Nothing changed on his face, but Marissa couldn’t help but notice the slight tensing in Vince’s arm. “Peter, good to see you. Marissa, this is Peter Thornton, a business associate of mine who’s helping me coordinate the sale of GreenPro. Peter, this is my girlfriend, Marissa Roy.”
“Well, you’re a lucky man.” Peter took Marissa’s hand, and instead of shaking it, lifted it to his lips, kissing her softly. “Wonderful to meet you.”
“Likewise.” The blush warmed her face in record time and she grinned as he winked at her, releasing her hand. “Are you as excited about poop power as Vince is? Or do you simply see this as a great investment?”
Peter looked at her for half a moment before bursting out laughing. “Oh, I like her better than the last one.” He began to scan the room. “Simon isn’t here yet, but I expect he’ll be along shortly.”
“That’s fine. It will give us a few minutes to get prepared. I’ll catch up with you once I get Marissa settled.” Vince grabbed her hand and led her away from Peter toward a waiter. “I need a drink.”
“He seems like a nice guy. Are you two good friends? Also, girlfriend?”
“We’ve partnered on a number of deals over the years. Peter is actually a good friend of my agent. He helped me land the gig on Bull Rush.” He grabbed two glasses of wine from the tray, one red and one white. “Here. And I can’t exactly call you my sugar baby, can I?”
Right. That was a bit of a problem. “Girlfriend it is.”
“If anyone gives you a hard time, let me know.” Vince’s gaze had locked onto someone who’d just entered the room. “There’s Simon.”
“So, it’s show time?”
“Yup.” He swallowed down a far too healthy portion of his wine, before placing it on a passing waiter’s tray. But before he took a step, his entire body tensed. “Fuck.”
Turning to see where he was looking, she was surprised to see an older man standing there, someone who looked vaguely familiar. “Who’s that?”
“My father.” The way he said the word father made it sound more like a curse than an endearment. “He’s not supposed to be here.”
So this was the elder Taylor who Vince had found it necessary to save her from. “Didn’t you say he’s the reason you have to try and sell to Simon in the first place?”
“Yes.” The tension rolled off Vince in waves. “But he’s not exactly predictable. Not to mention, he and Simon don’t exactly get along.”
“Why?”
“Dad slept with Simon’s ex-wife.”
“Oh.” Well, that was going to make things challenging. “His name’s Geoff, right?”
“Yes.”
She watched as Geoff moved around the room, flirting and smiling with every woman he saw. In a lot of ways, Vince appeared very much like his dad. They had the same smile, same charm. She gave him a good hard look and knew exactly what she had to do. “You leave your father to me and go make your sale with Simon.”
“No.” Vince turned and took her by the hands. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”
She’d agreed to come to New York to help him in any way possible. While she’d assumed that had meant playing nice with the people he introduced her to, now she saw the chance to really help. Vince looked angry, and even a bit nervous. Vince Taylor, playboy multimillionaire was worried that things wouldn’t go his way. “Remember what you said earlier, we’re a team. Our weird little friendship is stronger than whatever your father has planned. Introduce us and I’ll keep him busy until you’re done speaking with Simon.” How hard could it be to smile and flirt with him? To keep him occupied long enough for Vince to do what he needed to?
“You don’t know what he’s like.” Vince reached up and cupped her cheek. “There was a reason I chose to meet you that first date, rather than let him.”
“I know. And you’ve warned me. But look around.” She waited until he did as she asked. “There are tons of people here. And it’s not like I need to distract him for long. Just enough so you can take Simon somewhere so the two of you can chat. Then you can come rescue me.” After everything that had happened with Andrew, she had more than enough experience dealing with assholes that she could handle Geoff Taylor. “Trust me.”
Vince looked startled for a moment, before finally nodding. “I’m not going to leave you for long.”
“You’ll leave me for as long as you need to secure the deal. Now, why don’t you introduce me to your dad?” He started to move away from her, but Marissa held him back. “Actually, one moment, please.”
“What?”
She reached up, straightened his tie and smoothed down the lapels of his jacket. “No sense in giving your dad a reason to give you a hard time.”
His gaze was intense as she fiddled with his clothing, and it sent a shiver through her. Vince Taylor, multimillionaire and television personality, looked ready to devour her. Probably not the best look if he wanted to shake off his playboy reputation, but there wasn’t much she could do about it now.
Marissa bit down on her lower lip, suddenly overwhelmed by the intensity of his gaze. “Shall we go say hi?”
Vince nodded, and took her hand in his. It was different than having her hand on his arm. Their fingers laced, their palms pressed together was far more intimate than even the passionate kiss they’d shared in the limo.
“Father.” Even knowing Vince was angry that his father was in attendance, there was no way anyone would have been able to tell from the warm way he greeted his dad. “I’m surprised to see you here. I didn’t think you were coming.”
Geoff Taylor was as handsome close up as he was across the room. Vince had clearly gotten his good looks from his dad, though Geoff’s blue eyes were so pale they almost appeared gray. When he turned his gaze fully on Marissa, she fought the urge to squirm and squeezed Vince’s hand a bit tighter.
