Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Yes, obviously that. But also, you as Claire’s date to our ten-year high school reunion,” she said, nearly laughing as he grimaced. “She was going to flaunt you as her billionaire fiancé.”
He exhaled a heavy, frustrated breath. “Yeah, that ship has sailed . . . and sunk, but she’s not accepting that it’s really over.” He raised a brow. “Is that what you have planned for our weekend? Me accompanying you to the reunion?”
“God no,” she replied, then reached out and fondly patted his chest through his jacket. “I have something really special in mind for you.”
“Okay, I’m definitely intrigued,” he said, looking amused. “Just tell me when and where.”
Oh, how that one sentence conjured up too many risqué scenarios that she quickly forced out of her mind. “My plans are flexible, except for the weekend of my launch next month for my Curvy Girl Couture line of lingerie. When are you free from a Friday afternoon to Sunday?”
He thought for a moment. “How about next weekend?”
She had nothing planned and nodded. “That works for me.”
“Don’t I at least get a little hint at what we’ll be doing?” he asked, giving her a sexy, persuasive smile.
“It’s a surprise,” she said, knowing that Derek was thinking it would be something fun. And it would be, for her, at least. “I’ll text you the details next week.”
She was certain, as a businessman, he preferred control over a situation. Not knowing the particulars ahead of time must have accounted for the tiny lines of frustration creasing his forehead. She bit her bottom lip to hold back a laugh, because he had no idea what was in store for him, and that would work to her advantage.
Yes, she was going to enjoy having Derek as her handyman, pool boy, and all-around laborer at her new house for the entire weekend.
Chapter Four
The not knowing was driving Derek nuts, and he’d spent too much of Sunday wondering what the hell Jessica had planned that she was being so secretive. He figured he’d find out soon enough, but still, the whole thing, along with Jessica herself, consumed too much of his brain power.
Especially on Monday morning, when he needed it to focus on what Ben was telling him about his meeting with a struggling streaming platform that Blackout Media was interested in acquiring. The other company, MegaReelz, wanted to negotiate a buyout while they were still solvent. But it was clear to both Derek and Ben that their audience and subscriptions were declining and they definitely needed an infusion of cash, as well as an overhaul of their services. After looking at the numbers involved and brainstorming how their firm could elevate the platform to make it competitive in today’s market, they both agreed it would be a solid investment.
They discussed financials, signed contracts and other paperwork, and by noon they were fairly well caught up on business and decided to go to a nearby restaurant for lunch. After they’d placed their orders and their drinks were delivered, Ben glanced across the table at Derek with an interested gleam in his eyes.
“I was so focused on sharing all the details of this weekend’s meeting with MegaReelz that I forgot all about asking you what happened at the bachelor auction.”
“That’s fine,” Derek said, unwrapping his straw and adding it to his soda.
As soon as he’d stepped into the office that morning, Ben wanted to discuss the possible new venture, which Derek had expected. And once they sat down in the conference room to talk about the pros and cons, both of them had been preoccupied with all the details that came with acquiring a new company.
“Sorry I couldn’t be there,” Ben said, not sounding apologetic at all but rather more relieved that he’d had a legitimate excuse not to participate. “But I’m dying to know who won you for a weekend of debauchery.”
“Your sister,” Derek deadpanned.
The smirk on Ben’s face turned into an annoyed scowl. “Don’t be a dick.”
Derek laughed. “I’m not joking.”
Ben stared at him, then narrowed his gaze. “Why would she bid on you, of all people?”
“My good looks and charm?”
His friend did not look amused. “Seriously. Why would Jessica want to spend a weekend with you and pay for it?”
From Ben’s standpoint, Derek understood why the whole situation seemed odd. Women usually bought men at bachelor auctions with some kind of romantic notion in mind, and despite his attraction to Jessica—which he was pretty certain was reciprocated—he didn’t get the impression she was going to whisk him away for a seductive rendezvous.
When she said that she had something really special in mind for him, as much as he’d like to think she meant a weekend of debauchery, there had been something playful about her comment that led him to believe that any kind of seduction wasn’t part of her plan.