Promise (Venture Capitalist Book 2)

by Ainsley St Claire

  “Without a doubt. Greer works magic.”

  “Well, she mentioned that her contract with her current company is coming to an end, and that she was going to hit a beach in Brazil and start searching for a job when she was ready to return. What would you all think about bringing her on as another partner? Her work has a solid return on investment, and she has experience with that big Microsoft purchase, too.”

  Mason glances at Emerson. “She’s your friend. What do you think? This would be a different kind of relationship for you two.”

  Emerson nods. “Working with her isn’t any concern. My only thought is that I’m not sure she wants to be tied down.”

  Charles speaks up at that point. “I think having an internal marketing person who can speak to Wall Street and to investors is great. Of course, I’ve known Greer all her life, but I do think she would bring value, and I think we could talk her into it.”

  Cameron nods. “She took Tsung Software, who have a difficult software for technical people to understand, and broke it down. Their sales are through the roof now. Not to mention she helped rebrand SillySally for Henry Sinclair last year. I think we need to talk to her and see where her head’s at.”

  Everyone agrees.

  “Before we head out, I learned that Perkins Klein’s first dud company is showing some of the issues that Emerson actually pointed out with their leadership team,” Dillon shares. “We may be seeing their first investment go south.”

  Mason turns to Charles and Trey. “Do we want to rub a bit of salt in those wounds and make a few calls to the papers and wire services, pointing out why their investments are poor?”

  Trey defers to his dad to take the question, who says, “I think we sit back. The financial trades will pick it up, and they’re smart enough to figure out they overpaid and didn’t vet correctly.”

  Again, everyone agrees. We set our to-do list for the coming week and agree to meet up again next week.

  Trey has spent most of the night sitting and talking with me. I’m not sure I want tonight to end. As we walk outside, his hand brushes against mine and sends electric jolts to my core.

  “I rode with your sister,” I share quietly. I want so much for him to kiss me, but he’s never really made any moves, so I’m not sure what he’s thinking.

  He nods. “Too bad. I’m happy to give you a ride home if you don’t want to wait for CeCe.”

  I turn, and we can hear CeCe yelling her goodbyes to someone. “Well, I imagine it would raise a few eyebrows, particularly since I hear her coming.”

  “Probably.” As we part, he asks me quietly, “Can I drop you an e-mail? Maybe we can make some plans for lunch this week.”

  I know having lunch with him could expose my crush on him, and we’ve only hung out over a giant group dinner, but I nod and agree.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Trey

  I’m excited. Sara has agreed to meet me for lunch. I was nervous when I asked her, considering it’s been a long time since I’ve met anyone interesting, let alone someone interesting enough to date. I can’t even remember the last time I was nervous to ask someone out. What is this woman doing to me?

  Something draws her to me. She’s incredibly sexy, and I could lose myself in her blue-green eyes for some time. I have this mysterious pull to her, and I want to get to know her.

  We’ve been eyeing a small start-up in Seattle, and the company is being a bit persnickety. They would do well, but I get the feeling something is up. During my morning of meetings, I reach out to Sara.

  TO: Sara White

  FROM: Charles M Arnault III

  SUBJECT: Question

  What day would you be available for lunch? I’ll clear my calendar for you. I think we can meet at a fun place in Chinatown. It’s a bit of a dive, and we’re guaranteed to be the only non-Chinese in the place, but the food is outstanding.

  TO: Charles M Arnault III

  FROM: Sara White

  SUBJECT: RE: Question

  I can make Wednesday or Thursday work, but don’t clear anything for me. I can always push back to next week if that’s better. Chinese sounds right up my alley.

  I’m thrilled. I have meetings and appointments every day during lunch, but I don’t care. I’ll change them so I can meet Sara. I don’t want to freak her out, so I know I have to take it slow; there’s a certain amount of notoriety that comes with dating me, and I like this girl.

  TO: Sara White

  FROM: Charles M Arnault III

  SUBJECT: RE: RE: Question

  Let’s meet on Wednesday. How does noon work?

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Sara

  I can’t help but be excited about our lunch. I know he isn’t married, and we have such a great connection. That’s a start in the right direction. And he’s exactly the kind of guy I fall for: strong, alpha, confident and without a doubt handsome—he was People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive a few years ago. But he touches both my professional life and my personal life, so that’s also a reason to be cautious. I jumped in with both feet with Henry, so I need to be careful this time around. I can’t take a heartbreak like Henry again.

  TO: Charles M Arnault III

  FROM: Sara White

  SUBJECT: RE: RE: RE: Question

  See you then!

  Thankfully the week passes quickly, though I can hardly sleep. I’ve planned my wardrobe down to the color of nail polish on my toes. To protect my heart, and to hold back from wishful thinking, I tell myself that this very well may be a business lunch. He’s definitely cute, though. And those broad shoulders and chiseled good looks give me hope. My internal debate runs from being very professional to down-and-dirty sex. Of course, the problem is those are usually one-night stands, but we’ll see each other again, and that would be uncomfortable. I’m not his type anyway, since I’m no actress or socialite, so it’s only wishful thinking.

