn’t the romantic type. “Nothing elaborate. But something special. Cater in her favorite meal, have candles, roses, champagne. Something. Or take her on a weekend trip somewhere romantic where you get breakfast in bed. You could have the ring put on the tray. Just something to make it memorable.”

  He was staring at me like I’d grown another head.

  “What? Just because I’m not romantic doesn’t mean I’m not aware of what most women want.” My tone was a bit more defensive than I would’ve preferred.

  “No. No. I wasn’t thinking that. But I’m surprised by how detailed you got. Almost like you’ve envisioned someone popping the question someday.” He was studying me thoughtfully.

  I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be silly. I can’t even stand for a man to spend the night, so how the hell would I get to that scenario? Anyhow, if you need help researching places you could go, let me know. Although I think we both know she’ll appreciate it all the more if you do the legwork.”

  Peyton might be down to earth, but she valued Simon putting in the effort as opposed to him asking his assistant to do so. Luckily, he’d been astute enough from the beginning to realize that.

  “You’re right. Thanks for the advice. And on Saturday, if you have any thoughts about how to find out what type of ring she might prefer, I’d be forever grateful.”

  “Can’t you ask her sister?” They were close.

  He shook his head. “No way. Jen has the subtlety of a bulldozer. She’d give it away for certain. If you could get an idea from her, it would help tremendously.”

  “Challenge accepted,” I replied, excited for this next step in Simon and Peyton’s relationship. At least happy endings worked for some people.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Trevor

  After lunch, I drove back to my apartment to study the folder Simon had given me of their last deal. I was determined to come in tomorrow with good questions.

  I wanted this job to work out even if my reasons were selfish. After I learned the ropes of mergers and acquisitions, I hoped to branch out on my own and focus on real estate. Not only did I wish to break away from my father’s name, but I also desired to do something completely different. I wished to build something from the ground up and take pride in all of the details, whether it was an office building or apartments.

  My father did not understand that desire to make my own path when he’d made one for me. He’d lived his life as the CEO of Newhall Oil and Gas, and now going into his twilight years, he was putting in a bid to become the mayor of Houston. I was well aware that part of the reason he was anxious I take over the helm of his company was that he wanted to shift his focus to politics.

  The problem was I didn’t need a backseat driver in my career. Didn’t want someone to mold me and shape me into what his idea of a CEO should be, telling me every step of the way what I was doing wrong. Instead, I wanted to pave the way for my own dreams. That meant paying my dues, which I could do by working for Simon and learning how to find investors and make deals. And which also meant I’d have to be the one to deliver the message people were losing their jobs.

  Fuck. That was the part I wasn’t sure I could do. I’d been raised to have empathy for people. Telling them they’d lose their livelihood didn’t compute. I could only hope that once we got to that point I’d be able to handle it.

  I was pleased to see my sister returning from the gym in her rental car when I pulled in. It was a good sign she wasn’t wallowing in misery over her ex. “Did you manage to get a workout without ruining anyone’s day this time?”

  She frowned, falling in step with me. “Not funny as I still feel horrible. But yes, I did manage to simply pay the daily fee this time. And apologize to Jeremy again for my bitchy behavior yesterday.”

  “Good.”

  “I thought I might meet a girlfriend from college for dinner tonight.”

  I
was pleased she wanted to get out. And maybe a friendly shoulder to cry on would be a good thing. “Yeah?”

  “Yes. We figured we’d do a little retail therapy, then polish it off with some food and cocktails.”

  Damn. Evidently Emma’s little talk had done a lot of good for my sister’s self-esteem. “Good.” And maybe that meant I could make dinner plans of my own this evening.

  Ones which involved a certain pretty brunette.

  ***

  Luckily, my living room window overlooked the parking lot. The minute I saw Emma slipping out of her white BMW at six thirty, I walked my dog Rufus down the stairs and onto the sidewalk. Yeah, so I was a bit of a stalker. But the fact she lived here perfectly solved the challenge of seeing her outside of the office.

  Since hitting a growth spurt at age fifteen, I’d never had much of an issue gaining female attention. I’d dated my fair share of women, but this one—She intrigued the hell out of me.

  “Well, howdy, neighbor.”

  Emma about jumped out of her skin. It was obvious she hadn’t looked up to see who was walking towards her. This might be Dallas, but she still should be more aware of her surroundings.

  “Jesus, you scared me. What are you doing here?”

  She stepped up onto the sidewalk in those impossibly tall stilettos which had my cock taking notice. How she possibly walked in those things I’d never know, but they were sexy as hell.

  “This is where I’m staying. Was just out walking my dog.”

  I watched as her eyes widened and focused on my mastiff. He might seem intimidating with his one hundred and fifty pounds in a brindle color of caramel and black, but in reality, he was a big goofball.

  “That’s not a dog. It’s a beast.”

  “Nah. He’s harmless. In fact, he likes the pretty girls. Rufus, this is Emma. Emma, this is Rufus. You wanna pet him?”

  She shook her head, stepping back. “Nope, not even a little bit. Have a good walk, and see you later.”

  But unfortunately, Rufus had other ideas. He chose that moment to shake his head and send slobber flying from his jowls. One particular string hit Emma right across the chest as if in epic slow motion.