Conceal

A real renaissance man.

“The usual,” he responds as if I’ve known him for years and have been serving him for that long. As if I have memorized his order. Which I have, and he knows it.

I nod and then turn back around. The less time I spend in front of him, the better. There’s something in his eyes. Well past the color, there’s a depth. There is an understanding there. Like I can’t fool him. Like he’d see past everything I throw at him, and I don’t like it.

Jaxson Price has that look . . . the look that says he’s smarter than everyone else. The look that says he knows more than everyone else. It’s scary, but, it’s almost invigorating.

No one has ever looked at me as though they know all my secrets. It makes me want to hide, but—and I’m not sure why—it makes me want to confess. It makes me want to tell him everything.

Yes. This man will be a problem.

Chapter Eleven

Jaxson

It’s been a week and a half since I’ve gone out. Work has me by the balls. When I think I can have a life, something happens, and I realize, yet again, I’ll be working late.

That coupled with the fact I have to be here well before seven a.m. to intercept the morning Grayson Price check-in means I’m beat and itching to spend the night drowning my sorrows in booze.

It has become very clear to me that I have bitten off more than I can chew regarding taking over Grayson’s and Addison’s workload. The days of me having a cushy as fuck job are done, and I’m beat.

However, I would never admit that to anyone. Least of all anyone who shares my last name.

Today, though, has promise.

I wasn’t expecting the phone call I got earlier when my phone rang. It was from an unknown number, so I answered it, obviously.

Curiosity killed the cat and all.

Cyrus Reed.

Apparently, he was calling me personally to see if I wanted or had any desire to attend a fundraiser he was hosting tonight at his estate.

I said yes, obviously. Even though I should probably steer clear of him. There’s something off about this man, but I’ve yet to put my finger on it.

It shouldn’t take me long to find his secrets. I’ve been too busy to delve deeper. Plus, his cousin is River.

Out of respect, I contemplate not doing my due diligence. The truth of the matter is I never go to a fundraiser without figuring out where the funds are going. However, I’ll make an exception for River’s family.

Straight from work, I head home to change. I dress in casual attire all the time, my usual choice being a thermal and ripped jeans, but now I’m in a three-piece suit.

Have to dress the part.

Grayson mentioned earlier today when I spoke to him, he would be there. So technically, I don’t have to go. However, a personal invitation from Cyrus Reed is enough to raise an eyebrow. That and the fact I’m curious to see if a certain waitress will be there.

I don’t know if she only works poker games. Maybe she doesn’t work the fundraisers too, but that doesn’t stop me from wondering, and it didn’t keep me from accepting the invitation.

I pull up to the circular drive, and a valet waits to park my car. It was stupid of me to drive. But unlike Grayson, I don’t like to have a driver. I’m not pretentious like that. I prefer to blend.

I’ve always been like this. Sure, I have a fabulous car, and yes, I have the best computers and toys money can buy, but I don’t like to flaunt my wealth like him. I hop out of my Range Rover, irony not lost on me that I’m a hypocrite, and then head toward the door.

The party is not being held where we play poker. No, it appears the party is being held clear across the mansion. This room is the polar opposite, resembling a ballroom. Decorated with high-top tables, low tops as well, and bars everywhere.

The place is already packed even though I’m right on time. There are a lot more people here than I assumed. It’s almost as though I’m late.

If she’s here, I might never see her. There are at least fifty servers walking around, and that’s only the ones on the floor. She could be in the back helping. I continue to scan the vast room for a sign of her, but as I peer around, I doubt she’ll be here.

I don’t see her anywhere, but I do see someone I know. My brother and River.

Figures.

The familiar face is my judgmental older brother, who is looking me up and down. Since I know they have seen me, I stroll over to where they’re standing and smile.

“I’m surprised to see you here,” Grayson says.