Promise (Venture Capitalist Book 2)

by Ainsley St Claire

  “Absolutely. Everything an employee touches has a digital footprint.”

  “Great. Do we feel comfortable opening up our research team?” Mason asks.

  “I think so,” Dillon responds. “My team is constantly reviewing and evaluating proposals.” He glances at an Excel spreadsheet he has with him. “Right now we have better than six hundred proposals we’re sifting through. How about we have them focus on those companies, particularly those in the Perkins Klein portfolio, that already have angel or first-round funding.”

  “That sounds good.”

  “Cameron, if you could review those companies and check out their technology and viability, that would set us up for our next few prospects,” Dillon continues.

  “Sounds good,” Cameron replies.

  “Great. And Dillon, you’re heading to New York to ring the bell with Tom to celebrate PeopleMover going public this week, right?” Mason asks.

  “Yes, we leave Thursday in his private jet. Being there will be exciting.”

  “Any thought on where they’ll land by the end of the first day?”

  “I’m guessing that should be around one hundred million dollars for the company bottom line,” Dillon tells us.

  I whistle. “Nice!”

  “Well, I think we should all celebrate this weekend,” Mason says. “Not only do we have Dillon and Emerson’s engagement party, but this is our biggest win to date. Speaking of which, when we first formed SHN, we talked about an advisory board. Dillon has suggested that since we have an in, we approach Charles Arnault, Jr. to determine if he would like to be on our advisory board. What does everyone think?”

  “I love the idea,” Cameron replies. “He knows technology, business, and finance. If he’d be willing to do it, it would be of great value to us.”

  I watch the group, and everyone seems to be on board with the idea. “Has anyone approached him?” I ask.

  “No. I thought since they’re hosting the engagement party on Sunday afternoon, we might be able to speak with him after the party. It would mean we all need to stick around.”

  “I’ve known Charles since I was a freshman at Stanford,” Emerson shares. “He’s always fair, open, and honest. When you all approached me, he knew you and knew you well. Without his approval, I never would’ve sold my company to you. I think he would be very supportive.”

  Mason turns to me. “I’d like to hear from both Dillon and Sara on this.”

  “I suggested it, so obviously I’m for it,” Dillon starts. “But I’ve gotten to know him these past few months. He’s tied to many companies here in The Valley. He’s also seen a lot and brings a perspective of experience we don’t have and probably need. I don’t have any problem asking him. I think the party would be a great way to open the conversation to gauge his interest.”

  “I agree,” I reply.

  Looking at the group, Mason says, “Great. I like the idea. Let’s see what he says. I think his perspective on the espionage would be interesting.”

  Emerson sighs. “And to think we almost lost PeopleMover to Perkins Klein.”

  Dillon puts his arm around her. “Only because you and Mason saved it.”

  Mason and I shake our heads as Emerson adds, glancing at Dillon, “No, it’s because Tom Sutterland had a level of ethics and loyalty to you, Dillon.”

  “Okay, you two,” Cameron pipes up. “Get a room if you’re going to start getting busy.”

  Emerson turns crimson and we all agree that this is going to be a good week.

  As we’re walking out of the meeting, Emerson asks, “Sara, do you have a minute?”

  “Of course,” I tell her.

  “Any chance I can convince you to walk down to Starbucks with me?”

  I’m a bit taken aback, hoping nothing is wrong, “Sure, is everything all right?”

  “Absolutely. I’d like to ask you something.”

  “Let me grab my coat and my wallet.”

  “You only need your coat. I’m buying.”

  We have a Starbucks in our building, but to stretch our legs—and sometimes for privacy—we walk the three blocks to another one. Emerson has this amazing glow about her, and she seems happy. I was worried when Dillon asked to come back, but only if he could have a relationship with Emerson. I wasn’t sure if the relationship was going to create problems for the team, but I love them both and can’t imagine SHN without them.

