Zach turned away from the unspoken question. He knew better than to let emotion show in business conversations, especially defensiveness. It was going to be a long night. Vance managed to work his way to the front of the group. The doorman greeted them with a nod, holding the smoked glass open.
Zach gave the dimly-lit room a cursory glance. There wasn't a bench seat to be seen in the steakhouse. Burgundy tablecloths and soft candles decorated every table, accessorized by snifters and napkins folded to look like swans. Even though half of the restaurant was full, the quiet chatter barely reached above the clang of silverware on porcelain.
Years ago, when Scott's parents were the ones with the money, and Zach only tagged along when his friend begged, the high-end restaurant would have intimidated him. Since then he'd learned to appreciate the indulgence, especially when there was a good reason to expense the bill.
The conversation shifted to business after they were seated and ordered.
“I was concerned to see your names in the news this weekend.” Vance draped his cloth napkin over his knee. “That's not the kind of image we like our executives to project. Reflects poorly on the company as a whole, you understand.”
Right, Scott had gone off at a trade show last week. Zach bit the inside of his cheek. He didn't appreciate being lectured like a child about something so basic. He wanted to mention DM needed to get used to it. Scott’s reputation was built on that kind of bullshit, and the fans ate it up. Too bad it wouldn't do him any good to argue. “Of course. We’ll keep that in mind in the future.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Rae whisper something to Scott, who forced a smile and nodded back.
Zach tried to ignore his twinge of jealousy, and focused on Selina. She had yet to toss passive-aggressive insults at him. “So how long have you been with the company?”
She chuckled and took a sip of her wine. “Too long.”
“You can contact our media group if you need any help,” Vance said. “I'd hate to see this reflect badly on either of you.”
Scott sighed, and Rae whispered something else to him.
“I appreciate the offer. I'll let you know if we can't handle it.” Zach forced his smile to stay intact. He desperately needed a smoke.
He almost jumped when a foot traced up his leg. Looking up, he caught Selina's eyes over the top of her glass. She winked before glancing away. Even if he’d been interested, sleeping with the HR rep from his parent company seemed like the fastest way to make things worse. The last thing he needed was to deal with sexual harassment complaints or sensitivity training.
What he needed instead was to walk away for a few minutes and collect his thoughts. He reached for his pocket. “I thought I turned this thing off.” He lit up his phone as he pulled it out.
“Something wrong?” Disdain hung heavy in Vance’s voice.
Zach stared at the device, feigning concern. “I need to take this. I’m sorry.” He stood, already holding the phone to his ear as he walked away from the table.
He pushed outside, letting the evening air wash over him. Great. Five minutes into dinner, and he was already making weak excuses. He rounded the corner to escape from foot traffic, lit a cigarette, and inhaled deeply. He could make it through the night. This was what he did. He could ignore the arrogant old man taunting them with what was rightfully theirs.
And he could make plans for after dinner. He took another drag off his smoke and then pecked out a quick message to Rae.
Busy later?
He didn’t expect a response right away. She was wearing the same cool, professional mask as the rest of them. So he was surprised when his pocket vibrated a couple minutes later.
I’m your important call? I’m flattered.
He wouldn’t smile. There was no reason to appreciate the teasing. Except, the familiar banter called to pleasant memories and erased a layer of his stress.
Texting at the table? That’ll earn you another jab about your age.
A few seconds later: Powdering my nose. Have to get back, and no, I’m not busy later. Want to change that?
His cock twitched in response to the bold flirting. He inhaled deeply, and then blew smoke through his nose, trying to calm his reaction. His reply was brief.
After dinner?
Because closure, right?
He smirked, still unable to force his heated blood to cool down. His mind raced ahead with suggestions about the ways they could define closure. Dragging her zipper down. Following it with a trail of kisses along her spine. Drawing his palms up her stomach to cup her breasts…
He sent back, Of course.
What happened to sensual seduction? she asked
That’s what this is. He knew better, but this was fun. Light-hearted and simple the way the two of them should be. He wasn’t sure where the thought came from, but as it rolled around in his head, it felt right.
God, you’re an ass.
He laughed at his phone and the empty air. More of his tension evaporated from his tight muscles. She might have meant the comment cruelly, but something told him she was having as much fun as him. Only because I can’t stop thinking about how incredible yours is.
My ass?
And the rest of you.