“Why me?”
I watch her closely, wondering how do you ask someone if they get off talking dirty? “Who do you talk to when you talk dirty?”
She turns a nice crimson color. “Why? Are you asking to be added to the queue?”
“Is that possible?” I can tell that she isn’t taking my flirting as I intend. I want to explore more than her dirty mind.
“Look, you know what I make.”
At first, I’m a little confused at the change in topic. I don’t really pay attention to how much money anyone makes, but I nod. She gets a bonus each year, and I know she makes a pretty decent living.
In a rushed whisper, she shares, “My rent is $4,200 a month for barely a one-bedroom, shithole apartment. My school loans are $4,726 each month. My take-home is less than $5,000 a month, and I need to eat and get myself to and from the office each day, not to mention other expenses. I support myself without any handouts from anyone else. What I do is legal, and I’m able to pay my bills. If you want to go to Mason and the partners about it, you can do that. They’ll probably fire me because it could be seen as a violation of our ethics clause. But until I left you that message, no one knew my second job. That’s my fault.”
She gets up and walks away.
I feel about two inches tall. Fuck. That was not how it was supposed to play out. She was supposed to laugh and tell me she would talk dirty to me, and we’d fuck each other raw and joke that what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Instead, I realize that she doesn’t do it because she gets off on talking dirty to men but because she needs the money to make ends meet. I don’t worry about money, and it didn’t occur to me that in her position she would. I’m insensitive and an asshole.
I sit by the pool and watch her walk away. I need to figure out how to fix this.
That evening, I hear her hotel door open as I begin to walk out of my own. I freeze and wait to hear the elevator ping, alerting its arrival. I hang back, so she doesn’t think I’m stalking her. She’s been avoiding me all day.
When I finally make it down to the ballroom, I see it’s elegantly decorated with the colors from our logo. There’s a big stage up front, and a drum set all set up. It’s pretty impressive. It’s just starting to get busy when I see Quinn talking to Cynthia and her fiancée, Todd. She is laughing and looks beautiful. Her backless dress shows the beautiful arch to her back, and it takes all my willpower to not go over and pull her close.
As the evening begins, Christopher takes the microphone to get the crowd excited for tonight's band. I was shocked when I learned they would come to play a private show for us. Of course, we’re paying a pretty penny for this show, but it’ll be totally worth it. In this business, these kinds of events bring good clients.
“Isn’t this great being here at the Shangri-La? I don’t know about you, but I think this is the most glamorous and beautiful hotel on the strip,” Christopher says while the crowd whoops and hollers their agreement. “We are so lucky we get to be the first to enjoy this amazing hotel before it officially opens to the public. Let’s put our hands together to thank Jonathan.” The crowd goes crazy for a solid two minutes.
“I grew up with Jonathan Best. He was this punk who was the smartest kid in our grade. When he called to tell me he was opening a hotel on the Las Vegas strip, I have to tell you, I didn’t think he could pull this off. I’ve never been so glad to be wrong.” Christopher looks at his friend and a smile breaks so wide his cheeks must hurt.
One of our clients yells from down below, “Good thing you didn’t have his proposal go across your desk.”
Christopher bursts out laughing. He repeats what was said for those of us in the back before continuing his speech. “But Jonathan has been amazing, and it’s so great to have family and friends here together tonight. You may be wondering why I’m up here, and more importantly, why I’ve asked Elvis to join me. Well, the truth is he’s up on stage to do something. You didn’t realize that by being at the coolest party that Silicon Valley hosts each year, you were also being invited to a wedding tonight.”
“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” can be heard from the crowd.
“I think that was my future mother-in-law,” he quips, and I realize what he’s doing. They’re going to get married in front of everyone. Well, this puts the pressure on the bachelors tonight!
“We’ll let you get back to your party, but first, if you wouldn’t mind being witnesses to our blessed event before the main event tonight.”
The ballroom explodes in applause.