  I don’t have many friends. I’m not super outgoing, I work twelve-hour days, seven days a week, and my idea of a fun time is often curling up with a good book. Emerson is the closest thing I have to a close friend, but outside of work and the occasional glass of wine after work, we don’t do much together. However, we are more than partners. We’ve shared a lot of ourselves, and I adore both Emerson and Dillon. I’m glad we’re taking this time to hang out for a bit.

  After we have our coffee in hand and sit down a moment, Emerson says, “Dillon and I were wondering if you would be willing to be in our wedding as a bridesmaid.”

  I’m completely stunned. “I’d be honored. But I’ve never been a bridesmaid before. What do I need to do?”

  “Well, you’ll most likely have to rein in my best friend, CeCe, but beyond that, you guys will all go out and pick out a dress. My only request is that they should all be the same color and fabric, but maybe different cuts so they flatter your figure. And maybe you can wear them again.”

  “That’s easy.”

  Conspiratorially, Emerson says, “You would think so. There will be five of you. CeCe, my friends Greer and Hadlee, and Dillon’s sister Siobhan. I think you met her at Dillon’s father’s funeral.”

  “Yes, I remember her. Isn’t she pregnant?”

  “She’ll have the baby in the next few weeks, and we have a little over a year to get it together. I’ll admit, I feel as if I’m getting a late start on this. We have time, but people sure do get worked up about wedding planning, and work has been too busy lately to deal with it all.”

  “I hear you.”

  “I’ve asked Tina to be my wedding planner.”

  “Great thinking. Tina will put on an amazing wedding, if the fall carnival’s anything to go by.”

  “She has a budget in mind that’s probably more than I want to spend—she has so many plans and is going crazy—but it’s nice to have her narrowing down choices for me.”

  I’m stunned at how things have progressed with her planning, but it occurs to me that she hasn’t told me where they plan to marry. “Do you think you’re going to marry here in San Francisco?”

  “Part of me wants to, since all our friends are here. But the other part of me wants my family priest to marry us back in Denver. Tina is going to approach him about coming out, and then we’ll have a better idea of our options.”

  Reaching across the table, I grasp her hand and give her an assuring squeeze. “I’m excited. Thank you for including me. That’s sweet.”

  “It was never a question for either of us. You’ve been a wonderful friend to both of us. When I talked about it with Dillon, he was relieved. He was hoping I’d ask you.”

  We stand to walk back to the office, and I lean in to give her a big hug, “This is wonderful.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Trey

  It’s another Friday night, and I’m out with the guys. We’ve hit a different spot down in Palo Alto. Emerson has her big engagement party on Sunday afternoon, and all sorts of other activities are going on this weekend, so I’ll be staying with my parents.

  I’m excited to see her brother Michael. Shortly after our freshman year started at Cal, Emerson and CeCe, who were roommates at Stanford, showed up to visit us. They arranged a dinner, and I was told Michael, who was also at Cal, would be joining us. I’d seen him around campus at Berkeley. He played football, and one of the girls I had a crush on was hanging out with him. Michael and I became great friends, and after our dinner we began to hang out. When Michael moved into an apartment in town, we decided to live together. He’s t
he brother I never had.

  He dated the girl I had a crush on the entire time and eventually married her. Alicia was the girl we all fell in love with. She’s smart as a whip, but she’s also always positive and could cure anyone of the blues. I was in their wedding almost five years ago. They have three kids now and live in Denver.

  Bringing myself back to the present, I realize the guys have been talking, and I have no idea what they’re saying. A cute redhead with a decent figure, her dress showing off some beautiful large tits, has been making eyes with me. I signal her to join me, and she seems to glide as she walks over.

  “Hi. I’m Mindy.”

  “Nice to meet you, Mindy. I’m Trey. Would you like to dance?”

  Rubbing her soft breast against my arm, she whispers, “I know exactly who you are, and I’d love to.”

  Not again.

