“You’d be surprised what love can do to a man, Jenner. One minute, you’re chasing pussy into a public restroom, and the next, you’re picking out baby names.”
Baby names?
Fuck no. That was Ford’s thing.
Buying a ring?
That was more Dominick’s thing.
I was good right where I was, which was sending gifts and seeing Jo when I was in Florida.
But even if she were here and she fit into my life, would that make a difference? Would I want more?
Fuck if I knew.
“I’ll take your word for it, my man.” I reached inside my briefcase and pulled out the paperwork I’d prepared. “I’ve reviewed each of the sites you sent over, and I’ve put together some thoughts. Out of all the parcels in Park City, only three caught my eye. I’ve outlined them here”—I pointed at the sheets of paper and the notes I’d left in the margins—“but I have to say, I have a favorite.”
Walter had followed through with my advice, now focusing solely on Utah for his next build-out, and he’d had his realtor scout the available lots in the area. I’d been to Park City enough times to know the locations, and with help from his accountant, we were able to run some numbers, estimates on his return of investment.
He reviewed my notes, looking up as he asked, “Do you think I need to move quickly?”
“You mean, have I heard rumors of your competition coming into the same area, scooping up one of these parcels? No. I think you’re safe. Most of the high-end chains are already there and established. The boutique hotels can’t afford this land. But could the Ritz sweep in and stake their claim? Sure. If that happens, I’ll find out long before they make an offer, and we’ll make our move.”
He nodded. “I need time to think this out.” He broke eye contact and waved our waitress over to order. “Scotch”—he held up two fingers, signaling one for each of us—“and make them neat.” He turned back toward me.
I checked my watch. “It’s not even nine in the morning.” I laughed, my head instantly throbbing, the hangover present and raging. “Isn’t it a little too early to celebrate?”
“I’m in the mood to drink.”
I couldn’t get up from the table and jump into my SUV that was waiting outside the restaurant, telling Walter to fuck off like I would if Dominick and Ford were here instead.
Walter wasn’t someone I could deny for any reason.
I took a deep breath, staring at my eggs that I was having a hard time getting down. “Then, let’s drink.”
“Hello?” I said into my phone the moment I walked into my house, returning from a long, scotch-filled morning with Walter.
The booze was doing its job.
I’d be taking the rest of the day off, whether my schedule permitted it or not.
“Hi.”
Jo.
Fuck.
I knew better than to answer without checking who was calling. It could have been a client, and I would have been really fucked, far too buzzed to speak to them in this state. But hearing her voice was a welcome surprise.
“Jo …” I went to grab a water from the fridge and ended up with a beer, carrying it to my wall of windows that overlooked the pool and the Hills. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“I know I sent a text, thanking you, but it’s not enough. You need to hear my voice and just how appreciative I am.”
I placed my hand on the glass. “You’re sweet.”
“No, you’re the sweet one. Jenner, oh my God, this bag.” She paused. “You didn’t have to send anything—I hope you know that. I certainly didn’t tell you it was my birthday to score a gift.”
“That’s not why I sent it, trust me.”
“Good. Well, it was honestly the best surprise ever. My girls can’t stop gawking at it. Monica is dying of jealousy, but I’ve threatened her life. If she goes anywhere near it, she’s toast.”
I opened the door and stepped outside, needing the breeze on my face. “I’m glad you love it. That makes me happy.”
“We haven’t spoken since you left. Are things good? How’s work? And how was Seattle?” She giggled. “I assume all must be going well. You’re liquored up, and it’s not even noon.”
I laughed. “How the hell do you know that?”
“Really? Come on. I know you better than you think I do, Jenner. I can hear it in your voice.”
Goddamn it.
My dick turned hard at the sound of my name, at her incredibly sexy voice.
But something else she had said really hit home.
She knows me.
“You’re not wrong,” I admitted. “It’s been a long-ass morning with a client who wanted to chase his breakfast with bottomless scotch.”
“The only better way to start your day would be waking up in Miami.”
I took a seat on one of the lounge chairs, rubbing that thought across my forehead. “Are you sure you’re not headed to LA anytime soon?”
“Why, Mr. Dalton?” Her voice had turned sassy, making me want to spank her fucking ass. “Do you want to do something extra naughty to me?”
I ground my teeth together. “You have no fucking idea.”
She couldn’t possibly.
First, her texts, and now, this conversation—nothing but fucking teases.
I didn’t want to just spank that ass. I wanted to heal it after, rubbing circles across it with my palm.
And then I wanted to be inside of it.
“I think I do …” She exhaled in a way that told me she was as worked up as me. “But I can’t make it to LA. I have the busiest week coming up. We’re leaving tonight for the Bahamas, and as soon as we get back, I have two papers due, three exams, and a concert next weekend.” I could hear her smile. “You’re the one with the jet. Why don’t you come here?”
I didn’t remember setting my beer down, but I picked it up and guzzled several sips.
Why is she so fucking irresistible?