by E. L. Todd
I was dumbstruck, staring at her and unable to stop. Her beauty was obvious to me the first time I saw her, but now I was astounded by her transformation. She was beautiful without even trying, and when she did try, she outshone every woman in the world. What did a gorgeous girl like her need me for? “They are.” I recovered from the shock and handed them to her. “I hope you like them.”
She took them with a smile. “They’re beautiful.” She inhaled their scent and kept staring at them. “Wow.”
I was glad she liked them but I was surprised how much she appreciated them.
She stepped back inside her apartment then pulled a vase from under the sink. She inserted the flowers then filled it with water. Then she placed it on her kitchen table. “Perfect,” she said. “It’s nice to have flowers even when it’s not my birthday.”
“Is that a popular gift?” I asked.
“Harper, my best friend, always gets me flowers on my birthday. I do the same for her. It’s a tradition we’ve been doing for a long time.”
“That’s touching.” The idea of someone going out of their way to make Aspen smile made me happy. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah.” She grabbed her clutch and tucked it under her arm.
We walked out together then took a cab to the hotel. Aspen looked out her window and watched the traffic on the other side of the road.
I caught myself looking at her for an unusually long time. Then I focused my gaze out the window.
When we arrived, I helped her out then put my arm around her waist. “Is this okay?”
“More than okay.” She gave me a warm smile then walked forward.
The dinner was held at a fancy hotel, and there were people standing outside greeting each other. Aspen either didn’t recognize anyone or didn’t feel like talking because she headed straight to the entrance.
The event was held in a ballroom, and once we walked inside, I realized just how pristine it was. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, flutes carried on trays moved through the crowd, and everyone was decked out in their finest.
“Nice party,” I said.
“It looks nice on the outside, but beware, everyone is extremely boring.”
“They are?”
“We produce and sell oil,” she said. “It’s definitely not interesting.”
I liked her sarcasm as well as her positive energy. She had a good balance to it. She was fun to be around but she wasn’t overbearing. Most girls I escorted either spoke too much or too little. Aspen spoke just the right amount. “Can I get you a drink?”
“Sure.”
I stepped away from her and grabbed two flutes of champagne. When I handed the glass to her, she immediately took a long drink. “Nervous?” I asked with a smile.
She looked into my eyes then released a faint chuckle. “Do I make it obvious?”
“Why are you nervous?” I asked.
“I just hope Dad doesn’t see through my plan.”
“I’d be impressed if he did.”
She gave me another dazzling smile before she took another drink.
It was very rare for me to escort a woman who was more attractive than I was. Aspen wasn’t necessarily a woman you would see on the cover of a magazine, but that wasn’t a bad thing. Her eyes were shaped liked almonds, blending well into her face. The deep green color reminded me of freshly mowed lawn in the summer. I could even smell the grass. She was taller than the average woman. Being six two made short girls difficult to dance with and hold. Aspen was about five seven so that was a nice change. She had the confidence of a businesswoman that wouldn’t take no for an answer, but she also had the gentleness of a school counselor. She was lighthearted and fun, but she also had layers of depth. I was talented at reading people, and I think I pinned her down.
The greatest thing about her was her obvious disinterest in me. She didn’t drool when she stared at me like she was inspecting a piece of meat. She didn’t look into my eyes and melt into a puddle on the floor. She wasn’t enchanted like most women. She was indifferent. She said she wasn’t dating so I knew she wasn’t looking for romance. It made my life a lot easier. I hated rejecting women and making them cry. I hated being the bad guy. With Aspen, I didn’t have to worry about that.
My absolute favorite quality about her was her empathy. She sympathized with me, understanding that it was difficult for me to command respect from people when I told them what I did for a living. And she also understood that most women viewed me as a piece of ass. All they cared about was the package I came in, nothing else. And when I was seduced with roofies or other substances, it didn’t feel good. I had a new respect for women in that regard. They were constantly preyed upon because they were small and desirable. They were hardly respected as human beings.
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
Her deep voice brought me back to the present. “How beautiful you look tonight.” It was the truth, in a way. I went off on a tangent but the thoughts stemmed from her appearance.
“You really are worth every penny.” She clanked her glass against mine then took a drink.
“I would have said it whether you paid me to or not.”
“You’re smooth,” she said playfully.
I knew she was dodging the compliment because she was used to men giving it to her, not because she didn’t believe me. She and I were alike in that respect. There were days when I wanted to wear a mask just so I could walk the world unnoticed. Aspen would do the same.
“Hey, watch this.” A guy a few feet away picked up a flute from a passing tray, and my eyes could hardly believe it as he poured the champagne on the waiter’s head. The guy bust up laughing, finding the action extremely humorous.
Did that just happen?
The waiter had the grace not to yell or start a fight. He held the tray without dropping it then wiped the liquid away with his sleeve.
“Hilarious, right?” The guy wore a tuxedo with a lime green bow tie. His face was covered in a full beard and his hair was long and unkempt. He looked like a homeless person who mugged someone outside the charity event.