Geoff’s gaze slide back to Vince. “My schedule opened up and I was able to be here after all. I let Simon know that I would be around tonight. No sense in giving the old man a heart attack.”
“I’m sure Simon appreciated knowing.” There was a coolness to Vince’s tone that hadn’t been there moments before. “I’ve already worked things out with Peter. We’re discussed the benefits of the sale with their board, which went well. Simon will most likely accept their advice to buy the company. It appears that you’re going to get exactly what you want.”
Marissa hated not knowing what to do, but there was no way she was going to insert herself into this conversation. Because despite what was being said, she knew there was more they were communicating with what they weren’t saying. The last thing she wanted to do was to make things worse for Vince.
But her moment of invisibility vanished when Geoff turned fully to face her and smiled. “You’re being rude, son. Who’s this gorgeous creature?”
Vince’s muscles tightened, but she gave his hand a gentle squeeze before dropping it and offering her had to Geoff. “Hi there. I’m Marissa. Vince’s girlfriend.”
Geoff frowned briefly before letting out a laugh that drew the attention of the people around them. “Of course, you are.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it, much the same way Peter had. Unlike Peter, the brush of Geoff’s lips on her skin didn’t exactly sit right with her. “Pleasure my dear. You look far different than your pictures.”
She tried to keep her body relaxed, but it was proving difficult with Geoff’s continued hold on her hand. “Better I hope.”
There was something in his gaze as it traveled down her body that unsettled her. “I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to meet sooner, but it seems my son was intent on keeping you all to himself.”
“Marissa is here to help, nothing more.” Vince swayed closer to her so his shoulder brushed against hers.
“I’m sure that’s the truth.” Geoff clearly had his own ideas what it meant to have a sugar
baby. “Well, at least I didn’t raise a fool.”
Off behind them an older man and a younger woman walked into the room. Several people close to the door started smiling and speaking a bit brighter. Others walked over and spoke with the man. Both Vince and Geoff turned and she knew immediately that this was Simon Berry.
Simon was an older man, slight in stature, with a full head of white hair. He smiled at them, but Marissa got the impression it was one of instinct rather than any actual pleasure. Geoff took a step toward Simon, but Vince put his hand out and stopped him. “What are you doing?”
“Going to speak to my friend. I didn’t come all this way to sit on the sidelines.”
“You weren’t supposed to be here at all.” For a brief moment, Marissa thought Vince might punch his dad. “You’d agreed to let me run this sale.”
“And you will.” Geoff took another step, but Vince didn’t let him go. “You’re going to cause a scene.”
“I’m trying to prevent one.”
While their little drama was unfolding, neither man noticed Simon see them and begin to approach. Marissa cleared her throat and not knowing what else to do, she stepped between the men and smiled. “Hello Mr. Berry. I’m Marissa Roy. Thank you so much for inviting us to your event tonight.”
Unlike her introduction to Peter or Geoff, when Simon took her hand, it was for a simple shake. “A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Roy.”
She wasn’t some naïve kid, who’d never been involved with a business deal before. She’d accompanied Andrew on several of his little ventures when they’d been together. She’d insisted on that given she’d signed her name on several contracts. Being under the gaze of someone in a position of power wasn’t anything new.
What she’d never experienced before, was to feel as though her brain were being dissected. “Nice to meet you as well.”
He then let his laser gaze pass between Vince and his father. “I was surprised to hear you were coming, Geoff. Vince never mentioned it when I spoke with him last week.”
“It was a last-minute decision. You know how those things go.”
“I do.” Simon turned to Vince. “I heard your presentation to the board went well.”
Marissa watched as Vince’s shoulders relaxed and his easy smile slipped into place. “It did. They brought up some excellent questions. A few that I actually need to get back to them with some answers.”
“I have a few questions of my own.” Simon looked at her a moment longer before turning his attention fully on Vince. “Perhaps we should manage our business first. Then we can enjoy the rest of the evening.”
That was a dismissal if she’d ever heard one. “Geoff, did Vince tell you that he took me to The Met today?” She gave Vince’s hand a squeeze before turning and placing her hand on Geoff’s arm. “I’ve been to the ROM before, but this was crazy impressive.” Carefully, she began to walk, hoping Geoff would come with her.
When he did, she caught Vince’s gaze. He smiled and his relief was obvious. Simon then led him to a table in the far corner of the room.
“That was neatly done on your part.” Geoff fell into step beside her. “I can see why my son is paying to have your around.”
Marissa stopped moving, as numbness struck her in her chest. “He’s not paying me.” Well, not in cash. Not yet at least.
Geoff snorted. “I assume you paid for your own flight and clothing? Or is that dress from a previous sugar daddy? With your looks, I wouldn’t be surprised if you had them lined up around the block.”
Marissa dropped his arm and took a half step away. “I’m not like that.”
“Why shouldn’t you be?” He let his gaze travel down her body. “You’re beautiful and clearly perceptive. A woman with your talents should take advantage of them.”
