Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)

She’s a perfect fit for me.

She understands what women are looking for in fashion accessories.

“I’m going to need sixty perfect equity in your business, Dexie.” She leans both hands on the table in front of her. Her perfectly manicured red nails are striking against the light oak. “You’ve built a foundation, but it’s going to take a lot of money to grow this endeavor of yours to the level I believe it can be.”

“Never give up that much equity.” Glenn shakes his head.

“Are you making an offer?” Rhoda looks over at him.

Rocco sits stoically in the middle, his gaze trained on my face.

“No.” Glenn leans back in his chair. “Lenore will be investing enough of our money into this through all the bags I know she’ll be buying.”

I smile.

“What about you?” Rhoda reaches to touch Rocco’s forearm.

I watch as her fingers play over his skin.

He glances down at her hand. “I agree with Glenn. Sixty perfect equity is too much for Dexie to give up.”

I’ve never heard my name said that way before. His voice is rough, the tone raw.

“That’s not an offer, Rocco.” Rhoda slides her hand away.

“I’ll need time to look over the numbers, but I’m definitely interested,” he says, looking up at me.

“If you wait, I may have to rescind my offer.” Rhoda casts a gaze in my direction. “Consider that before you walk out of here.”

“It’s an idle threat.” Glenn laughs. “She’s horrible at playing hardball.”

Rhoda covers her mouth with her hand to hide a wide grin. “I’ll have a formal proposal drawn up and sent over to you. Do we have your address, Dexie?”

“I have it.” Rubbing his chin, Rocco gives me a devilish smile. “I’ll be in touch.”

“We will be in touch,” Rhoda corrects him with a lift of her brows. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Dexie.”

Rocco’s jaw flexes. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Rhoda.”

“What can you offer her that I can’t?” she scoffs.

His gaze shifts from her to me. He tilts his head slightly, raking me from head-to-toe. “I’ll see you soon, Ms. Walsh.”

I nod.

No one else in the room knows the secret hidden in those seemingly innocent words but the man who spoke them and me.

Chapter 15

Rocco

My gaze follows Dexie as she leaves the room, her ass swaying beneath the demure black dress she’s wearing.

The woman is stunning. Petite with lush curves and big, beautiful brown eyes framed with long lashes.

Her pink lips are full; a natural pout graced them when she first looked up and saw me standing in front of her in the waiting room.

I was sure my eyes were playing tricks on me when I walked out of the conference room and spotted her sitting alone.