She laughed. “Yeah, right.”
“I’m not joking.” I thought of Eva in her sports bra and body-hugging pants, and my dick stirred with interest.
“I can’t fight you!” she protested.
“Of course you can.”
“You know too much. You’re too good.”
“Let’s put those self-defense skills of yours to the test, angel.” The idea I’d thrown out on a whim suddenly seemed like the best one I’d had all day. “I want to know you can take care of yourself in the unlikely case that you have to.”
She never would, but it would give me peace of mind to know that she could get away from a threat.
“I’ve got wedding stuff tomorrow, but I’ll think about it,” she said. “Hang on.”
I heard the car door open and Eva greet her doorman. She said hi to her concierge, and then I heard the ding of an arriving elevator in her lobby.
“You know”—she sighed—“I’m putting on a brave face for Cary, but I’m worried about what’s going to happen with Trey. If he walks out, I think Cary just might totally self-destruct.”
“He’s asking a lot,” I warned her, hearing another ding from the elevator. “Cary’s basically telling this guy that he’s got a pregnant sidepiece that he intends to hang on to. No, scratch that. He’s saying that Trey is going to be the sidepiece. I can’t see that going over well with anyone.”
“I know.”
“I’ll have my phone on me all night. Call me if you need me.”
“I always need you. I’m home, so I have to go. See you later. I love you.”
Would those words always hit me hard enough to steal my breath?
We hung up just as a familiar figure rounded the corner leading to my office. I stood as Mark Garrity reached my open doorway, and I met him halfway with my hand extended.
“Mark, thank you for making time for me.”
He smiled and shook my hand in a strong grip. “I’m the one feeling thankful, Mr. Cross. There are a large number of people in this city—in the world, actually—who’d kill to be where I am right now.”
“Call me Gideon, please.” I gestured toward the seating area. “How’s Steven?”
“He’s doing great, thank you. I’m beginning to think he missed a calling as a wedding planner.”
I smiled. “Eva’s about to dig into that this weekend.”
Unbuttoning his suit jacket, Mark tugged up the legs of his slacks and sat on the sofa. His gray suit contrasted well with his dark skin and striped tie, pulling together the appearance of an urban professional on the rise.
“If she has half as much fun with it as Steven,” he said, “she’ll have the time of her life.”
“Let’s hope she doesn’t have too much fun,” I drawled, remaining on my feet. “I’d like to get past the planning and into the actual wedding.”
Mark laughed.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked.
“I’m good, thanks.”
“Okay. I’ll make this quick.” I took a seat. “I asked you to meet me after work, because it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to offer you a position with Cross Industries while you’re on Waters Field and Leaman’s time.”
His brows shot up.
I let that sink in for a second or two. “Cross Industries has a number of diverse international holdings, with a concentration on real estate, entertainment, and premium brands—or assets we believe we can elevate to that status.”
“Like Kingsman Vodka.”
“Precisely. For the most part, advertising and marketing campaigns are managed on the ground level, but brand overhauls or adjustments to messaging are approved here. Due to the diversity I mentioned, we’re always reviewing new strategies for rebranding or strengthening an established brand. We could use you.”
“Wow.” Mark rubbed his palms over his knees. “I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this has caught me off guard.”
“I’ll pay you twice what you’re making, to start.”
“That’s a hell of an offer.”