  I walk into the office, and of course, Mason’s hair is on fire about an upcoming sale of one of our smaller investments. Sales are much easier than all the SEC filings I do to take a company public, but they still have a thousand moving pieces, and Mason wants to go over them to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I never do, but he’s always anxious.

  “Mason, I have lunch plans today with Trey Arnault. I can’t be late.”

  “Is this something I should join you on?”

  “I don’t think so,” I tell him, choosing my words carefully. “I think he’s trying to find out what we’re up to with his dad from a legal perspective.”

  “Well, let me know how it goes. If his dad is getting nervous, I want to address it.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll keep you posted.”

  I work for a few more hours, losing track of time before Mason pops his head into my office. “I thought you were having lunch with Trey Arnault today?”

  I glance at my watch. “Oh shit! I need to be in Chinatown in five minutes.” I grab my bag and run out of the building to hail a cab.

  I check my makeup and determine I’m a lost cause, but still apply a fresh coat of lipstick. At least I’ll have kissable lips to tempt him with.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Trey

  I’ve thought about Sara almost every day since we met. I’m positive she’s attracted to me; I’ve seen her pupils quickly dilate when we talk to one another.

  I didn’t believe Wednesday would ever get here. I have a stuffy meeting with some of our investors, so I wear a medium gray suit with a white shirt with French cuffs, and cufflinks that my great-great-grandfather immigrated to the US with. It was one of the few pieces with any value he brought with him into the New World from France. I’m also wearing my lucky red tie, crazy striped socks and a pair of Gucci loafers. My hair is slicked back with gel, and while usually I’d go with a few days of stubble to make me sexier, today I’m clean-shaven.

  I beat her to the restaurant and find a table by the window so I can watch her emerge from the cab. She’s a vision in a black pencil skirt with a very se
ductive slit up the side and a pair of platform heels. I can never remember the brands, but they have a red sole, and her makeup is subtle. She checks her reflection and licks her lips, and I get hard immediately.

  She’s precisely on time as the hostess points her in my direction. I stand and give her a hug. She’s soft in all the right places, and I’m 99 percent positive her soft breasts are real. Once we separate, she sits down and stares at me.

  “Is there anything you don’t eat?” I ask.

  She smiles demurely at me. “I think I’ll try anything once.”

  My cock immediately gets hard as a lead pipe. “That’s a good start.”

  She blushes and quickly corrects herself. “I mean, I’m open to eating whatever you have.”

  I raise my eyebrows at her.

  Her blush extends from her cheeks, down her neck and I’m sure all the way to her toes. “I’m sorry.” With a big sigh, she repeats, “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. You’re quite beautiful, and the prospect of anything is quite appealing. Thank you for agreeing to meet me for lunch.”

  “Of course. I figure you have some questions about the relationship we’re building with your father. I’m happy to answer what I can.”

  I’m shocked at her interpretation of my invitation. “No, not at all. I was hoping to get to know you a bit better.”

  “Me?”

  I let out a deep belly laugh. “Yes, you!”

  “But why?”

  I love that she has no idea how beautiful and sexy she is. “You’re smart, funny, sexy as hell, and I think you’re positively gorgeous.”

  Her eyes widen. “I swear there is nothing nefarious going on with your dad. We’re not after anything other than some of his experience and guidance. We offered to pay him for his time, but he asked to invest.”

  I peek at her and remind myself to slow down. I don’t want to scare her off. “He’s shared everything with me. Really, this is about me wanting to get to know you better. Honest.” I can see the doubt on her face, but I continue. “Where are you from?”

  “I grew up here, in San Francisco.”

  “Really? What school did you attend?”

  “I graduated from Independence.”

  Independence is a rough public school known more for gang issues and violence. “I’m impressed. That’s a tough school.”

  She smiles slightly. “I tried to stay under the radar.”

  “Where did you go to college?”

  “My foster family knew someone at Santa Clara, and they were kind enough to give me a full ride.”

  “Foster family? What happened to your parents?”

  “My mom left me with a priest when I was three years old, and I have no idea about my biological father.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “Wow. I had no idea.”

  “I was luckier than most. I went from foster family to foster family until I was thirteen years old and landed with an older couple who were never able to have kids. They wanted to adopt me, but my mother wouldn’t release her parental rights.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. I always hoped it was because one day she wanted to come back for me. But she never did.”

  Before I can stop myself, I sputter, “That’s awful!”

  She smiles at me. “The courts wouldn’t allow it, but we had our own impromptu arrangement.”

  “Do you keep in touch with them today?”

  “I do. They’re very good to me. Jim and Carol are essentially my parents.”

  “Why do you call them by their names?

  “It’s complicated. I came to live with them when I was older, and I always thought my biological mother was coming back. But since I was never adopted, I figured that by not calling them Mom and Dad, if I were removed from their home, it would make the break easier for all of us.” She tilts her head and looks me in the eye. “You had a very different upbringing than I did.”

