Vanilla On Top(65)

Marcus’s breath comes out in a huff. “I can’t answer for everyone, but I’m working for the money.” He runs a hand down his expensive suit. “Takes some serious coin to dress this divine body the way it deserves.”

I snort. “Uh-huh. You always were a prima donna.”

Marcus continues as if I hadn’t spoken. “And I like fine restaurants and living in the city.”

I wave my hand dismissing those things. “Yeah, I get it. But when do you decide enough is enough? I don’t want to raise kids in the city, nor do I want to keep working myself into the ground each week.”

“Kids?” Marcus chokes. “Holy shit, did you just say kids?” I shrug. Shock crosses Marcus’s face. “You’ve changed, man. You’re not the same guy who flew to Vegas last month and partied with the big dogs.”

“‘The big dogs’. What the hell does that even mean? Nikko and his cronies? You’d be surprised how old that gets after a while.”

A dark look colors his face. “I wouldn’t know about that.”

For the first time, it occurs to me that Marcus might be jealous. I stare across the restaurant, unsure if it’s worth taking the time to explain my feelings to the man. Some things you have to discover on your own—and besides, he doesn’t appear ready to listen.

As if sensing the growing void between us, Marcus speaks up. “Hey man, I don’t work as hard as you do, but even I see how this lifestyle is only right for some.” He picks up his water glass and takes a drink. “It’s easy when you break it down to simple terms.”

“Oh, yeah? Enlighten me.”

“Does she make you happy?”

Heather’s smile blossoms in my mind. The sound of her laughter triggers answering joy from me, the touch of her skin warms my fingers, and her scent fills my nose. Heat pumps through me at the thought of seeing her later, no mater what time she finishes work. “Yes. She makes me happy.”

“See? That’s simple. Nothing else matters.” Marcus slaps me on the back. “I’m happy for you, man. One more thing for me to be jealous of. But I’ll try to contain myself.”

We leave the restaurant, making our way back to the office, and I feel lighter than I have in years. I know what I have to do. But executing it will be a completely new challenge.

The afternoon ticks by slowly, even worse than this morning. I haven’t texted Heather since last week, keenly aware she has a lot going on. Friday’s merger will bring more changes. I’ve debated mentioning her job would be safe when the buyout finalizes, but kept quiet. She’s responsible for all the important investments Parkerson made. Apollo Enterprises would be foolish to let her go.

This agreement to not discuss work is killing me. I have no idea if she knows I’ve been removed from the deal, whether or not I had anything to do with the higher amount not being offered, and no control on how Brian will ultimately proceed with the buyout. Then again, if she had any misconceptions about what I was doing, I doubt she’d hold back from speaking her mind—agreement or not. I also highly doubt she’d sleep with me if I pissed her off.

An abrupt knock sounds at my office door. Brian, speak of the devil, stands in the doorway, an arrogant look on his polished visage.

I raise an eyebrow. “Need something?”

He shakes his head and saunters in, avoiding my desk and walking straight to the windows. “You’ve got a great view from here, Tony.”

A tingle creeps down my spine. He’s been in here before, everyone has. It’s not like the view from my office has changed in the time he’s worked for the company.

He turns to the bookcases lining the walls, his eyes glancing from floor to ceiling. “Enjoy it while it lasts.”

“Why? You hoping they move me soon? Not likely to happen, sport.”

He gestures to the plush club chairs next to a round table. “Is this where you negotiated a higher offer with one of the Parkerson employees? Perhaps they agreed to cut you in on the deal with a large kickback?” Brian returns to the window, staring out at the view he obviously covets, giving me his back once again.

Indignation infuses me, heating my skin. “What the fuck are you talking about? I make enough on the deal upfront. I don’t need to orchestrate some slimy kickback.” I step from behind my desk to face the slippery bastard. “Maybe that’s the kind of deal you arranged at previous companies, but we don’t operate like that here.”

He whips around from the darkening view of the late afternoon skyline. “No? Then why was that higher deal proposed through finance without Nikko’s approval?”