I watch him hand the microphone to Elvis. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining Christopher and Isabella as they join their lives for now and forevermore.”
I have to admit, I’m stunned, but I’m also in awe of their relationship. They really haven’t been together for very long, but they seemed to click. I’ve never understood that kind of relationship, but I’ve heard stories of how it happened similarly with some of the other partners.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
The crowd goes crazy, and Jonathan comes up to the stage and thanks everyone for helping to make the opening weekend a huge success. “And it’s my great pleasure to introduce Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen, Jr.” The crowd goes completely crazy as U2 comes out on stage.
Christopher and Bella wave and walk off stage as Bono says, “For the bride and groom,” and begins singing “It’s a Beautiful Day.”
Shortly after the wedding, I see Quinn escape out the side door, and I know she’s headed to her room for the night. I can’t help but be disappointed she’s leaving, but I get it. She needs to work her second job.
I dance with many of the girls from the office and some of our clients. It’s a fun night. The band signs autographs, and there are T-shirts and other pieces of memorabilia for each attendee. It’s well after midnight when I finally get back to my room.
There is a note under my door, and for a minute I’m hopeful it is Quinn inviting me to her room, but it’s actually an invite to a surprise breakfast for the bride and groom for the partners and leadership team tomorrow morning. I’m scheduled on the last flight back to San Francisco at 7:00 p.m., and tomorrow will be busy all day, so breakfast will be the last time to spend time with everyone in this relaxed environment.
Lying in bed, I’m sure I can hear Quin talking, but the rooms are pretty soundproof, and it’s probably more my imagination rather than what I’m actually hearing. My mind drifts to what she was wearing tonight, and I imagine her sultry voice telling me what she’s going to do to me, and I can’t help but stroke myself.
The next morning, I oversleep a little bit, making me a few minutes late to the celebratory breakfast. The newly wedded couple is sitting at a head table, and most people have heaping plates of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, and carafes of coffee cover each table.
Seeing an open spot next to Quinn, I know luck is on my side, and I quickly take a seat.
As glasses of champagne are passed around, Mason stands. “Christopher and Bella, we are so happy you shared with us your wonderful event. May I be the first to wish you much happiness in the new life you’re embarking on.” He lifts his glass, and we all toast.
I look at Quinn, and she’s squirming in her seat; she keeps crossing and uncrossing her legs. It’s distracting and I wonder what it would be like to have her legs wrapped around my waist as I pound into her.
Chapter five
Quinn
He pulls out the empty chair next to me and was sitting before I realize it was him. When his knees hit mine, a jolt of electricity runs through me. Shit. He’s going to torment me. I’m not going to let him make me feel embarrassed about what I do to pay my debts. I support myself. There’s nothing illegal about it, and I refuse to hang my head in shame. If the partners decide to fire me, I’ll walk out with my head held high. Living in Florida with my dad isn’t particularly appealing; although the idea of sitting out by the pool more often is encouraging. I
t’s much nicer than sitting in the gray gloom of San Francisco.
Several of the partners stand and toast to love. Christopher and Bella haven’t been dating long, but I’ve heard people say, “When you know, you know.” As I sit here, it gives me hope of finding my own happily ever after.
“I’m not going to tell anyone,” he says to me in a low voice.
I’m taken aback by his candor. I don’t want him to think it makes me nervous that he knows, and I can’t let him think it’s any kind of invitation for some kind of perverse arrangement. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
He just smiles salaciously and says, “It’s our secret. No one will ever know.”
Jennifer, who is sitting on my right, turns to me and says, “Did you two hook up last night?”
William hears and sits back, leaving me a lot of room. Quickly, I make sure she understands. “No, he’s talking about something else. I screwed up, and he is holding it over my head.”
She leans in so that he can’t hear. “He’s pretty cute. You could offer sexual favors to get him to forget.”
