by Lauren Runow
Her words cause me to take a breath. I raise a hand to my chest and softly rub it.
“Well, you haven’t met Tanner yet,” I joke.
“I’d love to someday,” she says seriously.
I can’t respond because Bryce comes walking out. His hands are empty, and his gaze is back to assessing Jalynn and me still sitting here.
I hold my hands up and step away from her desk. “I know; I know. Back to work.” I give him a nod toward the hallway leading outside. “Go have fun in Tahoe. I’ll hold down the fort.”
Bryce nods his head as he walks to exit the building.
I turn back to Jalynn. “Come to dinner with me tonight. It’s just my dad and Missy, so I can’t promise it will be fun, but I’d like for you to be there.”
“Dinner with Missy?” She says the name like it’s poison on her tongue.
“I promise we’ll go for a drive after.”
Her interest is piqued. “Does that mean, you’ll let me take the wheel?”
Let Jalynn drive my car? I’ve never let anyone drive my car, let alone a girl I’m dating. But I shrug, thinking it might be fun. “Only if you’re good.”
I’m dressed for tonight’s dinner in a slim-fit black suit and no tie. It makes me feel like I’m George Clooney, preparing to rob a casino. I pull my Corvette ZR1 up to Jalynn’s building and adjust my cuff links as I walk up to the entrance. It’s a cool night with the sky slightly overcast, yet the moon begs to make its appearance despite the cover.
Before I get to the intercom, my phone vibrates. I answer Jalynn’s call and look up toward her window.
“I was just about to buzz you.”
“I know. I see you. I can’t come down right now,” she spits out.
I look up to see her standing in the window.
“You know, I’ve never been stood up before. This is a first for me.”
She runs a hand over her forehead as she looks down at me. “I’m not standing you up. I just can’t come down right now. Go sit in your car and stay there until I’m ready. And keep your headlights off.”
She hangs up, and I feel like I need to pick my jaw up off the floor. No girl has ever been so blunt with me before. But you know what? I also don’t take orders so easily, so Miss Jalynn has met her match. If she doesn’t want to come down, it’s because she doesn’t want me to come up. And I’m about to find out why.
Not even bothering to go back to my car, I head up to the door and hit every other button on the intercom until someone lets me in. Thankfully, the tenant in 4A doesn’t seem to care who they let into the building. That also reminds me to talk to Jalynn about getting a new apartment with better neighbors, pronto.
I take the elevator up to her apartment and knock on the door.
When it flies open, I step back, taking in her skintight black dress that falls just above the knee. The dress is modest enough to take her out to meet my father, but it leaves all kinds of things up to the imagination. Like how her full breasts will look while heaving out the top of her dress or what those spaghetti straps will look like when draped down her arms as I slowly pull the whole thing off her.
I open my arms to her with a welcoming smile on my face that dies as soon as Beckett steps out behind her.
“Who the fuck are you?” he growls.
Jalynn is giving me the What the fuck is wrong with you, Austin? glare that I’ve come to know and love. The crease on her head is extra deep tonight.
Considering Beckett doesn’t seem to recognize me as my alter ego, I go for honesty when answering his question, “I’m Austin Sexton, Jalynn’s date tonight.”
He crosses his arm and stands tall, sizing me up, which is a game he will lose quickly. “Sexton? As in her boss?”
“That’s right. You got a problem with that?”
He laughs in the base of his throat. “Aren’t there laws against that shit?”
If I were an eye roller, this would definitely be the time to let one loose. “If you held down a decent job, you’d know the answer to that.”
His fist rises in the air in response, but I don’t flinch.
“Beckett!” Jalynn leaps forward and grabs his arm midair. “Control yourself!”
His mouth is practically foaming with fury as his nostrils flare. From the reddening of his cheeks and the way he’s vibrating with anger, you’d think he just hit me already.
But he didn’t.
Instead, he lets his little thing of a sister hold him back.