Two guys stood beside him and they chuckled along, acting like two mindless cronies.
I wanted to intervene and do something but I honestly had no idea what was going on. Why would an attendee at a black tie party dump champagne on a waiter? It didn’t make any sense. Did the waiter do something?
“Jerome, give me your glass.” The guy reached for it and prepared to throw it again.
Whatever the reason they were throwing drinks, it was uncalled for. I took a step to intervene but it was too late.
Aspen marched over, her back perfectly straight, with the strength of a Roman soldier. Her gown trailed behind her, and her dress glittered as she moved. She carried herself with grace and confidence.
“When will you grow up, Lance?” She snatched the glass from him before he could throw it. “Don’t embarrass Dad like this.”
“Why don’t you take a chill pill?” he countered.
“Good one,” she said sarcastically. “Still using taunts from sixth grade. That’s really impressive.”
He narrowed his eyes at her and looked like he might hit her.
“No one is forcing you to stay,” she said. “Just leave if you’re going to be nothing but a nuisance to everyone.”
“Do you ever get tired of being a bitch?” he snapped.
My fists clenched at my sides.
“Another good one,” she said sarcastically. She turned away and walked back to me, her head held high and her shoulders back.
Lance grabbed another drink then prepared to throw it on Aspen.
I ran to him then knocked the glass down. “Touch my girlfriend and I’ll break your arm.”
The crowd noticed us and turned in our direction.
I gripped his arm then pinned it behind his back. Without hesitation, I kicked his knees out from under him, using my martial arts training. “Do you understand me?” I leaned toward his ear as I
whispered.
“Fine,” he said in an aggravated voice. “Now get off me.”
I released him then turned away.
Aspen sighed when I reached her. Irritation was on her face, and the green color of her eyes became more prominent. Even though she was angry, her eyes looked more beautiful. “I really hate him sometimes.”
“Who is he?”
“My brother.”
I cocked an eyebrow, unable to believe it. “Are you sure?”
Her body relaxed from the drama and she chuckled. “Unfortunately.”
I turned back and watched him march off with his gang. “That guy?”
“Yes. He’s a typical loser who only cares about himself. He’s childish, immature, and just a pain in the backside. I’d kick his ass if we weren’t in public.”
“Why is he here?”
“He works for the company, mainly busywork.”
I found it hard to believe that guy could be serious for even a moment.
Aspen read my mind. “Dad employs him just because Lance is his son. For some reason, he turns a blind eye to everything he does. The employees used to complain about him because he was so disruptive and harassed the girls, but Dad dismissed all of their claims. Now they don’t even bother. It’s ironic since Dad screams at me for every little mistake I make, and most of them are completely out of my control, but his first born son can do no wrong.”
The more I got to know her, the more I realized she had to put up with a lot of shit.
“I’m sorry.” She rubbed her temple quickly then dropped her hand. “I’m babbling about my problems again.”
“No.” I pulled her closer to me and moved my hands to her hips. “These are the things I like to know about.”
Her playful attitude returned. “You’re like a therapist.”
“I’ve never thought about it that way, but yes, I suppose I am.”
She rested her head against my chest for a moment.
I was suddenly aware how close we were to one another. I wasn’t sure why. Her hair was styled perfectly and I didn’t want to mess it up so I didn’t rest my chin on her head like I wanted to. I just held her there.
“Aspen?”
She and I turned at the sound of her name.
“What was the commotion about?” He was an older man with white hair and a thick mustache. He wore glasses that made him look constantly angry. His suit looked expensive, and he carried himself like he owned the room and everything in it. I assumed this was her father. And I didn’t like him at all. Even if I knew nothing about the man, I wouldn’t like him. His body language, mannerisms, and tone of voice told me everything I needed to know.
Aspen’s eyes were greener than ever before. “Your son thought it would be fun to dump drinks on the waiter’s head.”
“Nonsense,” he said. “That couldn’t be right.”
How blind was this guy?
“Nonsense?” she asked incredulously. “I saw him do it.”
“I’m sure it was a mistake,” he said. “There’s no reason to get riled up.”
Aspen took a deep breath and controlled her anger. I could tell it took all of her strength not to snap. She was barely holding on. I brought her closer into my side to remind her I was there for support.
Her father caught the affection. “Who are you?” he asked rudely.
I brushed off his abrasiveness, extending my hand to shake his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lane. I’m Rhett, Aspen’s boyfriend.”
He eyed my hand before he took it. “Aspen’s boyfriend?”
“We’ve been dating for a while,” she said. “I’ve been eager for you to meet him and thought now was a good time.”
He eyed me up and down, practically getting my measurements.
I spoke before he could say something to piss off Aspen. “Your daughter tells me you’re an accomplished golfer. Just the other day, I finished with a seventy-two for an eighteen-hole course. It’s my best score so far.”
“Seventy-two?” His eyes narrowed and his voice was full of awe. “Where?”
