“And who’s the man?” she whispers, nodding toward the stuffy suit standing in the corner of the coffee shop, sticking out like a sore thumb.
“My bodyguard,” I tell her truthfully.
Her eyes go wide. “So, it’s true then? Isaac is into illegal shit?”
“It’s a lot more complicated than that.” And I can’t talk about it. “Let’s just say he’s into shit and leave it at that.”
She nods in understanding, and I’m thankful my friend doesn’t push. We order our coffees and pastries, and I insist on buying since she’s done so much for me the last several months when I had nobody else.
Once we sit, she snags my hand and admires my engagement ring. “Holy shit! It’s gorgeous.”
“You saw it in the picture I sent you.” I pull my hand back and laugh.
“Yeah, but in person, it’s bigger and prettier.” Hearts dance in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you, Cam. You deserve to be happy and in love. Have you guys set a date yet?”
“Not yet, but I’m sure it won’t be a long engagement. Isaac’s already mentioned on several occasions he wants me to have his last name as soon as possible.”
She giggles. “That guy has it bad for you.”
“He does,” I agree. “And I have it just as bad.”
We take our coffees outside, so we can do some window shopping downtown while we catch up. I glance behind me and find Tony trailing behind us. It’s the first time I’ve left without Isaac and I kind of feel bad that he’s stuck following me around, but Isaac insisted this is what he does for a living and he’s paid more than generously.
“How’s work going?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Eh, it’s okay.” She shrugs, taking a sip of her coffee. “Dating wealthy old men is becoming kind of monotonous. But, I’m stowing away a shit ton of cash, so I can’t really complain. It won’t be forever. How about you? You said you’re helping out Isaac, right?”
I give her a recap of Isaac’s secretary retiring early—since he’s convinced her to—then tell her how she’s helped train me to take over.
“So, in other words, you guys are playing sexy secretary and dirty wealthy businessman all day?” She cackles, and I give her a playful shove.
“No! He works hard.”
She side-eyes me. “You’re telling me you haven’t once been fucked over his desk?”
Heat blooms on my cheeks, and I look back at Tony to make sure he can’t hear. If he can, he doesn’t make it known.
“Of course I have,” I whisper-yell. “The man is insatiable. He can’t go a day without being inside me.”
She giggles. “But is he good in bed?”
I bring my drink up to my lips and nod emphatically. “So damn good... like multiple orgasms every time good.”
“Gah!” She shrieks. “I’m so freaking envious of you. A sexy, wealthy man, who’s not only head over heels in love with you but is also amazing in the sack.” She stops in her place and playfully brings her arms up and down, pretending to bow down to me.
“Oh my God! Stop!” I hiss, my eyes darting around.
“Have you figured out what you’re doing about school?”
“I applied to the Fashion Institute of Washington and am waiting to hear back. It’s only a thirty-minute drive. Isaac offered to hire someone else once school starts, but I’m sure I can make both work.” When I told him I was applying, but would only go if they approve me for a loan, he insisted we would pay for it. I wanted to argue, but the way he said we, because we’re in this together, stopped me from doing so.
We spend the next couple hours shopping. I buy a sexy dress that I texted a picture of me in to Isaac—who insisted I’m wearing it out to dinner tonight—as well as a pair of cufflinks I saw that made me think of Isaac.
We stop at a bistro for lunch and are about to walk in, when my name is called. When I look to see who’s calling me, I stop in my place, as James stalks toward me.
“You fucking whore!” he slurs. He doesn’t make it anywhere near me because Tony steps in his way, preventing him from getting closer. “You tell your piece of shit boyfriend he’s going to get what’s coming to him!” he yells as Tony holds him in place, refusing to let him move.
“James, go away,” I hiss as he continues to spew harsh words my way.
“The only person who’s going to be going away is that meddling asshole when I end him.” His threat makes my hackles rise because unlike most people who are all talk when they’re mad, I know firsthand how serious James’s and his father’s threats are.
“Miss Hutchinson,” Tony says. “Please go inside and enjoy your meal. I’ll handle this guy and be in to get you when I’m done.”