  Taking her by the hand, we walk to the middle of the dance floor and, despite the pulsating beat of the music, she turns away from me and grinds her ass on my cock. I immediately get hard, and as she lifts her arms into the air, I stand back.

  She beckons me to come closer, but I just smile at her and keep my distance.

  The song changes, giving her the opportunity to lean in and brush her lips against my sensitive spot on my neck. Her kisses move seductively up my neck, nibbling as she goes, then whispers in my ear as she caresses her nipple. “Would you like to come back to my hotel room with me?” She’s not even fazed by the public display.

  I carefully pull myself away and begin to make my exit. “I’m going to need to go.”

  “You have to leave already? I was hoping we might get a chance to spend some time together horizontally,” she says with a wicked smile.

  I don’t think so. I force a smile. “Very tempting.”

  She scrambles to her phone. “Can we exchange numbers? I’d love to see you again.”

  Trying to be polite, I stretch the truth as I explain, “Unfortunately I don’t keep the same phone for very long. I’d hate to give you a number that will change in a few days.”

  “Oh, okay. Well,” she tells me as she whips out a card from her bra, “Here’s my number. If you ever want to spend some time horizontal, please give me a call.”

  Taking her card, I put it in my breast pocket. “You have the most beautiful brown eyes that I could get lost in. Thank you for the dances.” Then I turn and almost run out the door. I notice my buddy, give him the nod that says, “Catch ya later,” and I exit into the cool evening air.

  I settle in the back seat of my car service and direct him to my folks’ house north of the club. Glancing out the window, I decide that I refuse to be trapped by the past—or by expectations that come with being an Arnault. I watch as the thick traffic moves slowly. I’ve had the random one-night stand, but I tend to be a serial monogamist. My last girlfriend lasted six years, though I know my mom and sister didn’t like her. She was an actress who seemed to like me for the publicity, nothing more.

  I just want someone to love me for me.

  ***

  “Dude, you’re here!” I say to Michael as he crosses the room and gives me a hug.

  “Absolutely. My little sister is getting married, but I’m going to make sure there’s a getaway car in case she needs it.”

  I stuff the last bite of my bagel in my mouth and drink a big gulp of my tepid coffee. I put my right hand on his shoulder, and with a hint of mischievousness, I share, “I don’t know, man. I like Dillon as much as I like you.”

  “Can’t stand him, huh?” we hear Alicia pipe up. “Give me a hug, you giant playboy!”

  Her blonde hair is pulled back into a ponytail that leaves her neck long and sexy. She’s in a light pink peasant blouse, my favorite color on her, and an amazingly tight pair of jeans. You’d never guess she’s the mother of three kids. “Playboy? I’m not a playboy.”

  She smiles and gives me a big hug. “I see you on the cover of those tabloid magazines and even catch TMZ when they do a tease about you.”

  “Don’t believe it. It’s all fake.” She kisses me chastely on my cheek and holds on tight.

  “You know I’m waiting for you to realize the Michael is a giant nerd and you need to come live here in San Francisco with me.”

  Alicia laughs. “I don’t think you’d enjoy the kids. They can be a bit challenging right now.”

  “Well, if they’re anything like Michael here, I can manage them.” We all laugh, enjoying the company of old friends. Glancing around, I ask, “So, what’s the plan?”

  “I think the wedding planner arranged for the families and bridal party to go golfing today.”

  “Great. I can get my ass kicked by your sister.” I tell Michael ruefully.

  “I got used to that years ago, man.”

  Alicia continues, “Those of us who don’t play golf are headed into The City to shop at Union Square.”

  Michael groans and attempts to remind her, “We don’t have tons of room in our suitcases. Please remember that when you buy a wardrobe for the boys and yourself.”

  Alicia elbows him in the stomach and smiles. “They can ship it home.”

  Gazing at his wife skeptically, he turns to me. “All right then, let’s go.”

