Secret Indiscretions (Carson Cove Scandals 2)

The rest of Benson Estate was just as amazing as what I had already seen. Taylor showed me a few of her paintings that Bryant had hung in the living room—I had never seen any of her work, and I was floored by how good it was. If I had her artistic talents, I would have stayed in the art program. We made our way to Taylor’s art studio, and she showed me some of the paintings she was working on—Bryant had definitely claimed the best ones for himself, but the ones she was planning to sell were still pretty impressive. After taking me on a brief tour of the east and west wing of Benson Estate, Taylor led me back to the main part of the ho

use where the party was being held.

“This is where we keep all the rich people—and the people I know.” Taylor looked at me and laughed.

“You’re going to be one of those rich people soon enough.” I raised an eyebrow. “What was it you always called them? Privileged?”

“Trust me; there’s a big difference between the privileged and people like Bryant.” She shook her head back and forth.

“Yeah, I guess so.” I nodded. “He does seem pretty nice—I wouldn’t have realized he was this rich just by meeting him.”

“Alright, so let me tell you about the people here…” Taylor looked around the room. “The girl talking to Bryant is his youngest daughter, Victoria. The guy that definitely should not be that close to my little sister is his son, Dylan.”

“Is your sister still dating the football player?” I tilted my head inquisitively.

“Yeah…” She pointed. “There he is—he’ll make sure Dylan doesn’t turn on the charm.”

Taylor kept pointing people out, but my stare drifted towards a guy that was sitting at the bar. He looked rather miserable and had a scowl on his face, but he was gorgeous. He had jet black hair, a neatly trimmed beard with a few hints of gray, and dark, piercing eyes. There was just something about him—he had a presence. Taylor kept naming the other people in the room, and I took a quick glance at them to be polite, but I kept getting distracted by the sight of the guy at the bar. He was definitely older than me, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing—guys my age were so immature it was often infuriating, and none of them looked that good in a suit.

“Who is that?” I motioned to the guy at the bar before Taylor could point out someone else.

“Him?” She raised an eyebrow. “That’s Jon Alcott. I should introduce you! Maybe you can talk to him about a job…”

Oh shit! He’s the CEO of Alcott Inc…

“Wait.” I grabbed her arm. “No, I don’t think I should bother him.”

“I told you this would be an excellent opportunity for you to network.” She pulled away and motioned for me to follow her. “Don’t be shy. He’s actually a really nice guy.”

That scowl says otherwise—and if I make a bad impression, I won’t be working for him…

Chapter Two

Jon

Earlier that day

“I’m sorry, but I just don’t think this is going to work out.” The woman sitting across from me, a beautiful brunette named Hannah, winced as she spoke. “I really like you…”

“But?” I narrowed my eyes.

“My ex-husband had a job that pulled him away all of the time…” She looked down at the table. “Our date last night felt like a flashback. I swore I wouldn’t get involved with anyone that couldn’t be there for me. I know it’s not your fault—it wasn’t his fault either.”

“It’s not just a job…” I shook my head back and forth. “It’s my family’s company—I’m the CEO. A lot of people depend on me.”

“I’m not judging you; I promise,” she sighed.

“You’re just ending this—after two dates,” I exhaled sharply. “Okay, that’s fine. I understand.”

“I’m sorry.” She picked up her napkin and put it on the table.

“You can finish your meal.” I motioned to the sandwich she hadn’t touched. “Unless eating with a guy that might have to take a phone call is a problem.”

“I’m not hungry.” She pushed her chair back. “I wish you the best. I really do…”

“You too.” I grabbed my water and took a drink as she walked away.

Yeah, I think it’s about to be a fucking whiskey lunch…