Rush(49)

Mitch gestured toward the crowd. “If you’ll come with me, I’ll make the necessary introductions. I’ve been speaking with several business colleagues. They’re very interested in your California venture.”

“Excellent,” Gabe said in satisfaction.

He and Mia followed Mitch through the crowd and Mitch took them to meet various parties, made introductions. The entire time business was discussed, Mia stood at Gabe’s side, her expression one of interest. She was good. This had to be boring as hell for her, but she didn’t let on if she was.

She completely surprised him when, in one of the conversation lulls, she looked at Trenton Harcourt and said, “And how is your daughter doing at Harvard? Is she enjoying her studies so far?”

Trenton looked taken aback and then beamed. “She’s doing very well. My wife and I are very proud of her.”

“I’m sure business law is a tough curriculum, but think of how useful she’ll be to your own endeavors when she graduates. Always nice to have connections within the family,” Mia said, a twinkle in her eye.

The group laughed and Gabe felt a surge of pride. Apparently she had studied up.

Then he watched as she took over the gathering, addressing personalized comments to the other men present. She maintained a steady flow of conversation and had the men completely in her thrall. He watched closely, waiting for any inappropriate look or remark, but the men were courteous and seemed utterly charmed by Mia’s sweetness.

“Are you any relation to Jace Crestwell?” Mitch asked, when the conversation paused.

Mia went still but maintained her composure. “He’s my brother.” Her tone was almost defensive, just an edge that Gabe caught, though he doubted the others picked up on it.

“I got her first,” Gabe said lazily. “She’s smart and perfect for the position as my PA. I don’t mind fighting Jace for who brings her into the business.”

The others laughed.

“Smart man, Gabe. Always a hardass in business. But hey, to the victor goes the spoils, eh?” Trenton said.

“Exactly,” Gabe replied. “She’s a valuable asset and one I have no intention of allowing to slip through my fingers.”

Mia’s face bloomed with color but the pleasure in her eyes was well worth Gabe’s making the effort to ensure he made it clear he valued Mia as an employee.

“If you’ll excuse me and Mia, I see a few other people I need to say hello to,” Gabe said smoothly.

He cupped her elbow and steered her away from the group, and started across the room to get them both a drink when he came to a complete stop, his gaze riveted on the doorway. He uttered a curse beneath his breath, but Mia heard it, and she glanced up, her brows furrowed. Then she followed his gaze to the door and grimaced.

His father had just entered the room, a gorgeous, much younger blonde wrapped securely around his arm. Damn it. What was his father doing here? Why hadn’t he let Gabe know so that at least he’d be prepared? After seeing his mother over the weekend and doing all he could to lift her spirits, it angered him to see his father here with his latest arm candy.

Mia touched his arm, her face a wreath of sympathy. There was no way to avoid the confrontation. His father had already seen him and was making his way through the crowd in Gabe’s direction.

“Gabe!” his father said, his eyes brightening as he approached. “Glad I caught you here. It’s been too long since we saw each other last.”

“Dad,” Gabe said shortly.

“Stella, I’d like you to meet my son, Gabe. Gabe, this is Stella.”

Gabe nodded curtly but didn’t extend a warm greeting. His skin itched and he only wanted to be away from this situation. All he could picture was his mother’s face, the sadness in her eyes. The confusion and betrayal she still felt after her husband of thirty-nine years had abruptly left her.

“It’s a pleasure,” Stella said huskily, her gaze drifting with lingering precision over Gabe.

“How have you been, Son?” his father asked. If he noticed the awkwardness, he didn’t react. Or maybe he was completely oblivious to all the hurt he’d caused his family by his actions.

“Busy,” Gabe said shortly.

His father waved his arm. “Like that’s anything new. You should take some time off. Take a break. I’d love to have you out to the house. It would be nice to catch up on all that’s going on with you.”

“What house?”

Gabe’s voice would have frozen fire.

“Oh, I purchased a house in Connecticut,” his father said airily. “I’d love for you to see it. We could have dinner. Are you free any night this week?”