“I love that about you, Dawson. You’re so strong and confident.”
Confident, maybe, I think. But nuts. What am I doing here? I look down at my empty ring finger, knowing I finally stopped wearing my own wedding ring just a few months ago when Keatyn first offered me the job.
I look around at everything in the closet. Think of the wealth this room represents. I think of where I just came from—living with my parents, not a dime to my name. I could never begin to think a woman like Vanessa could truly love me forever. I couldn’t give her anything.
Except for my heart.
Which sucks, because she’s somehow already managed to acquire it.
I sit down on a fur chaise, feeling defeated. This closet is the epitome of luxury spending. She was right when she told me that’s what she planned to major in.
Because she sure as hell did.
I had done well, but not to this level well. Between my salary and my trust fund, we could have lived comfortably for the rest of our lives.
Until . . .
I shake my head, willing away the thought.
Vanessa chooses a necklace—one that is probably worth over a million dollars—and a sexy black dress and is getting dressed when her butler interrupts us.
“Miss Vanessa, you have a caller,” he says then retreats.
“It must be Peyton. She mentioned coming over tonight. I haven’t checked my phone.”
I throw my suit back on and follow her into the entry, where an elegantly dressed man stands holding a massive bouquet of red roses.
“Bam!” Vanessa says. “What are you doing here?”
He hands the butler the roses then opens up a box. Inside is a ruby. A massive glittering ruby about the size of her fist.
“This is for you, my darling.”
Vanessa’s eyes get huge, and she puts her dainty hand over her mouth to hide her shock, but it’s clear she’s impressed.
I take a moment to size Bam up. If this were a bar room brawl, I’d kick his ass for sure. He’s a good five inches shorter than me and lean compared to my bulk.
But this isn’t about that. His clothes, his shoes, even his attitude reeks of money and privilege in a way I never have, and my family is far from poor.
He takes a few steps forward and pulls Vanessa into his arms.
And she looks good there.
They look like a raven-haired billionaire Barbie and Ken.
“Bam, this is Dawson,” Vanessa says, pulling away and introducing me. “We, um, work together.”
We work together. Not we’re fucking. Not we’re dating. Not we’re in love. Not I just asked him and his daughters to move in with me.
Well, fuck this.
“I have to go,” I say suddenly. “Nice to meet you, Bam. I’ll leave you two to catch up. See you at work tomorrow, Vanessa.”
Then I get the hell out of there before she can stop me.
Not that she’d even want to.
Vanessa’s Estate - Holmby Hills
VANESSA
I see the hurt in Dawson’s eyes when I introduce him as someone I work with, and I’m not that surprised when he leaves.
I don’t want him to leave, but I also don’t want Bam to know about Dawson. If he thinks he has competition, it will only up the stakes for him. Bam gets what Bam wants.
He always has.
The massive ruby glinting from the box in front of me is just one example of how he manipulates. It’s hard for a woman to think with all that sparkle so close.
“Now that your work is done, we must talk,” Bam says, escorting me to the living room.
He looks around, realizing all the furniture is gone. “Where is everything?”
“I’m doing some redecorating. It’s out in the garage right now. When we got divorced, you only asked for your personal belongings. Is there anything in the house that you want before I get rid of it?”
He smiles at me, bringing his hand to my face. “There is only but one thing I, Juan Fabio Martinez, want. And that, my darling, is you.”
“I heard you got dumped by the supermodel.”
“She is young, not ready to settle down,” he says, ignoring the dumped part.
“And you are?”
“I need a woman. You are the only girl I have ever truly loved. If you will allow me another chance, I will swear my undying love to you.”
“You did that twice already, it didn’t take.”
“There will be no other women, Vanessa. Of that I give you my oath.”
Bam is very sexy. Women all over the world desire him. There are websites dedicated to his folly both on and off the polo field. His sexy accent combined with his deep voice speaking the words I longed to hear give me pause.
How could they not? I loved him for most of my life, and after we broke up these are the exact words I needed to hear. Dreamed of hearing. That he would realize he needed me. Wanted me. That he made a mistake. That he didn’t desire anyone but me. And to hear these words now . . .
“My father is dying, and I have also vowed to my family to stop my philandering ways. It is my time to take over his empire, an endeavor with great responsibility.”