I’m drinking from my glass of ice water, and it nearly comes out of my nose. Between coughs, I croak, “Why would I do that?”
She shrugs and mouths to me, “I would do anything he asks. Anything.”
People around the room are looking at me because I’m coughing and struggling to breathe. I smile and croak, “Water went down the wrong pipe.” After everyone turns back to the newlyweds, I lean over to Jennifer and whisper, “I don’t think you’re alone in wanting to do anything he asks, but unfortunately he knows it.”
As the festivities continue throughout the morning, William sits back, crosses his legs, and puts his arm around the back of my chair. It isn’t sexual in any way, but I feel the heat radiating from him. Our back is to the wall, and he’s subtly rubbing small circles on the back of my shoulder with his thumb. I need to get out of here and away from him because, as Jennifer said, he’d be very difficult to say no to.
Breakfast finally breaks off and we both stand. He looks like he wants to ask me something but doesn’t.
“Well, my flight takes off in a few hours. I’ll see you back at the office tomorrow.”
Jennifer looks up at me sharply. “Where are you headed?”
I don’t want William to know, but I don’t want to be too obvious. “I’m not sure yet. I may walk the strip, I don’t gamble, but I wouldn’t mind some sun, so I may head to the pool one last time.”
“Have fun.” She waves as she makes shopping plans with some of the other girls. William wanders off to talk to some of the other partners, and I head up to my room in search of my bikini, big hat, some sunscreen, and my Kindle. It’s Sunday, and I need a break.
I put on my bikini and groan as I catch my reflection in the mirror. My pooch is growing, and I need to do something about it—not to mention these child-bearing hips are just awful. My mother always said I should be proud of them, but I swear they aren’t anything worth being proud of. I need to work out more and do some crunches if I want to be naked with anyone. I may not be true bikini material, but I don’t care. I throw my cover on and head out to the pool.
There are a few people on the pool deck enjoying the warm weather. Finding a spot under a huge umbrella, I lie back and close my eyes, just taking in the heat radiating off the deck. Life is perfect.
“May I join you?
My heart beats faster when I open my eyes and take in his chiseled chest. The beautiful hair that starts at his belly button and leads beneath his floral-printed swim trunks that I wouldn’t mind exploring. I take a deep breath to calm myself. “There are more than fifty pool chairs sitting empty, and you want to sit next to me?”
He gives me a lopsided smile, but I can’t see his eyes behind his dark sunglasses. “I do actually.”
He’s paying more attention to me this weekend than he has since he’s started. I know he’s heard the voice mail. I can’t deny it so I might as well attack it head on and let the chips fall where they may. “Why? Just because you heard me talk dirty to somebody doesn’t mean I’m going to talk dirty to you.”
He throws his head back and laughs before spreading a towel out on the chair next to mine. “Oh man, what I wouldn’t give for you to talk dirty like that to me. Can I tell you how many times I’ve listened to that recording?” In a low voice he says, “I’m going to wear out my phone. It’s so hot.”
I turn crimson. It’s one thing for strangers to react to what I say, but to think that my coworker gets off listening to me is just miserable. This is why I should never have engaged in this conversation with him. My mind is racing, and I’m not sure what to say to him. He stands before me, and my mouth is right at his crotch, and I don’t know if I want to punch him in the stomach or reach into his pants and take him in my mouth.
He leans in, and I can feel his breath on my ear. “Don’t worry. It’s just between the two of us. You can think about that, and I’ll be right back.”
Speechless, I watch him walk away, giving me a nice view of his backside—damn it! He looks just as good from behind as he does coming. He’s going to kill me yet.
He sidles up to the bar, and a few girls from the office seem to grab his attention, so I turn on my Kindle, and of course, it goes right to a super steamy scene in my book. I can’t read this with him so close. It gets me too hot and bothered, and I won’t be able to say no to what I fear is coming. I open the cribbage app and start playing. It’s a decent distraction. But I still have my eye on him, and I can’t help but be a little jealous of how the girls flirt so easily with him. I wish I was half as smooth.