As angry as Beckett might be in this moment, it’s not his true nature. It’s learned from the hands of his father. Beckett’s mad all right, but he’s no fighter. He’s just been bred to think he’s one. I can see the difference in his eyes. They don’t match the fury of his fist.
“Listen to your sister, man. She knows what’s good for you.”
Beckett grinds his teeth as his steely gaze narrows in on me. “You look familiar. Do I know you from somewhere, pretty boy?”
I roll my head from side to side with a shrug. “I am pretty famous.”
The line makes Jalynn look at me with admonishment. I raise my hands and make air quotes in her direction. She doesn’t think that’s funny either.
Beckett is still staring at me with a sideways tilt.
“Sexton Media. San Francisco Standard, Los Angeles Post, Chicago Times …” I tick off the subsidiaries that the company owns. “Newsworthy-dot-com. Avenue Intel Sharing. Ring a bell?” I ask Beckett.
“So, you’re a rich pretty boy,” he seethes as he searches my face, trying to put his memory to work on recalling where he knows me.
“What’s the problem?” I invade his space and show him I’m not intimidated in the least.
Jalynn flies in between us, holding out her hands to each of our chests like she’s trying to part the Red Sea between us. “Guys, stop it right now. Beckett, go back inside. Austin, I told you to leave.”
I give her a shit-eating grin. “No, you told me you couldn’t come downstairs. You didn’t say to leave.”
She rolls her eyes and lightly pushes me away, but I know she’s fighting back a laugh. I don’t care if it is because she’s annoyed with me. At least I got a reaction out of her.
“Just go,” she tries to say without a smile as she pulls Beckett away from me.
“Nope. I told you. No can do. I need you tonight.” I put my hands in my pockets, standing my ground and acting like I’m not going anywhere until she gets in my car.
“And she told you, she’s not going anywhere with you. Leave her alone,” Beckett grunts.
“That’s not what she was saying last night,” I taunt. I know it’s an asshole move, but the look on his face is so worth it.
Jalynn forcefully turns him while glaring at me. “Really, Austin?”
“Hey, I’m just a man, trying to get my girl to go out with me. Is that too much to ask?” My voice is flippant.
“Your girl?” Beckett charges at me again, but Jalynn holds him back.
“Yep. You heard me. My. Girl.” I step up to him, begging for him to push me, hit more, do something!
“You’d really date this douche bag?” He turns to her instead.
“Yes, Beckett. I kinda like the douche bag.” She’s holding her shoulders back and her chin high.
Beckett throws his hands in the air. “Fine, just do what you want.” He storms off, out the front door, finally leaving me alone with Jalynn.
I smile brightly, holding my hand out to her. “So, you ready?” I ask as nonchalantly as possible, like none of that just went down.
She shakes her head, rubbing her hands down her face, letting out a tiny scream. “You can be so infuriating sometimes, you know that?”
“Yep, sure do. But, as you said, you like this douche bag.” I step to the side to avoid her kick to my shin. “Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s go.”
“I need my purse,” she says as a way to stall.
“No, you don’t. I have all the cash or things you’ll eve
r need. And I hope you’re not on your period anymore”—I raise my eyebrows to her—“so you don’t need to bring anything. Now, let’s go.”
I head toward the door and chuckle at her sigh and tiny stomp in frustration. When I stop at the top of the stairwell door, I wait, knowing she’s right behind me. She doesn’t say anything as she struts past me, so I grab her ass—hard—making sure she knows shit is going down and that I’m ready to play.
14
JALYNN
Saison is one of the most sought-after restaurants in San Francisco, and just from the decor, I can see why. Broad redwood beams and trusses support a cathedral ceiling while clusters of potted trees and frosted glass doors align the exterior.
Austin escorts me into the restaurant and to a table in the center, overlooking the open kitchen. I’d think a family as powerful as the Sextons would want a corner spot, away from prying eyes. According to Austin, the table placement is by design.
“Missy loves to be the center of attention,” he says as he pushes my seat into the table. “She also likes to be fashionably late, so everyone is watching when she walks into the room.”
“Is that why you took the scenic route, getting here?”
