Time to Play(61)

“Simone is happy, and that is all I care about.” If it took two men to make her happy then he wouldn’t come between them.

“You’re a better man than I am. I’d have killed the bastards by now.”

Daniel knew his sister would hurt him if he ever tried to hurt her men. She was protective of them all the time. He liked the new relationship he was developing with his family. His mother had stayed in the country even as news of his father’s impending marriage was broadcast all over the place. Malcolm was marrying a twenty something actress even as he was fighting the charge of corporate espionage. John had really given up everything. Daniel didn’t hold out much hope for the marriage lasting or of Malcolm being out in the world for long.

Shaking his head, he ordered another strong coffee to go with his lunch. He wished it was a beer. The day was starting to wear a bit thin.

“Whom will you be taking as your date?” Brian asked.

He shrugged his shoulders. A date never entered his head.

“You’re going to your sister’s wedding alone? Haven’t you considered what we talked about before?”

Daniel felt his cheeks fill with embarrassment. After one too many beers a few days ago he’d confided in Brian he hadn’t had sex in months. All the women around him expected something from him. He wasn’t up to giving them a relationship outside of sex. It was easier to find relief from his hand than it was to find it in a willing woman.

“Don’t start,” he said. Brian had suggested he advertise for a woman to supply sex.

“You’re being a chicken, Daniel. There are women out there who will supply you with sex for a short fee.”

“I’m not advertising for a call girl, Brian. That’s not the way I work.”

Brian shrugged his shoulders. “I know you wouldn’t do it, which is why I did it for you.”

His friend pulled up the newspaper. Daniel saw the advertising pages. “You did what?” he asked. His anger rising as Brian circled an advertisement then handed it to him.

He took the paper and read the detail out loud. “Man, looking for companion with benefits. Salary will be discussed on interview.” Daniel threw the paper at his friend. “Are you insane? I’m Daniel Alluisfa, not some faceless person. This is bad for my company and bad for business.”

“No one will know it is you. You will pay an extra fee for her discretion. It is a perfect solution.”

He stared at his friend in silence. “You’re insane. Completely insane. I think we need to take you to the hospital so they can have you tested.”

The waiter came and handed them the bill. Brian placed some notes on the tray then waited for the guy to leave.

“More and more men are doing this. Even women are doing it. You need to let loose, and what better way to do it than when you’re in control? You’ll be paying for it, but it will be exclusive. You’ll never have to worry if she’s fucking someone else.”

The more his friend talked about the suggestion, the more ideal the situation sounded. Daniel didn’t want a commitment. He wanted a willing woman, who wouldn’t be asking for a wedding band at the end of the night. He finished off his drink then followed Brian out of the restaurant.

“I care about you, Daniel. I thought this would be the best solution for you.”

Brian slapped his arm in a friendly manner. Daniel glared at him.

“Fine, if I get some woman stalking me then I’m blaming you.”

“You won’t.”

“I’ll see you later. I’ve got to get back to the office.” Daniel shook Brian’s hand then made the short journey to where his office was. He smiled at the receptionist on his way up to his main office. The moment he was inside his space, he closed and locked the door.

He hoped no one would phone for the advertisement. Walking behind his desk, he put the paper in the bin then fired up his computer. His cell phone was on the top of his desk. The wedding invitation from his sister, he placed in front of his computer. He stared at the silver bells on the front, and a smile broke out. She’d finally allowed herself to fall in love. Cole and Callum were not the best men he’d have picked for the job, but he liked how they made her laugh. Simone was always smiling and happy when he saw her.

Knowing how happy they made her, made it easy for Daniel to overlook both men.

Daniel put the invitation in his briefcase and was about to start typing on the keyboard when his cell phone rang. He picked up the device looking at the front. The number wasn’t recognised.

He flicked his cell open and placed it to his ear.

“Hello.”

“Hi, I’m calling about the advertisement in the paper.”