I watch the bartender place four drinks on a tray for him, and I’m shocked when he walks over to me with them. “I got us each two gin and tonics.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
He hands the first one to me and raises his glass to toast. “To dirty minds and sinful bodies.”
I’m not sure if he’s talking about him or me, but my mouth is so dry, I can’t help but drink several big gulps of my drink. I’m going to be feeling this later today.
“I’m curious, what do you talk about with these guys?”
“You’re assuming I only talk to guys.”
I watch his cock tent in his swim shorts. “You get women off too? Holy crap, is that hot.”
“You make this too easy. You’re so gullible. I’ve only talked to men. Most the time these guys are just looking for somebody to talk to. It’s not necessarily sexual.”
“What’s the most outrageous thing someone’s ever asked you to say?”
“I plead the fifth on that.”
“Well, I got really turned on by you describing going down on that guy. Do you ever meet these guys in person?”
“Never. It’s only over the phone. I get paid a dollar a minute to do this. I told you I have bills to pay, and while you’re a partner, you make a lot of money. I’m not a partner. I’m just in leadership, and I took a pay cut to come to SHN.” I can see him ready to interject, and I know what he’s going to say, so I respond before he can ask. “Yes, SHN is generous with their bonuses, but those are once a year. I have bills, and you know it’s expensive to live in San Francisco.
“I understand. I think it’s rather ingenious that you found a way to earn money that supplements your income.”
“That’s the gig economy for you.”
“So, back to my earlier questions. Has a guy ever told you to, say, suck his balls?”
I turn a shade of crimson and don’t say anything.
“Have you ever had another woman join you when you talk to a guy? I bet they would go crazy for that.”
“You’re impossible, you know that?”
“Tell me something. Leave me something to fantasize about besides how fucking amazing you look in that bathing suit.”
I’m so flustered by the compliment that I can’t help but be honest. “I don’t know. The weirdest thing a guy ever asked me to do
was pretend I was sucking his toes while he played with himself.”
He sits up and watches me carefully. “Well, did you?”
“It’s what he was paying for. I wasn’t actually doing it.”
He laughs. “True, what about guys talking about furbies or going backdoor with you?”
“Of course they always ask for backdoor crap, and they ask for threesomes and all kinds of stuff. It’s all fiction whatever I say, please be assured of that.”
“You know your nipples are hard underneath your swimsuit.”
“What do you want to do about that?”
“Will you let me suck them?”
I shouldn’t have drank the two gin and tonics. I’ve lost my filter, and I’m a little too courageous. The bad angel on my shoulder is urging me to take him back to my hotel room so we can ravage one another for the rest of the afternoon. The good angel is telling me the conversation is going nowhere, and it’s time to head back to my room before I start listening to the bad angel. I gather up my things. “I need to go. See you tomorrow at the office.”
I walk back to my hotel room. There is nothing I can do about his questions, and it’s only time until he tells someone else. I’m going to have to quit, that’s all there is to it.
Packing up my things, I think of what I need to do to find a new job. Grabbing up my cell phone, I look through the job postings, but none of our competitors have anything open at my level. I send out some emails to friends who work at other VC firms and even send an email to a recruiter. I guess, if I’m going to get serious, I need to network with everyone I know outside of SHN. Looking for a new job is a full-time job, so I’m not sure how I’ll swing it, but I’m determined.
Chapter six
William
Women usually bend to my will easily, but Quinn isn’t bending. Part of me really likes that she’s so insistent on keeping our relationship professional, but the other part wants to push her up against a wall and fuck her until we are both satiated. I know I need to dial it back a bit. I don’t need a sexual harassment suit to chase me down. I’d be fired for sure, and most likely so would she.
Enchanted: (Billionaire Venture Capitalist #8): A Fake Fiancée Romance Page 3