  “Yes, I did. I grew up with my parents. But it was no picnic having the press camped out at everything we did. My dad tried hard to shield us, but I seemed to go out of my way to get their attention.”

  She laughs. “I do seem to remember when you were in high school, you had a blowout party at your parents’ and people came from all over Northern California. You had something like five thousand people at your house.”

  I laugh with her. “Well, it was on the lawn. I at least knew better than to allow anyone inside. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking. My parents were well aware after it made the news and tabloids, of course, and my dad went crazy. He shipped me off to military school after that.”

  “Oh no! But it didn’t seem to stop the press.”

  “It did for a short time, but once CeCe and I hit our twenty-first birthday, we were given our trusts, which made us interesting to the media.”

  “Somehow they don’t have any interest in CeCe.”

  “No, she’s a bit boring for the press, but I also work hard to make sure they stay focused on me and not her so she can have a life.” I decide it’s worth it to tell her why. “When we were twelve, they called her fat, and she tried to stop eating. My parents were worried she was developing an eating disorder. She went into therapy, so I made it my job to be outrageous so they would leave her alone.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Sara

  I’m surprised at how funny, smart and self-deprecating Trey can be. I glance at my watch and am shocked to see we’ve been here for two and a half hours.

  “You can ride a horse?” I ask, surprised.

  “Yes. When I was sixteen, I worked as a wrangler at a ranch in Wyoming. Can you ride a horse?”

  I laugh. “I grew up a city girl, so I was taking either the bus or train on my own since I was nine. I’m lucky I can drive.” Sitting back in my chair, I think about it, then say, “I’m not even sure I’ve seen a horse up close. I’ve seen them in pastures as you drive out to Yosemite, but I can’t recall ever standing next to one, and I’m sure I’ve never ridden one.”

  “I can’t believe you’ve never even seen one up close. But it’s great growing up in a big city. I loved the independence that public transportation gave us. CeCe and I also ran around and had a great time. I loved the seals on Pier 39.”

  “Oh, me, too. Can you believe they moved and no one knows why?”

  “I can’t help but think the obvious is the lack of food, but I used to be a swimmer and there’s no way I’d get my body in the Bay waters.”

  “Ugh. I agree. But despite the traffic, the cost of living and all the crazies who come here, I love this city.”

  “I do, too. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

  He’s charming and hot as hell. When I look at the time, I jump up and apologize. “I’m sorry but I need to go. I’m already late for a meeting at my office.”

  He peeks at his watch. “I’ve completely missed mine.” Laughing, he adds, “Can we do this maybe on Saturday night?”

  I get my wallet out to give him some money for lunch, but he holds up his hand. “I asked you to lunch. Please let me pay for it.”

  I’m pleasantly surprised. That means this lunch was a date.

  He walks me outside and offers me a ride back in his car, but I decline and hail a cab. I turn to him, stand on my tiptoes and kiss him softly on the cheek. “I’d love to go out with you on Saturday night.”

  I race into the office, and thankfully it seems no one has noticed I’m late. What a relief that I don’t have to explain myself to anyone. I know I’m a partner, but with all the deals we have in process, I don’t want anyone to question my commitment; I’ve worked too hard to prove that I belong here.

  Despite the uneasiness of my being out for a long period of time, I sit back and think about our lunch. Trey was so easy to be with. We grew up in two different worlds, but it’s surprising to think about how much we have in common. I don’t want to appear too anxious, but I’m excited about the thought of something with him, and I haven’t
been excited about anyone like this in a long time. It wasn’t even like this with Henry at the beginning.

  I send a note off to Trey.

  TO: Charles M Arnault III

  FROM: Sara White

  SUBJECT: Thank you for lunch

  I had a nice time, and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Let me know when and where, and I’ll be there.

  As I click Send, my admin steps in and reminds me of my meeting with Mason and a client in the boardroom. On my way, I detour for a cup of coffee in the break room and meet up with Mason, who’s doing the same thing.

  “Well, I had an interesting conversation with Greer,” he starts. “She’s considering joining us and will be at Sunday’s dinner to discuss the specifics of what we need.”

  “That’s great news. I really think she’d be an asset to our team.”

  “I’ll talk with Charles to find out how to manage the financial requirements of adding another partner.” We both have our coffee and begin walking to the boardroom when Mason asks, “How was your lunch with Trey?”

  “It was very nice, thank you.”

  Staring at me, he inquires, “What did he need?”

  Oh crap. Right. I told him it was probably business because I wasn’t 100 percent sure. Without giving up too much from a personal lunch, I fib, “I was right, he wanted to find out our intentions with his dad. I think he wouldn’t mind being part of our advisory board.”

  “I like that idea. I’ll talk to Charles.”

  It takes a while for me to get back to my desk. It’s always hard to keep up when I have a personal appointment or client meeting, and having both today set me back with everything going on here, and our recent acquisitions.

  Throughout the day, my mind wanders to my lunch date, and I think of Trey often. I know I’ll need to head home soon, but I just can’t seem to focus to get my work accomplished for the day.