This was the reason Vince had tried as hard as he had to keep Marissa away from his father. And for the first time since she’d signed up for the website, she felt uncomfortable. “If you could excuse me for a moment. I need to find the ladies’ room.”
The moment she stepped away, she really did feel the need to pee. It only took a few minutes to make her way down the hall to the private bathroom attached to the reception area. The air was cooler, some citrus scent filling the air. Marissa did her business, came out and washed her hands. Looking at herself in the mirror, she took a moment to fix her hair and check her makeup. Okay, so she’d agreed to run interference for Vince and she’d lasted all of five minutes. No doubt, Geoff had used her absence to find wherever Simon had taken him and interjected.
Shit. She was going to have to apologize to him once the night was over.
Two women came in chatting, but their voices dried up when they saw her standing there. She gave them a smile and a small nod. “Hello.”
One snorted as she walked past, while the other glared. Okay, guess people don’t talk in bathrooms here. With a final glance, she walked out.
Only to see Geoff standing close by. His smile gave him the appearance of being harmless, but Marissa knew better. “Hi again.”
“I wanted to make sure that you were well, Ms. Roy.” He pushed away from the wall and closed the gap between them. “You left me in such a hurry, I was concerned.”
Don’t freak. You’re in a public place. There are two women in the next room and anyone could come by. “I’m fine now. I guess it was too much excitement and alcohol together.”
“Well then, why don’t I take you back to the party. To make sure you’re okay.”
He held out his arm as a man made his way down the hallway toward the Men’s. Marissa hadn’t felt this awkward, this intimidated since the last creditor pounded on her door. But she wasn’t going to let herself get bullied into something she didn’t want to do. Ignoring Geoff’s arm, she turned and started down the hall.
He quickly fell into step with her. “I can see why Vince likes you.”
“We have a good friendship. An unusual one, but solid.”
“Vince hasn’t dated anyone since Thea. And as cute as you are, you’re clearly not in his league.” He pressed his hand to the small of her back as they walked, sending a shudder through her. “I’ll have to go back to that site and see if I can find someone else. I could stand to have a bit of eye candy of my own these days.”
Marissa stepped away, and immediately started looking for Vince. She found him not far from where she’d left him, still talking to Simon. Though the moment her gaze landed on him, Vince looked up at her and frowned.
Geoff stepped closer to her once again, clearly oblivious to her silent plea to Vince. “Unless you want to see if the son is anywhere as good as his father? We can step out for a few moments. He’ll never even know you’re gone. I promise to make it worth your while.”
She wasn’t normally a person to get upset when some guy was being an asshole. If she were back at work or the college, Marissa would have slapped Geoff, or at the very least laid into him with a verbal lashing that would have made a sailor blush. But she was here to help Vince’s reputation, not ruin it. When she saw Vince shift his body, as though he was going to come to her rescue, she gave her head a sharp shake.
Marissa looked back at him, laced her hands behind her back, and gave him a smile that had him take a step back. “Look Mr. Taylor—”
“Geoff, please.”
“Geoff. You clearly have the wrong impression here. Vince and I have an understanding. One that is far more PG than you’re probably expecting.” She lowered her voice, and leaned in a bit closer. “And I can’t imagine it would help your sale if someone were to get the wrong impression of who I was to him. We’re friends. Ones who are helping each other out in a tough situation.”
“Then he really is a fool.” He reached up and ran a finger gently down her cheek. “When you get tired of him, you let me know.” Geoff then turned and wandered off toward the bar to chat with a group of men wh
o’d congregated there.
Marissa took several deep breaths, allowing her body a chance to relax. That had been way harder than she’d anticipated, and it blew her mind that she hadn’t royally screwed it up. Her own father had been absent in her life, having left when she was still a baby. She’d often prayed when she was a little girl for him to come back into her life, and offer to sweep her off her feet and take her to a fairytale land where she could be a princess. Rich and happy in her life.
She couldn’t imagine having a man like Geoff as her dad, making her feel as though she needed to keep tabs on him, the way Vince did. The money and power he clearly had, made him a predator, only out for what was best for him. No wonder Vince was closed off and bitter. If she’d been raised by Geoff, money or not, it would have changed everything about her.
Looking around the room, she couldn’t help but feel out of her element. These people knew nothing about the struggles of having to do whatever it took to pay the bills, or worry about paying off her student loan once she finished her studies. Even without Andrew screwing her over, this sort of life would always be out of her grasp. Was she jealous? Maybe. A little. To live this sort of life, to never have to worry about getting what you need, it was a seductive prospect.
No wonder Vince was reluctant to date. How the hell would he know if someone was in love with him, or with the idea of the life he could offer.
She finished her drink, and reached down to press a hand to her growling stomach. Looking around, she made a beeline for a waitress holding a tray of something that appeared to be shrimp. She’d just popped one into her mouth when one of the two women from the bathroom came up to her, cocking her head as she sipped her own beverage. “Geoff’s a letch.”
Marissa had consumed enough wine that her internal filter was slower than normal. “That’s an understatement. My skin crawled when Vince introduced us, but that was far worse.” Probably not the thing to say about her boyfriend’s father, but there was no hiding her discomfort.
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