Easy Kisses (Boudreaux 4)

“We really should get back to the office,” Kate says after Eli pays for lunch. “You can ride with us, if you want.”

“We have a car,” I reply. “We’ll be right behind you.”

We all gather our things and leave, and when we’re in Simon’s rental, he pulls me in for a long, hot kiss before I have the chance to buckle my seat belt.

“What was that for?” I ask breathlessly.

“I just needed to get my hands on you,” he says, still looking at me with lust-filled eyes.

“And your lips, apparently.” I swallow hard. “I’m sorry for the third degree from my idiot brothers.”

“They’re not idiots,” he replies and starts the car. “Do you know how lucky you are to have the family you do? I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”

“I know.”

“You are down to earth, and loyal and fun, all rolled into one. They wanted to make sure I wasn’t just fucking around with you, and like I told them, I respect that.”

“Thanks for being so open minded about them,” I reply and point out a parking space in front of the building. “This is where we’re going.”

“The office is in this building?”

I take a deep breath and turn to him, ready to share more about my family with him. “No, this building is Boudreaux Enterprises.”

His jaw drops for a moment, but then he shakes himself out of it and climbs out of the car. He follows me inside the posh, ornate foyer where I say hello to the receptionist. She immediately buzzes us up.

The building is expensively decorated and recently renovated. Savannah and Kate led that project last year.

“Eli and Beau’s offices are on the top floor,” I inform him. He’s suddenly grown quiet, but before I can ask him about it, we reach our destination.

The doors open up to another opulent lobby, in grey, yellow, and hints of red. Eli’s assistant smiles at me as we walk past her to Eli’s office.

“You guys got here fast,” I say as we walk inside and find all three of them gathered around Eli’s desk.

“Kate drives too fast,” Eli replies with a frown. “Here are the forms that need your signature.”

“Great.” I sit and look through each one, but nothing has changed. I sign and pass them back to Eli. “There you go. I get to stay another year.”

“You get to stay forever,” Beau replies. “Unless you kick yourself out.”

“So tell me more about Boudreaux Enterprises,” Simon says, interrupting us. “I was under the impression that it was a small family business.”

“It is a family business,” Eli replies. “But it’s not small. Well, not anymore.”

“We are the fifth generation to lead Boudreaux Enterprises,” Beau says. “When our father passed away, all six of us inherited it evenly, but only Savannah, Eli and myself were interested in working here day to day. Eli is the CEO, Savannah is the CFO, and I’m the COO. We have about five hundred employees here in this building and another three hundred that actually build the ships in the harbor.”

“I see,” Simon says. “I’m not much of a sailor, but now that I see your logo, I realize that I’ve seen it before.”

Simon won’t look me in the eyes. Is he mad at me? And if so, what in the world for?

“Would you like a tour? I can show you around up here,” I offer, relieved when he smiles and nods. “Do you need anything else from me?”

“We’re good,” Eli says and stands, offering to shake Simon’s hand. “It was nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

I wave as I lead Simon out of Eli’s office and down the hall. “This is Savannah’s office. It looks like she’s out somewhere. And on the other side there is Beau’s office.” We continue along, and I point out different offices and what happens in each one.

Suddenly, George comes around a corner and smiles in surprise when he sees me.

“Charly. What a pleasure.” He hugs me and then pulls back. “We should get together soon for lunch or drinks.”

“Absolutely,” I reply and turn to Simon, who has completely stiffened up and is glaring at poor George. “George, this is Simon. I’m just showing him around before we head out.”

“Nice to meet you,” George says. “Seriously, call me. I’d like to catch up.”

I nod and lead Simon further down the hall, but he stops me.

“I’d like to go.”

“Oh, okay. Are you feeling okay?”

“Fine.”

He’s so not okay.

I don’t say anything as we walk out to his car, and continue to sit in silence while he drives back to my house rather than the store.

I have someone working for me today, so it’s no big deal. I’d rather have this conversation in private anyway.

Without a word, we walk into the house, set down our keys and my bag, and then he turns to me.

“So, let me get this straight. You’re wealthy.”

Is this a trick question?

“My family is wealthy.”

“That’s not what I said,” he replies and paces away from me.

“Why are you angry?” I ask, getting angry myself.

“Because you weren’t honest with me.”

“When?”

“When you told me what your family business was.”

“I was honest.” I plant my fists on my hips and look at him like he’s stupid. “I told you my family builds ships.”