“The New York Country Club.”
“That’s impressive,” he said. “You’ve golfed for a long time?” All the irritation he had for Aspen had disappeared.
“My whole life,” I said. “I buy new clubs every year since I wear them out so often.”
“Me too,” he said. “I’m glad I’m not the only one. But I admit, I just love shopping for golf supplies.”
I released a fake laugh. “You and I are one and the same, sir.”
Mr. Lane was in a very good mood now. “What do you drive?”
Aspen said cars were another weakness. “I drive a Jaguar. But I also have an Indian motorcycle for those rare occasions I want to venture out of the city and into the wide open spaces.”
“New York can get claustrophobic at times,” he said. “I have a house in Connecticut so I can breathe in the fresh air.”
“That’s a smart idea, sir.” At least he and I were getting along.
Mr. Lane snapped at a waiter. “Get this man a scotch.”
I didn’t like the way he spoke to the waiter but I didn’t voice it.
“You’re a scotch man, right?” he asked.
“Through and through,” I answered.
The waiter handed me the glass and I downed it.
Mr. Lane smiled. “You drink like a real man.” He drank his own.
Aspen stood silently beside me, like she didn’t exist.
I kept my arm around her so she wouldn’t feel completely left out.
“What do you do?” Mr. Lane asked me.
I had a cover story, thanks to the help of a friend in a high place. “I own a company that supplies parts exclusively to GMC motors.”
His eyes were wide. “They make a killing.”
“They do, sir. It’s a great team to be a part of.” I figured if he knew I worked in business, he would like me, and perhaps that would help in Aspen’s favor. But it was ridiculous she had to have a boyfriend at all when it was clear she could take care of herself.
He took another drink of his scotch. “What are your other interests?”
“I’m an entrepreneur. I’m always trying to find new ways to make money.” That wasn’t true at all. I made a killing working as an escort but the money wasn’t important to me. I just said what he wanted to hear.
He chuckled then clanked his glass against mine. “You got a good head on those shoulders.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Come with me.” He put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me away from Aspen. I felt bad Aspen was being forgotten like dust on the top of the refrigerator but I was doing what she paid me to do. Her father seemed to like me and that’s all that mattered.
He and I sat at the bar and talked about golf. We discussed difficult tactics, different clubs, and even what brand of balls we used. I’d been golfing for a long time, so it worked out in my favor when Aspen said her father loved to play. And I did drive a Jaguar and a motorcycle. Perhaps he and I were more alike than I cared to admit.
He introduced me to his colleagues and I made small talk with them. They were just as stiff as Mr. Lane and all reeked of scotch.
“I need to go bid on the silent auction,” he said. “I hope you’ll be making your way over there sometime this evening.”
“I will. That vacation to Hawaii sounds tempting.”
He laughed and patted my shoulder before he walked away.
I breathed a sigh of relief when he was gone. How did Aspen put up with that shallow and selfish man on a daily basis? She deserved a medal from the President of the United States.
She appeared out of thin air. “How’d it go?”
I relaxed when I recognized her. “He likes me. Mission accomplished.”
“You know, my father likes anyone with money. He’ll know you’re lying about GMC.”
“No, he won’t,” I said. “I know the CEO. He’ll cover for me.”
“He
will?” she asked in surprise.
“When you’re in this business, you meet all kinds of people.” I shrugged then finished my scotch.
“You undercharge, you know that?”
I chuckled. “After doing this for so long, it becomes second nature.”
“Hopefully, my dad comes around and decides to give me the company. He’s being a real pain in the ass about it.”
“I don’t understand,” I said. “How did you turn out so amazing but your father is…not the best?” I tried to be sensitive since it was her father I was bad-mouthing.
“The words you’re looking for are smelly douchebag.”
“Smelly douchebag?” I said with a laugh.
“And I don’t have an answer to that question. I suppose it’s because he spoiled Lance and made me work for every dime I had. Or maybe he has a mental disorder. Probably both.” She rolled her eyes in irritation.
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re pretty amazing for putting up with their bullshit.”
“Thank you.” She put her hands on her hips. “It’s about time someone said it.”
I chuckled then put my arm around her waist. “Now what?”
“I want to ditch,” she said. “Get some ice cream.”
That was the most random thing I ever heard. “Ice cream?”
“Yum…with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.”
It sounded like she’d been thinking about it for a while. “Can we do that?”
“No.” She deflated like a balloon. “Let’s stay for dinner then hightail it out of here. My dad might want to talk to you again. You guys discussed golf, cars, and money. Now women is all that’s left.”
“That would be an interesting conversation…”
We took our seats at the table near the front of the stage, and plates were set in front of us. I put my hand on Aspen’s thigh and noted how toned it was. Her legs were thin but they were tight. I wondered if she was a runner.
Her father took a seat at the table and so did her brother.
Lance glared at Aspen across the table.
She ignored him.
“So, what’s this about you pouring booze on a waiter?” Mr. Lane asked his son.