“That, and I like the way your legs look, curled up in my passenger seat.”
My body ignites from the way he runs a smooth hand along my thigh. I’m fighting the chill of gooseflesh when Missy and Edward Sexton appear at the entrance of the restaurant and walk toward us.
There’s no denying that Missy Sexton is a gorgeous woman. Bleach-blonde hair that’s ironed straight and contoured makeup that would make a Kardashian jealous. Around the office, she wears provocative power suits. Tonight, she went for straight sexy in a skintight white dress, exposing cleavage. Lots and lots of cleavage.
“Austin, you brought a date?” Missy says in a stunned tone as she approaches the table. “How quaint.”
An older gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair and eyes as dark as Bryce’s appears behind Missy. I recognize him from my internet research of Austin. The man before me is the great Edward Sexton.
“I’m surprised to see we have company,” Edward says as he takes the seat next to mine.
“Edward,” Austin says curtly.
I’m surprised to note he hasn’t stood to greet Missy or shaken his father’s hand.
As the maître d’ pushes Missy’s chair in, Edward’s eyes slowly graze up and down the side of my body, right down to the straps of my heels. Austin’s hand gently squeezes my leg and pulls me into him.
“Are you going to grace us with the name of your guest, or are you going to sit there in silence?” Edward says.
My hand finds Austin’s, and we lock pinkies. I turn to him and offer him a small smile.
“This is my girlfriend, Jalynn. Jalynn, this is my father, Edward.”
A small gasp of surprise escapes my lips. Missy cocks her head in condescending amusement.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I cordially say to Edward.
The waiter interrupts our introductions to take our drink orders.
“Cranberry and club,” Austin tells the waiter.
“You’re not drinking?” Edward asks, baffled.
“I’m driving,” Austin says with a sarcastic tone.
Missy laughs. “When has that ever stopped you?” she says to Austin and then turns to the waiter. “Bring a bottle of Dom Pérignon. It looks like we’re celebrating.”
“Celebrating what?” Austin hisses.
“Your new relationship. Jalynn, you’ll have a glass, won’t you?”
“No,” Austin says at the same time I reply, “Yes.”
Austin turns to me with a raised brow and tilt of his jaw. “I thought you didn’t drink?” he whispers into my ear.
I lean into his ear. “I don’t, but I have a feeling this dinner with your family is gonna make me want to start.”
He gives me a light kiss on the cheek. “Bottoms up, baby. If it’s okay with you, I’m gonna stick to the virgin variety.”
My heart swells lightly at both the term of endearment and the fact that Austin is not drinking, which I’m starting to learn is a big deal. My cheek is still tender from the kiss when I look over and see Missy’s narrowed eyes sending laser beams across the table at me.
“You two are cute,” she says, but it actually feels like she’s saying the complete opposite. “So, tell us, Jalynn, what do you do for a living?”
I turn to Austin and pinch my brows together, wondering if Missy has no idea who I am or if she’s just playing a game with me.
“I’m Bryce’s assistant,” I answer.
Her eyes widen, and her injected lips create an oval as she places an elbow on the table and points a finger. “You’re writing me an exposé.”
Shit.
“Yes, I am.”
“What kind of exposé?” Edward asks, seeming aloof.
“It’s fascinating really. The world of underground street racing,” she explains to Edward, who doesn’t seem to have any idea what she’s talking about. “There’ve been so many accidents and a recent death in the area because of one. It’s a shame no one has arrested any of the orchestrators. If convicted, that’s three months in the county jail.” Her focus roams from Edward to Austin and back to me. “You’re supposed to have an in with the races. I was surprised when you volunteered at the meeting, but now”—she laughs a little and sits back in her seat like she’s just turned on a great show—“I get the whole picture.”
Our drinks arrive, and Missy’s eyes don’t leave mine as the waiter pours our champagne. The clinking of forks on dishes of patrons, waiters serving, bus boys clearing, and chefs busying themselves in the kitchen provide an eventful backdrop around our otherwise motionless table.