  “Be back before dinner, boys!” Alicia yells behind us.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Trey

  The engagement party at my folks’ house for Emerson and Dillon is a blast. The Winthrop clan is truly family. They didn’t grow up in the world that CeCe and I did, but they’ve never been in awe or treated us as anything other than normal people. We’ve never known if someone liked us for us or if they liked us for the fame and fortune. With the Winthrop clan, it was never a question.

  It was fun playing golf and catching up with Michael this afternoon, and I wish I could spend more time with him, but since this is my parents’ home, I figure I need to try to talk to everyone. I work my way around the party and particularly enjoy meeting Dillon’s mom, his sister, her husband and their baby boy.

  As I glance around, I notice the most amazing woman I’ve ever seen. Her flowing dirty blonde hair has this soft curl that’s sexy as hell; I want to run my fingers through it. She has stunning blue-green eyes and legs that appear to go on forever. I want to meet this vixen who’s talking to my sister.

  I want to play it casual, so I saunter up to CeCe and say as cool as I can muster, “Hey, sis.”

  “Oh, hey,” she greets me, then continues her conversation with this woman. She doesn’t stop her conversation to introduce me, and I just stand there, completely taken by this woman as they go on about bridesmaids’ dresses.

  CeCe finally notices me still standing there and turns to me. “Do you need me?”

  “No. I thought you might introduce me to your friend.”

  “Oh. Trey, this is Sara. She’s friends with Dillon and Emerson and is in the wedding party.”

  I extend my hand, and she gives me the most brilliant smile. “So nice to meet you.”

  In a low and sexy voice, she tilts her head slightly and says, “Likewise.”

  I’m embarrassed by how hard I am right now. She’s a pure vision. Unlike me, she’s dressed unpretentiously and fashionably in a simple green dress. I tug on the collar of my shirt, a new level of discomfort filling me. It’s like she can see right through me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this before.

  CeCe stares at me expectantly, and I’m at a loss for words. “I’ll see you around,” I barely manage to get out, then turn and walk away quickly.

  I can’t believe I screwed that up royally.

  What a jerk I must’ve sounded like. Good grief. Nicely done, Trey!

  At least I know I’ll see her again.

  Positioning myself in the corner of the room, I watch Sara. She’s animated, and a few of the men flirt with her. When Dillon wanders over and asks what I’m up to, I carefully ask him about Sara.

  “She and Emerson are the two female partners. Sara’s our lawyer.”

 
“Oh, so she’s smart, too.”

  “Brilliant, actually. Have you met her?”

  “Oh yes, CeCe introduced me. I’m only curious.”

  Laughing, Dillon tells me, “I don’t think she’s your type.”

  I’m stunned by this. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s a serious girl. I don’t think she sleeps around.”

  I don’t know why that wouldn’t be my type, but I stutter, “G-g-good to know.”

  Emerson walks up and says, “Hey, Trey. Are you having a nice time?” She brings me into a tight hug.

  I kiss her on the cheek. “I am, thanks. I always like hanging out with your brothers.”

  Turning to Dillon, she says, “I need to drag you away. My parents’ best friends just arrived, and I’d like to introduce you to them.”

  They walk away, and I see Sara standing alone at the bar, looking around. This is my opportunity. Taking a deep breath, I walk up and ask, “Can I get you a drink?”

  She turns to me and flashes that smile again, making my stomach turn and my heart beat faster. “Actually, I was hoping to find a glass for some water. I have to drive home in a little bit, and I’ve already had my one drink I allow myself when I’m driving.”

  I’m impressed that she’s good about drinking and driving. “I can get you a glass. We have tons of juices and sodas if you prefer that.”

  “Thanks, but water’s easy.”

  “Water it is.” I pour her a glass, adding a few ice cubes and a lemon wedge. “Are you having a nice time tonight?”

  “I am. Your parents host a beautiful party. It’s great to meet so many of Dillon’s and Emerson’s family and friends. Forgive me for being so presumptuous, but how did you get so lucky to be part of the wedding party?”