The waiter steps away from the table, and Missy raises her glass. “To new friends.”
Edward follows suit with his eyes roaming back down to my legs. “To new friends.”
Austin grabs his glass of juice and soda and gives a silent salute while I grab the stem of my flute and repeat awkwardly, “To new friends.”
“Now that we’re here, are you going to alert me of the purpose of tonight’s dinner?” Austin leans back and places his free hand on the table. His other is still holding on to mine.
Edward responds, “I was hoping it would be with you and your brother. There’s business to discuss, and while I’m sure your dinner companion has many assets, being privy to Sexton family dealings is not something she should be exposed to.”
I blink at the backhanded compliment and try not to feel insulted.
“Anything you have to discuss with me, you can discuss in front of Jalynn,” Austin states.
Edward smirks. “There isn’t much I plan to discuss with you without your brother present.”
“That’s right. The heir and the spare. Why speak to the pawn when the king holds all the cards?”
Edward lets out a deep laugh and smiles. “Don’t take it so personal, Austin. Business hasn’t ever been your strong suit.”
Austin isn’t smiling back. “It may not be, but I’m better than you. You spent you career sitting behind a desk with a fancy nameplate while your real wife did all the legwork.”
I can sense Edward reconsidering having his table in the center of a bustling restaurant. His face still bears that smile, but his eyes are beady. “I built this company just as much, if not more, than your mother did.”
“Bullshit, Dad. I was a kid, but I wasn’t an idiot.”
“You sure about that?” Missy says as she takes a sip of champagne and looks around the room, probably wondering if anyone has noticed her presence.
Austin’s hand is still holding mine, but the grip has loosened. He widens his legs and tilts his chin in defiance as he speaks toward Edward, “Let me tell you something about my dear old dad. He was the chief operating officer when he forgot to pay the printing press, so they gave away our reservation, and my mother wound up missing her best friend’s weddin
g while she scrambled to edit a magazine because we could only get a printing date three days before we were supposed to go to print.”
“The trials and tribulations of running a magazine. That was before we had our own printing unit. One I secured for us, by the way,” Edward states matter-of-factly.
“With mom’s inheritance from Grandma and Grandpa. You bought that and those hair plugs on your head.”
Edward’s smile drops. “You’re getting funny, young man.”
“We almost went bankrupt when he decided the magazine business wasn’t fun enough, so he decided to buy a branch of tanning salons in the Bay Area,” Austin speaks directly at his father with a raging glare, like he’s playing a game of chicken.
“They were misvalued,” he defends.
“It almost cost us our magazine. Lucky for you, Mom was just getting into digital.”
“And the business exploded because I had her buy the Standard,” Edward says.
“The business almost died because you were too busy fucking everything that walked through our office. How many women did you have to pay to keep quiet about your affairs?”
“Watch it, Austin,” Edward threatens.
Austin doesn’t seem to care. “Did Mom know you were fucking Missy when she died?”
Edward’s cheeks rise to his eyes. It’s not a smile. It’s a face of indignation. He sees Austin racing toward him, and instead of veering to the side, he’s going to drive straight at him. He leans forward and shows no mercy.
“You want to give your little friend here a crash course in Sexton family knowledge? Why don’t we talk about the fact that you were at a party instead of helping your mom like you were supposed to that day? That’s why she was speeding to her appointment. If you’d just done your part of the fact checking, she’d still be here. But, no, Austin does what Austin wants.”
Austin’s hand falls from mine. It’s still on my thigh as I look over at him and see his clenching jaw protruding from the side of his face.
Edward continues, “While Bryce was doing his part around here, this one was in college, screwing every coed from here to Cabo San Lucas. Didn’t see him for four years. When he graduated, he came home for my and Missy’s engagement party, and the next day, he joined the fucking military. You want to talk about the heir and the spare? The king and the pawn? Bryce has taken his responsibility since the day your mother died. You have run away from responsibility at every cost. Serves you right for getting hurt the way you did. You’re no hero.”